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05 Nov, 2024 by Tich
I reached out to Mr. Wood regarding a real estate conflict. He communicated thoroughly and promptly. He is very knowledgeable in real estate matters. I highly recommend him as an attorney.
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01 Dec, 2024 by James merritt
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23 Nov, 2024 by Alejandra solis
I'm very disappointed with my experience at this lawyer firm. My case has been ongoing for two years, and communication has been consistently poor. Emails often go unanswered, and I've felt neglected throughout the process.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Donny loeber
Mr Poole was prompt in responding to my emails and questions in my search for an attorney. After learning the situation and a few emails later, all within the same day mind you, he pointed me in the right direction with a referral. His generosity in taking his own time to reach out to a colleague is certainly appreciated.
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04 Jan, 2017 by Darlene johnson
I was recommended to Ms Burnett through a free service at Lawmart. She is absolutely the worst case senario. Ms Burnett never met with me to go over my case but suggested to converse by email? I should have known then that she was not going to be effective. Then she showed up one hour and fourty minutes late to the hearing which started without her! I called her and she never responded, I called the Kaine Law Firm who referred her where they also tried reaching her, it was already 1 hour and running the hearing started at 9:00, Once she arrived at 10:40 the judge ripped her apart for being late and she lied saying that she thought the hearing was at 10:00, but she was aware of the time and place, I spoke to her prior to the court date and she assured me that she would be there on time, not only did she not sequester the witnesses, she allowed them to stay in the courtroom and hear each others testimony which eventually hurt me. She was not prepared at all, arriving as late as she did not only meant that she did not have a chance to meet me or meet with me to discuss anything let alone a strategy, or get information from me that would have helped her during her questioning of my accusers. She was so disorganized and preoccupied with trying to find information from her papers that she allowed hear say to get on record, the judge actually stopped the witness and suggested it was hear say before Ms. Burnett realized that the testimony was being given and she should have been objecting to it! When she arrived the Judge had already started to question one of my witnesses and gotten clarity about what the accusers had suggested. I understand that I could have had the same outcome but I paid her to represent me and she did a very poor job of that. I contacted her for her to assist in getting a charge that was dismissed from the court system and she has refused contact, I believe that because it is a part of this case that she has a responsibility to follow up and assure that it has been removed from the system.
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07 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
She is very unprofessional and is not a confidential lawyer. I was recommended to her by her husband. I spoke to her about my situation and later after speaking to her, her husband was able to discussed the circumstances of my case with someone and I heard about it. She is also very disrespectful. When she want to get her point across she gets very loud and disrespectful.
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11 Jul, 2013 by Tammy
I would not recommend this lady to any one she has not contacted me one time about my case I have 2 call her and I never get a answer. She also does not want to or no how 2 fight my case because she keeps trying to make me settle a plea instead of fighting 2 get my charges dismissed like most attorneys would b doing
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What a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer Can Do for You

A lawsuit or dispute lawyer, often referred to as a litigation lawyer, specializes in handling legal conflicts between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These lawyers represent clients in civil lawsuits, helping to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation in court. They can assist with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, property disputes, business conflicts, personal injury claims, and more.

If you are involved in a legal conflict and need representation, a dispute lawyer can guide you through the litigation process - from filing or defending against a lawsuit to negotiating settlements or representing you at trial.

When Should I Hire a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a lawsuit or dispute lawyer when you're involved in a legal disagreement that cannot be resolved informally and may require legal action. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:

  • Breach of contract: If someone has failed to fulfill the terms of a contract, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to seek damages or enforce the agreement.
  • Business disputes: Whether it's a partnership disagreement, shareholder conflict, or a dispute with a supplier or customer, a lawyer can help resolve business-related issues.
  • Property disputes: If you're involved in a dispute over property ownership, boundary issues, or landlord-tenant conflicts, a lawyer can assist in resolving the matter.
  • Personal injury claims: If you were injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a lawyer can represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
  • Debt collection or defense: If you're being sued for unpaid debts or need to collect a debt owed to you, a lawyer can represent you in court or negotiate settlements.
  • Employment disputes: If you're involved in an employment-related dispute, such as wrongful termination or discrimination, a lawyer can help you file a claim and represent you in court.
  • Defending against a lawsuit: If you've been sued, a lawyer can defend you against the claims, challenge the evidence, and negotiate a settlement or represent you at trial.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your case is properly managed and that your rights are protected throughout the dispute resolution process.

What Does a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer Do?

A lawsuit or dispute lawyer provides a wide range of services to help clients navigate legal conflicts and seek resolution. Their tasks typically include:

  • Evaluating your case: Reviewing the facts and evidence to determine the strength of your case or defense and advising you on the best course of action.
  • Filing lawsuits or responding to lawsuits: If you're the plaintiff, the lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf. If you're the defendant, they will respond to the lawsuit and build a defense strategy.
  • Gathering evidence: Collecting and reviewing evidence such as contracts, emails, financial records, and witness statements to support your case.
  • Handling negotiations: Negotiating with the opposing party to reach a settlement before the case goes to trial, which can save time and money.
  • Representing you in court: Presenting your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached, including presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making legal arguments on your behalf.
  • Exploring alternative dispute resolution (ADR): Suggesting mediation or arbitration as alternatives to a trial, which can be faster and less expensive.
  • Drafting legal documents: Preparing and filing necessary legal documents such as complaints, motions, and responses, as well as drafting settlement agreements if a resolution is reached.

How Are Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyers Paid?

The fee structure for lawsuit or dispute lawyers varies depending on the complexity of the case, the type of dispute, and the lawyer's experience. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Many lawsuit lawyers charge by the hour, especially for cases that require extensive preparation, research, and trial work. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Contingency fee: In certain cases, such as personal injury or breach of contract claims, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case, usually taking a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of the settlement or damages awarded.
  • Flat fee: For specific services, such as filing a simple lawsuit or representing you in mediation, some lawyers may charge a flat fee.
  • Retainer: In complex cases or long-term litigation, a lawyer may ask for a retainer, which is an upfront payment to secure their services. The lawyer will then bill against the retainer as they work on the case.

Discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how fees will be handled throughout the case.

How Much Does a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawsuit or dispute lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the fee structure they use. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Lawyers may charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases requiring extensive trial preparation.
  • Contingency fees: If your lawyer works on a contingency basis, expect them to take 25% to 40% of any settlement or court award. For example, if you win $100,000 and the contingency fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000.
  • Flat fees: For less complex disputes or tasks, such as drafting a settlement agreement or representing you in mediation, flat fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the scope of work.
  • Retainers: Some lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the case complexity and expected litigation length.

Make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of fees during your consultation so you know what to expect.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer

Before hiring a lawsuit or dispute lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has handled similar disputes and is familiar with the relevant area of law.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether they charge hourly, on a contingency fee basis, or offer flat fees, and ask for a detailed cost estimate.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case and potential challenges.
  4. Have you handled cases that went to trial?
    If a trial is possible, confirm the lawyer has courtroom experience.
  5. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for resolving your dispute.
  6. Will you handle my case personally?
    Understand who will manage your case and their level of involvement.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawsuit / Dispute Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
  • Look for relevant experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in litigation or dispute resolution.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should provide references from past clients.
  • Check for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation can indicate expertise.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Contracts or agreements: Copies of any signed contracts or relevant agreements.
  • Emails and communications: Any written communication between you and the other party.
  • Evidence of the dispute: Receipts, financial records, photos, or witness statements related to the conflict.
  • Timeline of events: A clear chronology of the dispute, including key dates and interactions.
  • List of questions: Prepared questions about your case, the legal process, costs, and strategy.

Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide you with the best legal advice on how to proceed.

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