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10 Nov, 2015 by David
Nat deservedly has an outstanding reputation and is highly capable of litigating a breadth of cases - commercial and corporate litigation, land use, real estate, serious personal injury and death cases. He is universally respected and does a tremendous job.
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22 Feb, 2015 by Darra
Nat Smith is the most informative, knowledgeable and trustworthy lawyer I have ever encountered. He always kept me well informed on what was happening. I used him for several different legal problems. He really cares for the individuals he represents. I can not imagine hiring a better lawyer than Mr. Smith.
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19 Feb, 2015 by Donna
Nathaniel (Nat) was recommended to me following a falling accident that resulted in two surgeries for repair of broken bones. Once we met, he listened carefully and took the time to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, looked at pictures and reviewed the medical issues. He was compassionate but realistically honest in advising me that this would be a tough case to win. After several meetings and a through review of many facets, he took the case and was diligent in dealing with the insurance companies, the property owners and witnesses. He consistently exhibited the highest moral and ethical standards, believed in the legal process and strived to represent fairness to all parties. Nat always communicated with me about " the current status of things and included me on how I wanted to proceed". He made the entire experience understandable, less stressful , and I knew I could trust him to represent me in the most professional manner possible. The outcome was definitely favorable and fair to all parties. I am very grateful for his support, compassion, knowledge and experience. I highly recommend Nathaniel Smith to anyone seeking a qualified attorney that will work hard for his client. He will be my "go-to" attorney for all future legal issues!
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30 Nov, 2012 by Bill
I was very impressed with the level of detail that Bryson acquired for our case. We are a construction firm, this was a very complicated claim and for us to be represented by someone that spent the time to "know" about the legal issues, the contract and the construction was a pleasure. His knowledge and courtroom presence won us the settlement, no question in my mind. This case involved almost two years of posturing and preparation before getting to court.
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28 Jun, 2012 by Nancy
Mr. Aldridge has been advising our company on legal matters for several years. As an owner/manager of commercial real estate our needs are varied and he has capably addressed all situations. He is thorough in his preparation and always explains the various options to settlement of issues so that we clearly understand our choices. He is very accessible and available to advise. We have been extremely satisfied with his work and with everyone at Stubbs Cole.
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22 Oct, 2023 by Jess ferrari
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31 Aug, 2021 by Glenn yank
Competent, friendly, and efficient. The rare legal firm able to make a client feel at ease.
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14 Nov, 2015 by Zeb hallock
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27 Jul, 2019 by Allison sanders
This gentleman was actually willing to visit my grandmother in a nursing home. She needed a will. Thanks!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Bob haddad
Over the years, I've had an excellent experiences working with this firm. Mr. Maitland is very personable, and knowledgeable of many aspects of law. I have worked with him on matters of real estate, and have always been pleased with the outcome of our work together.
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17 May, 2024 by Terence smith
They answered all my questions on the telephone.
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15 Nov, 2023 by David hoffman
We reached out to attorney, Robert Maitland, for the very first time, regarding a very stressful, time-sensitive, provider related conflict on a major home renovation. A huge 40-piece cabinet order was to be delivered the following day but the day before the already weeks late delivery was to happen, we received unacceptable demands for payment by the supplier who threatened refusal to deliver the following day unless their unreasonable demands were met.The cabinets had already been delayed for weeks and needless to say we were frustrated and anxious about the job slow down. Even though the firm’s appointment booking system only provided one single 30-minute consultation, Mr. Maitland not only took his time, prior to our consult, to review our contract and the supporting information that I had forwarded earlier that morning. He never made us feel rushed during the consult in which he recommended a solid solution. More, he agreed to reach out to the provider, drafted a letter of agreement, and calmed the situation down that very afternoon so the delivery could proceed the next day. He accomplished all of the above on a two hour window! More importantly, he negotiated a solution that avoided what might otherwise have been a nightmarish and costly legal battle and anxiety-ridden additional project delay. Frankly, I’ve never received such competent, thoughtful and effective legal service in such a stressful, time-condensed situation, including during my 20+ years as CEO and owner of a major real estate sales and marketing company. If I could have given Mr.Maitland a higher rating then 5-stars I would have done so. If you are looking for a client-best-interest solution, quality legal advice and service from a brilliant and calming communicator you will not find a better contract lawyer than Mr. Maitland!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Jack doff
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26 Apr, 2024 by Robert bruzik
Alex was considerate, knowledgeable, and as he was very helpful and honest, at no time did I feel pressured or rushed thru my consultation. Above all he let me talk.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Andy b.
Reached out to them for a consult about an employment law issue. After explaining my situation to the receptionist (who sounded like she was barely listening) I was told if receive an email by the end of the day. Less than an hour later they contacted me via automated form email and said that they were not only refusing my case, but "declining to offer a consultation". The form email stated that they are an extremely small firm and only take certain cases. They also weirdly stated that they're under no obligation to inform me exactly why they refused my case, but instead made sure to urge me to contact a different lawyer or the state bar association, as my case's statute of limitations may expire soon. Yeah thanks, that's exactly why I urgently needed a consult, duh? Extremely weird. Stay away.
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07 Jul, 2023 by Miriam bell
Very professional and responsive and knowledgeable in labor law.
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11 Oct, 2022 by Christine
Worthless
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19 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
From the day Jim was referred to us as a litigation Lawyer, he demonstrated his professionalism and extensive expertise in this area. During the initial phone consultation, Jim outlined every single detail of the case and reassured us that by taking the steps he suggested, we would be dismissed from the lawsuit as it was clearly based on false allegations of trademark infringement. It took a phone call to the Plaintiff’s Lawyers for Jim to have the case immediately dismissed and the temporary financial restraining order completely lifted. This is by far, the best experience I’ve had with a professional in this area of expertise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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07 Jul, 2023 by Miriam bell
Very professional and responsive and knowledgeable in labor law.
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31 Mar, 2023 by Adam
Jonathan did an excellent job handling a contract dispute for our company which resulted in a favorable outcome. He's professional, dedicated, and truly cares about the clients he is fighting for.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Bb
Mr. Dickerson was great to work with. He was persistent when the opposition was dragging their feet and he worked hard to help us negotiate our settlement. He always responded quickly to our emails and phone calls and I appreciated that he really listened to us!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Jessie mcleod
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27 May, 2024 by Robin strickland
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30 Mar, 2024 by Bethany fitzsimmons
First of all, I would like to make clear that we did not chose to work with Ms. Nance at Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. She was chosen by the buyers of our home in Durham, and we had no choice but to work with her. Upon receipt of our estimated closing documents, we informed Ms. Nance that the payoff amount was incorrect (too high). When we pointed this out, we were met with the condescending reply that we simply did not understand how to read out mortgage documents. The next day, when we presented Ms. Nance with the correct payoff amount in the form of an email with a pdf from our lender attached, we were accused of "borderline harassment" for having pointed out her careless mistake. The closing documents were corrected. Later, while we were signing closing documents, we were informed by our neighbor that there were people trespassing on our property. The timing of the trespassers seemed quite suspicious to us because the only people who knew we would not be at home were myself and my partner, our realtor, a mobile notary, and Ms. Nance's office. As we had not approved of anyone entering the property, and because we suspected that they may have been under the direction of Ms. Nance, we informed her that we were not aware of not did we approve any requests for people to come onto our property, especially as the Due Diligence period had closed. Her response was that it was the survey her office had ordered to be done during the Due Diligence period, which had been delayed, and said that he had no legal right to deny them. I am not an attorney, however I believe I would have been fully in my rights to have called the police on the trespassers onto our private property given the Due Diligence period had been closed and we were never notified that a survey was going to be done. Our final grievance with Ms. Nance concerns her preparation of our tax documents. We first received one 1099-S form from Ms. Nance's office containing only the social security number (SSN) of my partner. As we are unmarried, we file our taxes singly and so I requested that we be sent two 1099-S forms, one for myself and one for my partner. Though we never consented to electronic documents, we were emailed pdfs of our 1099-S forms however this time Ms. Nance had switched our SSNs so that my SSN was on Jason's form and vice versa. Her response was she just put them in the order they were in on another form (and didn't bother to check that they were correct). I replied asking the corms to be corrected, again, and to be mailed. We then received copies of the 1099-S forms in the mail which had our incorrect SSNs. Upon notification, Ms. Nance re-sent the pdfs of the corrected 1099-S forms. I have once again requested hard copies be mailed as we never consented to electronic delivery of these documents. While preparation of all these documents may be rote to Ms. Nance, they are extremely important to us and have significant impact on our finances. The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional. While everyone should be double and triple checking any document they sign, it is easy as a first time home seller to be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of paperwork that goes into selling a home. One should be able to trust that the parties preparing such important documents (and collecting payment accordingly) would have the ability to prepare them correctly and with care. I am glad that we reviewed everything carefully and am sorry for those who have unknowingly been victims of Ms. Nance's carelessness and unprofessionalism.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Andy phillips
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19 Oct, 2019 by Kerri goust
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22 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I paid and hired this lawyer over a year ago and he never completed the work. I called and left at least 50 messages and he never returned the calls. Bad experience!!!!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Litigation Lawyer Can Do for You

A litigation lawyer specializes in representing individuals, businesses, or organizations involved in legal disputes. Whether you're the one filing a lawsuit or you're being sued, a litigation attorney will advocate on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. Their goal is to resolve disputes, either through negotiation, settlement, or trial. Litigation lawyers can help with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, real estate issues, employment disputes, personal injury claims, and more.

Litigation lawyers provide strategic legal advice and manage all aspects of your case, from filing motions to representing you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.

When Should I Hire a Litigation Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a litigation lawyer if you're involved in a legal dispute that you cannot resolve on your own. Common situations include:

  • Breach of contract disputes: If a party to a contract fails to fulfill their obligations, a litigation lawyer can help you seek damages or enforce the agreement.
  • Business disputes: Litigation lawyers can represent you in cases of partnership disagreements, intellectual property disputes, or business fraud.
  • Employment disputes: If you're facing issues like wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or wage disputes, a litigation lawyer can help resolve these matters through negotiation or court action.
  • Personal injury claims: If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a litigation attorney can help you pursue your case.
  • Real estate or property disputes: When there are conflicts over property ownership, boundary issues, or lease agreements, a litigation lawyer can assist in resolving the dispute.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process is beneficial, especially if a lawsuit seems imminent or you have already been served with legal documents.

What Does a Litigation Lawyer Do?

A litigation lawyer handles all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to the trial and even the appeals process, if necessary. Their role includes:

  • Case assessment and investigation: Analyzing the facts of your case and advising whether it’s worth pursuing or defending.
  • Pleadings and motions: Drafting and filing documents to initiate or respond to a lawsuit, including complaints, motions to dismiss, and answers.
  • Discovery: Gathering evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, to build your case.
  • Negotiations and settlement discussions: Attempting to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration, or settlement talks before going to trial.
  • Trial representation: Presenting your case in court, examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and making legal arguments before a judge or jury.
  • Appeals: If necessary, filing appeals to challenge or defend the outcome of the trial.

Litigation lawyers are also skilled negotiators and often work to resolve disputes outside of court to save time, money, and stress for their clients.

How Are Litigation Lawyers Paid?

Litigation lawyers typically use a variety of fee structures depending on the type of case, the complexity of the legal matter, and the financial circumstances of the client. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Many litigation attorneys charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and geographic location.
  • Flat fees: For specific, predictable legal tasks (such as filing a motion), lawyers may offer a flat fee.
  • Contingency fees: In personal injury or other cases where you seek damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of the settlement or award if you win.
  • Retainer: Some clients pay a retainer fee upfront to secure ongoing legal services. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as work is done.

The exact structure should be discussed in the initial consultation to ensure you understand how and when you'll be charged.

How Much Does a Litigation Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a litigation lawyer varies significantly depending on the nature of the dispute and the lawyer’s experience. Factors affecting the cost include:

  • The complexity of the case: More complex litigation involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multi-party suits typically costs more.
  • Time spent: Litigation cases can be time-consuming, especially if they go to trial. The longer the case, the higher the legal fees.
  • Type of fee arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $200 to over $1,000 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s reputation and location. Contingency fees generally range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award.
  • Stage of litigation: Cases that settle early in the process are often less expensive than those that proceed to trial or appeal.

It’s crucial to ask about cost estimates during your initial consultation to avoid surprises.

Top Questions to Ask a Litigation Lawyer

Before hiring a litigation lawyer, it's essential to ask key questions to ensure you're choosing the right representation:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Ensure that the lawyer has experience handling your specific type of dispute, whether it's a contract issue, personal injury, or business matter.
  2. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success.
  3. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis.
  4. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it's hard to predict, an experienced lawyer can give you a rough estimate based on similar cases.
  5. How often do you settle cases versus going to trial?
    Some lawyers are more inclined to settle, while others may be more experienced in the courtroom. It’s important to understand their strategy.
  6. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Some lawyers prefer aggressive litigation, while others focus on settlement or mediation. Choose one whose approach aligns with your goals.

How to Check the Credibility of a Litigation Lawyer

To verify a litigation lawyer’s credibility, consider the following steps:

  • Check bar association records: Ensure the lawyer is in good standing with the state bar and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and track record.
  • Look for litigation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they have handled cases like yours and have a record of success.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer to provide references from past clients who can speak to their effectiveness and approach.
  • Research their trial experience: If your case is likely to go to trial, ensure the lawyer has a history of courtroom success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first consultation with a litigation lawyer productive, you should prepare the following:

  • A clear outline of the dispute: Provide a timeline and key details about the legal issue you're facing.
  • Any relevant documents: Bring contracts, emails, letters, or any other documentation that pertains to the case.
  • A list of key players: Provide the names of individuals or companies involved in the dispute.
  • Questions about fees and the litigation process: Make sure you understand how the lawyer plans to approach your case and how you will be charged.
  • Your goals and expectations: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, whether it's a settlement, compensation, or another resolution.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your initial meeting with the lawyer is both efficient and insightful, giving you a better sense of how to proceed with your case.

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