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05 Dec, 2019 by Thomas
From the first call to Mr. Duquette to our final resolve of our case with the Village of Williams Bay Mr. Duquette made my wife and myself feel as though we had nothing to worry about, as the Village of Williams Bay did not understand the law as the Village had written it. At the Village board of zoning appeals Mr. Duquette was able to explain the law to the board of zoning appeals. We stood before the board with Mr. Duquette and the board finally realized it was probably in their best interest to allow for our variance due to many mistakes that were made by the Village Building Commissioner and the board of zoning appeals lack of knowledge of the laws they way they had written them. Could not have accomplished this WIN without James Duquette. His staff and James were are very responsive and James is on target with our need and ready to assist us in the future if we should need his services again.
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02 Feb, 2018 by Kearney
Mr. Duquette did a fantastic job. Very easy to get a ahold of and very helpful. He was perfect when we had to go to supreme court.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Harvey
From my initial consultation through the entire legal process, Attorney Duquette was right on target. He and his staff were proficient, professional and thorough. Attorney Duquette kept me in the loop and made a deal for me that was palatable and acceptable. He also came in slightly under budget to boot. I recommend Attorney Duquette for any criminal defense, or other case, you may need his assistance with.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Joe
A divorce is a difficult thing. Kelly made me feel comfortable from the moment I first spoke with her. She was always prompt in returning messages. i had heard stories of some lawyers that are just after a buck. I never felt that from her. She clearly explained all options and what to expect at the proceedings in clear and simple terms. She clearly knows her trade well. kudos also to her assistant Sandy Odegaard for her hard work. She kept me abreast of court dates, hearings, and communications with my ex's lawyer. They are also both genuinely nice people and I would happily recommend them to a friend.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Brendan
Kelly came highly recommended by another lawyer. I engaged her services for a difficult custody battle, and never regretted the decision. If anything, I felt bad for the opposing counsel, and would occasionally think, "I wonder what this would be like if Kelly had a real opponent?" Kelly was pretty much everything you want in counsel. Knowledgeable, efficient, determined, concise, and just generally a kick-ass lawyer. On top of which, she was an approachable and reasonable human being. Cannot recommend her too highly.
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19 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Kelly was recommended by another lawyer. I wasn't familiar with her work, but quickly realized I had been fortunate in my selection. My best interests were always represented, and she is very aware of your situation at all times.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Cynthia (rainey) dargitz
I hire the Julie Nommensen and her father David. My estate case went on for 3 years, the opposing party appealed (appeal stayed in me favor) They did everthing possible to make it so. They are precise, factual, knowledgeable on the law, attorneys come to them for answers. They take on your issue as though is was their own. Open communication, knew everything as it was happening. Extremely helpful, supportive, kind, good souls Best attorneys, I would rehire them. I was very blessed they represented me.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie helped me update my Will and estate plan. She was caring and knowledgeable, and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand and appreciate. Her prices were also very reasonable. I recommend her to all of my friends.
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18 Mar, 2015 by George
I have used Mr. Rasmussen in 3 real estate transactions. I also recommended him to friends who needed legal advice and/or representation regarding issues with township government and with settling the estate of a neighbor. I was very pleased with Mr. Rasmussen's work and results and was told by the people I referred to him. He is also an expert o the history of the Geneva Lake area and very eloquent in both area history and the law. Mr. Rasmussen is also a very nice person!
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27 Aug, 2012 by Mary
My husband and I hired Mr. Lisle Blackbourn to represent us in a case against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The DNR had permanently flooded our property that was surrounded by their wetland restoration project. It seems that the DNR doesn't always have the best reputation for being concerned about the welfare of Wisconsin residents that have been affected by their actions. Many people had told us that if you are dealing with the DNR you will never win. Well, how WRONG they were! From the moment we met Lisle, professionalism showed. The extensive amount of preperation and gathering of evidence left no voids. All actions always received quick response from him and his team. He left no gaps for the DNR to wiggle through to disprove their guilt. Lisle won the case and we were fairly compensated for the DNR's actions. Lisle Blackbourn also took great care to make sure that all wording in the final documents would protect us into the future. My husband and I actually think that Mr. Lisle Blackbourn is the only lawyer that could have handled this case. The amount of intelligence that he and his team possess could not be outdone. We had been criticized in the past for using a local lawyer and not going with a big city law firm. Nonsense! WE WON, and to think it all started with Lisle Blackbourn's ad in the "yellow Pages". We are forever grateful to him.
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26 Mar, 2021 by Jp jounior
Called to ask a couple question regarding my pervious employer. Was put on hold then sent to voicemail. Seems no one can answer their phones. Leave a voice mail and they never get back to you.
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25 Jun, 2012 by Jerry luciano
My experience with attorneys Blackbourn and Leibsle have been very professional and service-oriented. All of my questions are answered honestly and fairly, and I am happy to do business with them.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Evelyn
John Murphy is a nice guy but his ethics need some work. He handled my case for almost a year. He never returns phone calls unless you repeatedly call his office. We’re talking weeks not days. Never answers your emails. Tried to get a petition filed right away but due to his poor communication it was filed 4 months later. Told me the filing was done in December, not record with the court house. Wasn’t done till January after I made multiple calls to his office. If you want a lawyer that’s passive, he’s your man.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Even though my case was quite a few years ago, I am still paying fees for extremely poor representation. If I could have seen reviews like this before hiring John Murphy, the outcome and my bills could have been very different. I feel obligated to post to help someone else needing an attorney in the future. This is not the one to hire. Communication did not exist. I made so many phone calls that were not returned, and not provided interrogatories and therefore contempt charges were filed. Luckily the legal secretary called me at the last minute on a Friday asking for them when they were due on Monday. I was still charged with contempt of court, but then cleared when I pointed out my attorney failed to deliver. He was not prepared for court dates, and even failed to notify me of one that was scheduled. This man should not be practicing family law. With so many bad reviews that are consistent stories, I don't understand why he is. I was also charged for things that did not happen at all. Phone calls that were not made, work that was not completed. Very disappointing.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired him to represent me in a family matter the initial meeting went over okay however after the first court hearing it became obvious that John Murphy was only in this for a paycheck he's very disorganized and does a very poor job with client follow up during the process it became obvious John Murphy is more focused on building alliances and relationships with his fellow attorneys than looking after the best interest of his client this guy took my money never called me back withdrew motions that I had open in court John Murphy allows his personal beliefs to guide him through a court case not what the client has hired him for he decides what he wants to do and never consults you additionally he absolutely will never return a phone call I personally called him 15 two 25 times over the span of two months and he never returned my call Specifically custody and visitation is what I hired him for in addition to child support as it stood Walworth County child support department said that I owed in excess of $25,000 in child support arrears As it turns out he did nothing and what ultimately happened was on my own after going to court for five years it was proven Walworth County child support have been collecting child support for years and not crediting it to the proper account and I was issued a $25,000 credit for past-due child Whether or not John Murphy believed me when I retained him and told him I didn't know any past due child support is it relevant clearly he didn't believe me however he still should have provided me at least a rudimentary level of defense for the baseless assertion that I owed this child support and he never did I had to face a contempt of court hearing on myown hiring John Murphy was like hiring another attorney to work against me in the process of fighting for custody and try to straighten out the mess of Child Support John Murphy provided me the worst possible experience a client could get from an attorney I would not recommend him to anyone I'm so extremely disappointed that I wasted my money my time and my efforts on this attorney I was nearly put in jail for contempt of court for not paying child support that I never owed he sold me up a creek to the child support attorney and I was left to sort the mess out on my own after I paid him ultimately as stated earlier I did receive a $25,000 credit for past-due child support that I did On My Own by continually going to court and defending myself after I paayed john Murphy
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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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