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14 Mar, 2018 by Jo
WORST LAWYER! Negative 5 Stars! Never got back to me (dozens of phone calls and voicemails left with the secretary and in the inbox) about my case for a month even whether or not he had even reviewed before pretrial. Was quick to take the $200 consultation fee upfront. I asked for a refund over a month later on email and he still couldn’t reply. Very unprofessional and wouldn’t want anyone wasting their time or money.
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14 Feb, 2018 by Cheri richards
Attorney Jacob Sommer is a poor excuse for a human being, let alone an attorney. Jacob Sommer was appointed by the Court as the public defender for my grandson who was in custody on a minor assault charge. My grandson thought he needed an attorney so he asked for one and did not plead to the charge. Had he pled, he probably would have gotten out on and OR or only served a couple of days. It has been almost three weeks that he has been in custody because Jacob Sommer has done nothing. He has not even met with him. I have left him at least five message a day for the last two weeks. He does not even have the common decency to return my call. He obviously has the Court appoint him clients because he is worthless and cannot obtain clients on his own merit. STAY AWAY FROM HIM.
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21 Oct, 2015 by Dorothy
Mr. Sommer was court appointed as public defender in 2012 case. He immediately insisted that I agree to a plea arrangement which would have meant, at that point, pleading guilty to something I had not done. Over the next 6-7 weeks he failed to contact any of the people on my witness list as supplied to him...names and phone numbers. The DA's office continued to make plea arrangement offers with each offer dropping more of the charges. Mr. Sommer was provided with both photo and documentary information to proceed with a reasonable defense and failed to followup on any of it. I was forced into a plea arrangement of "no contest" to 5 counts will all other (29 counts) dropped when it became clear that there was to be no possibility of a fair trial. I was waiting to sign into do jail time when he came downstairs from the district court and saw me sitting in the jail lobby...he stopped and asked how I was doing. In the ensuing conversation he made the comment "You know you were set up and railroaded, right?" When I suggested that it was his job as a defense attorney to prevent that or show it had happened, his response was that he had done the best he could. When I later had life threatening health issues and a letter from doctors recommending suspension of the balance (80 hours) of community service he and the Justice of the Peace and the DA responded (according to him) that they could not do this BUT I could leave the state without finishing the community service time and the court would issue an "in state only" fugitive warrant....meaning I could not come back to NV (assuming I left) without risking being arrested for not completing the community service time. I declined this "offer" and completed the time against my doctors' recommendations. This attorney immediately withdrew from the case.
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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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