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10 Oct, 2024 by Jason willians
Working with the Sam Bernstein Law Firm has been one of the best experiences I have encountered when it comes to law firms. Extremely professional, quick to get situations moving. If I had a question it was answered within one phone call, thats how easy The Sam Berstien Law Firm makes it. I would like to send a special thanks to Justin Cole, Chenney Ward and several others that helped me through the process and taking care of any situations that had risen. I would HIGHLY recommend The Sam Bernstein Law Firm to anyone as they treated me like family all the way. Thank you, Jason
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09 Oct, 2024 by Irish meadow
I broke my neck in 3 places when hit by a drunk driver. He had no insurance and was already on a tether for another drunk driving incident. The sam Bernstein law office took my case and helped me every step of the way. They represented me against the uninsured motorist portion of my insurance company. They kept me informed and I received a fair settlement. I highly recommend them.
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09 Oct, 2024 by R rowley
I highly recommend The Bernstein Law Firm if you have the unfortunate experience of an accident. The folks here really care about their clients and do their best to get you compensation. They are extremely knowledgeable and are able to do things that the average individual cannot do.
Big thanks to all of the team!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Ian schwenke
Kevin Burton was my attorney for a traffic citation. I wrote up my detailed account of the incident and sent it to him. He took care of the rest and got me squared away with a 0 point citation. I always felt informed and he was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. I will definitely come back if I ever need any help.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Debra michaels
I made an appointment with Mr. Rubinstein during a very challenging time. From our first meeting he was professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring. He agreed without hesitation to help me fight the injustice I was facing. He was always available to answer my questions and address my concerns with clarity and patience explaining everything in terms I could understand. His fee is reasonable, something I greatly appreciated. I am confident new clients to this firm would have the same positive experience that I did and therefore I highly recommend him and his staff to resolve any legal issues you may be facing.
D Michaels
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13 Aug, 2024 by Ian
Kevin helped me out with a traffic citation. I did a small write up for him and got me squared away. Communication was on point and I always felt informed.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Catherine haddock
Me and my son Michael, cannot, thank Michael Fabian & Jason Liss enough, for their outstanding work in our homeowners claim against State Farm. Fabian & Liss worked with us and were relentless in pursuit of justice. It was a long, treacherous road for our family, both financially and emotionally, with all State Farms dirty tricks, stalling, lying, appealing each win and dragging it out. In the end our champions for justice came through! During the whole process, they went above and beyond the call of duty, reassuring me and helping me to get through it. What really impressed me most about these guys was their attention to detail, and their patience in explaining the process to me, while I was in an emotional state. They made a stressful situation more bearable. Their professionalism, expertise and dedication to my case was evident every step of the way. If You are battling an unreasonable, duplicitous, underhanded insurance company, then I highly recommend Fabian, Skyler, King & Liss for top notch legal representation to go after these dirty rotten scoundrels. They will win for you.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Marvin bleiberg
Absolutely amazing attorney. He is professional and very knowledgeable. Most importantly, he gets results.
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17 Jan, 2024 by Marc johnson
Genuine. Considerate. Understanding. TRANSPARENT. A great team to work with, with all your best interest in mind. E. King is one of a kind, and guided me thru each portion of my process seamlessly. E. King kept me informed and updated at every moment, and response to communications was superb.
A pleasure to work with, and a great firm to have represent me.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Chamigo
David Radner is the consummate lawyer. He exceeded our expectations in originally preparing a Will and Testament, and through the years, updating and enhancing our choices and options.
What is particularly impressive about David Radner is his willingness to get to know his clients, provide pro-active questions and counseling protecting the interests of our family.
With time, our family circumstances changed, as well as rights and laws. David made sure we remained current.
A meeting with David is like being with a trusted family member to rely on for clarity and honesty. Throughout the process, he continually provided knowledge and issues that we had not considered, thereby protecting us and our family from making ill-advised decisions.
He and staff always made the time to meet in person and responded quickly to emails and texts. His Administrative Assistant became an ally as she prepared documents and scheduled meetings to assure professional follow through.
It made us feel that we were part of a team effort representing our children and grandchildren.
Preparing a Will and Testament can be an arduous emotional process and so is updating such documents. David made the process comfortable, uncomplicated and anxiety free.
David treats his clients with respect, dignity and sensitivity for their circumstances.
His style focuses on getting it right and true for his clients.
Gloria Lopata-Prosperi, Jorge H. D. Prosperi and Family 2023
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20 Jun, 2023 by Len herman
23 Feb, 2023 by Mindy ruben
I cannot highly recommend David Radner enough! His service was over the top and to even say that he gave 100% would be understating the effort, attention, professionalism, and expert handling of my estate plan that he executed within a brief timeframe. He is kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable, professional, and accessible. Even his front desk paralegal is kind and helpful! I simply cannot say enough about this David Radner's law firm. If you need an estate planning attorney, look no further, because you have found the best!
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18 Dec, 2023 by Chamigo
David Radner is the consummate lawyer. He exceeded our expectations in originally preparing a Will and Testament, and through the years, updating and enhancing our choices and options.
What is particularly impressive about David Radner is his willingness to get to know his clients, provide pro-active questions and counseling protecting the interests of our family.
With time, our family circumstances changed, as well as rights and laws. David made sure we remained current.
A meeting with David is like being with a trusted family member to rely on for clarity and honesty. Throughout the process, he continually provided knowledge and issues that we had not considered, thereby protecting us and our family from making ill-advised decisions.
He and staff always made the time to meet in person and responded quickly to emails and texts. His Administrative Assistant became an ally as she prepared documents and scheduled meetings to assure professional follow through.
It made us feel that we were part of a team effort representing our children and grandchildren.
Preparing a Will and Testament can be an arduous emotional process and so is updating such documents. David made the process comfortable, uncomplicated and anxiety free.
David treats his clients with respect, dignity and sensitivity for their circumstances.
His style focuses on getting it right and true for his clients.
Gloria Lopata-Prosperi, Jorge H. D. Prosperi and Family 2023
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20 Jun, 2023 by Len herman
23 Feb, 2023 by Mindy ruben
I cannot highly recommend David Radner enough! His service was over the top and to even say that he gave 100% would be understating the effort, attention, professionalism, and expert handling of my estate plan that he executed within a brief timeframe. He is kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable, professional, and accessible. Even his front desk paralegal is kind and helpful! I simply cannot say enough about this David Radner's law firm. If you need an estate planning attorney, look no further, because you have found the best!
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29 Jul, 2024 by King williams
Berman and Kaufman is the best!!!! Jeffrey Kaufman got me a large settlement not once but twice in the last 5 years on 2 separate incidences. I recommend this place to anyone that has been hurt on the job!! Thanks so much to this place
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03 Jul, 2024 by Mindy russell
I worked with Richard Hogg after my injuries and he always strived to get the results I deserved. Richard called and emailed me very timely and made sure I understood each process as we went through them. He is considerate and it was very apparent he worked hard and dug deep to ensure the best outcome. I highly recommend working with this law office if you are facing difficulty with workmen's comp. All the paperwork and correspondence is not overwhelming. You will be heard as a human and treated kindly. I am very grateful for all the hard work.
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15 Jun, 2024 by Stephanie kempinski
My husband and I sought help for his worker’s compensation case after dealing with a career ending, on the job injury, for nearly 3 years without resolution; even after enduring every single demand they requested of him, both pre and post surgery. Several attorneys had informed us they believed best case scenario would be for him to take social security disability, that is, until we met Alex. Alex was compassionate, understanding and really took the time to listen to our extremely complex case; a case we were told was completely different than 98% of the cases he’s done in his 40 years of experience. While both Alex and my husband had hoped for a larger, more accommodating settlement from a well known municipality, we were pleased with the outcome, our ability to move forward with our lives and starting the journey for a new career, for my husband. Alex is a man who genuinely cares about his clients and their best interests, all while being honest, kind and upfront. His paralegal, Caitlin, was also exceptional relaying messages, answering questions, gathering sensitive information and doing it all with an overwhelming sense of kindness. We would highly recommend Alex and his team to anyone dealing workers compensation and the terrible stressors that can ensue. We could never properly express our gratitude for this law firm and its staff, who we now consider family; without all of you, we would still be spinning our wheels in neutral. An infinite amount of thank yous from the bottom of our hearts. God Bless you all,
Tim & Stephanie Kempinski
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25 Jul, 2024 by Ivan george
I and my mom consulted Mr. Head for assistance with an estate concern that included the complexities of multiple properties in multiple states, a decedent's (father's) potential probate, and living trusts that were complicated by socio-generational issues related to 1st generation Americans.
Though VERY late in offering this endorsement, I want to share that he was a consummate professional, was highly knowledgeable, kind, empathetic, and had the insight to recognize what might need the assistance of other expertise outside of his wheelhouse. I found his character and engagement to be of the highest order and I can't thank him or highly recommend him enough. Abet late, I highly recommend and support Mr. Shawn Head for any of your needs for relevant legal expertise.
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20 May, 2024 by Jamie boden
20 May, 2024 by Dennis nuhanovic
Editing this since they tried to remove an honest review.
I have dealt with this law firm for months, nothing but dishonest and scammers.
Communication is plain disgusting and disrespectful. Do yourself a favor and STAY AWAY!!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Stephani ibrahim
Ray practically saved my life, put me on a path to better myself and I can’t thank him enough for it. I love that he cares deeply! I had 2 previous attorneys before I met Ray who didn’t do anything for me, didn’t give me the right direction, I was a train wreck. Ray gave me my life back! I recommend him as an attorney, he will not give up on you, and you need to be willing to not give up on yourself for him to work with you. Thank you Ray so much for helping me with my case and most importantly, myself. God bless you!
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18 Aug, 2024 by Steven sparks
Raymond’s experience and legal expertise were crucial in my time of need. He is always on time, well prepared, and focused on helping his clients. I highly recommend Raymond and his legal team!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Ken smelcer
Ray took the time out of his busy schedule to give me some direction. I am very grateful for the peace of mind he was able to give me on how to handle the situation.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Nancy snell
These lawyers are so focused and intense, until the highest amount is offered for injuries, a lesser amount is unacceptable
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17 Sep, 2024 by __ lidar drones
Due to the powers at be i can not leave a negative start, this guy does not deserve one at all. I have not been a client but from the horror story i heard from my sister in law I do not want this lazy man representing me in a traffic matter. Tragedy struck my sister in law about a year and a half ago. After the claim was settled it seemed mr Kelly did not do the following up a lawyer should do, things where misappropriated left out and disregarded on her personal property that left out thousands of dollars of things that should have been recovered, this is very costly to a client in matters like this the insurance company already depreciates a lot of your items to the lowest price possible. When descriptions and items are incorrectly put in the inventory list makes it very difficult on receiving the correct amount of funds a client should receive to a life changing event to someones living situation, no-one is ever made whole by an insurance company a good lawyer recovers as much as the policy limit allows. And from the experience of my sister in law this was done and when trying to correct this issue mr Kelly ignored her put her on back burner and flat out not responsive. If this is the actions of a good lawyer mr Kelly is your man but in my opinion he needs to be more in touch with clients through out the whole claim process.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Gina gonzalez garza
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lic, Leonid Garbuzov from Garbuzov Law firm. He was a guide and protector of my rights and well being during the entire process of my divorce. I highly recommended his services.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Nancy snell
These lawyers are so focused and intense, until the highest amount is offered for injuries, a lesser amount is unacceptable
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17 Sep, 2024 by __ lidar drones
Due to the powers at be i can not leave a negative start, this guy does not deserve one at all. I have not been a client but from the horror story i heard from my sister in law I do not want this lazy man representing me in a traffic matter. Tragedy struck my sister in law about a year and a half ago. After the claim was settled it seemed mr Kelly did not do the following up a lawyer should do, things where misappropriated left out and disregarded on her personal property that left out thousands of dollars of things that should have been recovered, this is very costly to a client in matters like this the insurance company already depreciates a lot of your items to the lowest price possible. When descriptions and items are incorrectly put in the inventory list makes it very difficult on receiving the correct amount of funds a client should receive to a life changing event to someones living situation, no-one is ever made whole by an insurance company a good lawyer recovers as much as the policy limit allows. And from the experience of my sister in law this was done and when trying to correct this issue mr Kelly ignored her put her on back burner and flat out not responsive. If this is the actions of a good lawyer mr Kelly is your man but in my opinion he needs to be more in touch with clients through out the whole claim process.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Gina gonzalez garza
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lic, Leonid Garbuzov from Garbuzov Law firm. He was a guide and protector of my rights and well being during the entire process of my divorce. I highly recommended his services.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Nancy snell
These lawyers are so focused and intense, until the highest amount is offered for injuries, a lesser amount is unacceptable
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17 Sep, 2024 by __ lidar drones
Due to the powers at be i can not leave a negative start, this guy does not deserve one at all. I have not been a client but from the horror story i heard from my sister in law I do not want this lazy man representing me in a traffic matter. Tragedy struck my sister in law about a year and a half ago. After the claim was settled it seemed mr Kelly did not do the following up a lawyer should do, things where misappropriated left out and disregarded on her personal property that left out thousands of dollars of things that should have been recovered, this is very costly to a client in matters like this the insurance company already depreciates a lot of your items to the lowest price possible. When descriptions and items are incorrectly put in the inventory list makes it very difficult on receiving the correct amount of funds a client should receive to a life changing event to someones living situation, no-one is ever made whole by an insurance company a good lawyer recovers as much as the policy limit allows. And from the experience of my sister in law this was done and when trying to correct this issue mr Kelly ignored her put her on back burner and flat out not responsive. If this is the actions of a good lawyer mr Kelly is your man but in my opinion he needs to be more in touch with clients through out the whole claim process.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Gina gonzalez garza
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lic, Leonid Garbuzov from Garbuzov Law firm. He was a guide and protector of my rights and well being during the entire process of my divorce. I highly recommended his services.
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21 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Failed to explain pleas case should of been dismissed. Would not recommend to anyone
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10 Apr, 2021 by Steve
Joe Lavigne is an exceptional attorney and an even better human being. He's extremely compassionate, uber-responsive and highly intelligent. He is even a resource for the police community and trains officers on the utilization and dynamics of the DataMaster Breathalyzer.
My OWI was high profile and involved an accident. I needed the best representation possible. I thought I did my homework interviewing more than 6 locally based attorneys, because I felt that was necessary given the accident and the "homer" culture of the community. I hired someone who advertises a ton and claims to be the best. The reviews looked good. But his arrogance and lack of compassion showed through after I paid him, so I moved on. Then, I hired another attorney who was recommended due to his connections to the judges. I thought that was extremely important, so I hired and paid him too. This guy, however, was consistently unresponsive. He even put in a substitute attorney for a video hearing! But then I learned about Joe and hired him, despite feeling backed into a corner because of the locality. I made a lot of mistakes in this process but one thing is clear:
It does not matter where you are in Michigan, local representation does not matter. It can actually even hurt you, since some attorneys put themselves and their community relationships first. You need someone who is smart, thorough, responsive, compassionate and gets the job done. Understanding of the law is what matters! Joe Lavigne is all of that and more. He delivers results!
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26 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
The best decision I ever made was hiring Joe Lavigne. His negotiation skills are unmatched and he is extremely professional and courteous with all parties when it comes to handling matters in a case. Joe managed to take a felony case punishable by a minimum of 25 years in prison down to a lesser charge with a 6 month probation period with dismissal of all charges upon completion of probation. He does not push you to make any decision you do not want to make, but will give you all of the facts and perspectives so that you can make a fully educated decision on where to take the case. You can tell he truly cares for his clients and is committed to doing whatever needs to be done to get a favorable outcome. Every time I met with Joe or was with him in court I always felt calm and collected knowing he was by my side during this trying ordeal. Hire this man. You will NOT regret it.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Ian schwenke
Kevin Burton was my attorney for a traffic citation. I wrote up my detailed account of the incident and sent it to him. He took care of the rest and got me squared away with a 0 point citation. I always felt informed and he was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. I will definitely come back if I ever need any help.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Debra michaels
I made an appointment with Mr. Rubinstein during a very challenging time. From our first meeting he was professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring. He agreed without hesitation to help me fight the injustice I was facing. He was always available to answer my questions and address my concerns with clarity and patience explaining everything in terms I could understand. His fee is reasonable, something I greatly appreciated. I am confident new clients to this firm would have the same positive experience that I did and therefore I highly recommend him and his staff to resolve any legal issues you may be facing.
D Michaels
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02 Aug, 2024 by Ashley appleton
Jan was absolutely amazing. We told him what our problem was and what we were looking for and he was very honest with us about the situation. We trusted him and he got the job done. He is very personable and professional. Definitely will be going to him if needed in the future
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15 Aug, 2024 by Ian schwenke
Kevin Burton was my attorney for a traffic citation. I wrote up my detailed account of the incident and sent it to him. He took care of the rest and got me squared away with a 0 point citation. I always felt informed and he was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. I will definitely come back if I ever need any help.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Debra michaels
I made an appointment with Mr. Rubinstein during a very challenging time. From our first meeting he was professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring. He agreed without hesitation to help me fight the injustice I was facing. He was always available to answer my questions and address my concerns with clarity and patience explaining everything in terms I could understand. His fee is reasonable, something I greatly appreciated. I am confident new clients to this firm would have the same positive experience that I did and therefore I highly recommend him and his staff to resolve any legal issues you may be facing.
D Michaels
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02 Aug, 2024 by Ashley appleton
Jan was absolutely amazing. We told him what our problem was and what we were looking for and he was very honest with us about the situation. We trusted him and he got the job done. He is very personable and professional. Definitely will be going to him if needed in the future
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14 Dec, 2023 by Sarah clark
Attorney Matt Morrow has been working on personal and corporate matters for me for several months now. Very knowledgeable & responsive when in need.
Thank you!
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05 Dec, 2023 by Themoderndrjay
I've been working with Attorney Matt Morrow for over a year now and I have to say that he's been an absolute pleasure to work with! He's helped me navigate my business from starting it to now being fully operational. He's taught me about specific details regarding healthcare laws, business laws and is very reasonable in his response times. Matt is diligent, hardworking, kind, knowledgeable and respectful, just to name a few special qualities he embodies. If anyone is looking for a lawyer to serve their legal needs, Matt Morrow is that professional to do so! Thank you for all that you've done and continue to do to help me, Matt!
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05 Dec, 2023 by Digital distrust
Friendly and competent. A vibe of serious intent by all staff that they truly want to help you. A very positive experience in an area where one usually has serious and emotionally trying issues to deal with and needs a trustworthy advisor :)
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10 Oct, 2024 by George glassman
Was very helpful with trying to help one of his clients out. Harry went above and beyond what most people would do to assist.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Theaaronasper
Was in need of an attorney to file for a tax foreclosure overage. Worked out well (and fast). Thank you
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22 Aug, 2024 by Thedantemi ansari
After my lawyer disappeared halfway through my case for unknown reasons, leaving me with no access to him, I had to find another lawyer. Luckily, I found Mr. Ellman! He wholeheartedly took on my case and settled it favorably. If you need a knowledgeable and honest lawyer, I highly recommend Mr. Ellman.
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13 Sep, 2022 by Dalia omar
He is just a wonderful amazing attorney you can have for custody and divorce cases. Very skillful and clever , he did save my son and our life . He is always there for us whenever I need him even through difficult times he makes sure he is available. I can’t thank him enough for working so hard to fight for me and my boys as our life is now much better than before. Mr. Moss is not from those attorneys who see you as just a case that pays money , he has a huge human side where he makes sure you are ok and offers all kinds of help to get you through all the divorce and custody hassle. I really owe him a lot , he is not just my lawyer but he is one of the most amazing people I have ever met.THANK YOU!
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11 Jun, 2022 by Alex hanna
Mr. Daniel Moss is an awesome attorney I worked with him recently if there is more then 5 starts I would give him that he very knowledgeable attorney and he has answered all my questions always there when I had a question for him thank you mr moss this State need more attorneys like you I definitely would recommend him
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15 Mar, 2022 by Kelly c
Dan is an incredible attorney and a wonderful person. He went above and beyond to help me with a very serious and potentially life-changing legal issue and he calmed all of my anxieties associated with the process. I felt very safe knowing he represented me.
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13 Sep, 2022 by Dalia omar
He is just a wonderful amazing attorney you can have for custody and divorce cases. Very skillful and clever , he did save my son and our life . He is always there for us whenever I need him even through difficult times he makes sure he is available. I can’t thank him enough for working so hard to fight for me and my boys as our life is now much better than before. Mr. Moss is not from those attorneys who see you as just a case that pays money , he has a huge human side where he makes sure you are ok and offers all kinds of help to get you through all the divorce and custody hassle. I really owe him a lot , he is not just my lawyer but he is one of the most amazing people I have ever met.THANK YOU!
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11 Jun, 2022 by Alex hanna
Mr. Daniel Moss is an awesome attorney I worked with him recently if there is more then 5 starts I would give him that he very knowledgeable attorney and he has answered all my questions always there when I had a question for him thank you mr moss this State need more attorneys like you I definitely would recommend him
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15 Mar, 2022 by Kelly c
Dan is an incredible attorney and a wonderful person. He went above and beyond to help me with a very serious and potentially life-changing legal issue and he calmed all of my anxieties associated with the process. I felt very safe knowing he represented me.
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10 Apr, 2021 by Son
Mr. Ellman was professional and reliable attorney. He always promptly returned my calls or emails. He truly care to help to explain steps and options to proceed an EMD refund dispute with Pulte group. All my deposits have been refunded. I would call him for any future real estate legal issues.
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09 Apr, 2021 by Son
Mr. Ellman was very professional and reliable attorney. He always promptly returned my calls or emails. He truly care to help to explain steps and options to proceed an EMD refund dispute with Pulte group. All my deposits have been refunded. I would call him for any future real estate legal issues.
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12 Nov, 2019 by Sylvia
Mr. Ellman is a very capable, results-oriented attorney. I hired him to assist my mother, who had been the victim of several fraudulent transactions. He used his considerable experience and real estate acumen to obtain a repayment commitment secured by liens on several properties. He was responsive, energetic and personable in handling the matter, and I would gladly retain him for additional work.
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22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
22 Dec, 2021 by Michael mcclellan
28 Apr, 2020 by Karen saylor
06 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Not sure why he is so pricey based on intelligence and organization, dingy office in a weird spot, clearly more interested in what women have to say… which I guess is ok? Who knows, avoid.
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15 Mar, 2017 by Not satisfied
I had an accident in Jan 2017, I hired Sam Bernstein he assigned Lee ah D.B Giaquinto.
I can't was injured really bad life changing. I have spoken to her assistant Never from her I know you are busy but wow, I am looking for another attorney
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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:
-
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. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis. -
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. -
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. -
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.
