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24 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Attorney Miller was very compassionate with my situation. He took control and was very knowledgeable! I would highly recommend Attorney Miller to everyone! He is very passionate about his work and treats you like you very well. He works very hard to obtain a favorable outcome!
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21 Apr, 2024 by Alex mcafee
John and his brother Rick can be great at Their Craft. I have great respect for these Men because they Do as best as they can. I've been represented by both Brothers both as a Juvenile and in Adulthood. I'll say for the Mafia Style Government of Cambria County these two can get the job done. I want to personally recommend John. There's nothing Rick has done, John and I have a relationship bc he has represented me the most. Their father raised good honest men.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Sueann quachdao
Thanks you so much mr jason
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19 Mar, 2024 by Heather crusan
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14 Sep, 2023 by Pam williams
Top notch attorney highly recommend him
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10 Feb, 2022 by Ruby karlinsey
HORRIBLE TOOK OUR MONEY DID NOTHING: EXCUSES: HE WAS SICK, HAD TO TAKE CARE OF HIS SON, DIDN'T HAVE A SECRETARY, HE FORGOT, HE WAS OVER WHELMED BECAUSE HE GOT THE CASES THE OTHER (PARTNERS ) LAWYERS DIDN'T WANT HIS EXCUSES COSTED MY DAUGHTER HER DAUGHTER JUST HOPE HE'S HAPPY I REALLY DON'T THINK HE WANTS A WOMAN TO WIN BECAUSE OF HIS PERSONAL SITUATION
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25 Feb, 2021 by Frank blair
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18 Oct, 2020 by John wallet
Great attorney! Staff is very friendly and answers questions and returns calls in a timely manner!
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29 Mar, 2013 by Lisa nancarvis
I am very displeased with the services I received from Mike Parrish. He didn't file any appeal paperwork that I had asked him to and I got completely screwed over. I am also now being ignored via phone and email which is highly disrespectful. He also does not do thorough research and trust me he gets paid to do it regardless of who's paying him because even if you are court appointed, he was still getting paid to defend me and appeal the decision from the Judge and if you understand what B.O.H.I.C.A. means well then you can very well guess what happened! I am very highly upset!!!
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15 Mar, 2019 by Kim
Terry represented me in my divorce. He was professional, straightforward and did not sugarcoat anything. The divorce process took longer than I would have liked but that was due to an ex-husband who didn’t want to cooperate and the legal system in general. In the end I received a nice settlement and my divorce. I highly recommend Terry and will continue to seek legal advice from him as needed.
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19 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
In hindsight, I would have saved myself time, money, and the stress if I had NOT hired Graffius. Errors were made on documents that I MYSELF pointed out but were not corrected. As a result, my case and grief drug on even longer due to resubmitting the corrected documents. Apparently, Mr. Graffius needs to recognize and remember that the average person is not familiar with the details of legal proceedings and that IS THE VERY REASON that people hire lawyers!! I do not think it is expecting too much for a lawyer to be organized, clear and concise about what is needed from his/her clients, rather than condescending and seemingly annoyed when a client simply doesn't know. I would have saved myself at least 5 months of waiting and the money I paid for his " absentee service" had I just gone online and done most of the work myself.
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19 Apr, 2023 by Susan mankamyer
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22 Sep, 2020 by Kaitlin hillegass
Absolutely unresponsive and unprepared
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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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