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22 Aug, 2024 by David
Very knowledgeable lawyer. Learned alot using him for real estate
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22 Aug, 2024 by Theberliner
Roger’s advice and guidance were pitch-perfect. I am glad I reached out, and I got everything I could have hoped for when hiring him. Moreover, Roger was very generous with availability and accessibility through-out my moment of high stakes, jostling for my clients. His advice and assistance in fine-tuning my negotiations with precision towards the gravamen of the issue at hand in an adversarial situation with the other side. Roger helped me protect my real estate clients. Everything Roger provided to me was simply excellent. On top of that, I enjoyed every one of our conversations. Roger, you made a loyal client, and should the time come when you need a posse, call my number.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Max amon
My brother and I had a consultation with Roger Wallach, where we explained our business model and discussed our ventures. He was an excellent listener and showed complete comprehension of all of the legal requirements and best practices. I would highly recommend Roger to all due to the aforementioned reasons!
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2.6
5 Reviews
24 Aug, 2019 by Dr mike ferguson
During a time when my wife and I were faced with the enormous task of working through the details of planning and resolving our parents nursing home care and estate, Lori and her team provided the peace of mind and assurance we needed to know our parents would be taken cared for. This is a firm that knows what they are doing and will advocate for you with the greatest of passion.
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24 Aug, 2019 by Ashleigh macpherson
As a solely disability and injury firm, we are frequently presented with the task of referring individuals out to other firms who handle matters outside our areas of practice. It is always with confidence that I recommend Ozarks Elder Law for estate planning, trust management, elder issues and Medicare planning. I have personally observed Attorneys Lori Rook and Jessica Kruse during their handling of complex legal matters, and I could tell that they aim for nothing but the best and most comprehensive representation for their clients.
While estate planning and the tasks that go along with it can be a daunting and sometimes unsettling prospect, the ladies at Ozarks Elder Law have a genuine knack for putting their clients at ease and seeing their matters through to a prompt and appropriate resolution. I recommend their services wholeheartedly.
Ashleigh MacPherson
MacPherson Law, LLC
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24 Aug, 2019 by Janet lynn
Very unprofessional. Very dishonest.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Taylor branecky
Absolutely the worst mistake of my life put me in a depression dealing with this company. They fraud charge you for stuff they don’t do. Lost all my savings and 10k in debt almost 3 years and the case is still going on. They gave me 4 different lawyers and everyone acted like they knew they were leaving so it was like charge charge and dip. I never do reviews but the place will ruin you.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Hallie crawford
19 Jun, 2023 by Lee stoll
Very attentive and professional. We are so happy with their service.
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09 Jan, 2024 by Triple s
Slime. This man will happily screw good and bad people. He's known to overcharge for his less than useful guidance and has been dumped by countless clients for that reason. Exaggerates his experience on the Labor board and continually costs clients thousands and thousands of dollars after NLRB makes decisions on his cases.
Do not ever hire or trust this man. There are TONS of labor lawyers on MO worth being represented by. Terry Potter is as cheap and unreliable as his knockoff wizard name. Would give 0 stars if possible on Google.
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22 Jan, 2023 by Joshua schneider
5 out of 5
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22 Jan, 2022 by Venjeana freeman
The 🍟 are always good
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05 Jun, 2023 by Barbara dyson
07 Dec, 2022 by Mark donatiello
Best trial attorneys in the country.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Scott s
What you all have done is unconscionable.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Barbara dyson
07 Dec, 2022 by Mark donatiello
Best trial attorneys in the country.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Scott s
What you all have done is unconscionable.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Barbara dyson
07 Dec, 2022 by Mark donatiello
Best trial attorneys in the country.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Scott s
What you all have done is unconscionable.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Barbara dyson
07 Dec, 2022 by Mark donatiello
Best trial attorneys in the country.
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07 Jun, 2022 by Scott s
What you all have done is unconscionable.
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20 Oct, 2020 by Marvel
He takes cases to make money even though he doesn't do much if anything to prepare. Unprepared, unexpected cancel meetings or does not show up, etc. Leaves his hotel room door open walking around in his underwear (during the time of our trial). Unbelievable.
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19 Oct, 2017 by Bill
I couldn't disagree with the One star reviewer more. George was a member of the Mizzou faculty, but left the University and remains perhaps the lawyer in Columbia who can take a case against the University with a reasonable expectation of winning. If you case has no chance we will advise you accordingly. He felt my case was a wait and see; no I'm ready to hire him.
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18 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Do not hire this lawyer. This lawyer is unethical and unqualified. For example, we discussed terms and conditions before we agreed on a contract. After signing the contract, he changed several key terms and conditions, including how the payments and fees were distributed, citing his right to change it under the contract. He barely did any preparation for the trial, just meeting me for a few hours the day before the trial. And nearly everything he did, he did to bolster the opposing side's case and weaken mine. When I confronted him on this, he refused to answer my questions. I have significant proof to what he did that I am willing to make available to anyone. Finally, although I told him to withdraw from my case, he "ignored" my email even though he had received it, continuing to speak with the opposing side's attorney. This person is an abomination to the legal field.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Kimberly
She did not have my daughter's best interest. She did not even express the wants of my daughter she lied in court she made a statement about my husbands character that was in fact the character of her" client " who was on probation for drug charges he got full custody and I haven't seen my daughter since. That's been over 7 years now. She has helped a narcissist abusive man and did nothing for my daughter. She wouldn't make a good judge she doesn't know how to judge a persons character but she knows how to bill and reap in funds.
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16 Sep, 2023 by Julie
She brought our babygirl home to us after being abused, neglected, and purposefully kept from us for over 4months. She is WONDERFUL at her job!
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09 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
She handled my divorce a few years ago. She drew out the process for over a year and padded her bills. When I asked about the bill, she charged me for that time too.
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05 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I have heard good things, particularly with litigation cases, but this is not the right attorney if you are going to have an uncontested divorce or if you have any sort of budget. I did not contest anything, I agreed to everything my ex presented and I spent twice what I was told it would cost in attorney's fees. They even charged my credit card without sending an invoice (almost $4K) and when I called upset (because I found out from my credit card company why my outstanding balance was so high), was just told "Jack told me to charge your card for that amount". Never received the explanation of charges that I requested.
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14 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I would never recommend Jack Cochran to anyone. I hired him to represent me in a very simple divorce. (No custody or property division) He proved to be extremely dishonest, unreliable and completely inadequate. He refused to provide me with an itemized statement, yet blasted through my retainer before our first meeting. He did not take the necessary action in a timely manor to access my marital assets, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars that I was legally entitled to. He failed to return phone calls, emails that were time sensitive. Jack Cochran is incompetent as an attorney, is extremely arrogant and insensitive to his clients interests. He is however, very good at avoiding repeated requests for an itemized statements and padding his bill. What should have been a couple thousand dollar divorce, has cost me more than what a defense attorney would charge for representation in a murder trial.
.
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30 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
With a wealth of experience in his field and locale, Jack is a good lawyer. He's not the most efficient, and we had many hours of personal conversation, with the net result of a Huge divorce bill, which did not go to trial. For deep pocketed individuals looking for a friend/lawyer - he's a decent choice. Otherwise, a short leash is required.
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18 Jan, 2021 by Stefanie
BEWARE!!!
This attorney pursued me for months via Facebook.
I stated I had hired an attorney, yet he continued.
It's a very emotional family case and he promised to do much more than the current attorney.
He convinced me to fire my current attorney, that he would retrieve my case file, and the money from the attorney if I hired him. Completely took advantage of me and baited me.
He told me to come talk to him in his office...free consultation. Now stated weeks ago that he is charging me for 6 hours, which was not over 3 total...and that was only two meetings that he requested for me to come talk to him in person instead of messaging. This was prior to hiring him...I was not sure if I wanted to fire my attorney and hire him...he stated he wouldnt know what he could do unless he got the case file. He convinced me to sign his paperwork and give him the retainer before he could get the file...and agreed he would return retainer if I decided to settle out of court. I had not been able to even look at my case file!
This attorney disappeared since receiving the retainer, refuses to return my case file--holding it hostage and also will not return my retainer.
The only thing I authorized for him to do (which he agreed) was get the case file and we would meet again to discuss what were my options. Which he became completely unavailable...then fired me!! This was weeks ago...still will not return case file or retainer or messages.
BEWARE.
I certainly hope the bar association can help me and any others before this attorney does this to anyone else. Still waiting for the process.
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31 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Zero stars is a true rating. Total lack of honesty and any form of integrity. Tom constantly lied to me and failed to file mandatory and requested documents to stretch my case out. He is incompetent as a family lawyer and unethical to the tenth degree and anyone wanting a family lawyer should never consider Tom Rolwing. Tom if you are reading this I'm demanding my $$k back immediately.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Phyllis barnett
16 Mar, 2021 by Brian eisemann
08 Jan, 2023 by Justin
I invested several years and many thousands of dollars in Kristin and in Cordell & Cordell. They advertised themselves as lawyers dads can count on. But both behaved unethically and unprofessionally.
As my case drew to a close, I raised concerns with Kristin about the quality of legal services I had received. In short, the judge’s position contradicted the vast majority of Kristin’s legal advice. Rather than discuss my concerns, Kristin filed a motion to withdraw, leaving me without representation only days before trial. Because I followed Kristin’s advice, my ex-wife's harmful parenting remains unchecked, and I am in no better position to help my children.
Follow-up attempts with the firm’s Client Care division, with management partner Kimberly Gray, and with founding partner Joseph Cordell were unhelpful. I posed questions about quality of legal advice, commitment to clients, major discrepancies between projected and actual costs, truth in advertising, value of services, and the client care process. Across emails and phone calls, my concerns were repeatedly sidestepped, and in every interaction I was treated more like a witness to be cross-examined than a paying client. When the Missouri Bar became involved, both Kristin and Cordell & Cordell refused to cooperate.
I cannot recoup my investment, nor can I reverse the negative outcome for my children. But if you’re reading this, you can avoid my missteps. Dads: don’t hire Kristin, nor any Cordell & Cordell attorney. You cannot count on them.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
You should know that you are the boss of your case. Do not let any attorney sway you from proceeding how you wish to proceed. If she got a grade it would be a "F". going to court is a very tough decision and make sure that you heed all reviews for any site before giving a attorney money.
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29 Jul, 2022 by Phyllis barnett
16 Mar, 2021 by Brian eisemann
29 Jul, 2022 by Phyllis barnett
16 Mar, 2021 by Brian eisemann
29 Jul, 2022 by Phyllis barnett
16 Mar, 2021 by Brian eisemann
29 Jul, 2022 by Phyllis barnett
16 Mar, 2021 by Brian eisemann
05 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I made an appointment several weeks ago, and the day before my appointment called their office to verify my appointment was for 9 a.m. I don't typically make appointments that far away that early in the morning. I was told my appointment was correct for 9 a.m. So, I left my house at 7:30 a.m. drove mountainous roads through the fog and nearly had a wreck twice. Arriving about 20 minutes early I checked in with the receptionist. She told me that my appointment wasn't until 10. Without raising my voice, I asked her to verify this. When she persisted, I told her that I was there early, that I had called to verify, and that I expected to be seen by Mr. Finkenbinder. He then came out apologized and said this wasn't a "good omen," and that he declined to represent me. Who does business like this?"
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06 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Ever had a good attorney? Now imagine the complete opposite & you have Chris Roher. In fact, you will not find a good review for the man. (If you do, his wife wrote it). To be fair, he did take my case on short notice. (I'm confident he could take yours today!) I have given lengthy, detailed reviews of Mr. Roher in the past, only to see them taken down. I'm not sure how he accomplishes it, but I'll at least give you the crux.. Unprofessional..man reeked of alcohol every time I was in the office. Seems to be more interested in fitting in with the other attorneys than representing his client. Kept 2k of a 5k retainer despite an agreement to refund if certain objectives were not accomplished.) Failed to inform me of a procedure that would have saved me thousands. (I'm not positive that he even knew of it before time expired.) Just absolutely the worst representation I've had or witnessed.
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22 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Ronald Nguyen took advantage of me when I visited his office for only a few hours. He assured me he could handle my case and provide everything needed to complete it. I believed his lie and agreed to let him handle my case and signed a contract to let him handle the case. The next time we met he demanded $2,000 up front and had completely changed personality also completely chainging what he assured me initally basically telling me my case was dead in the water and he could not assure what he initally did. I quickly made it clear I didn't want to pursue this any further and he still demanded thousands of dollars for 0 work done. He did not provide me any helpful documents or consultation that was benefical to my case. After my case is resolved I will be filing the appropiate charges against Ronald Nguyen.
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20 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Worst experience in my life. Malaine did not look out for our best interest in a family law case nor the children. I am starting all over after retaining her and now have a new firm to clean up the mess and do all that she refused to. A lot of money went to accomplish nothing as well as continuous threats when I questioned as to why something was done. Good luck if you have retained her. I was told that the first month and regret not listening and cutting my loss early on. I am hoping this will help the next parent do the same.
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03 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Within 15 months Mr Steele returned 2 phone calls, was available to take a 3 phone calls and had 3 meetings with me. Both my wife and I continuously attempted to communicate with him but he was always busy. Our court paperwork was filed incorrectly, our case was a "Total Loss" (that's his words) and the judge ruled that we pay the other parties lawyer fees and increased child support but Mr. Steele NEVER NOTIFIED us of this and now I find out about it because of a garnishment on my paycheck. My wife and I asked many times but the assistant kept saying you have to ask Mr Steele and Mr. Steele never returned phone calls. We found this attorney to be substandard and will never recommend him to anyone.
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06 May, 2023 by Mike
FIND ANOTHER FIRM!!! I spent just shy of $20k with this firm representing me with an estate/probate matter. Sarah Grossman is ignorant to the laws of Missouri and provided very false information that put me in a position of possible contempt of court. Her advice that was completely inaccurate. Directly from an e-mail she sent me when I questioned the direction we were heading: “ the law is very clear that wills written prior to a divorce are voided post divorce.” This is false! It started the legal process on an inaccurate foundation and was only one of many questionable decisions she made.
Furthermore, when there became too many indications that she was off base with both her understanding and approach, I escalated my concerns to the partners/founders of the firm; Gregory and Zane Williams. I explained that I had paid good money (and well more than what was predicted) for bad information and I was very concerned. Gregory never responded to a single e-mail. Zane defended the nonsense I was getting from Sarah insinuating I should be happy with where things were at b/c if he was representing me, the costs would be nearly twice what I had paid (for bad information and extremely poor positioning in court and far more than their estimate already). Following this exchange, I received another e-mail from Zane saying they were withdrawing their representation and suggested I find new counsel immediately so things don’t get worse. They collected their nearly $20k, provided bad information, risked me being in contempt of court, and then dropped me in the middle of the case.
They forced my hand, didn’t work with me at all, and defended their mistakes. It felt like they took me out to an island, dropped me off there, and said, “good luck, by the way, the tide is coming”. I found new, better representation out of Kansas City. The first things they asked were, “why was it filed as though there wasn’t a will” (which Williams Law Firm was provided a copy of the will) and “do I know why the titles of the different properties were not transferred correctly” and that they’d have to fix all of this in order to proceed correctly, which of course cost more money to correct Williams’ nonsense and I still got lectured from the Judge as he questioned why I signed the document saying there wasn’t a will. I had to plead with him that I was following poor advice from previous counsel. My new lawyer had to defend me with e-mail documentation in order for him to dismiss his consideration for contempt of court.
Wasted money, unnecessary delays, extreme frustrations, poor knowledge base, poor advice, poor leadership, poor conflict resolution, abandonment, unethical practice. These are the words I would choose to describe Williams Law Firm. Maybe they are okay with setting up LLC’s and other simple legal matters but absolutely do not trust something important, like your family’s inheritance, to these “professionals”. I’ve never felt so strongly about wanting to warn others about such an abysmal experience.
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26 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Tom did a job for my company several months ago. I found discrepancies in his bill and did not get very far when I brought them up to him. By his own admission he is a slow reader. What took my 40 year old sister who has a law degree to read in 45 minutes took him hours. Hours you are being billed for. His rates are reasonable but not when you factor in the amount of time it takes him to read and write.
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25 Sep, 2011 by Martin
This came before the Court as a simple modification of original dissolution judgment. The company of Cordell and Cordell was not instrumental in a possible modification but followed the recommendations of opposing counsel and at no time represented my best interest in any discussions with the Court while overcharging fees for services not rendered. She prolonged all hearings to increase huge fee charges for the benefit of herself and the law firm only. No results were obtained at any point from Cordell and Cordell. She showed up in Court, said nothing except in agreement with opposing counsel, billed me further monies with absolutely NO benefit to my case. She billed me for the receptionist who answered the phone, the bookkeeper who couldn't explain the charges, and to my belief, bogus time spent on my case by the attorneys of Cordell and Cordell. It was a "cut and dry" factual only modification. I HIGHLY recommend NO ONE ever obtain the services of Cordell and Cordell unless you have so much money you just want to watch it disappear!!!! Heed this warning ... nothing good will come from your association with Cordell and Cordell. I finally fired Cordell and Cordell as I realized nothing was to be accomplished by them and my money was quickly disappearing and hired a very competent attorney (yes, they are out there) who brought a respectable, fair, and expedient conclusion to this modification for all parties within a few short months. I hope this review will save someone similar to my situation a whole lot of aggravation, time, and money. This is my personal experience and belief. Find a company that is not money driven only.
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25 Apr, 2022 by Toni r
16 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
This attorney is a worthless piece of cow dung. He showed up to trial with only a pad of paper and pencil. He failed to call witnesses before trial to interview them. He didn't subpoena them. He didn't hire experts and his cross examination was crap. I as a non-attorney could've done better. DON'T HIRE HIM HE IS WORTHLESS
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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.
