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26 Jan, 2023 by Kristen
My experience with Meridian Law, specifically Mr. Rob Martin, was absolutely excellent from start to finish. He is a superb professional and person, and his vast expertise can only be matched by his prompt service and deep compassion for his clients. I came to Rob and his firm after one of the worst experiences of my life that found me in a very dire situation, to no fault of my own, and he and his colleague stopped everything to help me effectively and quickly find recourse and relief. On top of that, they gave me a tremendous value to their service since I was in a tough financial position because of the situation. I am eternally grateful to them both, and I would recommend them FIRST to any loved one. Do yourself a favor and go to Meridian Law.
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18 Jun, 2019 by James
Robert was invaluable in helping me navigate a stressful time. He helped me understand the situation legally, laid out my options, and advocated for me enthusiastically. Can't recommend him highly enough.
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18 Jun, 2019 by Julie
I found Rob through the Tennessee bar as I am in England and was clueless! Rob was our saviour, we won judgement and spent 8 years trying to collect, in less than 2 yrs Rob did what we thought was an impossible task, the judgement was finally satisfied! Rob was easy to talk to, down to earth and made you feel like you were his only client (even though I must have driven him to distraction) We would not hesitate to recommend Rob to anyone needing legal representation.
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23 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Lisa was absolutely awesome helping us finalize my familys estate. Lisa also helped us out with dome legal matters in another county and did a great job on a personal injury matter. Lisa is intelligent and professional. I would definetly recommend hiring her for all your legal matters.
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17 Sep, 2015 by Craig
Lisa handled a complicated divorce for me with excellent results. When we initially went to court after being sued Lisa Eischeid was very well prepared, identified the key issues in dispute, the evidence and the weaknesses in the plaintiff's case. In a venue which almost always favors the plaintiff, she was great for the defense and the results were extremely favorable. The plaintiff fired her lawyer finally and her new lawyer apparently knew better than to face Lisa Eischeid in court. Because getting results in the court room, in the end this resulted in a fair and very reasonable settlement for the defense.
It was a very stressful life event that took almost a year to resolve but Lisa Eischeid is all business, she took care of all the details for me. I was very pleased with the results. A very competent attorney. Highly recommended.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Joseph
I used Joshua's services after the passing of my dad. His estate had no will and there were many aspects of the entire process that my family and I would have had a terrible time managing without Josh. josh walked us through every step of the process which took a huge burden off of my family.
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20 Mar, 2015 by John
I have had pleasing results with Mr. Jenkins thus far in what I considered a straightforward breach of contract case made difficult and complex by a previous lawyer. Joshua accomplished within a few short months what the past counsel failed to achieve in 17 months. Joshua has consistently shown an uncommon enthusiasm and attentive ear to my needs and issues unlike what I found through the years past. My emails are answered many times within minutes and seldom beyond a day. My most recent case has put a heavy financial burden upon me and had also affected my child and family as a result. Joshua understood this and has shown his heart is in the same place as mine. Not to get into particulars but it involved not being paid nearly twenty thousand dollars by a Rutherford County TN contractor for services provided in 2012. To some twenty k is trivial but to many it's a lot of money and crated a severe financial setback for me. Due to financial restraints I represented myself in the beginning which resulted in the chancellor ordering the contractor to post a twenty thousand cash bond within eight days with the court to protect my financial interest until my case was resolved. Upon the contractor going into contempt I called several lawyers and experienced everything from arrogance to unaffordable upfront retainers. After thirty calls and leaving a few voicemails a lawyer returned my call offering to work for contingency. He waited 4 months to file a motion. As a result the contempt charge was dismissed as was the bond requirement by the defendant. Over the next six months I had to call to get informed and received lip service As a result I bought a law library ranging from contract law, effective advocacy federal rules of evidence to books filled with case law and precedent. After reading ten thousand two hundred pages to find eighty nine pages that pertained to my needs I effectively made it known I had two ineffective ambulance chasers representing me. After successful separation from counsel I was referred to Joshua Jenkins and his firm. I can give a very strong and enthusiastic nudge to anyone seeking effective and professional counsel to use Mr. Joshua Jenkins. He will be there for you.
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15 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Russ Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm in Murfreesboro proved to be an invaluable asset in my recent personal injury case. He is extremely knowledgeable regarding personal injury laws and works very hard to be sure that you are fairly compensated in every way that you deserve.
He or somebody from his team was always available to assist me with any questions or concerns that arose throughout my case.
I strongly recommend Mr. Thomas and his team to anybody who wants no nonsense legal representation. They will definitely be the first people that I call if any other legal situations arise.
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08 Sep, 2016 by Patty
David LaRoche and Catherine Post assisted my family with a probate matter. It was handled efficiently and expediently. We were kept up to date on each step of the process, and any questions we had were answered soon thereafter. I enjoyed working with both of them and would highly recommend the LaRoche Law Office!
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01 Jul, 2015 by Mischelle
My case was a very lengthy and cumbersome. It involved realtors and the TVA. I was sold a home that encroached 20 ft. on a federal easement track. It has not been used for over 40 years and all identifiable markers (i.e. pole, etc.) were gone. When I purchased the home, the easement was not disclosed to me nor a plat provided. It was also not picked up in a title search. I did not purchase title insurance and therefore had no protection from an event such as this. My lawyer worked with me for many years to reach the best outcome possible in this situation. It was complex, expensive and seemed overwhelming at times. She held those accountable to be responsive, was always prepared and new the law. We came to an agreement in mediation rather than go to trial. She saw the case through to the end worked with all parties to bring this case to the best outcome for everyone. Ultimately, she achieved the goal to free my home from encroachment on the easement as it was agreed to move the easement entirely. Not an easy task. She took this on and never let up until it was finished years later. A case that other lawyers could not see through and others who would not take on the level of complexity of the case. I would recommend her without hesitation.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Aleta
Ms. Dihigo helped me receive a fair settlement with an insurance company after a car accident. If I had handled the case by myself I would have been left with a hospital bill and a small cash out for a totaled car. Ms. Dihigo negotiated on my behalf with the insurance company of the person who hit my vehicle. She made the process quick and effective. I would definitely use her services again and have recommended her to friends and acquaintances.
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30 Jun, 2020 by Daniel
As a military veteran it was hard for me to find a trusted partner capable of protecting my family’s interests. After interviewing several attorneys, I decided to trust my personal brand and reputation with Heather Parker. Heather’s office has the right blend of expertise and office support, which when mixed together created the best-value for my legal spend. In the matter Heather was retained for, I was incredibly pleased when Heather achieved a decisive victory for my family. My legal victory was due to Heather’s analytical capabilities, combined with her incredibly strong community relationships. Unlikely other attorneys I have hired in the past, Heather & her team fully focused on maximizing the quality of service and my outcome rather than maximizing a bill. In the legal industry price is what you pay, and value is what you get. In Murfreesboro, Heather is a great, top performing, attorney. To Heather and Team, I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to my legal matter. What a great victory! Thank you!
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15 Oct, 2009 by Nikki
Chris can bring humor to a serious situation that can be scary for anyone---facing felony criminal charges. He kept me informed at all times, gave excellent advice, and kept me smiling in spite of the situation I was in. He is very knowledgeable and an expert in many areas of law. Unlike many lawyers, he treats and talks to you like you are on his level, because to him, you are.
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21 Apr, 2022 by Angie
I have been very pleased with Mr. Ames, and I would highly recommend him! He went above and beyond , and I was very pleased with the outcome of my case!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Brooklyn geee
Robert was extremely helpful on my car accident & personal injury case. He worked diligently and communicated everything with me. He was personable and patient during the entire process, I would recommend him for anyone & know to who to come to if needed! Thanks!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Stacey beaven
After my husband was involved in a car accident, we initially began dealing with the auto insurance company on our own. Quickly we realized that they were not going to take care of us nor provide adequate reimbursement due to the collision. While I was reluctant to hire an attorney, I am truly glad I found Robert Bragdon who is a local personal injury lawyer. He’s not one of those guys you see on TV. He’s a real lawyer with compassion and understanding which translates to effective communication throughout the entire process and more than a satisfactory end result. A great choice!
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21 Jun, 2024 by Punit patel
18 Sep, 2024 by James carter
Stan Bennett is an amazing lawyer and person. You can rest assured that the former United States Marine is extremely well educated in law and in criminal defense. Mr. Bennett and his staff take the time to get to know their clients and aide you through every step of your case. Stan and his team with over 20 years of experience are very well educated, informed, accomplished, motivated, professional, and are well networked locally. If you need someone that will fight for your defense and your well being then the Bennett, Hornsby, and Michael Law Firm is the firm to use. Stan is an aggressive, accomplished, legal, defender that stands firm with his clients every time! He works extensively with other organizations in the community and in the judiciary sector to find out the facts and prove the correct outcome for clients.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Rebecca t
We lost my sister in August and had do an emergency visit to tn to take care of things. I was coming from nc and my mom was coming from ny. I just happened to come across Mr.Bennett through Google and since then they have been nothing but great. I worked closely with Miss.Karen who was amazing every step of the way. And let me tell you, there were a lot of phone calls and emails. Everytime I had to communicate with them, you could tell they cared. They really make you feel at home and in a way, made it more peaceful with everything else going on. I knew having them, was one less thing I needed to worry about. I know my sister guided us to them. I can't thank them enough for everything they have done and I highly recommend them to anybody and everybody. Thank you all again so much!!
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10 Jul, 2024 by Jeremiah mcclain
I am a very honest and truthful person. If you looking for someone that is well-connected and respected in Rutherford county and in Murfreesboro then this is your guy! He will get the job done in a time able fashion and his price is right too. You will not be disappointed and you or your love one case will be in good hands i guarantee that! Hire him!
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07 May, 2024 by Joshua britton
07 May, 2024 by Cherrie williams
The whole office is kind and great to work with
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07 May, 2024 by Dtowne
I highly recommend Mr Catron for legal issues!! He may be a "man of few words", but He Really gets the job done...just Listen to what he says regarding the steps you'll take. When my temporary bout of impatience caused me to want to call-in daily, his staff Exemplified Compassion, Patience, and the Reassurance I needed. I have since learned to just have Faith in the process, and that his "Team" is working Diligently. Sam, one of the assistants, is "AMAZING". Together, with Mr Catron at the helm, they have Delivered me Freedom!!--even sooner than expected. My Divorce is Final, and I "Close" on my new mortgage refi on 8 May 24!!! "Yeah Baby" "whoo Hoo"
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28 Jun, 2024 by Christopher goebel
My father passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. I was completely lost as to what to expect and what I needed to do as far as my father's assets and the probate process. I was referred to Mr. Kent by a trusted friend and I will forever be grateful for the recommendation! As others have mentioned, Mr. Kent was compassionate, knowledgeable, patient, and kind at a time I very much needed all of those!!!! Give him a call and I know you will be as impressed and as well taken care of as I was. I also enjoyed learning a little bit about the history of the Murfreesboro area from him!!!!
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18 May, 2024 by Elissa lord
Mark Kent assisted me in gathering legal documentation necessary to apply for the state nursing boards. He went above and beyond for me. He is so compassionate, knowledgeable, and personable. I truly cannot express my gratitude for what he has done for my career and the future of my family. My husband and I plan on using his services for years to come and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for guidance. He's an absolute gem of a human being.
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23 Mar, 2024 by Julie davis
Mr Kent assisted me & my husband with an inherited property. He was reasonably priced. He traveled to Knoxville and met with family, as well as filled all the necessary documents on our behalf. Down to earth and friendly lawyer. We are now working with him to prepare a living will or trust to protect us and our beneficiaries. He actually answers his phone! Highly recommend!
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19 Apr, 2024 by Michael dameron - student
Evan Copeland Sigma
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17 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Evan was thoughtful, diligent and honest with us throughout our case. He never once left us in the dark and routinely gave us updates. If you ever need a lawyer in Middle Tennessee, Evan Cope is the best!!!
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21 Mar, 2023 by Brion payne
A lawyer the lawyers call for his knowledge and advice. Very professional.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Michael kidd
Great experience working with Mr. Taylor. He and his assistant both very pleasurable and attentive to getting me the best result!! Highly recommend 👌
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16 Jul, 2024 by Austin smothers
Look no further for a lawyer in the Middle Tennessee area. John Taylor is an incredible lawyer (and man) that has a focus on high communication and making sure you understand what is going on. For someone who has never had to deal with anything court related, I was confused and discouraged at first because I did not know where to start. John made sure we knew what was going on and took care of everything for us.
My charges against me were completed dropped and dismissed as they should’ve been from the beginning. John was relentless, yet calm and collected, during his appearances on my behalf. This is exactly what you would want in a lawyer and the full dismissal is a testament to his persistent work. If you have an unjust charge or are looking to get the best case scenario from your mistake, call John Taylor.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Tanner wright
Helped me clear my case same day. Answered every question, and was very professional. 10/10
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28 Jun, 2024 by Christopher goebel
My father passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. I was completely lost as to what to expect and what I needed to do as far as my father's assets and the probate process. I was referred to Mr. Kent by a trusted friend and I will forever be grateful for the recommendation! As others have mentioned, Mr. Kent was compassionate, knowledgeable, patient, and kind at a time I very much needed all of those!!!! Give him a call and I know you will be as impressed and as well taken care of as I was. I also enjoyed learning a little bit about the history of the Murfreesboro area from him!!!!
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18 May, 2024 by Elissa lord
Mark Kent assisted me in gathering legal documentation necessary to apply for the state nursing boards. He went above and beyond for me. He is so compassionate, knowledgeable, and personable. I truly cannot express my gratitude for what he has done for my career and the future of my family. My husband and I plan on using his services for years to come and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for guidance. He's an absolute gem of a human being.
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23 Mar, 2024 by Julie davis
Mr Kent assisted me & my husband with an inherited property. He was reasonably priced. He traveled to Knoxville and met with family, as well as filled all the necessary documents on our behalf. Down to earth and friendly lawyer. We are now working with him to prepare a living will or trust to protect us and our beneficiaries. He actually answers his phone! Highly recommend!
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24 Mar, 2024 by Robert rowland
Never received a call back
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21 Nov, 2023 by Ryan marshall
Jesse is very personable, and treats you like a friend from the start. I greatly appreciate his attentiveness to my concerns and Parkson Santel will be my first call for any future needs.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Dee
Cody was always professional and able to answer any and all questions I had. At our first meeting, he thoroughly explained the process and set expectations for the outcome of my matter. I appreciated how he was able to be straightforward and realistic, while also genuinely in my corner looking out for my best interests. Cody was able to accommodate and work through scheduling conflicts while maintaining a strict timeline of deadlines for the matter. Overall the expectations set were either met or exceeded in every area and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I strongly recommend Cody Fox for any criminal defense/DUI matter in the Murfreesboro, Nashville, or surrounding areas - you won't be disappointed!
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15 Mar, 2024 by Absolutepower63
Mr. Fraley - A Brilliant Lawyer Who Successfully Proved My Innocence
I had the privilege of being represented by Mr. Fraley, an exceptional lawyer who successfully proved my innocence. His unwavering dedication, legal expertise, and brilliant courtroom skills were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome for my case. Mr. Fraley’s professionalism and genuine care for my well-being were evident. Thanks to Mr. Fraley’s exceptional skills and unwavering commitment, I was found innocent. I highly recommend Mr. Fraley to anyone needing a lawyer on your side.
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19 Feb, 2024 by That b
18 Nov, 2023 by Reba pinner
Amazing representation and advice. Highly recommend.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Lc russell yost
31 Dec, 2022 by Myra beasley
22 Nov, 2021 by Becky hall
24 Mar, 2024 by Robert rowland
Never received a call back
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21 Nov, 2023 by Ryan marshall
Jesse is very personable, and treats you like a friend from the start. I greatly appreciate his attentiveness to my concerns and Parkson Santel will be my first call for any future needs.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Peter welker
Had a situation recently where I needed legal advice. I had 2 different people refer me to this firm. After the initial consultation with Thomas Parkerson I knew I wanted to hire this man to represent me. I stayed the course based on his experience, advice and guidance to find myself with a very good outcome. A very positive experience!
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24 Mar, 2024 by Robert rowland
Never received a call back
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21 Nov, 2023 by Ryan marshall
Jesse is very personable, and treats you like a friend from the start. I greatly appreciate his attentiveness to my concerns and Parkson Santel will be my first call for any future needs.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Peter welker
Had a situation recently where I needed legal advice. I had 2 different people refer me to this firm. After the initial consultation with Thomas Parkerson I knew I wanted to hire this man to represent me. I stayed the course based on his experience, advice and guidance to find myself with a very good outcome. A very positive experience!
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26 Aug, 2024 by Isaac aldrich
20 Aug, 2024 by Tanya brown
24 Jul, 2024 by Mark martin
Best customer service and care!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Steve dykes
Rick did a great job for our family. I would recommend him for your legal needs.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Courtney workman
Parkerson helped me with 2 court dates last year and one this year. They were VERY efficient and kind the entire time. They always answered any question i had and they are very good at making sure you get treated fairly by the court system and DA. I don’t know where i would be without him. I recommend him to anyone that needs a lawyer!
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11 Mar, 2024 by Cedarma
BEST ATTORNEY IN MURFREESBORO HANDS DOWN!! A LIFE SAVER, THANKS MR. MANSFIELD.
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12 Dec, 2018 by Chriteris allen /christa cook
Mr Nixon representated my son in one of the hardest cases ever it wasn’t a easy fight but he gave his 100% effort he listened and gave us his best interest at heart .. Although we didn’t start out on a easy tread but throughout a year of in/out court appearances we grew . As the Mother of his client I would highly recommend Mr Nixon for a criminal defense attorney once again.. Awesome Job Mr Nixon And Thank You For Everything On Behalf Of Myself And My Son
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24 Mar, 2018 by Cathy
Mr. Nixon was our attorney for two different issues. He was able to get a charge reduced and successfully guided us to a very good resolution of a suit filed against us. He was courteous, patient, professional, concerned and explained everything in such a clear way. We are very grateful for his representation and for his guidance in resolving all the issues we faced.
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26 May, 2017 by Rodney
In my opinion, Mr. Nixon is the best lawyer in Rutherford County. I was facing 2 felony charges that would have put me away for quite some time. But with the knowledge, confidence, and know how, Mr. Nixon had it brought down to 1 misdemeanor and one retirement. If you are looking for one of the best lawyers out there who will care about your case, I highly recommend him. Thank you again, Mr.Nixon.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Joseph rodriguez
Representation: 5
Knowledge: 5
Cost: 5
Communication: 4.7
Relatability: 5
Jennifer is an amazing attorney. She represented me in my child custody case and without a doubt she represented me better than I could myself. She fought for me and my family in that courtroom like they were her own. She was able to give me peace of mind throughout the process. She never gave me false hope. When she shows up in that courtroom to represent you. She is brutal towards opposing parties especially when she has “teeth” to put it in her words. I think it deserves to be mentioned that during our court case not one but two different professional establishments were familiar with her name and how she was known to not play games. It was also nice to be speaking to somebody that was passionate about what they do. She didn’t seem like a robot. She was an actual person able to empathize. My only complaint. Would have to be that there would be periods of time when I wouldn’t hear from her. Not that it was important that I did. It would’ve just been nice to have an update even if there wasn’t any thing new to report on her end. I want it to be known that if I ever needed anything, I could always reach out to her and she would respond promptly. To touch base on cost. Lawyers in general are expensive. I will say that the service that she provided was priceless. The representation and the peace of mind alone are worth it. She will be the first lawyer eye contact if I ever need someone to represent me again.
Thank you so much Jennifer for everything you did for my family. If there is ever anything I can do for you and your family please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Dylan geerts
Terrible people, crooks. All the money in the world doesn't buy you a soul.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Shawn newton
I was very honored to have been represented by you and your amazing team and as such I look forward to utilizing your services in the future, I highly encourage anyone reading this to do so as well thank you so much for all the support and encouragement that you gave me during this challenge.sincerely yours Shawn Newton
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23 Aug, 2024 by Menandro anciano
Best Attorney Ever…..
Highly Recommended Attorney…..
Even LGBTQIA+ is very Welcome to Jack Mitchell….And he will do his best to prove to everyone that your Not Guilty….Thank you so much Attorney Jack,And Attorney Emily,and to the Whole Team❤️
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11 Jul, 2024 by Caleb underhill
They will take care of you!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Adam shireman
Darwin and his assistant Robin stayed the course on a drawn-out estate settlement of a family member. Thank you for your professionalism and continued support!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Menandro anciano
Best Attorney Ever…..
Highly Recommended Attorney…..
Even LGBTQIA+ is very Welcome to Jack Mitchell….And he will do his best to prove to everyone that your Not Guilty….Thank you so much Attorney Jack,And Attorney Emily,and to the Whole Team❤️
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11 Jul, 2024 by Caleb underhill
They will take care of you!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Adam shireman
Darwin and his assistant Robin stayed the course on a drawn-out estate settlement of a family member. Thank you for your professionalism and continued support!
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04 Feb, 2024 by Craig hain
06 Jan, 2024 by Doug norfleet
29 Jul, 2020 by Diane stedner
Nice quiet location. Friendly
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08 Jan, 2021 by Wanda
Run don’t walk. All you have to do is read the case he mentions in his review. He will not put on your evidence. Watch out for his charges. He billed me for numerous things that didn’t happen. For example, he charged me $1,000 for a deposition that he didn’t even attend. He will sell you out.
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27 Aug, 2011 by Linda
I had a case recently with Mr. East. He was very professional. He was good about making you understand the case. I would recommend him to anyone.
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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.
