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15 Jan, 2015 by James
Your best offense is the best defense. Tom made me feel like part of the team. He had true concerne and compassion for my needs and always kept me reassured I was getting the best service possible. He treated not only me, but everyone in the courtroom with the utmost respect. He is a true gentleman in nature and will treat you as the same. He presented my case in complete control, positive attitude and in a highly organized manor and received positive results in every aspect of my trial and you can feel completely confident he will do the same for you. The only way you will go wrong with this guy is if you don't hire him to represent you!
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16 Nov, 2023 by Shani wms
Didn't do nothing for me had to fire him because he didn't do nothing didnt communicate call text nor didn't even have my email but told me he sent me $1000 worth of emails never had my email I gave it to his secretary the day I fired him very rude and greedy fired and got someone who handled and cared about my future didn't give me no money back just a low down lawyer got me outta of $2500
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16 Nov, 2023 by Noodles jackson
If I could give a negative star I would Bob Becker is the worst attorney I’ve ever seen very greedy and works against you
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14 Nov, 2023 by Patrick mueller
09 Aug, 2024 by Kathryn seall
19 Jun, 2024 by Wayne defau
David is the best I could have asked for in the fact that I was charged with DWI,possession and speeding and no registration ,at the end of the day,my charges were dropped,and he had, everything restored back to normal needless to say he's a blessing to those who choose him,no matter what you are feeling about your case know that David is the one and only lawyer that produces great results for you, just wanted to say David was a "godsend!" In a time of desperation, and worry,So pleased ,and blessed by this, Thank you 🙏 David may your future flourish because of your commitment to me and my well-being
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13 Sep, 2023 by Dana williams
27 Aug, 2024 by Paul wheatley
There are public defenders out there who aren't corrupt. This isn't one of them.
You're better off defending yourself.
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12 May, 2024 by Jonathan post
When you need a lawyer it can be a terrifying experience. I do believe that Trampas handled my case better than anybody could have. I know several people that have hired him as well and everybody is in agreeance.. this guy takes his job seriously. I've heard good things about the rest of the firm as well but can't say from experience anything besides trampas. I would give six stars if I could.
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05 May, 2024 by Accent carpets
18 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
We used this attorney for a divorce, and I would not recommend him. He is not timely, not responsive, and wordy to not answer questions directly.
Later, he was contacted after my father died about the divorce decree and what it states and how his ex-wife was not abiding by the decree... he simply shrugged it off and said, "Take her to small claims court." And an insensitive "I'm sorry to hear that. "
Please do your research, and I wish there were more reviews because I'm sure there are positives, just not in this case.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Paul wheatley
There are public defenders out there who aren't corrupt. This isn't one of them.
You're better off defending yourself.
Read more
12 May, 2024 by Jonathan post
When you need a lawyer it can be a terrifying experience. I do believe that Trampas handled my case better than anybody could have. I know several people that have hired him as well and everybody is in agreeance.. this guy takes his job seriously. I've heard good things about the rest of the firm as well but can't say from experience anything besides trampas. I would give six stars if I could.
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16 Nov, 2023 by Shani wms
Didn't do nothing for me had to fire him because he didn't do nothing didnt communicate call text nor didn't even have my email but told me he sent me $1000 worth of emails never had my email I gave it to his secretary the day I fired him very rude and greedy fired and got someone who handled and cared about my future didn't give me no money back just a low down lawyer got me outta of $2500
Read more
16 Nov, 2023 by Noodles jackson
If I could give a negative star I would Bob Becker is the worst attorney I’ve ever seen very greedy and works against you
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14 Nov, 2023 by Patrick mueller
16 Nov, 2023 by Shani wms
Didn't do nothing for me had to fire him because he didn't do nothing didnt communicate call text nor didn't even have my email but told me he sent me $1000 worth of emails never had my email I gave it to his secretary the day I fired him very rude and greedy fired and got someone who handled and cared about my future didn't give me no money back just a low down lawyer got me outta of $2500
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16 Nov, 2023 by Noodles jackson
If I could give a negative star I would Bob Becker is the worst attorney I’ve ever seen very greedy and works against you
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14 Nov, 2023 by Patrick mueller
23 Jul, 2024 by Leadership in action
Mason Archie, II served as a 2024 Summer Associate and was wrongfully terminated. The firm has been in existence for over 150 years and attempted to make their first Native American/Black/Latino hire. Their reasoning was that Mason needs "help". This was after Mason requested to attend the NBA National Convention in Las Vegas. The firm approved Mason's work and school schedule, then went on to terminate him for the same scenario that was approved. A civil suit will be filed against CCHA for wrongful termination.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Debra mcmillan mason
Mr. Bruce Bitner incorrectly filed my father's taxes in 2022 after he sold his local Noblesville business after 40 years. My hard working father hired Mr. Bitner to file his taxes, and he reported my dad's business proceeds as capitol gains, thus costing my father thousands of dollars in taxes and hours of his own time getting he and my mom's back pay from social security. When my dad called him out on his error, he insisted he filed it correctly. My dad hired a local accountant for $300 who refiled it CORRECTLY and he got the thousands of dollars owed him in overpaid taxes from both federal and state government. Money he never would have received had be not been more knowledgeable then the attorney he hired. But my father still had to spend hours of his own time getting their social security benefits back to what they were supposed to be due to this gross error. My mother and father got thousands refunded from both the federal and state governments as a result of Mr. Bitner's incompetence and refusal to acknowledge that he made a costly error. My dad has the records (and refunds) to prove it. When he told Mr. Bitner that the local accountant filed it correctly and he got refunds, Mr. Bitner said, "well I could have done that." Good Lord. Does his arrogance know no bounds? He wouldn't even acknowledge to my father that he made a gross error in the first place. When my dad asked for his fees paid to Mr. Bitner to be refunded (plus interest), Brucey actually said, "didn't the government pay you interest?" Degrees do not make people smart, competent nor compassionate. Mr. Bitner now refuses to talk to my father or return repeated phone calls. It's been months. My dad has lost the enjoyment of the almost $3000 they charged him plus all my dad's time and loss of enjoyment of the money he earned by changing tires and towing vehicles for 40 years. My dad and mom are known to many locally in Noblesville as generous, kind, hard-working people. It breaks my heart to see them treated with such disregard by those that are in a position to do financial harm. They both grew up extremely poor and clawed their way to success. My dad retired as a truck driver at 50 years old and bought a Shell franchise. He ran it as Shell gas and service station and later McMillan's Towing and Auto Care. He didn't retire until he was 85 years old. He is now 88. A proud army veteran. And smarter than Mr. Bitner, because if it weren't for him knowing the difference, my mom and dad would be out thousands of dollars and none the wiser. He and my mom have been married for 65 years. It breaks my heart to hear that a local attorney is treating my father this way. My dad had to spend hours on the phone to get his social security benefits restored after Mr. Bitner's incompetence. Please think again before hiring Mr. Bitner or those who think he's worthy of a partnership. God bless people like my parents: honest, hard working, people who treated their hundreds of customers over the years honestly and fairly. I know this rambles a bit, but anyone reading this knows the love a daughter has for her parents. Sincerely, Debbie McMillan Mason
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05 Mar, 2024 by Lori allbright
I am grateful for the time and effort put in by Rachel Woloshin, on my sons personal injury case. Her approach of treating him as an adult and listening to him made a significant difference. Thank you for transforming a difficult situation into a positive one for him. Whenever I require assistance in the future, you and your firm will be my first choice.
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Leadership in action
Mason Archie, II served as a 2024 Summer Associate and was wrongfully terminated. The firm has been in existence for over 150 years and attempted to make their first Native American/Black/Latino hire. Their reasoning was that Mason needs "help". This was after Mason requested to attend the NBA National Convention in Las Vegas. The firm approved Mason's work and school schedule, then went on to terminate him for the same scenario that was approved. A civil suit will be filed against CCHA for wrongful termination.
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Debra mcmillan mason
Mr. Bruce Bitner incorrectly filed my father's taxes in 2022 after he sold his local Noblesville business after 40 years. My hard working father hired Mr. Bitner to file his taxes, and he reported my dad's business proceeds as capitol gains, thus costing my father thousands of dollars in taxes and hours of his own time getting he and my mom's back pay from social security. When my dad called him out on his error, he insisted he filed it correctly. My dad hired a local accountant for $300 who refiled it CORRECTLY and he got the thousands of dollars owed him in overpaid taxes from both federal and state government. Money he never would have received had be not been more knowledgeable then the attorney he hired. But my father still had to spend hours of his own time getting their social security benefits back to what they were supposed to be due to this gross error. My mother and father got thousands refunded from both the federal and state governments as a result of Mr. Bitner's incompetence and refusal to acknowledge that he made a costly error. My dad has the records (and refunds) to prove it. When he told Mr. Bitner that the local accountant filed it correctly and he got refunds, Mr. Bitner said, "well I could have done that." Good Lord. Does his arrogance know no bounds? He wouldn't even acknowledge to my father that he made a gross error in the first place. When my dad asked for his fees paid to Mr. Bitner to be refunded (plus interest), Brucey actually said, "didn't the government pay you interest?" Degrees do not make people smart, competent nor compassionate. Mr. Bitner now refuses to talk to my father or return repeated phone calls. It's been months. My dad has lost the enjoyment of the almost $3000 they charged him plus all my dad's time and loss of enjoyment of the money he earned by changing tires and towing vehicles for 40 years. My dad and mom are known to many locally in Noblesville as generous, kind, hard-working people. It breaks my heart to see them treated with such disregard by those that are in a position to do financial harm. They both grew up extremely poor and clawed their way to success. My dad retired as a truck driver at 50 years old and bought a Shell franchise. He ran it as Shell gas and service station and later McMillan's Towing and Auto Care. He didn't retire until he was 85 years old. He is now 88. A proud army veteran. And smarter than Mr. Bitner, because if it weren't for him knowing the difference, my mom and dad would be out thousands of dollars and none the wiser. He and my mom have been married for 65 years. It breaks my heart to hear that a local attorney is treating my father this way. My dad had to spend hours on the phone to get his social security benefits restored after Mr. Bitner's incompetence. Please think again before hiring Mr. Bitner or those who think he's worthy of a partnership. God bless people like my parents: honest, hard working, people who treated their hundreds of customers over the years honestly and fairly. I know this rambles a bit, but anyone reading this knows the love a daughter has for her parents. Sincerely, Debbie McMillan Mason
Read more
05 Mar, 2024 by Lori allbright
I am grateful for the time and effort put in by Rachel Woloshin, on my sons personal injury case. Her approach of treating him as an adult and listening to him made a significant difference. Thank you for transforming a difficult situation into a positive one for him. Whenever I require assistance in the future, you and your firm will be my first choice.
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Leadership in action
Mason Archie, II served as a 2024 Summer Associate and was wrongfully terminated. The firm has been in existence for over 150 years and attempted to make their first Native American/Black/Latino hire. Their reasoning was that Mason needs "help". This was after Mason requested to attend the NBA National Convention in Las Vegas. The firm approved Mason's work and school schedule, then went on to terminate him for the same scenario that was approved. A civil suit will be filed against CCHA for wrongful termination.
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Debra mcmillan mason
Mr. Bruce Bitner incorrectly filed my father's taxes in 2022 after he sold his local Noblesville business after 40 years. My hard working father hired Mr. Bitner to file his taxes, and he reported my dad's business proceeds as capitol gains, thus costing my father thousands of dollars in taxes and hours of his own time getting he and my mom's back pay from social security. When my dad called him out on his error, he insisted he filed it correctly. My dad hired a local accountant for $300 who refiled it CORRECTLY and he got the thousands of dollars owed him in overpaid taxes from both federal and state government. Money he never would have received had be not been more knowledgeable then the attorney he hired. But my father still had to spend hours of his own time getting their social security benefits back to what they were supposed to be due to this gross error. My mother and father got thousands refunded from both the federal and state governments as a result of Mr. Bitner's incompetence and refusal to acknowledge that he made a costly error. My dad has the records (and refunds) to prove it. When he told Mr. Bitner that the local accountant filed it correctly and he got refunds, Mr. Bitner said, "well I could have done that." Good Lord. Does his arrogance know no bounds? He wouldn't even acknowledge to my father that he made a gross error in the first place. When my dad asked for his fees paid to Mr. Bitner to be refunded (plus interest), Brucey actually said, "didn't the government pay you interest?" Degrees do not make people smart, competent nor compassionate. Mr. Bitner now refuses to talk to my father or return repeated phone calls. It's been months. My dad has lost the enjoyment of the almost $3000 they charged him plus all my dad's time and loss of enjoyment of the money he earned by changing tires and towing vehicles for 40 years. My dad and mom are known to many locally in Noblesville as generous, kind, hard-working people. It breaks my heart to see them treated with such disregard by those that are in a position to do financial harm. They both grew up extremely poor and clawed their way to success. My dad retired as a truck driver at 50 years old and bought a Shell franchise. He ran it as Shell gas and service station and later McMillan's Towing and Auto Care. He didn't retire until he was 85 years old. He is now 88. A proud army veteran. And smarter than Mr. Bitner, because if it weren't for him knowing the difference, my mom and dad would be out thousands of dollars and none the wiser. He and my mom have been married for 65 years. It breaks my heart to hear that a local attorney is treating my father this way. My dad had to spend hours on the phone to get his social security benefits restored after Mr. Bitner's incompetence. Please think again before hiring Mr. Bitner or those who think he's worthy of a partnership. God bless people like my parents: honest, hard working, people who treated their hundreds of customers over the years honestly and fairly. I know this rambles a bit, but anyone reading this knows the love a daughter has for her parents. Sincerely, Debbie McMillan Mason
Read more
05 Mar, 2024 by Lori allbright
I am grateful for the time and effort put in by Rachel Woloshin, on my sons personal injury case. Her approach of treating him as an adult and listening to him made a significant difference. Thank you for transforming a difficult situation into a positive one for him. Whenever I require assistance in the future, you and your firm will be my first choice.
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Leadership in action
Mason Archie, II served as a 2024 Summer Associate and was wrongfully terminated. The firm has been in existence for over 150 years and attempted to make their first Native American/Black/Latino hire. Their reasoning was that Mason needs "help". This was after Mason requested to attend the NBA National Convention in Las Vegas. The firm approved Mason's work and school schedule, then went on to terminate him for the same scenario that was approved. A civil suit will be filed against CCHA for wrongful termination.
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Debra mcmillan mason
Mr. Bruce Bitner incorrectly filed my father's taxes in 2022 after he sold his local Noblesville business after 40 years. My hard working father hired Mr. Bitner to file his taxes, and he reported my dad's business proceeds as capitol gains, thus costing my father thousands of dollars in taxes and hours of his own time getting he and my mom's back pay from social security. When my dad called him out on his error, he insisted he filed it correctly. My dad hired a local accountant for $300 who refiled it CORRECTLY and he got the thousands of dollars owed him in overpaid taxes from both federal and state government. Money he never would have received had be not been more knowledgeable then the attorney he hired. But my father still had to spend hours of his own time getting their social security benefits back to what they were supposed to be due to this gross error. My mother and father got thousands refunded from both the federal and state governments as a result of Mr. Bitner's incompetence and refusal to acknowledge that he made a costly error. My dad has the records (and refunds) to prove it. When he told Mr. Bitner that the local accountant filed it correctly and he got refunds, Mr. Bitner said, "well I could have done that." Good Lord. Does his arrogance know no bounds? He wouldn't even acknowledge to my father that he made a gross error in the first place. When my dad asked for his fees paid to Mr. Bitner to be refunded (plus interest), Brucey actually said, "didn't the government pay you interest?" Degrees do not make people smart, competent nor compassionate. Mr. Bitner now refuses to talk to my father or return repeated phone calls. It's been months. My dad has lost the enjoyment of the almost $3000 they charged him plus all my dad's time and loss of enjoyment of the money he earned by changing tires and towing vehicles for 40 years. My dad and mom are known to many locally in Noblesville as generous, kind, hard-working people. It breaks my heart to see them treated with such disregard by those that are in a position to do financial harm. They both grew up extremely poor and clawed their way to success. My dad retired as a truck driver at 50 years old and bought a Shell franchise. He ran it as Shell gas and service station and later McMillan's Towing and Auto Care. He didn't retire until he was 85 years old. He is now 88. A proud army veteran. And smarter than Mr. Bitner, because if it weren't for him knowing the difference, my mom and dad would be out thousands of dollars and none the wiser. He and my mom have been married for 65 years. It breaks my heart to hear that a local attorney is treating my father this way. My dad had to spend hours on the phone to get his social security benefits restored after Mr. Bitner's incompetence. Please think again before hiring Mr. Bitner or those who think he's worthy of a partnership. God bless people like my parents: honest, hard working, people who treated their hundreds of customers over the years honestly and fairly. I know this rambles a bit, but anyone reading this knows the love a daughter has for her parents. Sincerely, Debbie McMillan Mason
Read more
05 Mar, 2024 by Lori allbright
I am grateful for the time and effort put in by Rachel Woloshin, on my sons personal injury case. Her approach of treating him as an adult and listening to him made a significant difference. Thank you for transforming a difficult situation into a positive one for him. Whenever I require assistance in the future, you and your firm will be my first choice.
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Leadership in action
Mason Archie, II served as a 2024 Summer Associate and was wrongfully terminated. The firm has been in existence for over 150 years and attempted to make their first Native American/Black/Latino hire. Their reasoning was that Mason needs "help". This was after Mason requested to attend the NBA National Convention in Las Vegas. The firm approved Mason's work and school schedule, then went on to terminate him for the same scenario that was approved. A civil suit will be filed against CCHA for wrongful termination.
Read more
25 Jun, 2024 by Debra mcmillan mason
Mr. Bruce Bitner incorrectly filed my father's taxes in 2022 after he sold his local Noblesville business after 40 years. My hard working father hired Mr. Bitner to file his taxes, and he reported my dad's business proceeds as capitol gains, thus costing my father thousands of dollars in taxes and hours of his own time getting he and my mom's back pay from social security. When my dad called him out on his error, he insisted he filed it correctly. My dad hired a local accountant for $300 who refiled it CORRECTLY and he got the thousands of dollars owed him in overpaid taxes from both federal and state government. Money he never would have received had be not been more knowledgeable then the attorney he hired. But my father still had to spend hours of his own time getting their social security benefits back to what they were supposed to be due to this gross error. My mother and father got thousands refunded from both the federal and state governments as a result of Mr. Bitner's incompetence and refusal to acknowledge that he made a costly error. My dad has the records (and refunds) to prove it. When he told Mr. Bitner that the local accountant filed it correctly and he got refunds, Mr. Bitner said, "well I could have done that." Good Lord. Does his arrogance know no bounds? He wouldn't even acknowledge to my father that he made a gross error in the first place. When my dad asked for his fees paid to Mr. Bitner to be refunded (plus interest), Brucey actually said, "didn't the government pay you interest?" Degrees do not make people smart, competent nor compassionate. Mr. Bitner now refuses to talk to my father or return repeated phone calls. It's been months. My dad has lost the enjoyment of the almost $3000 they charged him plus all my dad's time and loss of enjoyment of the money he earned by changing tires and towing vehicles for 40 years. My dad and mom are known to many locally in Noblesville as generous, kind, hard-working people. It breaks my heart to see them treated with such disregard by those that are in a position to do financial harm. They both grew up extremely poor and clawed their way to success. My dad retired as a truck driver at 50 years old and bought a Shell franchise. He ran it as Shell gas and service station and later McMillan's Towing and Auto Care. He didn't retire until he was 85 years old. He is now 88. A proud army veteran. And smarter than Mr. Bitner, because if it weren't for him knowing the difference, my mom and dad would be out thousands of dollars and none the wiser. He and my mom have been married for 65 years. It breaks my heart to hear that a local attorney is treating my father this way. My dad had to spend hours on the phone to get his social security benefits restored after Mr. Bitner's incompetence. Please think again before hiring Mr. Bitner or those who think he's worthy of a partnership. God bless people like my parents: honest, hard working, people who treated their hundreds of customers over the years honestly and fairly. I know this rambles a bit, but anyone reading this knows the love a daughter has for her parents. Sincerely, Debbie McMillan Mason
Read more
05 Mar, 2024 by Lori allbright
I am grateful for the time and effort put in by Rachel Woloshin, on my sons personal injury case. Her approach of treating him as an adult and listening to him made a significant difference. Thank you for transforming a difficult situation into a positive one for him. Whenever I require assistance in the future, you and your firm will be my first choice.
Read more
14 Dec, 2023 by A
Absolutely the rudest phone call I’ve had in a while. Can’t recommend this office.
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05 Aug, 2023 by Jennifer crawford
24 May, 2023 by Heather biddinger
We have done three adoptions and used Shelley for the last two. She is so knowledgeable always looking out for the best interest of the child. Absolutely amazing she is way above 5 stars. Best lawyer we have ever had.
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19 Mar, 2024 by Carolyn
Our family is finding him to be way behind in defending our family member. Never returns calls, never talks to the inmate......in six months he's talked to him twice!!
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27 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Encountered him as he represented the opposing party. He did more for our side than the party who hired and sadly had to pay him.
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23 Sep, 2021 by J
Easily one of the best attorneys in the state and his history as an attorney backs that up. Tough, thorough, clever, and knows his stuff. The guy just wins.
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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.
