>942
experienced lawyers
Filter by
02 Aug, 2023 by Andy s
Kathryn helped administer my mom's estate with the utmost professionalism, patience, and warmth. After my mom died last year, I had no idea what to do about her estate, of which I was a trustee. I went to the large law firm which originally drew up her trust, only to find that they were going to charge me a criminal amount for a processing this relatively straightforward trust. After starting work with them, I realized I had to switch, which was painful because I didn't want this to be more complicated than it needed to be. Kathryn was recommended to me by a friend, and not only did she complete the work much more efficiently for a reasonable fee, but she took the time to explain different aspects of the estate which confused me, and recommended certain decisions, whereas the big law firm and the banks I was dealing with did no such thing. None of them could answer questions like "What do people normally do with an inherited IRA?" whereas Kathryn could. Highly recommended!
Read more
22 Jun, 2023 by Tiffany
I found Kim after two years of going through court battles, family/civil and criminal, as he was abusive. I had spent two years trying to do everything myself due to finances. I am so grateful for Kim working with me on a limited scope that worked for my budget. She was so caring and empathetic and didn’t make me feel like I was just another paycheck. She went out of her way to help me get through the end of this case so that I could move on and I truly think without her I’d have months left of hearings and legal abuse to look forward to.
Read more
29 Dec, 2022 by Sheri
Kimberly Harris represented me for a civil case and took the bull by the horns. She knew many ways of approaching the case to get a judgement in my favor and explained them to me clearly. Then she went to work and won my case! She did not skip over the details and presented my case professionally, resulting in a win! I highly recommend her!
Read more
19 May, 2020 by Gary
Wes took on our case after being referred to us as someone who could help us with a "numbers case." He did an amazing job. His command of the facts of the case was incredible. His strategy helped us win a significant settlement at arbitration. He's a great guy too. I would highly recommend him.
Read more
11 Oct, 2019 by Shise muchitsujo
30 May, 2018 by Ashley
I've referred Wes to several of my clients who needed litigation counsel and he's fantastic! Great guy, great advice.
Read more
13 Aug, 2022 by Sheri leorna
🤣
Read more
21 Feb, 2022 by John
Calling service with personability.
Read more
21 Jul, 2014 by Sheri
Mr. Sargetis did an excellent job with my case and assisted me Pro Bono. He was quick, efficient and accurate. I am very happy with his work and would recommend him at any time.
Read more
23 Jul, 2024 by Thomas f. gallagher
It is my pleasure to give five stars To attorney Ryan Sawyer for his most caring and capable dedication to my case. It was truly a wonderful experience working with him! Ryan never left me hanging and was always responsive to my calls. I am positive that I could not have found a better attorney to represent me!
Read more
01 Jul, 2024 by Maichi c
I’m very grateful I had Mr. Ryan K. Sawyer helping me through my car accident. His assistance allowed me to focus on recovery. He is very honest, professional, knowledgeable, attentive, and understanding. I could trust him with my case, and I’m glad I did.
Read more
28 Jun, 2024 by Bill hanson
Ryan Sawyer recently represented me in a lawsuit. He has a warm and approachable manner, and is a thoughtful listener. He provides excellent, clear advice and is always personally available to answer questions and clarify concerns. His hard work on my behalf resulted in a positive outcome. He is an excellent attorney!
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by Faavae pele
14 Sep, 2024 by 51 50
I was very impressed by the professionalism and Karen concerned that was given
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Carlos callejas
Excelente servicio, 100% recomendado. Muy amables desde la primera llamada hacen sentir confianza y seguridad. Se toman el tiempo de aclarar cada paso y de asegurar la tranquilidad de sus clientes.
Read more
03 Apr, 2024 by Debbie
Anastasia prepared my Trust and the process was so very easy and comfortable. She is very professional, and also so easy to work with and to talk to. She explained everything to me and took care of absolutely everything. I would not have put this off for so long if I had known how easy it would be. The service that she provided goes well beyond just a Trust. She covered everything. I highly recommend Anastasia for any trust or probate issues you may have.
Read more
12 Sep, 2023 by Erik
Anastasia was very professional and experience in her field. She worked very hard on my case. I highly recommend her!!!!!!
Read more
22 May, 2023 by Melinda
In short, some people tried to take a lot of money from my elderly cousin who has dementia. And my cousin had no will or trust. Relatives got upset and before I knew it a dozen lawyers were involved. It was unpleasant to say the least.
I contacted Anastasia for some clarification and she was delightfully thoughtful, thorough, understanding and kind. I was heard and understood, and I felt relieved and informed and confident afterward. She set my mind at ease and expertly guided me through a difficult time.
Read more
06 Nov, 2023 by Gale & suzy
If you help with a Lemon Law issue, this is the place to go. Great service and Kimberli really goes to bat for you.
Read more
06 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
We had a Lemon of a travel trailer purchased brand new. When we discovered that the heater had never been installed and could not be properly repaired by the dealer we hired Lemon Law. It took some time and patience but they were able to get us a full reimbursement . We were very pleased with the service and responsiveness of the people involved.
Read more
13 Apr, 2023 by Taylor
I bought a brand new 2022 Dodge Ram 2500 and after a few months noticed it kept leaking oil out the bottom of the engine. After a couple failed attempts at the dealership to fix the problem I knew I had a problem. I googled lemon law and I came upon Lemon Law Pro. They had the highest stars and and I didn’t know anything about lemon law so I gave them a call.
They were so professional and straight forward about what the process looked like. They were able to completely resolve my issue and I was able to return the truck and and be properly reimbursed. They have the most polite staff and truly felt like they empathized with my situation and fought hard on my behalf to correct the issue. I strongly recommend, and have to friends, their expertise. At no point did I feel like I was dealing with just an attorney who wants to rush the process but rather a friend who was there ti help me. They deserve 10 stars but Google only has 5. A big thank you goes out to them for their great work!!
Read more
07 May, 2021 by Heddy
The staff at the law offices of Daniel A. Hunt was very helpful and handled my legal matters with the utmost care and professionalism. I would highly recommend them to serve your legal needs.
Read more
01 May, 2021 by Wes
I am a current client and this firm is the best of the best in Sacramento. They are currently helping to protect my grandmother who has been victimized by a live-in caregiver, who changed the locks on her house, and manipulated her to sign legal documents. Daniel's paralegal Miranda is exceptionally talented, bright, professional and friendly. I highly endorse using their office for any estate planning or probate need.
Read more
18 Dec, 2020 by Jasmine
Craig Harris and Andrew Sanchez at Dan Hunt's office setup my trust documents. They were very diligent and provided excellent service. I will definitely recommend this firm to my family & friends.
Read more
21 Sep, 2016 by Mary
simply cannot express in words, how one email to Hackard Law, worked miracles! We had a very messy issue with a Trust, no money to pay for legal fees and every attorney we spoke with turned us down without a retainer. Time was ticking and we began to lose faith. Then I found HackardLaw on youtube. Something about Mike Hackard struck me as genuine. We watched his videos and learned why he is the best in Trust litigation. We gave it a shot and sent an email. The very next morning Mike called us promptly,. He understood exactly what we were going through, he understood why we had no money. He said he could help. THE VERY NEXT DAY, Mike flew out from Sacramento to Los Angeles and met us in person. We signed a contingency contract with him after he explained in great detail his plan of action. I didn't check his jacket when we dropped him off at the airport, but this man had to have wings! His name alone, made other attorneys want to mediate right away!!! Hackard Law gave us hope and our dreams back, when we couldnt even raise our chin! If you have an impossible case, or you just need the best.. call Mike Hackard. You will never need another attorney again! Words cannot explain how this one man changed our world.
Read more
16 Sep, 2016 by Cathy
I simply cannot express in words, how one email to Hackard Law, worked miracles! We had a very messy issue with a Trust, no money to pay for legal fees and every attorney we spoke with turned us down without a retainer. Time was ticking and we began to lose faith. Then I found HackardLaw on youtube. Something about Mike Hackard struck me as genuine. We watched his videos and learned why he is the best in Trust litigation. We gave it a shot and sent an email. The very next morning Mike called us promptly,. He understood exactly what we were going through, he understood why we had no money. He said he could help. THE VERY NEXT DAY, Mike flew out from Sacramento to Los Angeles and met us in person. We signed a contingency contract with him after he explained in great detail his plan of action. I didn't check his jacket when we dropped him off at the airport, but this man had to have wings! His name alone, made other attorneys want to mediate right away!!! Hackard Law gave us hope and our dreams back, when we couldnt even raise our chin! If you have an impossible case, or you just need the best.. call Mike Hackard. You will never need another attorney again! Words cannot explain how this one man changed our world.
Read more
24 Mar, 2016 by Carolyn
I've known Mike Hackard as a quality individual since our grade school days together. His breadth of legal and political experience allowed him to see the larger, more complicated picture, to provide important perspective, and to discuss the alternatives reasonably available to us on our case. His willingness to help us at this critical and time-sensitive point is so greatly appreciated. I highly recommend him and his firm!
Read more
30 May, 2024 by Blair goss
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brooks at a charitable function that he was hosting and he made a terrific impression. We traded war stories and the amount of experience and expertise he has was very apparent. I would confidently recommend him based on that alone, but have also heard of his stellar reputation elsewhere making this recommendation even easier.
Read more
26 Mar, 2024 by Marc maskowitz
20 Dec, 2023 by Debbra holler
30 May, 2024 by Blair goss
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brooks at a charitable function that he was hosting and he made a terrific impression. We traded war stories and the amount of experience and expertise he has was very apparent. I would confidently recommend him based on that alone, but have also heard of his stellar reputation elsewhere making this recommendation even easier.
Read more
26 Mar, 2024 by Marc maskowitz
20 Dec, 2023 by Debbra holler
30 Aug, 2023 by Alvaro guevara
12 Aug, 2023 by Christopher carson
I recommend Matt Huffman, he help me when I needed it most. Thank you, Matt. I appreciate you
Read more
31 Jul, 2023 by Trent ballantine
Nothing less than an amazing experience with Matt. He walked me through every step and always answered any questions I had immediately!
Read more
09 Nov, 2021 by Randy and diane
We recently had to have our trust and health directives updated. The change required basically drawing up a whole new trust and health directive. Jonathan was very patient in answering all of our questions and offered some excellent advice pertaining to the changes. We are very pleased with the level of expertise Jonathan offers.
Read more
02 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Huber helped me and my husband with our living trust. He was very patient with us as we really procrastinated getting our draft paperwork to him and cancelled our appointment three times. However, we have been talking about needing to have our LT done for years, so very happy we have finally completed the task. I will be referring Mr. Huber to family and friends should they need this service - as I said, he did a great job, very thorough and did a great job. Your offices were very clean and we felt comfortable being there during this strange COVID-19 era Thank you.
Read more
25 Sep, 2020 by Wayne
As Trustee to my mother’s complex Trust, Jonathan Huber and staff brought order and organization to the settling of the Estate that included multiple beneficiaries and multiple split properties to resolve. All done without an office visit or face to face contact! Great performance and seamless online workflow made the process stress free and smooth.
Read more
05 Nov, 2018 by Sally
Mr. Ellison was extremely focused on what needed to be done, and the timetable to do the job well. Several times, he helped us negotiate surprises in the case with intelligence and humor, all the while being supportive of the overall goals. I would recommend him to anyone wanting a true professional.
Read more
03 Dec, 2015 by Kimberly
Leland knows the law and the right questions to ask clients to be sure that their estate documents will do just what they want. I am a fellow lawyer and chose him to draft my trust. I'd recommend Leland anytime.
Read more
03 Nov, 2015 by Bill
Mr. Ellision has assisted us with a number of services in his area of expertise as well as referrals to other lawyers when indicated. He is one of the best, if not the best, in his field! In one instance in particular, we would not have prevailed in a probate case without his expertise. Mr. Ellison is now, and will be for the forseeable future, our family attorney whenever we need services in his field of expertise.
Read more
18 May, 2023 by Stephanie
We Hired Nick to help us with an issue with the Solar company. Nick is super knowledgeable and aggressive and he’s great at keeping in communication with you and letting you know exactly what is going on and what to expect. Would not have been able to do this without him and he didn’t needlessly run up our bill for stupid things. I would definitely recommend Nick to anyone in need of a lawyer.
Read more
15 Nov, 2021 by Louis
Earlier this year I entered into an agreement for an HVAC Contractor to do some major work on my home, but the contractor failed to complete the scope written in the contract. I refused to pay until the work was completed, but the contractor filed a mechanic's lein on my property. They dodged my contact attempts and seemed determined to take my home.
In a sea of personal injury lawyers on the market, I was lucky enough to find an attorney that new contract and construction law through and through. Immediately after my first consultation with Nicholas, I knew he was the man to get it done and felt relieved immediately.
Nicholas is the kind of lawyer that you want on YOUR side. His tenacious persona kept the contractor's company and owner on the defensive and gave them little room breathe or time to rest. He managed my expecations well, and always gave me the next steps on our game plan.
Within weeks, the contractor settled in my favor, rather face an expensive and futile court litigation.
Read more
01 Nov, 2021 by Isaac
Hired and within 3 to 4 months case closed. Quick easy fun and painless.
Read more
03 Jan, 2020 by Jim
My wife and I hired Scott to set up a trust account for ourselves. Scott was extremely pleasant and very knowledgeable and explained in full how a trust operates. We were able to have it all completed within a few weeks. My wife and I now have piece of mind and would highly recommend Scott if you are looking to set up an estate/trust.
Read more
22 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Scott was a great help with explaining all of my Trust Documents. I feel like I was in good hands with Drobny Law Offices and Scott Judson. I feel as though I have established documents that will greatly assist my family in the future.
Read more
07 Feb, 2018 by Philip
I just want to say thanks for all the work setting up our family trust recently. From our initial meeting, the signing, and now receiving the binder with all the information. Nothing but the utmost in professionalism. You were great! I will definitely recommend you to friends and co-workers.
Read more
11 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
John is an easy going and smart person. He helped my family and I find closure. He listens, does his research accordingly, and responds to any questions that we have. He is the person to see for almost anything.
Read more
12 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
We hired John for medical malpractice and were very satisfy with the results. He keeps you informed and up to date with everything that is going on. Very easy to talk to.
Read more
05 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired John Moreno for a Medical Malpractice case and we are greatly satisfied with the results. He is very well mannered, friendly and patient, easy to talk to.
Read more
28 Mar, 2017 by Rhonda
I have worked with Mr. Green for many years. He is always, honest, thorough & very successful. I will continue to hire Ted and refer him to all my friends.
Read more
28 Mar, 2017 by Sonia
Being in an accident to where you didn't hit the person who caused it; and got injured in the process... Ted took my case! I am so thankful that I found Ted and, as other attorneys wanted a 'Hit' accident, Ted helped and won my case for me!
Read more
27 Mar, 2017 by Christopher
I have had the pleasure of meeting and hiring this intelligent, respectful man to take on a case that has affected me throughout a lot of my life. He has been very thorough looking into any situations that may arise during my trail so we are completely prepared for that circumstance. He is still working on my case and we will soon be going on trial. Even though it is not easy and I would rather not have the unfortunate events that occurred in my life that have brought me to my case, I could not be more grateful and mentally prepared than I am knowing I have this man helping me as I truly believe he will fight to bring me my Justice.
Read more
08 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
As homeowners, we worked with Sean for nearly three years while he tirelessly represented us in a construction matter that left our home and property damaged, and a portion of it unusable. He was readily available, personally answering or returning phone calls and emails immediately. None of our questions seemed trivial. He was always willing to provide clarification and direction. This was extremely helpful since we are not versed in legal matters. We know he is well respected in the work he does for corporate entities, but he treated our case as equally important. We knew that while defending us and our home, he was working just as hard as he would for a much larger client while understanding that we had limited funds. Sean is honest, hardworking, respectful and compassionate.
We are happy to share that Sean’s efforts resulted in a favorable outcome. We have our home, property and lives back. It is difficult to put into words how grateful we are to Sean.
Read more
03 Apr, 2016 by Vanessa garcia
Even though you were not the perfect match for us you did recommend us to someone who may be able to help us. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me and your recommendation. Vanessa
Read more
14 Jan, 2016 by Alison
I am a local business owner in Sacramento and was referred to Sean by a friend that has been using him for years. He is extremely knowledgeable with business/employment issues and has been instrumental in helping us navigate through all the issues that can arise. I would recommend Sean to anyone looking for an attorney.
Read more
12 Apr, 2024 by Eddie
Benjamin & Morgan were consistantly attentive working to resovle the problems we were cofronted with and applied the law to reach the final outcome. If confronted with the need, I would not hesitate to call on them again. Thanks to both of you. Eddie Johnson
Read more
07 Dec, 2023 by Julie
I very seldom write reviews but I feel compelled to tell people what a great experience I had with Benjamin Fox at Hubert Fox Trust and Estate law attorney office in Elk Grove California. One look at their website and you will feel at ease before you even pick up the phone. Dealing with attorneys can be very scary, at least it was for me. After just a few minutes speaking with Ben about a Trustee issue, I felt confident he knew what he was talking about and he explained my options in a very straightforward way without making me feel like an idiot. Ben has a natural warmth and grace that made me feel confident and comfortable to have him represent my best interests and speak to a judge and jury on my behalf. Ben was attentive to my concerns, requested to look at the Trust in question ,immediately reviewed the material and gave his advice free of charge. He spoke with clarity and honesty and he left a positive impression that I will not soon forget. Thanks,Ben!
Read more
28 Sep, 2023 by John
Benjamin Fox was very professional during consulting on a case regarding trust. This particular trust had a very complex issue so the experience really counted in this situation.
Read more
10 Oct, 2023 by Julie cohen
Excellent law practice! They helped me with my parent's Estate.
Read more
29 May, 2023 by Jennel ballestero
30 Apr, 2023 by Michael lyon
They cover many aspects of the Law and have a very bright group of attorneys and paralegals and if for any reason, they don’t have the right attorney for the job they will at least give you three names that you can call, which can be very very helpful
Read more
10 Oct, 2023 by Julie cohen
Excellent law practice! They helped me with my parent's Estate.
Read more
29 May, 2023 by Jennel ballestero
30 Apr, 2023 by Michael lyon
They cover many aspects of the Law and have a very bright group of attorneys and paralegals and if for any reason, they don’t have the right attorney for the job they will at least give you three names that you can call, which can be very very helpful
Read more
10 Oct, 2023 by Julie cohen
Excellent law practice! They helped me with my parent's Estate.
Read more
29 May, 2023 by Jennel ballestero
30 Apr, 2023 by Michael lyon
They cover many aspects of the Law and have a very bright group of attorneys and paralegals and if for any reason, they don’t have the right attorney for the job they will at least give you three names that you can call, which can be very very helpful
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Katelyn nielsen
I had an awesome experience with RMD Law! They really came through for me when I needed legal help. The team is professional, efficient, and they got the job done right. If you're looking for a reliable law firm, RMD Law is the way to go. 10/10, would recommend!
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Katelyn nielsen
I had an awesome experience with RMD Law! They really came through for me when I needed legal help. The team is professional, efficient, and they got the job done right. If you're looking for a reliable law firm, RMD Law is the way to go. 10/10, would recommend!
Read more
09 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I came to Connor by referral. I was recently let go from a role that did not end well. I was harassed, bullied, and ultimately driven out of the organization by an extremely toxic culture.
After having a severance shoved in my face, I was very suspicious of the circumstances surrounding my termination. I spoke with Connor and provided ALL THE FACTS and he found several issues I wasn't aware of in addition to the grievances I had.
He was able to work with my employer and we settled on a sizable increase in severance in lieu of legal proceedings, something I never could have done on my own. He was very supportive and guided me through each step. He is also extremely professional.
If I ever have any issues again I will be working with him, and will send any of my colleagues his way.
Read more
26 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Connor and his team helped me successfully with an issue I had with my previous employer. I felt relieved and was impressed of his knowledge around employment law and would highly recommend that anyone with employment issues to use Connor and his team.
Read more
07 Feb, 2020 by Nick
Connor is the only attorney I've dealt with to give me prompt communication and amazing skills . If you have employment matter, hire Connor for highly effective results.
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Katelyn nielsen
I had an awesome experience with RMD Law! They really came through for me when I needed legal help. The team is professional, efficient, and they got the job done right. If you're looking for a reliable law firm, RMD Law is the way to go. 10/10, would recommend!
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Katelyn nielsen
I had an awesome experience with RMD Law! They really came through for me when I needed legal help. The team is professional, efficient, and they got the job done right. If you're looking for a reliable law firm, RMD Law is the way to go. 10/10, would recommend!
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Katelyn nielsen
I had an awesome experience with RMD Law! They really came through for me when I needed legal help. The team is professional, efficient, and they got the job done right. If you're looking for a reliable law firm, RMD Law is the way to go. 10/10, would recommend!
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
19 Dec, 2023 by Katelyn nielsen
I had an awesome experience with RMD Law! They really came through for me when I needed legal help. The team is professional, efficient, and they got the job done right. If you're looking for a reliable law firm, RMD Law is the way to go. 10/10, would recommend!
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
