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16 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Roland was able to replace another attorney I hired in a probate matter quite quickly. That other attorney had made a lot of mistakes, and Roland spotted and corrected every one of them. I am eternally grateful. His support staff and firm are top notch as well.
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05 May, 2016 by Donna
Roland Achtel has been representing me in a Trust/ Will litigation for the past two years. His representation has been of the highest quality possible and I highly recommend him for your estate plannings or any contesting that may arise.
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19 Feb, 2013 by George
Roland did a thorough remake of our estate planning and wills. We were very impressed with the end product at a reasonable cost. I would recommend him.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Kathy stewart
Rick has represented me in eviction cases for 20 years and is awesome. Professional, informs you of what is going on and has won all of my cases.
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04 Aug, 2015 by Allen
Mr Alter stepped in to help my mother and I in a situation where we were ran over by a bad landlord and that big corporate eviction law firm that has the worst reputation in Southern California.
From the beginning Mr Alter heard us out and though he was never retained he helped us without charging us when he felt it was appropriate to do so.
Mr Alter is a peace maker and a man of the highest moral integrity.
If more lawyers had his integrity the world would be a better place.
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13 Feb, 2014 by Nancy
I have used Richard Alter for evictions for 25 years and NEVER lost a case. His prices are reasonable. He is smart and practical and likable.
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05 Mar, 2014 by Alison
Patrick helped me with a neighbor dispute and he was very helpful. Although my case didn't have the outcome I was hoping for, Patrick did everything he could to help me with the dispute to the best extent possible given my limited resources. I would highly recommend Patrick as an Attorney.
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28 May, 2010 by David
Patrick Tira has helped me in so many ways from helping me setup my corporation to helping me find a great accountant. He always gets back to me promptly whenever I have any questions or need some quick advice. I have and will continue to encourage everyone I know to work with Patrick Tira. He is by far the best advisor I could have ever asked for!
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25 Jun, 2016 by Stephanie
We did our family trust before our boys were born. Once they were born we realized that some of the plans we had made if something happened to us needed to be changed. We were referred to Lucas to review our trust. He helped us amend our trust and do new documents. He was professional and knowledgeable. We are glad we met him and appreciate his help with our documents.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Melissa
I was Attorney Woodward 's first client when he was fresh out of law school. He protected me, my inheritance and stopped opposing counsel harassment.
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19 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Excellent experience working with Mrs. Hexom, and her knowledge beyond my case was impressive. She was professional and worked hard with care.
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14 Apr, 2011 by Jennifer mueller
Mandy Hexom Tamillo is an outstanding attorney. She is incredibly hard-working, had a keen eye for detail, is caring and does everything possible to win the case. She does her due diligence, she is knowledgable about many areas of the law and I trust her as my attorney any time I need one. She has successfully won two cases for me on two completely different subjects.
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27 Jan, 2018 by Carole senese
I contacted Kara for an issue that wasn't her field of practice, but she immediately gave excellent referrals. Kara has greatly helped others I've referred to her. She did what other attorneys didn't do. Kara is very professional, thorough, and pleasant to deal with. She is very helpful and responds in a timely manner. Kara is definitely an attorney you want to contact.
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29 Apr, 2017 by Elizabeth
I went to Kara for advice with a family matter. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is looking for someone to trust and advice in legal matters. Kara is professional, precise, very knowledgeable and understanding. She has the client's interest at first and tries to help you until the very end of your situation.
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09 Dec, 2020 by Mike
My family and I were brought into an estate fight after the death of my parents. We were individuals up against a massive corporate law department and felt like we were living our own David and Goliath story. After being dissatisfied with a few other firms and how they did or didn't handle specific issues in our case, we met with and ultimately hired Webb Law Group as counsel. Mr. Webb and Ms. Kiley were a pleasure to work with, and quickly understood our case and the legal stance we needed to take. They listened to my viewpoints as their client, including the risks I was and was not prepared to take, and ultimately helped us reach a settlement. I would recommend Webb Law Group to anyone finding themselves in a similar situation. ~ M. Scott
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19 Nov, 2020 by Mona
I had the very wonderful and great pleasure of consulting with Alyssa Kiley the week of 11/19/20 regarding a civil litigation case regarding breach of contract for property. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable, professional, responsive, focused, caring, thorough, and talented beyond her years! She is cost-conscious! Loved that! She works for Lenden Web at The Webb Law Group in San Diego https://webblawgroup.com. I strongly endorse her!
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24 Sep, 2016 by Vincent
Dan is a fantastic trial lawyer. I worked with him on a 2 week jury trial an had a very successful outcome for our client due to Dan's critical thinking and great litigation skills. He is honest, ethical and a zealous advocate.
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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Dan recently represented me in a partnership dispute that eventually ended with a jury verdict in my favor. He did an outstanding job at trial with almost all major issues being decided by either the judge or the jury in my favor. After the verdict was entered, we had a chance to talk with most of the jurors, and they almost all expressed comments that were consistent with my opinion of Dan's performance.
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02 Sep, 2011 by Ronnie
I have worked with a few lawyers before but none have given me the courtesy and respect that I deserve. She was informative and treated me like a person, not just a client. More lawyers should be like her and take the customers feelings into account.
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25 Jul, 2011 by Marie
Alexia has done some fantastic work for my LLC, both interpreting and creating a wide variety of agreements, (Licensing, Publishing, Employment, etc). She exceeding my expectations in regard to turn around time, responsiveness and overall legal knowledge. Her ability to get to the issue and present resolutions is uncanny. Through working with her I feel I truly have an advocate for the continued success of my business. I've become accustomed to go to her first for all of my legal needs whether business related or personal, and I will continue to recommended her to my colleagues as well as friends and family.
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02 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mark really cares about his clients and it's obvious. I've used probably a dozen lawyers in my career and having someone with hands on experience in the development world was a huge asset. Mark understood my business, how things worked, and it saved so much time not having to explain processes. I never want to need a lawyer again, but if I do, I will definitely go back to Mark.
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19 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
I found Mr. Mazzarella to be an exceptional attorney when it came to knowing the law and making the prudent arguments. His passion for his work and committment to his clients are obvious.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Cynthia
We hired Ms. Stratton to assist us with a contractor we hired to remodel our home. They tried to serve us a bill nearly 50% more than our original bid. This is not an unusual practice when it comes to home building, but these guys were hiding costs and doubling time and supplies unnecessarily. We were unable to see how they were coming to the amount of the final bill. Ms. Stratton took our case and reviewed all the documentation of the remodel, such as change orders, how they were provided, how they calculated their hours and supervision and, through her expertise, brought transparency and clarity to our case. She ended up uncovering change orders that were not written correctly or given to us in a timely fashion per the law. She also discovered that we were being billed at a 300% mark up over our original contract vs. doubling the cost and time as how the billing should have been done. We wouldn't have been able to successfully dispute these charges without her expertise in the laws of business. She maintained professionalism and respect for all sides during our dispute. We were very impressed by her and would highly recommend her.
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29 Aug, 2016 by Justin
I have used Ms. Stratton personally and with our company and had nothing but great results. She stops at nothing to represent her clients. I would highly recommend Ms. Stratton!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Sarah
I have utilized the services of the Konoske Akiyama firm several times over the last decade. The firm and especially Nick Konoske helped me overcome/navigate the untimely death of a parent and has more recently guided me through the creation of several businesses and series of VC funding. Highly recommend.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Konoske helped my children and I in a contentious family law/custody battle. While it is not his specialty he took us under his wing, protected us and guided me through the process. My children and I are now safe because of Nick's efforts. Highly recommended.
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12 Jun, 2014 by Glory
Used this lawyer to handle a lawsuit regarding property rights. He was excellent, very knowledgeable, and his dealings with me were considerate and informative regarding my case. His fee was reasonable.
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11 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
We had a problem neighbor with respect to a rental property. Marty handled the matter very efficiently and effectively. We endorse him wholeheartedly.
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05 May, 2017 by Craig v. castanos cpa
Our office has worked with Mike for a number of years. I have used him for both my personal and business accounts and have referred a number of clients to him. Mike is extremely knowledgeable and very professional. I have found that he serves his clients with the personal intention and timely response that other firms generally provide only to their largest clients. His fees are reasonable and competitive. A number of my clients have called to thank me for referring Mike and his quality services.
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04 May, 2017 by Edgar
Mike walked us through the entire process and was readily available when needed. His team thoroughly researched out situation and defended us vigorously. For anyone wanted a first class lawyer with a first class team I would highly recommend Mike Battin and his firm.
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12 Mar, 2015 by Jim
Ken Stone is one of them. Ken has help-ed us through many a situation. He is the rare legal counsel who put his clients before himself. That ethos is apparent in everything Ken and his staff do when engaged on a client's behalf.
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04 Dec, 2013 by Sharma
Hi, I fully recommend Attorney Stone because of his in depth knowledge and vast experience. I came across to this law firm when I needed miserably and ASAP. I found this law firm in google and then checked the web page. There I found that Attorney Stone has huge experience in civil litigation of all the types I know which include the international exposure. I came across to many well ranked lawyers around (some were above 9 in avvo.com) but after meeting him, I was confident that this is what I should go with. The best quality I will say is that he is responsive and when not in trial we can always reach to him either by phone or mail. You will never feel alone. Secondly, he will tell you how judge will look in this matter so we know where we are. Thirdly and most important, he was so kind to grant me the flexible plan for payment which was not much seen in many law firms around specially in San Diego. The hourly fee was affordable and staff was always supportive to convey all the messages. I am still in touch with this attorney even after successful end of my case. I strongly recommend this attorney and this law firm as a best choice
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26 Feb, 2015 by Kim
Michael Sullivan was hired to help me with an Unlawful Detainer action against me by my overzealous girlfriend. He calmed me down, told me what the process was about, told me likely outcomes, kept in touch and let me call him to message or speak immediately. He was knowledgeable and any small details he was unclear on, he checked out and called me back. I was really nervous and he explained that most people are and that he was glad I contacted him early on in the process. Some people don't contact him until the Sheriff has put them on the lawn. He assessed the situation after a few weeks of verifying paperwork and speaking with me and then gave me a plan of action that he thought I should consider. I pretty much asked a lot of questions about his judgement and he was comfortable and forthcoming about the wherefores and the whys. He steered me, educated me, and best of all, protected me from harm. I was successful in protecting myself. Thanks Michael.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Opponent to gazin
Michael was very patient in helping me get through a difficult separation with my ex. He explained things clearly and said, "no question is a dumb question." I was pretty shook up and he guided me through all the details, with PROMPT follow-ups to any issues left unresolved. He let me know where his boundaries were legally while doing everything he could to give me above-and-beyond service. My case involved an eviction (retaliatory) and a dismissed Unlawful Detainer action against me. He was competent and let me know what decisions were mine and did a fine job explaining the "weight" of various variables and, if asked, he gave me his opinion promptly. He kept a "big picture" while letting me know what individual items were most important. His only drawback is that he knows the law so well and he thinks so fast, that he speaks very quickly sometimes. But he doesn't mind repeating until I get it clearly. Thanks Michael.
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09 Apr, 2014 by Ella
Chirstopher just finished representing me in a DUI case which I am so happy to say that it ended with a dismissal. It was a long and hard process but at the end all worth it because the impact of my case had and impact on my job and license but I ended up keeping both thanks to Mr. Kelly.
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01 Jul, 2013 by Shane
Attorney Christopher Kelly is no nonsense. I needed to break a lease because the place I was renting was falling apart. Christopher read my lease and found an error a big error that allowed me to out of there and have my deposit returned.
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25 Mar, 2022 by Beckie
I retained Warren Treisman in November 2019 because I was injured in a car accident. As I had never been injured in a car accident before, he far exceeded my expectations. He and his office staff went above and beyond to help me through the process. His staff was extremely kind, friendly and supportive and they were very helpful in answering all of my questions.
Mr. Treisman kept in close communication with me and explained everything in terms that I could understand. He is very thorough and knowledgeable and, above all, he is honest, ethical, and dedicated. Since I had several pre-existing conditions, he had to review all my reports from my numerous doctors. He was amazing in choosing what was relevant to my case. He was a strong advocate for my case and was able to obtain a very generous settlement (which included compensation for my chiropractor)!
I would strongly recommend Mr. Treisman to anyone seeking a Personal Injury attorney!
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08 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
From day one, Mr. Treisman said he would diligently work on my behalf and best interest to resolve my case and he did exactly that. He was patient, compassionate, knowledgeable, ethical, and had a keen understanding of the intricacies of injury claim issues to address my case. He excelled at reading through thousands of medical records to fully understand the issues and focused on relevant facts. He competently considered my circumstances and the strategies and options that would work to my advantage. Mr. Treisman is smart, resourceful, and a skilled professional who I was happy to have on my side working on my behalf. I highly recommend Mr. Treisman and was pleased with the resolution of my case .
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10 Jan, 2020 by Ahmed
I had the pleasure of hiring Jack regarding a complex real estate issue. He had a set long term strategy and was aggressive when needed to me. Whenever I had a concern from the other party, he would take the time to explain his reasoning and the why behind his actions. Jack is extremely knowledgeable with the skills of his negotiations. Highly recommend him if you need peace of mind and want the best on your team. would recommend him to family. Thank you Jack.
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13 Aug, 2011 by Ron
Jack got a great settlement by presenting the facts and law with confidence and organization. Jack was agressive in negotiations. He listened to our story and help us understand how the law applied to our situation. I would recommend him highly.
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20 Mar, 2018 by Bob
Mr. Kirby has been a pleasure to work with on insurance related matters. He is a fine steward of Atlas General and one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the MGA space.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Steve
Just a solid, brilliant guy. Learned from his father, looks at cases very smartly, gives insight and strategy other lawyers don't see. Always seems a step ahead. He's great with clients, great in front of juries, is building a name for himself in San Diego. Highly recommend him and his group.
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19 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Shawn is by far above and beyond any attorney currently practicing in the area of CPS litigation. His cases speak for themselves. The child welfare system has many flaws that can only be resolved through tireless litigation. The cases he litigates are some of the most difficult to win. Yet Shawn gets positive results for his clients time after time. Shawn treats clients with respect and dignity and assures they have the best chance at getting justice they deserve. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. A quick google search will lead you to some amazing results that most other attorneys are only able to dream about.
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30 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I can't nor will I ever be able to say enough great things about Shawn McMillan. He is absolutely the best in his area of practice. He's a tireless advocate that doesn't stop until the job is done. Not only an attorney par excellence but also a very kind person. Shawn is very knowledgeable and his work is of highest standard.
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23 Jan, 2022 by Steve
Hey Rocky. Hope all is well. How is San Diego?
Go Rams!!! Semper Fidelis and Vipers forever!!!
Cujo.
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02 May, 2014 by Michael
This lawyer is nothing short of five stars. Rocky is a proven professional that can be counted on for no nonsense critical legal advice. I can't say enough good things about this lawyer. Positive, upbeat and a truthful approach to issues/controversy sets this lawyer above all others. I can't imagine asking anyone else for legal advice. He will tell you straight up whether you are strong or exposed. I view such information/advice/opinion critical to making smart decisions.. I like being right; that is why I like people that give me straight analysis that may or may not be in line with my view. Such advice keeps me from making silly mistakes. At the end of the day, that is what you get from Rocky; straight analysis and advice that keeps you from making silly mistakes.
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13 Jan, 2015 by Licuo
Handled a consumer fraud claim for me. He is knowledgeable and the judge even complimented him on this. He does not lose his cool in court so the judge was very responsive to him. I was very impressed with how amazing this guy was. I was very inexperienced on the stand and he explained everything very well. He got me one hundred percent of my money back. I have never has so much confidence in a lawyer. Plus he has an excellent bed side manner. I cannot recommend him enough.
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02 May, 2014 by Janet
I have very high standards when I am the client. I engaged James to handle a matter of importance to me, and he did a great job. His advice was careful and understanding and he gave me excellent advice, which I followed to the letter. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others!
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04 Jan, 2016 by William
I engaged the services of Mr. Barnier to construct a contract for the sale of my business. He completed his task with speed and thoroughness. I expected this from any professional. What I did not anticipate was his continued support and advice long throughout the process. Many times before the sale was complete, David stepped in to facilitate the transaction. I am greatly indebted to Mr. Barnier for all his good work.
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08 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
We hired David to address our rights associated with a family member’s estate plan. David took care to note our goals and concerns during the lawsuit, efficiently negotiated a resolution that was consistent with our goals, and kept us updated throughout the process. I would definitely recommend David should you have a similar need.
A.L., San Diego
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25 Feb, 2015 by Tina
Joshua Anaya goes the extra mile for his clients, he is dedicated to protecting consumers from auto dealers and much more. Joshua took my case and was very diligent on keeping me updated on the status of the case and the timely delivery of documents to be signed as we were over 5 hours away from each other. He is an asset to anyone seeking help as he is knowledgeable and has shown to be an assertive attorney. We have won a victory in one part of our case against CarMax and he continues to fight for the outcome that is best for us.
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28 Apr, 2014 by Franco
he worked for me in a car fraud case against a dealer and a financing company wich sold a car knowing it was a red flag car on an auction.the case last 2 years and we won the case aagainst them
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30 Jun, 2010 by Randy
joe and his firm are excellent to work with. they have helped us tremendously in our business and personal lives. our profits at work are up unbelieveably, they have helped reduce my taxes and yet put money away that is asset protected. a great firm to work with....
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24 Jun, 2010 by Julie
Joe Strazzeri has guided us through various matters over the course of our relationship and always with the same good humor, creativity, wisdom and insight to our needs. He has a remarkable way of simplifying the complexity of legal stuff and developing a plan of action that is specific and unique to our situation.
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09 Mar, 2017 by Mary
Tim Williams was a great recommend for legal expertise around CA labor laws. He was very helpful making a difference in what I needed, quick in response (within hours), delivers what he says he will deliver, reasonable, clear, knowledgeable, goes above and beyond with resources and tools, and to top it off, a pleasure to work with the business at hand which can be important especially around sensitive difficult matters. It can be challenging to identify excellent legal services. I have had the misfortune of working with very poor legal services so I find it to be a significant boon to have located and worked with Tim Williams.
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19 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I receive employment/labor law counsel from Mr. Williams. His knowledge and competence successfully contributed to the positive resolution of my employment issues. Mr. Williams was obliging, attentive, eager to help, and sincere in his recommendations; he is a people's person. I would recommend him to anybody with issues in this area. Thank you Mr. Williams for your professionalism and attentiveness.
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12 Aug, 2015 by Robert
I found Mr Barnes to be one of the few lawyer I would recommend to family, friends and business associates. he's keep me up to date and made solid recommendation on my case. I really feel this guy is passionate about what's right but more important what's right for me. If you are in need of a litigator , call him, I'm sure he will do what's best for you.
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05 Aug, 2015 by Mark
Brook helped me with a legal matter last year. He was very attentive and resourceful! I would call him again anytime, hopefully I will not have to!
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15 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Ward was aggressive and thorough. He was a complete professional from our first meeting to the close of the case. His ability to deflect the stress of the litigation allowed our company to focus on our business, not on the litigation. He will be our go-to guy.
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18 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
Fantastic job from start to finish. Intelligent, personable, excellent grasp of legal concepts. My company felt as if it was in excellent hands. We would hire Mr. Ward again in a heartbeat, and intend to if the need should arise.
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03 May, 2023 by Sabrina
My case involved multiple building code violations along with harassment, racial abuse, sexism, and health risks. In addition, we were dealing with a incompetent landlord who did not maintain the property. Not to mention, hires criminals to be managers and maintenance personnel given their criminal history. I was even exposed to black mold in the unit. Marc and his team are fighters! They will work diligently around the clock to ensure the case is solid. Marc took the time to inspect the property, meet with witnesses, and speak with healthcare providers regarding the case. He isn't just doing this for the money, he has a genuine interest fighting for the underdog. Honestly, if you're seeking to find a attorney that is well versed with real estate matters, go to Marc. He is one of the best attorneys in San Diego county. I'm so grateful to hire him for this case. As a result, we ended up having the insurance to settle. Worth to hire.
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12 Sep, 2016 by Rick
My case covered real estate contracts, construction, mold, water intrusion, ethics, a defendant who is a judge, renter's rights and a whole host of other issues. Marc is perhaps the most compassionate and ethical attorney/person I have ever met. Every step along the way he presented scenarios, possible/probable outcomes/consequences allowing me to chose which road I felt comfortable with. I used to introduce him as my lawyer but now I introduce his as my good friend.
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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.
