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13 May, 2024 by Joshua
When i met Christopher Montoya I was incarcerated in the Santa clara county department of corrections and looking at a 3 strikes case where my maxium exposure wouod have been 30 years to lofe sentence if convicted. I had just been release from prison 13 days prior (I recieved 2 strikes on that case) to being charged with a new case in which i was looking at an additional 4 strikes and my sense of hope was only shared by one other person and that was Chris Montoya. I knew my case was a clear cut self denfese case as I was defending my family, my home and our property against 2 men however i knew that with my record, the fact i had just been relased from prison, and just cumulatively that the facts of the case were not going to be on my side was discouraging. Almost every laywer i spoke to told me that ny chances were not terrible, but they were definitely not good. Chris Montoya was always straight forward with me and professional, he never gave me any false hope, but instead was always adamant about the facts, giving me realistic advice about my case and was always logical in his observations of the case. Sometimes i wondered if chris ever slept becuase it seemed like he worked day and night non- stop on my case even though i knew he had other cases and a huge work load. The level of.professionalism he conducted himself worh was truly inspiring along side his tenacious attitude about his approach on dealing with the minutiae details surronding my case. Agaisnt his advice I decided to take my case to speedy trial and throughout the entire pricess whether it was the prelims, bail motions or trial readiness, Chris was always prepared and seemed to know every detail about those appearances and always let me know what i could expect. Chris spent many hours off the clock coming to visit with me at the jail to give me updates, to go over the facts, to let me know what his investigators were finding and giving me realistic faith that our case was getting stronger and that He would be ready to put on the fight of a lifetime to literally save my life. There were times i thought about getting a private attorney because there was so much on the line for me, if I lost this Trial i would spend the rest of my life in prison and i was only 34 years old at the time. It was something about the look in his eyes, his approach, his confindence in himself that made me feel Chris was the man for the job, so i wrnt with my gut and trusted him to fight for my life and i was right, He was. When i came time for trial, i had 2 witnesses against me alongside police testimony and a lengthy criminal history which none of these were going to be favorable for me winning my case. All i had was chris and even though i didnt want to testify Chris urged me to as he explained to me that this would be my best chance to win my trial. I trusted Chris and we spent countless hours working together on my testimony and he and i went to trial with all the odds stacked against us. Despite these glaring issues, Chris was prepared and every detail of the case was meticulously combed through by chris, from the jury selection, thr voir diers, the inlimes, and of the course Chris shinned with his experience as an attorney in the cross examinations, bringing to life crucial facts that stregthened our case. When it came time for me to tale the stand and fight for my life, I put my faith in GOD and i believed in chris so i told my story truthfully and with Chris in my corner i knew that I would be heard. As the closing arguments proceeded Chris illuminated the room with his natural charisma, but what stood out more was his passion and quest to tell my story, the truth. You could tell that Chris was born to do this for a living, to defens those who can not defend themselves. As the trial came to a close, the jury was unable to reach a unamious verdict, but instead the jury was hung 10-2 on one count and 9-3 in another in favor of not guilty. I was relased the follwing court date.
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28 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Christopher J. Montoya represents my daughter
as a San Diego Public Defender. Mr Montoya is a true professional and has provided my daughter with excellent legal professional services.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Jennifer
Our company has been a client of Madolyn's for a few years on a couple different cases. She is professional, responsive and very thorough. She is extremely easy to work with and takes the time to explain things or answer any questions. She always a step ahead of the opposing counsel.
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21 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Ashley, unlike any other attorney with whom I have worked, makes himself available day or night any day of the week. Do not let his calm, good natured demeanor mislead you. He is a tough, tough, no nonsense fighter in the court room. He knows "the game" and plays his hand well. He is the eye of the storm. He has a great personality, is well liked and that plays a very big part in a case. His credentials do not show it but he has fought against very highly respected and well known attorneys in multi-million dollar court cases. In my case specifically, I would have been happy with a $1.5M settlement. I am cashing in my settlement check for $17.5M today. One of the defendants is now out of business. He actually recruited one of the attorneys on the other side to work for him! He manages people tremendously well. he sees the big picture and can calm a very explosive situation with just a couple of phone calls. Mr. Ashley is extremely under rated. Extremely.
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26 Apr, 2013 by Jennifer
Damian has represented me on 2 very different cases. I find his writing to be superb, and since he used to have a law appearance business, he knows everyone down at the courthouse. Consequently, he often has a good feel for how a judge is going to decide on a particular motion.
One of my cases was a fairly routine car accident case (this was before he streamlined his practice to primarily civil litigation). He brought the matter to a swift conclusion, and I got a settlement check for my troubles.
The other case was a HUGE employment case with a Fortune 500 Company in Silicon Valley. While I cannot discuss the case details, I was very pleased with the outcome.
Damian is a master at finding obscure bits of law that other lawyers overlook. This, along with his brilliant writing, gives him an edge.
I highly recommend him for all your civil litigation matters.
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20 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I have used many lawyers in my career and Stephen Pahl is one of the best, most qualified lawyers in the San Jose, CA area. He knows the law and that made me feel very comfortable and safe.
He has saved my company tens of thousands of dollars by giving me sound advice and representing our interests. In nearly every case we have used Stephen for the outcome has been positive for my company. I would recommend Stephen to anyone looking for expert legal representation.
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23 Mar, 2020 by Paul
D. D. “Terry” Hughmanick has been my attorney for about 10 years now and recently represented me in my complex commercial lease and fraud trial. Terry, with associate attorney James A. McDaniel and Terra Law’s wonderful support staff, represented me against one of the largest national real estate companies in the country and its very well-funded defense team of five attorneys and staff from a top firm. Due to Terry’s zealous advocacy, thoroughness, and deep legal knowledge, my claims were vindicated after a 15-day jury trial when the jury awarded me a judgment of seven figures (after including interest and a sizeable attorney’ fee award) as well as relief from liability on a guaranty. Terry also defended the lengthy appeal and prevailed at securing the judgment and entitlement to a substantial amount of attorney’s fees as well as setting precedent in a published appellate decision which has been repeatedly cited by other cases. Terry and his team was consistently available by phone and email to keep me up to date with the status of my case. I would highly recommend using Terry for your complex legal dispute
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23 Jun, 2015 by Denise
Working with David Bunger Law completely met my expectations. David was easy to communicate with, consistently kept me informed and up to date on progress, and was successful and competent in handling our legal needs. I felt confident throughout the entire process that I was in good hands as he was always responsive and on top of the necessary steps to be taken. I would recommend David without any reservations.
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22 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
The best thing anybody can say about a lawyer it that they are fair. Mr. Kraus is very honest, fair, and ethical. His phone calls are fast, to the point, and therefore inexpensive. Anybody who has worked with legal representation knows the sound of the cash register ringing when you have long phone calls with your lawyer. Many lawyers drag out these calls longer than need be, and when you get the detailed invoice there are all types of “surprises.” Not so with Ed. He lets you know the status of the case, what is going on, and waste no money getting the case wrapped up. He has been described to me by other lawyers as a “pit bull” and I can see why. He can be as friendly and as tough as he needs to be. His knowledge of the law is amazing, and his honesty is very nice to see in the legal business. I can not rave enough about Ed and his firm, and I hope I never need to have a lawyer again, but if I must, I know whom I will be calling.
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23 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Advocate Jeffrey Elliott ( Cruz) , the Castilian Barrister, like a fighter, as his father & eldest daughter, is doggedly in the ring and in your corner, be it , misdemeanor or felony
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22 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Jackie is a pleasure to work with! She handles complicated legal situations with ease and keeps you in the loop one hundred percent of the time. She is super responsive and always available if a question comes up. Thank you, Jackie!
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22 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Now that Amy has moved, I wanted to reiterate my endorsement of her. She helped me with a dispute over backpay, unpaid expenses, etc. not long ago. I was very pleasantly surprised at how aggressive, meticulous and punctual with deadlines. In particular she made it very obvious that she was much more skilled than the defendant lawyer. She has my unqualified support.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Phil
John Domingue was excellent in his follow through and advice. He understands real estate law and was able to help us unravel an stickey issue with an ex-daughter-in-law and a house we were involved in with her. His fees did not exceed his quote for services. He also worked very well with my son's family lawyer to clear the property issues from the proceedings.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Lia ghirmazion
Dennis has been my family lawyer for years. Because, he is the most honest lawyer, that I have known Mr Kollenborn. I few lowyer before Mr kollenborn that took advantage of me, Unfortunately, I didn’t know Mr. Kollenborn then. I have know him for over 25 years I always recommended my friends and family to go to him before they hire other lawyers. he helped me my nasty divorce case 25 years ago and And family members are criminal cases Did wonderful job.
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07 Nov, 2014 by David
I don't know if Ms. Cassell is in practice anymore, I use to do Estate business with her, but have not been able to connect with her. her phone message box is full and has been for over a year.
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05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Cameron took on an improbable case as we tried to sue a building contractor that had gone bankrupt with six figures of my money. This contractor had bamboozled hundreds of people and companies. I was the only one to get anything out of her thanks to Cameron's creative approach and dogged determination to see the suit through. Great communication, nice guy, honest. Highly recommended!
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20 May, 2022 by Jt&ct
Masumi Sakai recently helped us with a Civil Case from a bad Contractor and filed a Cross-Complaint on our behalf. Ms. Sakai is very professional, kept us informed about the case, did not let case drag out, didn't overcharge or create extra charges. She was honest, fair and we really liked working with her in general as a person who would listened, was understanding and knowledgeable of our situation. Our case ended well, as she protected our interests in court. We would recommend Masumi Sakai for your legal needs in her areas of expertise.
Kind regards -
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25 Oct, 2013 by Brian
knows the law in every way you can't go wrong I hired James back in December 1979 i made a mistake and got my self arrested in my young life when he spoke with me he only asked for me to be totally honest with him and he would help me and he did and i'v been a honest man ever since and law abiding
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07 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Very knowledgeable, and well inform with the facts given the client pertaining facts to make decision
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30 Apr, 2024 by Natasha dubois
The law firm was great replied back and keeps you informed on everything. Highly recommend. Marc Musante was great and very helpful during the whole process.
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11 Aug, 2021 by Luis sanchez
During my interview with David, he told me that he would try his best to get me a second probation and he did. He got the best results for me. I can honestly say he will go out his way for his clients as well as work with any situation that may come. Very honest and direct. Thank you to David Chesley and staff... the real super lawyer for the San Jose area….
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19 Jul, 2021 by Ramon perez
He got us a free consultation that same night, even though we had also spoken to a few more lawyers. The easiest thing to do is to recommend the Law Offices of David Chesley to anyone who needs assistance. His calm and cool demeanor helped keep me and my family level-headed, and he was easy to talk to and would give honest answers to any questions or concerns. Provides good information and legal advice, and I feel he was very responsive to calls and emails. I still had a good amount to pay off and he refused to let me pay anymore. His 15 years of experience representing clients provided me with a solid, clear, and worry-free process. I highly recommend Mr. Chesley to be your San Jose criminal defense attorney for felony, DUI, or misdemeanor cases.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Nicolas byers
The clarity and depth of their advice have been instrumental in shaping our company's strategic decisions and protecting our interests.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Melinda wright
A corporate legal maestro, providing tailored solutions that navigate the complexities of today's commercial landscape with ease.
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13 Jul, 2024 by James turner
Whether you're a startup seeking legal guidance or a seasoned corporation in need of representation, these attorneys have you covered.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Nicolas byers
The clarity and depth of their advice have been instrumental in shaping our company's strategic decisions and protecting our interests.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Melinda wright
A corporate legal maestro, providing tailored solutions that navigate the complexities of today's commercial landscape with ease.
Read more
13 Jul, 2024 by James turner
Whether you're a startup seeking legal guidance or a seasoned corporation in need of representation, these attorneys have you covered.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Nicolas byers
The clarity and depth of their advice have been instrumental in shaping our company's strategic decisions and protecting our interests.
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Melinda wright
A corporate legal maestro, providing tailored solutions that navigate the complexities of today's commercial landscape with ease.
Read more
13 Jul, 2024 by James turner
Whether you're a startup seeking legal guidance or a seasoned corporation in need of representation, these attorneys have you covered.
Read more
06 Sep, 2024 by Nicolas byers
The clarity and depth of their advice have been instrumental in shaping our company's strategic decisions and protecting our interests.
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by Melinda wright
A corporate legal maestro, providing tailored solutions that navigate the complexities of today's commercial landscape with ease.
Read more
13 Jul, 2024 by James turner
Whether you're a startup seeking legal guidance or a seasoned corporation in need of representation, these attorneys have you covered.
Read more
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
07 May, 2016 by I. g.
26 Sep, 2015 by Nika lu
12 Aug, 2015 by Jesus calderon
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
