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23 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
I have lived amost 3 decades hating everyone in the legal profession and avoiding all contact with lawyers. At long last I was forced to hire a lawyer and after encountering more scumbags, I had given up hope and just left him a message. He called back and in 5 days, he got me the solution I looked for, he was effective, full of empathy and absolutely professional. Now he is my lawyer of choice for the rest of my business life - I hope he is interested. I realized at last that lawyers can be wonderful people as well - surprise, surprise!
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10 Mar, 2010 by Devlin
Amit has been my Lawyer for 4 years and am constantly recomending him. He understands my business and I feel safe with him.
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28 May, 2010 by Rod underhill
Who does a seasoned attorney go to when he needs a super lawyer? Well, for me, I went to Gretchen. When I noticed a major toy company and potentially exposed my young daughter to lead poisoning, I wanted to get the best representation possible for my family. As one of the nation's leading technologists, I've been represented by many firms, including the same firm that represents Microsoft. But for this very sensitive case, I need precisely the correct attorney to assure that my legal needs would be taken care of. Gretchen was perfect. Nobody is harder on a lawyer than another lawyer and Gretchen was flawless in her professional abilities.
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28 May, 2010 by Nicole
Gretchen is a brilliant and sharp attorney who is very down to earth. She is a partner in one the best law firms in country. Gretchen represented me in a class action lawsuit suit that reached a multimillion dollar settlement from one of the largest manufacturers in the world! I cannot say enough kind things about Gretchen. If you need an attorney call her right now. She will work very hard on your behalf. You could not have a better person to represent you.
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25 Feb, 2014 by S. jones
Susannah is absolutely top notch, and I could not be happier that I had her on my side in dealing with a complicated and emotional insurance case involving several large insurance companies. She set out a very clear strategy and action plan, worked tirelessly building a compelling and comprehensive case, was extremely vigilant about keeping my costs down while still leaving no stone unturned, and brought out just the right details and exactly the right experts to help us to prevail. She tolerated my frustrations, occasional tears and endless questions with grace, kindness, and wisdom. She was able to keep both sides focused and professional, and negotiated a mediation with a very favorable outcome for me and my family. I can honestly say that she got our lives back on track after a devastating fire, for which I am profoundly grateful. I hope to never go through another lawsuit, but if I do, I will immediately turn to Susannah Carr.
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24 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Susannah Carr is one of my "unsung heroes." To a layperson, finding oneself in complex litigation is intimidating and frightening. To then face "push back" from insurers is overwhelming. Susannah was there for me. Her competence, empathy, caring and professionalism gave me the confidence to navigate this terrain. She is worthy of trust and can be counted on. Having her on my side empowered me against these powerful foes. What greater recommendation could there be?
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03 Nov, 2009 by Lisa
Darcy is professional, knowledgeable, honest and level-headed. She provided my family much-needed guidance in working through some estate issues during my father's terminal illness. I am happy to provide Darcy my highest recommendation.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Matthew ellis
I have recommended Darcy to many people who have retained her. NO ONE is as good as Darcy, she is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with.
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27 Jun, 2016 by Louis h. leclezio
Over some 30 years, I have dealt with a number of top Seattle attorneys. To name a few who tepresented me are Thomas William "Tom" Burt, originally at Riddell Williams, presently Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Litigation Group, Microsoft Corporation and also none the he less than the renowned Steve Berman voted among 100 top lawyers in America.
IMHO, Dan Mallove is a very rare attorney. He is wise, he is thorough, he is humble, and shows compassion towards all parties. He commands much respect. I regret that he has never represented me. But I am glad to have known him although in an adversary position. It is refreshing to know that a few attorneys with so much integrity exist.
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02 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I have works with many attorneys representing me personally and professionally. Dan is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. He is knowledgeable, thorough, responsive, and effective.
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09 Jan, 2008 by Anonymous
Rich has represented our firm for 20 years in a variety of construction, insurance and development situations, mostly litigation. Rich is certainly a pleasure to work with. However, we rely on Rich and his fellow attorneys because he consistently delivers on our expectations. In perhaps a dozen lawsuits (some of which threatened the survival of this firm, now a $50,000,000 annual revenue company), Rich has achieved the outcomes we had been hoping for - and more.
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08 Jan, 2008 by Anonymous
Rich successfully handled a very complex, multi layered and mulit million dollar construction liability lawsuit for me and I was very impressed with his teams ability to understand coordinate all the moving parts for a positvie outcome.
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21 Jan, 2013 by Bradley
It is with high recommendation that anyone seeking attorney representation, one seriously need consider Mr. Josh Joerres. I personally have used representation with Mr. Joerres, pertaining to a product liability and home owner’s insurance claim. After dealing with my homeowners insurance, the manufacturer and their insurance company concerning the faulty product I found myself in over my head with nowhere to go except beating my head against the wall. I contacted Mr. Joerres whom was very concerned of my situation. Mr. Joerres in my dealings were positive, he took the time to listen, and to explain as well always followed through with the appropriate course of action, which ultimately led to a very positive result. Again I highly recommend Mr. Josh Joerres, an attorney who really does the right thing and has a very personal approach to each client’s distinct situation.
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12 Mar, 2012 by James
I broke my tooth at a Seattle Chineese Restaurant. I went in to talk to the owners about the situation and it did not go well. I left feeling like I was verbally assaulted and very confused!! I called Joshua and he took action immediately... Within a couple of weeks I was getting tooth repaired and Joshua made sure when I closed my claim that I was feeling alot better than this establishment made me feel!! Thanks Josh you are AWESOME...
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25 Oct, 2019 by Troy
James is professional, compassionate, sharp and really takes the time to understand the issues at hand. He is also knowledgeable and doesn't try to take advantage of his clients. Of the 10 or so attorneys I have spoken with over the last 10 years, James is by far the best.
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17 Aug, 2010 by David
I have worked with many attorneys in my professional career. Jim is an excellent attorney who not only is very knowledgeable, but also very cost conscious in his endevors. I will continue to use Jim's services on a weekly/monthly basis as necessary for our company. An excellent attorney who gets great results.
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29 Mar, 2018 by Markus
Great Attorney. Had him as a defender in criminal matter and the way he kept and held the State to Jurisprudence gave me confidence throughout the entire procedurals. It was like he had a cord tethering him to the grounded Truths. Specifically speaking upon one of his maneuvers: a Cop had under oath lied and Him being faced with the dilemma of A.) Objecting upon "Violating Amendments" with the caveat as Possible additional year(s) added; but required My taking stand for Obtaining facts, thus subjecting us to factually admitting Terms of Guiltiness or, B.) Draw up deal(?) offered up. Well he smacked the cops' testimony for a Power line-drive! I was dubious of helping us either way, but I always had faith in his convictions (Irony?); but not so beit his swaying of it, but -this being of trail phase- he broke out the Szweet Suit! The rest is on recording
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29 Aug, 2012 by Aimée
Avi has an extraordinary command of employment law, particularly related to financial advisors. He is incredibly bright, works extremely hard, communicates very well, is responsive, balanced, and his legal writing is outstanding, offering unparalleled attention to detail.
Avi fought hard to protect my interests and achieve our desired outcome in the end. Beyond being one heck of an attorney (with a criminal litigation background no less), Avi is a consummate professional as well as a truly kind and compassionate person.
Hiring an attorney to keep you out of trouble is never cheap, but billing was always fair and money very well spent! I cannot recommend Avi highly enough!!
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09 Sep, 2013 by Marissa
I was really nervous hiring a lawyer for the first time. Kyle was extremely patient answering our questions and helping us decide how to deal with our contractor. We were very happy with the settlement he worked out for us.
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29 Apr, 2010 by Wb
Kyle is a highly trustworthy and intelligent legal counselor. From personal consulting to real estate to corporate structure issues, Kyle's advocacy has been precise, thoughtful and absolutely above-board. He is a passionate counselor and highly successful defender of interests while also being unflappable during stressful or time-pressured situations. He spends the time and intellect to perform completely thorough work. Not least, he's a pleasure to do business with. I recommend Kyle without hesitation.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Mark
Debora did a excellent job on our case. She kept us informed during the process and really came through for us. I would highly recommend her and hopefully we will never need her again. It is nice to know we have highly skilled Attorney if we ever need one. We were really happy with her results.
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07 Apr, 2016 by Margaret
Deborah assisted me with a UMBI claim and a difficult adverse adjuster. She was thorough, knowledgeable, upfront and honest about the case and challenges, and she won an outstanding result. I highly recommend her.
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02 Mar, 2010 by Delta
From the first time I met David in his office, I knew he was the lawyer I wanted to trust my case with. My case took a long time, but throughout I was impressed by the service David and his office gave me. I felt so lucky to find a lawyer so down to earth. David set me up with a couple of expert doctors to convince the insurance company that my injuries were as serious as I had always claimed they were.
The best part about David? Well I ended up with more money in the end than I ever thought I'd get so for me that stands out!
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07 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
David helped us get our business started. He worked on our LLC agreement, reviewed our contracts, and helped us with possible tax structures.
My favorite part of working with David is his attitude; he's obviously interested in what you are doing, and wants to help. The atmosphere of the office is just the right amount of relaxed; it makes seeing your lawyer seem like getting great advice from a trusted friend rather than being allowed in to a secret society by virtue of your wallet.
I would recommend David without hesitation.
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03 May, 2012 by Margaret
I am attorney and have worked with Margaret Cerrato-Blue for almost a year now. We have been co-counsel on several family law matters, including one that went all the way through trial. She is a fantastic attorney, with great experience and compassion, who has excellent trial skills. I have really enjoyed working with her and our clients have been very happy with the outcomes of their cases.
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02 May, 2012 by Anonymous
When I went to write this review I was surprised to see a negative one. Margaret was extremely efficient in handling my case. She was supportive, professional and extremely knowledgeable about family law. She was referred to me by a former client who had also been very happy with her experience with Margaret. Prior to hiring her, I did check references and found them all to be very positive, and according to her references she has in fact been practicing law for 20 years. I would highly recommend her.
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02 Dec, 2014 by Mark
I'm a small business owner who was hit with a lawsuit from a much wealthier client who cynically bet his deeper pockets would destroy my business long before his audacious claims would ever have to be proven in court. And I believe now that had any other attorney besides Mr. Paine represented me, this individual would most likely have been right. To my great fortune, however, Mr. Paine was my attorney and he proved to be exceptionally knowledgeable, skilled, and loyal to my cause.
And that is perhaps the greatest point I can make here in this review; Mr Paine was there for me, steadfastly representing me and making sure I understood what was happening in the suit and what my options were throughout. He literally kept me sane when I thought all was lost.
If attorneys have a doctor's equivalent to a "good bedside manner," Mr. Paine has it in spades.
We won the case and even more remarkably, managed to reach a settlement that actually compensated me for the original work I did for the client in question. At the start of the proceedings, I thought such an outcome totally unattainable.
If you're looking for an attorney who absolutely knows what he's doing and can skillfully navigate all phases of a lawsuit to your best advantage, you should give Mr. Paine a call and see if he can help.
I'm certain I'm better off for having done so.
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25 Nov, 2014 by Lane
Mr. Paine helped my partner and I navigate a very tedious and frustrating lawsuit we were forced to bring against a well funded nightmare client of our companies. His counsel kept us on track the entire case, helped us avoid any costly pitfalls, and ultimately led to a very satisfactory outcome for us. I can't recommend him highly enough.
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22 Apr, 2017 by Robert
I'm involved in a really weird prolonged case and David has produced such incredible paperwork/briefings/etc. I have 3 degrees and the level of professionalism, integrity, and legal expertise that David demonstrates is far above anything I have ever seen in my 57 years. I have worked with lawyers in the past (and no slight to them) but nothing compares to the level of expertise David brings to the table. For areas that David is an expert in I highly recommend him and his team. I will definitely be speaking his praise with all my friends at Microsoft as they too deserve the best if they need one.
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08 Jan, 2016 by Michael
David represented me in a complex appraiser liability and standard of care case, that included claims of violation of the Consumer Protection Act and Securities Fraud brought by unscrupulous predatory lawyers that did little to no discovery because they thought they had a lead pipe cinch of a case. Their exorbitant demands to settle the case forced me to go to a 2-week trial. David and his team were absolutely brilliant and made it clear to the jury that not only was I not responsible for the investors loss, in fact my client, a come to find out shoddy hard money lender who went to Federal prison, was 70% at fault, and the investors that brought the suit against me were 30% at fault for causing their own loss. The other side accused me of "mailing in" my appraisal. It was proven at trial that given the information I had and more importantly didn't have, my value of the property was spot on. They mailed in their litigation of this case and had they done their due diligence they would have learned about a hidden easement that was the primary cause of the loss. David's incredibly skilled defense and education of the jury, in spite of the other side's clever efforts to obfuscate the truth was a true masterpiece. David's efforts saved me millions of dollars, and was very very effective.
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30 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I’ve used Mr. Scruggs services several times over the last few years. He is extremely competent, very knowledgeable and hard-working. He has managed to get a favorable result for me each and every time. I know he has a number of large clients and despite the fact that my cases have been of a smaller to mid-sized nature, he always makes me feel I’m as important to him as his major clients. I would not consider using any other attorney.
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31 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
I was most impressed with how ethical he is. This was an LLC agreement with my siblings and me. Mr. Scruggs was very clear about trying to come up with something that would be best for the group and yet making it clear throughout that he represented me and that my siblings should have the agreement reviewed by their own counsel. He seemed very fair and logical. He is also extremely knowledgeable, competent and efficient. I will go back to him if I have the need.
My only criticism is that he is very busy and didn't always return my calls immediately. He always got back to me, but sometimes it wasn't right away.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Cassandra
I was in a hit and run accident. My insurance company is known for paying out very little and most times having to be sued instead of settling.
I did not have "PIP" but did have uninsured motorist. I was informed by the insurance company when I signed up that I really did not need PIP because I had medical included in my coverage. Turned out after my accident it really was not much due to the fact that I have permanent damage and will be on medication for the rest of my life and require more treatments. Mike Jacobs fought for me. My payout was the "MAXIMUM" amount of coverage I had for my medical and in addition a payout of almost $14,000.00 to fix my automobile "without totaling my car". This was all settled out of court.
I'm so grateful Mike took my case.
He was always so respectful and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him.
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05 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Recently my wife and I had occcasion to need an auto accident lawyer. We are very picky about who does legal work for us and how it is done. Mike has not disapppointed us. He and his team have been efficient, timely, and helpful. And even though ours is not the biggest case in the world, Mike has taken the time to explain things and to apply his strategic thinking and skill to our case. Highly recommended !!!
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30 Apr, 2015 by Ali
I worked with Mr. Torgesen in the past and was pleased with my outcome. I found myself in need for legal help so I reached out to him. Even though he was unable to help he promptly referred me to one of his colleagues that is able to help. Thank you!
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26 Jan, 2009 by Anonymous
I'd recommend Michael Torgesen. He is an Excellent attorney. Did an outstanding job representing me. I couldn't have asked for a more trustworthy representative. Thanks Michael. I'll refer you if I am ever asked.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Jd hood
19 Jul, 2017 by Genipher owens
25 Mar, 2022 by Rick heilman
Friendly, efficient staff here at Alta Law Group. It was a totally painless experience for having to hire an attorney to assist me. Very nominal wait time and the attorney who I met with, Mrs. Bernstein was extremely thorough and pleasant. Her legal aid was just as thorough and pleasant. I actually look forward to meeting with them again and highly recommend this law firm to anyone considering seeking legal advice.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Kid tha
08 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Medical complaints are a fact of life for any doctor and the only thing you can do is to make sure you are doing your best for your patients, following guidelines, and documenting everything. But more important is to have good and competent representation to show all the work you have done, otherwise nothing you do matters.
Matt is the lawyer you need when these events happen. He evaluates the situation and pays attention to the information that you provide then comes up with a plan of action.
Matt represented me on two separate occasions and he did a professional and amazing job leading to a positive outcome.
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13 Jul, 2016 by Dinah
Our attorney, Matthew McCauley, did an amazing job for us and the overall outcome of our case was better than expected. We were in need of legal counsel for an out-of-state visitation rights and parenting plan dispute, and Matthew and the firm provided sound legal advice and representation that was resolution based; ultimately leading to a successful and less costly outcome. Our concerns and wishes were addressed each step of the way and at no time did we feel pressured or abandoned throughout the case. We appreciate Matthew's warm demeanor and professional advice, and we highly recommend his legal expertise and service.
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24 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Attorney Denevan is exceptional. In the midst of an emotionally devastating legal situation, Attorney Denevan never lost sight of our true goals. He was unwavering in his compassion for the difficulties we experienced, yet he never balked when we needed to be aggressive and strong in our case. Years later and countless hours in court, meetings and mediation, we have to admit that while we have our disappointments in some of the outcomes, they are related to the uncertainties germane to legal "battles" and not in any way to our representation by Attorney Denevan. Opposing counsel engaged in very painful name-calling and offensive assertions which were unsupported and not true. Our natural desire was to respond in kind, however Attorney Denevan always brought us back to our true goals and was very clear that he would not engage in such damaging shenanigans. He has a brilliance that we can only truly appreciate after the fact. He puts personal and legal integrity first. He taught us that regardless of legal outcomes, personal integrity is the one outcome we can control. It has been an Honor to be represented by and to learn from Attorney Denevan.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Kim is an excellent attorney. I'm so grateful to him for handling my case with speed and professionalism. I would recommend him to anyone.
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10 Nov, 2022 by Reuben
Christopher is my go to tax attorney in the Puget Sound. He not only does great work and is very detail oriented, but is very strategic when it comes to planning out deal structures and creative problem solving.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Johanna
I had daily contact and consultation on my case with Mr. Davenport. He always gave his full attention to all aspects of the issues. In the end I felt complete satisfaction that he cares about his clients and the best way to help them .
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02 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I worked with Kristin briefly, but found her sympathetic to my case as well as strong with a great legal mind. She had good common sense. Something not always prevalent in today's society!
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04 Aug, 2010 by Gary
I used Mr. Murphy to help settle an injury claim due to an auto accident. James was great, and did a wonderful job negotiating with other drivers insurance company. We got a fair settlement which covered my medical expenses and his costs, which is all I had ever asked for from them in the first place.
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06 Nov, 2018 by Betty
My husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma and we reached out to Kaitlin to represent us, we are so grateful we did. Kaitlin not only knows everything about asbestos law, but she was the most caring attorney we've dealt with. This was a difficult time for us, but Kaitlin made us feel we could leave it up to her.
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05 Jan, 2011 by Daniel
After two attorneys who botched my case, Mr. Bartlett stepped in, took command, made the correct moves and motions and ultimately won my case in court.
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15 May, 2024 by Whitney
Firstly when meeting over the phone he was very kind and gave me a run down of not just where we were at in my case and where it could go but him as a person. Told me a little about his history with being a lawyer and about his family. He makes you feel extremely comfortable and calm. I had some hesitation when he was assigned to my case because he was new but that was quickly calmed after speaking to him and seeing how he approached things. This guy knows what he’s doing! He’s not new to this but had been new to the dui hero’s team and he’s a wonderful fit! He kept me very updated and covered all bases legally and also on my character. My case was a bit complicated and not the norm and he managed to get me no jail time and I was able to stay home with my new baby. Keep in mind this is after being told from other lawyers it wouldn’t be possible. With the extra work and time he put in he made it happen! Me an my family are very greatful for Christopher Wong. At the time of court he came extremely prepared and on time as it was hours away. He stayed with me the entire time even after to figure out payments or whatever was next he walked through everything with us. During the wait we were nervous and he was able to calm that with a very warm smile and humor. I have ADHD and often overwhelm myself in stressful situations and with him calmly by my side I was able to make it through and even read my letter to the judge. I can’t thank him enough. It felt more like a friend with you then some of the other lawyers that can feel a bit cold. Everything is done at your pace and zero judgement. HIGHLY recommend!!! Thanks again!
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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.
