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17 Jan, 2022 by Pav
I'm so grateful for Harry and team for their help with the purchase of my home in chatham. When I was referred to Harry by my trusted real estate agent, I already knew I was in good hand. Harry was super attentive, compassionate and understanding. Although it was an extraordinarily busy time (amidst covid induced housing market high), Harry was incredibly patient helping address all my questions and concerns. Harry and team made sure that all clients are their top priority and at the KO firm, you don't feel like just another transaction at all. I couldn't ask for a better attorney. If you're looking for an attorney for your real estate needs, Harry is your guy!
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13 Nov, 2019 by Yoshi
We hired the Ko Firm for the purchase of our home and couldn't be happier with the experience. Harry Ko and Tom Szieber guided us every step of the way through the tricky closing process, and made sure that they were always there for us when we ran into an issue or had a question. Harry's wealth of experience in residential and commercial real estate was reassuring as it was impressive. He was able to anticipate and warn us of all of the gotchas and pitfalls well before we came across them. He tackled some of the trickier negotiation points with ease and prepared us early with advice that proved to be a big help further along in the process. This was huge for us, as this was our first time buying a house and had no prior experience whatsoever. Equally impressive was the teamwork and coordination between Harry and Tom, as well as Legal Assistants Sarah and Barbara. Whenever we emailed or called anyone at the Ko Firm, they always seemed to all be on the exact same page. What stood out to me, however, was the incredibly friendly and down-to-earth manner of everyone at the Firm. I really felt that everyone had our best interests in mind and that they were looking out for us. It's not at all what you would expect from a typical lawyer. As someone who previously worked at an AmLaw 100 firm, I can tell you that this balance of experience, professionalism, and empathy is extremely rare in this industry. I would recommend the Ko Firm wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a real estate attorney in this area. At the very least, if we ever run into a need for legal services or advice, Harry and his team will be the first ones to get my call.
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12 Jun, 2011 by Meg
Kenneth represented me in a very complicated trust/insurance lawsuit. During discovery, I was overwhelmed and very emotional, but Ken kept me focused and pushed me to find documents to support my position. Throughout the process, from discovery to arbitration to summary judgement, Ken was very proactive, and left no stone unturned. I was impressed by his strength, focus, and diligence during the depositions, which helped bring out even more facts and information. We ultimately won the case. People say no one really wins in litigation, because of the expense and emotional toll, but if you find yourself with no choice, you should hire Ken, because he will get the job done.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Dwayne
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional legal representation provided by Jordan Dascal. After facing reluctance from other lawyers who deemed my case unworthy, Mr. Dascal not only accepted it but went above and beyond to secure a favorable outcome. Thanks to his dedication and expertise, I was able to recover $25,000—an outcome I never thought possible. Mr. Dascal's commitment to his clients and his relentless work ethic are truly commendable. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you so much for everything!
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24 Jan, 2022 by Cj
Jordan Dascal was referred to us as someone who could represent us well in a legal proceeding with our previous Landlord. We just finished our case and are extremely grateful for his counsel. He was always professional, articulate and had a deep background on specific NJ law and legal points that were applicable to our case. He was available for any questions, listened to our concerns, and helped us feel comfortable and confident with the path we were pursuing. On day of trial/mediation, he handled everything, and successfully navigated the conversation and negotiations to our desired outcomes. We would feel comfortable recommending him and utilizing his services in the future.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Emh
My problem began with what I thought was a good decision. Shortly after, I received a devastating news about that decision. I was at the verge of losing hope about any recovery. I contacted several lawyers and the only one that gave me confidence and was willing to work with me was Attorney Jordan Dascal. Not only did he return my call in a timely fashion, but he was also very knowledgeable about the situation. After reviewing the circumstances, he assured me of a good outcome and recommended a fair financial agreement. Now that we are in the final stages, I can highly suggest Jordan as someone who not only looked out for my interest, but kept me involved in the process, answered all my texts and emails promptly- even during ungodly hour. It made me feel that my case really mattered to him. I hope I never have to, but if I need a lawyer again, I will not hesitate to call Jordan.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Gerry
Paul Grosswald completely bungled my case. He didn't show up in court three times. He didn't provide discovery or contact the opposing counsel after the judge ordered him to do so. Every conversation was about him trying to get me to settle so his obligation would end because his fee was prepaid. On the fourth court appearance he made it clear that he was not going to be my advocate and I was forced to settle by withdrawing my complaint. He also doesn’t present himself in a professional manner.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success.
  3. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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