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14 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
My case was extremely involved and it was very difficult to find an attorney brave enough to get involved beyond the initial consultation. John stepped up and agreed to help, and help he did. He provided great counsel and support and laid out a winning strategy which led to a great outcome. I am so pleased that John handled my case and highly recommend his services. He truly cares and will guide you safely every step of the way.
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22 Oct, 2016 by Julie
I highly recommend. My friend referred me to Mr. Credell, whom she had hired previously and gotten positive results. I was in an emergency situation and Mr. Credell immediately got back to me and kept in touch consistently and thoroughly via phone, email and text. He won my case, and showed genuine care during this difficult time in my life.
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15 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Don't waste your money or time dealing with this Attorney! My Ex and I went into this guys office to use him as a mediator. After reaching an agreement in October, we were told our divorce would be FINALIZED by March (The date of separation was to be back dated to September 1st). After not hearing anything from John for several months, I emailed him (in March) attempting to find out what the status of our divorce was (since it should have been finalized by then). After having to send a couple of emails (due to not receiving a response), I was told that the courts were "backed up" and that was why it was delayed. I waited an additional month and again contacted John, who then told me that he needed a license plate number from one of our vehicles. After promptly giving him the information he needed, I again checked back a month later. John again gave me an excuse that made no sense.
Our divorce was Finalized A YEAR after it was supposed to be backdated as the date of separation! I again contacted John on two occasions and requested a partial refund due to his negligence in properly filing our divorce paperwork. I'd suggest if you're even considering using this guy that you may either consider one of two things: 1. Do it yourself (it would be quicker stumbling through the process than the time this guys takes) or 2. Go some where else where the guy has a clue what he is doing!
DO NOT USE THIS GUY!!!!!!!!!!!
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01 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
He knows the ins and outs of his cases and will refer you if necessary if he doesn't specialize in what you need. Has helped me with lots of immigration work.
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17 Oct, 2015 by James
Terrible attorney he handled my family law case and he clearly advertises civil and business. I asked if he specialised I family cases and he said yes.He had no problem taking my money and obviously didn't care for my outcome of my case.Any attorney with any ethics would have been honest about not specializing in family cases.I would have been ok going to someone one but leading me to believe he knew what he was doing based on his experience is very upsetting.I now have to deal with the consequences of spending less time with my children.This is the only satisfaction I get the chance to post a review and hope someone reads it and thinks twice about doing business with mr.Keller
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25 Jun, 2015 by Scott
This man was recommended to me from a friend who said her mother used to work in the same building as him. I can understand this because there are like 5-7 lawyers running out of the same building. I was very hopeful in my child custody case seing as how I was already divorced and the stipulation was laid out in TX. I was coming home from the military. Maybe he saw that as his payday I dont know but the man did ABSOLUTELY nothing for me besides filing the already drawn up divorce decree in California which I could have done myself for 60 bucks. Everytime he came to court (twice) he seemed disheveled and had no idea about my case. He was litterally reading up on my case while the judge was talking to other cases in front of me. And I don't mean refreshing his memory I mean he would ask me things like she did what? or why is this this way? Like he had no idea what he was doing and just getting this information for the first time.
I initially paid him 2500 dollars and agreed to pay him 500 per month more until the 6000 dollar total was met. Apparetnly I was gettting a military discount. After the initial meeting/payment I never recieved a phone call or anything from him or his office despite me phoning him about a half a dozen times in 2 months and even showing up in his office unannounced to have his secretary tell me that he wasnt in. Get this. I literally saw him run into his office when he saw me!! And of course I could hear things going on back there. He wasnt in. WTF. I should have bolted then but my court date was that week. He calls me at 7pm the night before 830 court and asks if I know we have court tomorrow? WOW.
We went throught the first round in court and I stuck by him because everything was falling in place. I guess any lawyer could have done it I just needed someone one to set up visitation (which was already stipulated) and get the ball rolling having been out of the country for so long (4 years). That was the initial court date. The second court date was set 2 months after that. Leaving the court building he has the nerve to hit me up for parking money meters stating he didn't have any change which I just thought was low class move. Anyway new court date in 2 months. I call, weekly, and keep getting blown off and I sent a payment in. Finally I decided to not send a payment in because I wasnt gettting any feedback and maybe that might actually get him to do something about it. The night before court again I get a call from his office this time telling me that Mr Shook is dropping me as a client for failure to pay. The night before I was supposed to show up to court from one missed payment deliberately done because my questions fell on deaf ears. No explination, no calls about the payment, nothing until the day before my case he drops me.
THE MAN TOOK 4000 dollars from a Veteran!!!! As for my money I sat down with Mr Shook after showing up again uninvited only this time he couldnt run and hide. He waved all this paperwork in my face as proof he did something. Of the 56 pages in the document he was waving (and screaming at me literally) 3 were his work. The other 53 was the divorce decree from Texas me and my ex wife already had from 2009. His 3 additions? The request to transfer documents from TX to CA that was 2 pages and one page notifiying my intentions to persue legal action or somehting like that I dont understand legal stuff sorry. Thats it. 4 Grand for 2 documents.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Diana
I only gave 1 star since it wont ley me choose 0. My family hired Mr. Shook a little over 2 years ago after we were in need of a Criminal Defense attorney for my brother. Mr. Shook informed my brother's wife and my parents that he had dealt with the type of criminal case we needed an attorney for and was experienced. That was a lie. Mr. Shook was my brothers attorney when he was being charged for murder. It took over 1 year before the case went to trial. From the first meeting that my family had with Mr. SHOOK he was informed that my brother (the client) had been drinking all night on New Years Eve to the point that he had blacked out. Mr. Shook ignored us and never reviewed his medical records. In fact throughout the whole time he only visited with my brother in jail no more than twice. He would only see my brother during his hearings. He did no discovery work of his own a d relied on the discovery work that the prosecution team had. He never interviewed any witnesses. Mr. Shook claimed he would hire a state crime scene investigator. He never did. Through out the whole time he continued to ignore us telling him that my brother was intoxicated and not a regular drinker. Instead of subpoening my brothers medical records from the hospital to obtain any evidence of his blood alcohol levels he had my sister in law his wife running around doing it her self. He also told her to go to downtown LA to obtain. A copy of the paramedic report. That is his job as his attorney. That's why he was being paid for. He did nothing. After my brother was convicted for 1st degree murder because Mr. SHOOK defense was mistaken identity even though they had an eye witness. He failed to hire an expert to review my brothers hospital medical records. If he had done so they would have discover that his blood alcohol level was 3x the legal limit and also under the influence of drugs to the point that my brother blacked out and had no recollection of that mornings events. Therefore making this an involuntary manslaughter case not a murder case. So instead of my brother serving 8 to 20 years he's serving 50 years to life for first degree murder. Due to this we don't believe he worked more that 6 hours on my brothers trial through the 2 years and was not prepared to go to trial. Mr. Shook was so upset that we had decided to fire him and obtain an experienced attorney the day of the sentencing that we said my brother was a liar. If henreally believed that why would he even take my parents money and pocket it and accept to represent my brother??..Now we are working with a true criminal defense attorney that is handling my brothers appeal. Mr shook is now working with the prosecutor to have my brother appeal denied and giving false Information stating that we never informed him that my brother was intoxicated...Mr. Shook did not care about representing my brother all he wanted was to get paid and as soon as he did his job was done and he did nothing after that. I hope this review helps anyone out their and decide to go to a true criminal defense attorney instead of Mr. SHOOK. If you decide to hire him...well good luck.
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11 Mar, 2013 by Gus
Thank you mike shook ,
I thank god for leading me to you ,
I wish the best for you and everyone you love
because of you I am with my 10 year old daughter and Rosy , mr shook god bless you
And your family
it is a pleasure to have met you.
mike you always in my thoughts
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
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15 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
He didn't know the law, got into a fight with opposing counsel, cost way more than he should have and didn't gain anything in the process.
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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.
