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18 Aug, 2024 by Roland cavell
1st class. Knows exactly what to do and explains it to you on your level. Highly recommended 👌
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23 Jan, 2024 by John standiford
25 Jan, 2023 by Nichole keemer
25 Sep, 2023 by Jonathan
John Robinson and Felicia were absolutely fantastic to work with and I highly recommend them!
John was very honest, knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to fully understand my situation and patiently answer all my questions. I felt I was in good hands with John and he took care of my situation promptly.
I really can’t say enough good things about my experience with John and his team.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Brian s
11 Mar, 2023 by Kimberly holland
John Robinson helped my family clear up 2 Florida trusts containing Maryland property. To say it was complicated, is putting it mildly. John never padded his bill, working very quickly to come to a favorable solution. This is the second time I have retained Sims & Campbell, particularly John Robinson l. I highly recommend this firm.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Nicole
Zachary was beyond helpful in a situation my husband and I were in recently where we reached out and acquired his services. I cannot express in words how easy Zach was to work with, and how much he helped put our fears at ease. His assistance was bar none, and I am nearly positive that we would not have had the same outcome had he not been our attorney. He communicated with us throughout the entire process, was extremely responsive, and helped us through a situation that could have had a completely different result had we not been fortunate enough to have Zach and his beyond exceptional services.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Audrey
When I was in need of an attorney for a financial matter, Zach and Cara were recommended to me.
Zach is a level head smart and savvy attorney that gets the Defendants to buckle to their knees.
As for Cara, she is just as smart and savvy, but she has a calming presence about her that makes you feel at ease when fighting in a court room. Put them together and you definitely have an A Team!
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07 Sep, 2023 by Shannon
I cannot express how fortunate I am to have had the privilege of working with Zach and his remarkable law office. Zach successfully represented me in two complex civil cases that had a profound impact on my life. His unwavering commitment, legal expertise and professionalism led to a favorable outcome in both cases, with settlements that exceeded my expectations.
Zach took the time to understand the unique aspects of each case and provided not only legal guidance, but also emotional support during an incredibly stressful period. His responsiveness, transparency, and genuine care for my well being made the entire legal process more manageable and less daunting.
If you find yourself in need of legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Zach without hesitation.
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29 May, 2024 by Lisa r
When a lawyer does a consultation and tell you it I'll be add to your retainer fee please keep your word. Secondly I paid for your service not to have someone on the day of court unprepared and tell me take a deal. Never got my money back. My calls are screen. Do not hire this guy.
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12 Mar, 2022 by Chris
If you’re reading this review I assume that means you’re looking for an attorney. Let me save you time by saying HIRE Ralph! Ralph recently helped me through a complicated divorce. He knows the law and is highly respected by judges and other attorneys. When I mentioned his name to other attorneys I was consistently told I have a good lawyer. Most importantly he took the time to understand my case, my specific goals and what was most important to me. I appreciated that he responded to all calls and emails in a reasonable amount of time. Finally, while Ralph is a great lawyer he’s an even better person. He’s a good guy who helped me navigate through a very difficult period of my life. Again, highly I recommend Ralph Sapia.
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29 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Ralph came highly recommended from a semi-retired attorney in Columbia, MD. He truly shines in the court room! It was a pleasure watching him do what he does best today.
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22 Oct, 2024 by Heather walk
Very competent, friendly, and efficient. Very happy with the results.
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10 Dec, 2023 by Sonya
Awesome Attorney!
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05 Dec, 2023 by Don queen
22 Oct, 2024 by Heather walk
Very competent, friendly, and efficient. Very happy with the results.
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10 Dec, 2023 by Sonya
Awesome Attorney!
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05 Dec, 2023 by Don queen
21 Jan, 2023 by Christina soles
Highly recommended! This law firm provided me with nothing short of a consistently exceptional client-centered experience. Todd could not have been more professional, yet very personable and attentive to the client’s needs and addressing any concerns. Wonderful results as well as a pleasant experience. Thanks again.
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19 Jun, 2019 by Rahmatullah khaiber
My first meeting with Mr Todd Willson was great, very kind, high quality experienced and obviously a great personality and awesome person every met.
He helped me with my case and provided me with great advice and opinions.
I really appreciate Mr Todd and the Bodie law firm with having very experienced Attorneys.
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25 Jul, 2018 by M g
Great law firm to work with. Wonderful attorneys and trustworthy staff willing to do what it takes to get the job done. I would suggest this firm to anyone looking for a good lawyer.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Jb wells
Ms. Moylan and Ms. Bondarenko are by all means exceptional at what they do. They brought extreme professionalism and compassion to a case that was in need of such expertise that anyone would certainly benefit from when in need of family law. Their understanding of the matter was seen from day one as they drove towards a solution that helped in more ways than one.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Omolola festus adedayo
Omg!!! Lauri Moylan, I would say is the VERY BEST, you hear me? The VERY BEST, from my first meeting with her and Allison, to the very last second of my case, Lauri was there. She fought for me like she was fighting for herself, she is personable and genuine. I could not find the right adjective to qualify her professionalism, poise and sincerely but I encouraged you to hire her if you want to get the best result.
All the reviews written about Lauri are not just facts, but true. THANK YOU, Lauri.
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26 Jun, 2024 by Robert walker
I am dealing with a custody matter in Baltimore County. I just called Lauri Moylan's office a few minutes ago to schedule a consultation. The woman who answered the phone was rude and seemed to be in a huge rush to get me off the phone. I patiently asked the woman to allow me to explain what I needed but when her attitude persisted, I decided it was better to simply choose a firm with more considerate people answering the phones.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
We hired Christine Saverda Nielson for an incredibly challenging contested custody case. We overcame several near-devastating crisis moments only because Christine was in our corner. She leaves no stone unturned, is razor sharp (um, her brain is a file cabinet), and she straight-up owns the courtroom. Thank you, Chris...
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29 Oct, 2020 by Kevin
I personally worked with Christine Saverda-Nielson for the better part of 20 years after a referral from Counsel at Goodell & Devries of Baltimore formerly Semmes, Bowen and Semmes.
A friend of the family Ernest Barnes, Federal Trade Commission Chief Administration Law Judge who passed away in 2016 in many personal discussions recommended her as my personal attorney on many legal issues.
Her background, her experience and education as a Federal Agent for the US Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, a Yale Law School graduate have prepared her for my own Federal and Corporate business litigation with tremendous success and outstanding timely results.
With any litigation the Counsel that best represents the client is the Counsel who is best prepared and who will be persistent to endure the battle, thrives in competition and pursues success as the end goal.
I highly and enthusiastically recommend Christine Saverda-Nielson for any family or personal representation in all legal matters.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin D. Jones
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06 Jul, 2018 by Steve
A fantastic attorney who did what two previous, higher-priced lawyers couldn't ... we won a long and complicated child custody & support case that lasted years. She is an incredible negotiator who didn't back down from one of the county's most accomplished litigators. She always returned my calls and emails. One of the toughest and hardest working attorneys I've ever met!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Dennis badham
Kathleen and her entire team made a tough divorce and custody situation a lot easier. Kathleen was knowledgeable and honest about the entire process, and kept me informed throughout the duration. I highly recommend this group.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Mary ellen jacobs
Kathleen and her staff were integral in the reason why I was finally able to sign my divorce papers this week. She answered all my questions, was kind with difficult messages and even picked me up on morning when I was experiencing a panic attack before a court date. I would recommend her to anyone in MD for divorce. Thank you so much!
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19 Sep, 2023 by Deedee t
Ned wasn’t bad. He cared I could tell. Kathleen didn’t. I paid over 20,000 in less than 6 months. Our court date came and I had no attorney to stand by my side. I was told I had a balance of another $4000. This was days before our hearing. Take that for what’s it worth. Don’t come here.
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27 Apr, 2024 by Clare hopper
Top notch attorneys with high qualifications and expertise. Compassionate professionals who will provide sound counsel for your situation.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Dr.ankush sharma
Mr. Rich Grason is a wonderful, intelligent attorney with excellent trial skills and mitigation qualities. He takes care of you.
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01 Jan, 2024 by Jay smith
The WORST divorce attorney in the Baltimore area. Please trust me, do not hire Richard Grason. He is a scam attorney and Rich can't be trusted.
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5.0
20 Reviews
3.8
94 Reviews
10 Aug, 2024 by Austin
i wouldn't recommend her. i reach out about hiring her she replied with "i cannot offer to assist you with your matter. I cannot see what meaningful help I could lend under these circumstances" an it was a basic WRONGFUL TERMINATION CASE. which is her thing. didn't wanna help other then giving me a 1 800 number
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dw
I went through a few lawyers who gave me questionable advices before I came across Kathleen. First of all, she's working directly on my case, not other junior assistants. Second, Kathleen is not only very experienced and knowledgeable about the law, but most importantly, she's consultative and able to advice each step along the way. What's the strategy? What to say/do in what situation? You simply do not get this level of attention and support in other places.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Maria herndon
Kathleen Cahill is super professional and is highly knowledgeable in Employment Law. She assisted me with understanding my severance agreement and made sure the language was sufficient before I signed it. I would recommend her to anyone needing help.
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01 May, 2022 by Deborah
Mr. Luby represented me in a case that I thought was all but lost. He replaced another lawyer to help me with my injury reimbursement from Medicare after a dog bite. He worked tirelessly, despite my disorganization, and managed to handle this when I thought all was lost. I would absolutely go to him again.
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09 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Dave is a highly effective and efficient attorney. I hired him to handle a complex post-divorce custody matter, which he resolved to my satisfaction prior to trial. In addition to being knowledgeable about his area of law, I was able to trust that he cared about the impact of the result beyond the courthouse doors. I highly recommend Dave.
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16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired him to represent me in my divorce case. He was very unorganized, called and emailed me all the time asking me for things I already gave him and billed me for many hours of pointless meeting so he could increase my bill. He is not polished and he is a bad negotiator. I tried to work with him but he continued to give me bad advice that prolonged my case so he could keep billing. He overcharged me many thousands of dollars for work a para Lea gal could have done. Very unprofessional.
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16 May, 2024 by Jessie gaul
Dealing with HOA fees owed (so I see in other reviews with similar experiences, so no wonder these people are miserable).
Lied about offering me a payment plan, all my letters state the payment must be received in FULL but yet now that the balance is astronomical they offer a payment plan.
Both the women in the office have vile attitudes while lying about Richard Drury not being available to speak. Richard Drury himself only further the lies and nasty attitude.
Stay away from these people. They don’t care about anything except money.
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27 Nov, 2023 by Kim thornton
20 Jul, 2023 by Rick harper
Alex is one great lawyer and person. Helped me an my family through the entire estate settlement with expertise and kindness. Thanks again Alex!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Throughout my SSDI case Mr. Neuworth didn't know how to answer questions I had and gave me incorrect information on what to do when dealing with SSA. Mr. Neuworth never provided proof that he appealed my case, which I asked him to. He later fired me as his client saying that he could not represent me because I "didn't qualify." When I asked for my records he refused to comply. It took me going to his office unannounced (after several emails) to get him to agree to give me my records, however when I first appeared he did not even know who I was. Because of Mr. Neuworth's lack of competency my SSDI case has been left in limbo and it has become extremely difficult to find other representation due to the now unusual nature of my case.
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25 Feb, 2015 by Lawrence
I've known Richard personally and worked with on many occasions. He is a great lawyer and respected throughout the legal community. The firm is top notch throughout Maryland.
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05 May, 2019 by Bigbill
I found Mr Fradkin very personal, professional and productive in collecting debts for me. Mike's legal knowledge and application was extremely effective in helping me manage my accounts receivable. I give him 5+ stars!
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02 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Made an appointment for bankruptcy consultation last May, I showed up at my scheduled time, only to find no one expecting me! Apparently Mr. Fradkin was out to lunch and there were no other lawyers available to help me, the secretary/ paralegals were rude and insisted I was wrong despite me having a voicemail on my phone with the appointment confirmation. Aside from the condescending staff, the office is disorganized and filthy! Every desk within eyesight was cluttered with stacks of papers, files, and other stuff; with such a disorganized mess I have no idea how they keep track of anything and I definitely would never hire him after this experience!
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13 Aug, 2021 by Benjamin
Fred is one of the most bloodsucking lawyers I have ever been represented by in my life. He actually referred to me as his residual income which ended up being almost 70k in work for a child custody case. He colluded with the lawyer we were going against by purposely not handing in a motion to compel into the courthouse( which is a block away from his office) but then gave the motion to compel to the opposing lawyer. So he gave his buddy the motion to compel, and then never handed it in through the courthouse to avoid getting his lawyer friend getting sanctions against him. He missed due dates for documents. He will try and back you into unwanted settlement, end then flip it on you saying you are being unreasonable. He will pass your work off to a less competent lawyer(which will still cost you 375$ hourly) but then will say he has to double check their work, costing you thousands in double payments. Spend your money elsewhere. He’s a terrible person and an even worse lawyer.
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23 Jan, 2014 by Greg
Fred was always responsive and informative with all aspects of my cases. He was very knowledgeable and kept my best interests in mind. Very pleased with my experience using him. I will use him again in the future.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Arsalan butt
Spoke to Jen, most rude person!! Will not recommend this place to anyone!!
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10 Feb, 2023 by Ben ritter
I see many bad reviews but that is probably par for a company that people owe money. Myself I have had a good experience. Gary worked with me at court, like a human, and we came to a reasonable agreement. I have no complaints. Thank you for being understanding of my situation
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23 Sep, 2022 by Sal catta
04 Sep, 2019 by Sean
If you have a worker’s comp case, please stay away from this lawyer!
I had brain injury and have severe post-concussion syndrome including depression. My first lawyer, Mr. James Nicoll was rude and made my condition worse each time I contacted him. It reached to a point that I could no longer bear it anymore. Finally, I decided to find a new counsel. I called a local law office and a lawyer in that office was nice. The lawyer said he knew Mr. Gay many years and he strongly recommended Mr. Gay to me. He praised Mr. Gay enthusiastically and said Mr. Gay is best lawyer in Baltimore. I was so delighted to hear that and switched to Mr. Gay without second thought.
It turned out to be the worst mistake. Since he took over the case, not single time I called him, he was at his office. His secretary always told me to leave a message and would let Mr. Gay call me back. But he rarely did and rarely reply my emails. It seems he is too busy to stay in his office. I was very timid to speak out for fear that I was a difficult person because I already terminated my first lawyer.
He has very limited knowledge of worker’s comp. He even thought that the accidental disability retirement would offset worker’s comp, which means he would not get paid because my retirement is more than the award. He basically stopped working on my case after I was award disability retirement in early May until I pointed to him in July that worker’s comp would offset my retirement, which means I would not get any award benefit (of course, this is extremely unfair to injured workers, I have lost 1/3 of my income in the past and will lose 1/3 in the future).
Worker’s comp stopped paying one of my medications for my headache after IME in late April. I have to use my own insurance and asked Mr. Gay to contact IWIF. He had never contacted IWIF or my treating doctor regarding this matter. As a matter of fact, he had never contacted my treating doctors regarding my treatment or medications. I have to say he had done absolutely nothing on my case. I do not know what would happen to me if I did not get the retirement. Most likely I would kill myself because I can not go back to work and this lawyer could not do anything for my case.
Worker’s comp system is extremely unfair to injured workers because any lawyer signed on would get part of the settlement even though they did absolutely nothing. The worst, you can not directly contact IWIF adjuster and everything has to go though your lawyer. When a lawyer is not responsive, it keeps you waiting and waiting. It increases your anxiety and depression.
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15 Jun, 2017 by Lisa
I was recommended by an attorney within my state to Mr. Gerald Gay regarding a prospective law suit that I'm currently pursuing. Since my damages occurred in a different state from Mr. Gay's, he took the time out of his personal schedule to find me an attorney at a reputable law firm. Mr. Gay is extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Each time that I left a voicemail message, he returned my calls promptly. In addition, he offered to provide me with further advice if the outcome of the other attorney is not favorable for me. Thank you Mr. Gay!!
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I had continuous issues receiving compensation, my needs were not met in a timely fashion.
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11 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired her after a $35.oo fee consultation. She was late for the consultation. Discussing the Temporary Peace Order where I was the Respondent, I told her I had surveillance cameras that videotaped the exact interaction between my neighbor, the Petitioner, and myself where he claimed I was harassing him and that proved the very opposite. She told me to be sure to bring the taping of the encounter to the hearing.She also told me to prepare all my materials.
She never made copies of the peace order during the consultation nor did she give me any literature or cards. She held my copy of the order the entire time. She told me she would represent me for a fee of $700 and I agreed.I was to meet her by 9AM prior to the hearing. I didn't notice that she kept my one copy of the order and that I was left without anything including the location, court house, judge, etc.
The next day I discovered that she did not return the copy of the order to me after the consultation. When I desperately tried to contact her and she was totally unavailable. I called her partner, (no answer), the court houses,(closed for the day) . All I knew was that I absolutely had to be at the hearing by 9AM! And that was all I remembered. I was unbelievably upset.
That night I did my best to tape the surveillance video with a USBPort but could not play it on my computer. I am not computer knowledgeable and was up for hours. I got very little sleep. My spouse is ill but does not get picked up until after 9AM So I had to prepare both of us. after an almost sleepless night with No breakfast, no medicine. The taxi dropped us off at one court house but it was the wrong one. There they were finally able to find my name and direct me to another courthouse blocks away. We had to walk in the heat and humidity for blocks and arrived at the proper one just before 9AM. I was so upset and scared.
She was there and did not apologize. She told me she had sent an email at 8AM when we were already outside waiting for the taxi. I was completely frazzled and distraught.
During the hearing my neighbor and his neighbor witnesses made me out to be a harasser who yells and curses. The facts are just the opposite. She never really challenged them, asked them any particular questions, etc.
When I was at the stand in my lethargy I could barely remember what happened and she never prodded my memory to help me out. I did make a comment that showed my frustration with my neighbor and my lawyer said "You gave as good as you got, didn't you?" I responded positively when i it was not true. It was and always has been my neighbor who is the harasser. I have had to call the police on him for all kinds of crimes and misdemeanors. He is a bully and the other two neighbors have had the police called on them, as well. He is mad because we put no trespassing signs on our fence. She came to enjoy her day and was not prepared. Although it softened the effect her comment made me agree that this confrontation was as much my fault as my neighbor's. She made me come across as the terrible person. Had she been the lawyer I deserved this was when she should have brought out the video that would have exonerated me. This was the very video she told me to bring that I had spent hours preparing for the hearing. The judge found no harassment and closed the case in my favor, no thanks to Ms Wallace.
By the way ,she never sent that email she claimed to have sent on the morning of the hearing. She lied to me. I do not trust her and would never recommend her to anybody.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer barajas
Fradkin & Weber pa need to be investigated ASAP. They continue to come for me for a 10 year old loan from 2014 for the amount of $5k which I have paid back almost $20k total up to date and it is not making any sense. I took a $5k loan out in 2014 made payments on time up until I had a financial hardship in 2016. In 2017 I woke up to frozen bank accounts and a Garnishment order from the courts. First time hearing about them. Fradkin & Weber pa Never reached out prior, to try to come to an agreement to pay off the balance. From 2017 to 2018 they were garnishing my checks until I stopped working at that Job leaving a balance of $1,700. Never heard from them until 2019 when they took me back to court. I showed up to court and they did not. Never heard from them again until 2022 when I received a new garnishment order from the courts but I was no longer working at that employer. In 2023 I receive another garnishment order for almost another $7k.(wished the courts would work as hard on child support cases as they do cases like this one) They have been successfully garnishing my checks since the summer of 2023 and till this date still are. I called today requesting copies of all the payments that have been taken since the 1st garnishment and they said they send out monthly statements and will not send my request. I explained i have not received their monthly statements and even then I was still told NO and repeated that they send monthly statements. How do I not have a right to see the amount of payments that have been made by me to them? I have no issues paying back what I owe and then some but at this point i feel as they are taking full advantage of me not questioning them. But now I have tons of questions that need Answers. And from all the other reviews and reviews on the BBB site this company has no issues taking full advantage of people who don't speak up and allow it like
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07 Sep, 2023 by Danielle r
Rude! Cold hearted
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23 Dec, 2022 by Gregory durant
06 Nov, 2013 by Rachael.
After paying all most $4000 in suit, 4 years later he took another $864 from me single mother of 2 during nov and dec. No contact, Hides behind very rude secretary that hangs up on you and is out of town for months at a time, so if you do hire him, I don't see how he can be in court when he is away from town every day, for weeks and months at a time, first it was he is in court, Then out of town, wont explain how I owe, I had garnishment on paycheck, how come I never stopped working (garnishment is autosystem) then 4 years later I owe still $300 and another all most $600 in interest, he stopped payments, He is only one who can stop garnishment, just so id owe interest in the future, No employee can stop there own garnishment, Only from the ones receiving the money can stop it, No income tax check intercepted no more paychecks
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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.
