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17 Dec, 2024 by Gerard u
Recommend for anyone facing any legal problems even 6/7 months from being sentenced when I have questions or anything Mr. Katasrelis or one of his team will still respond to me.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Bryn
Best Defense Attorney Group
I consulted with Mr. Katsarelis regarding a very stressful situation that I went through. He was compassionate, genuinely cared, and gave me detailed advice and direction. He volunteered his time and went above and beyond my expectations to help me.
If you are looking for a group of people who actually care and want to help you look no further. These are the guys to hire!!!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Joe bynum
26 Dec, 2024 by Manny moreno
Great lawyer ! Was very helpful during the whole process of my case . Got the result I wanted and he went above and beyond to really make sure everything was taken care of. He helped me in a lot of ways and I am very appreciative of his help and would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance!
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26 Dec, 2024 by Viet mai
Carlos was extremely professional with me. I was very deliberate about who I wanted to hire to help represent me in the defense of a pre-trial case. Carlos’ communication was perfect. I would highly recommend him for your defense case needs. Carlos truly cares for his clients and always goes above and beyond the expectations.
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20 Dec, 2024 by 09eaglegrad
Quick easy and professional
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05 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia
Our case began in 2022 and just closed in 2024. There were some very difficult moments but we are beyond thrilled to finally hear, that this case against us has been officially closed.
We are so grateful for J.C's expertise, kindness and willingness to take on our case. At the beginning of our case, he reached out to our home insurance, asking them to provide counsel before the deadline was up for a response.
His advice advice during the deposition with very intimidating tactics from the opposing attorneys, helped us tremendously. His character is calm, patient yet with such an effective demeaner.
We can not express how blessed and grateful we are to have found him and all the associates in the firm including Jennifer, his paralegal. She was so kind and compassionate with us.
We award JC the most positive reviews and recommend him to everyone! He is simply one of the best in Tucson! He is competent, capable and professional.
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06 May, 2023 by Cassie van gelder
I cannot recommend JC Patrascioiu more. He's calm while fighting harder for you than you can imagine.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Elle
I cannot thank Mr. Curl more for his help with my questions, needs, and expertise! I'd spoken to multiple attorneys/firms regarding my case and nobody was as professional or knowledgeable as Mr. Curl. Thank you again!
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05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
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20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
17 Dec, 2024 by Gerard u
Recommend for anyone facing any legal problems even 6/7 months from being sentenced when I have questions or anything Mr. Katasrelis or one of his team will still respond to me.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Bryn
Best Defense Attorney Group
I consulted with Mr. Katsarelis regarding a very stressful situation that I went through. He was compassionate, genuinely cared, and gave me detailed advice and direction. He volunteered his time and went above and beyond my expectations to help me.
If you are looking for a group of people who actually care and want to help you look no further. These are the guys to hire!!!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Joe bynum
08 Jun, 2024 by Wil thomas
After sustaining a terrifying personal injury, and dealing with the overwhelming experience of being in the hospital, a trusted friend referred us to the Mercaldo Law Firm.
From the moment I engaged their services, it was evident that I was in the hands of consummate professionals who are not only highly skilled but also genuinely compassionate.
Specifically, I really appreciated their communication. Carlo Mercaldo and his team kept me in the loop every step of the way. Any time I had questions or concerns, they were always quick to respond and made sure I felt comfortable with the process.
Carlo's thorough approach and relentless pursuit of justice were key factors in achieving a favorable settlement that exceeded my expectations.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Tiara breeding
I recently had the privilege of being represented by an outstanding legal team comprised of John, Mark, and Halley, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for their exceptional service.
No one else was willing to take on my case, and with only three months left before the deadline to file my lawsuit, I was beginning to lose hope. Fortunately, fate led me to John, Mark, and Halley, who not only accepted my case but worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure its success.
Throughout the entire process, the team consistently kept me informed, providing updates even when progress seemed stagnant. Their dedication and commitment to my case went above and beyond any expectations and they exhibited a level of professionalism that was unparalleled. I never felt alone or in the dark, as they consistently checked in on me, demonstrating a level of empathy and understanding that truly set them apart.
What stood out the most was their tactful handling of my case and the genuine sympathy they showed me during a challenging time. They were not just lawyers; they were my champions, guiding me through the legal intricacies with expertise and compassion. Their ability to alleviate my stress and concerns allowed me to navigate the process without unnecessary worry.
To anyone facing a legal battle, I wholeheartedly recommend this exceptional legal team. Instead of wasting your time with other lawyers, choose John, Mark, and Halley. Their collective expertise, genuine care, and commitment to their clients make them the ideal choice. Thank you, John, Mark, and Halley, for giving me hope when I needed it most. I am truly grateful for everything you have done for me.
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02 Sep, 2023 by Tyler spanks
Outstanding law firm.
They definitely do their due diligence. My wife’s lawyer, Marco, represented her with the utmost respect and professionalism. They have access to many resources and experts that helped tremendously. Absolutely exceeded our expectations and we were treated like family. Thank you.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Reena giola
Very impressed with the law group for our trust/living will. Answered all of our questions (and we had a lot!) The team was professional, knowledgeable, and patient with us and our questions. They took the time to explain all options.
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10 Dec, 2024 by E k
They helped us with our Estate planning. All went smoothly and made it easy for us. Would recommend!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Linh truong
My husband and I worked with Loose Law Group in establishing or Trust and Will. Everyone at the office is very professional. Our initial meeting with the lawyer, Ryan and he was very experience and guided us through the process. Ryan explained everything in layman terms that was easy for us to understand. During our final meeting, the paralegal associate help explained everything in details before we signed each section of the Trust and Will. Overall, the whole process was easy and fast.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Michael represented me in a case and was very easy to communicate with, always responsive to any questions or concerns I may have had. Very compassionate and fought for what was best.
I truly am thankful for all the help. Thank you!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Dave
My father passed away without a will. Further complicating the situation is that he owned a property in Arizona and I live in Minnesota. Mike flawlessly executed the work I needed done. He was awesome in his follow up and attention to detail and made sure I was comfortable with the process. I would definitely recommend Mike for your legal needs.
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26 May, 2024 by Patricia
Michael was very helpful with a review and guidance for a commercial lease. He responded quickly and answered all of my questions. I would recommend him to others needing this service.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Annette hasten
Awesome folks. So very helpful and very concerned for their customers. I will continue to use them until the day one of us is dead.
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22 Sep, 2014 by Sylvia
We were looking for a lawyer to represent us in AZ since we were out of state. We were coming to Tucson for a limited amount of time and needed to find someone quickly. We wanted to meet with someone face to face, so we were comfortable dealing with them long distance. Mrs. Conway was able to get us in for a consultation quickly which was great. She was honest and upfront about the situation which we appreciated. We had already made contact with a few others to no avail or satisfaction. She was very helpful and knowledgeable with the circumstances of our case. And if she didn't have an answer she found one. She kept us informed and was available for questions with a quick response. I could not be more happy with her professionalism and felt comfortable working with her long distance. She was very upfront and honest through the whole case (which was somewhat complicated) and we were able to have a positive outcome. If you are in the market for a lawyer I highly recommend Katrina Conway!
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20 Oct, 2024 by Tom oskam
A Regular Guy. Hard to find these days. Stays in touch and keeps you abreast with your case. With James your not a number and put in a file cabinet. Found me medical help while the case was being settled. Old school personal lawyer. Not a corporate, annoying TV commercial lawyer.
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09 Mar, 2022 by Mike mcmanus
Mr. Wadleigh is an outstanding attorney we could not have been happier having him represent us. The police report was incorrect and Mr. Wadleigh helped straighten out the errors & helped supply the correct reporting of the accident. This helped establish a settlement.
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16 Nov, 2024 by Jason morelos
John Dorris is a excellent lawyer he is a straight shooter and gives advice when need be. Best attorney I have ever hired.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Rich
A word to the wise. ALWAYS check an attorneys record with the Bar Association before hiring anyone.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Kelly marquart
John Dorris was the attorney I prayed for🙏 He was extremely thorough and helped my daughter get her children back to the state she lives in. I highly recommend this man and his fabulous team 🙏😀
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25 May, 2023 by Byron
Adam responded right away to my query about tenant's rights. He explained the tenant law applicable to our situation over the phone and gave us great advice which should help address our problem. Very unselfish, knowledgeable, and a great help. Thank you!
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11 May, 2023 by Peg
Adam Weisman called me as soon as he received my request for a consultation. After I reviewed my issue and gave him all the information, he immediately went to work. He gave me my options which I chose to hire him to represent me. Her drafted a letter for my approval, forwarded it. The letter was quite specific and he reviewed the laws in respect to my case. I can happily say the case was closed without having to go to court or without any follow up. He did an awesome job and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs assistance in his area of expertise. Should any occasion occur in the future I would definitely contact him even if it would be for a referral to another type of attorney. Great job Adam!!!
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19 Mar, 2023 by Chris crownover
Easy to work with, very professional and kept us informed. Assistant was very friendly and helpful in answering our questions.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Kelsey kerfoot
Mr. Spanier is an exceptionally skilled attorney who goes above and beyond in providing personalized, top-tier legal services. He consistently makes himself available to his clients and offers unwavering support throughout even the most complex situations. My husband faced a particularly challenging case involving his ex-wife, and Zac expertly guided us through every twist and turn. What sets him apart is his genuine empathy and commitment to understanding his clients’ unique circumstances. He is transparent about all available options, providing a clear breakdown of potential costs, ensuring we never pursued paths that were financially unfeasible. Zac’s dedication and professionalism made a difficult process much more manageable, and we are incredibly grateful for his expertise.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Tara alvarado
Grateful for Zac and his expertise. We got my daughters case dismissed and can move on without any issues
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21 Nov, 2024 by Sara harris
If you are looking for a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, I strongly recommend Zac Spanier. He made the whole process very easy to understand and communicated well, I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance provided. Thank you
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08 Oct, 2017 by Christine
Mark Heckele did a thorough job of creating all the legal paperwork I needed as a co-trustee to complete a purchase agreement for my mothers property. He was timely, courteous and answered all my questions. It also was far less hassle and less expensive then going through a real estate agent. Thank you Mark!
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13 Aug, 2017 by Wayne&maureen
My wife and I were referred to Mark by a realtor and originally consulted with him on several occasions over the past several years concerning our rental property. We were considering letting the property go into foreclosure for a number of personal reasons. He gave us clear options for us to make an informed decision on how to proceed. We decided to stop payment on the house and let it go into foreclosure. During this process, we consulted with him again to get some clarity on issues we had with the process and he answered all questions and explained in terms that we understood how to continue. The process has taken over 2 years total, and at the beginning of this year (2017), we were served with papers from the bank that a dispute over the description of the property was in question. At this point, we hired Mark to assist with the legal aspect of the banks filing. In what seemed like a complicated issue, Mark was able to settle the issue with the bank and get us out from under the legal aspect of the case. I found Mark to be very knowledgeable and extremely helpful in our consultations and easy to work with. He exceeded all of our expectations in the final out come of our situation. Thank you Mark for all your assistance in what was a very stressful time.
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07 Jun, 2016 by Thomas
I hired Mark to collect a debt owed to me. Mark went over my situation, answered my questions and explained the complete process prior to hiring him to be my lawyer. Mark methodically briefed me and kept me fully informed during the whole progression of my lawsuit and case. It was a pleasure working with Mark to resolve my claim against the people that owed money to me on a past due debt. Mark worked with me to recover this debt and worked on a fair settlement with the defendants before the case when to a trial. Unfortunately the defendants were not reasonable and the case had to be resolved by the court. Mark obtained a default judgement for me that included my legal fees and interest on the unpaid debt. I would hire Mark again as he was very straight with me through the entire progression of my case. His entire office staff was polite and pleasant to work with. I consider Mark to have utmost integrity and a being that makes him an excellent attorney. I am extremely happy with the outcome of my lawsuit. My thanks goes to Mark Heckele.
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02 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional legal representation provided by attorney Ralph Ellinwood. I was falsely accused of sexually molesting my stepdaughter and faced a potential 30-year prison sentence. From the very beginning, Mr. Ellinwood's dedication and unwavering commitment to my case were apparent. Not only did he provide me with unparalleled legal assistance, but his compassion and support throughout the process were truly remarkable. Despite being treated poorly by child protective services and the prosecutor, Mr. Ellinwood always treated me with dignity and respect as a human being.
When the prosecutor offered a plea deal, most attorneys would have jumped at the opportunity. However, Mr. Ellinwood believed that we had a strong case and that we should take it to trial. Even though he could not guarantee a favorable outcome, I knew that he was in my corner and believed in me.
After a lengthy process and rejecting several offers, the prosecutors finally dismissed the case. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial Mr. Ellinwood's expertise, dedication, and unwavering support were in achieving this outcome.
If you find yourself in a similar situation where your life is on the line, I wholeheartedly recommend attorney Ralph Ellinwood. He is not only an exceptional legal advocate but also a compassionate and understanding human being who will fight tirelessly for your rights.
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15 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Words can never express the gratitude we have for Mr. Ellinwood. He agreed to representing our Special Needs adult son who was facing 2 felony charges. Without Mr. Ellinwood's tenacity, professionalism, and belief in our son, he would have most likely received a prison sentence instead of having his case dismissed and all charges dropped. We HIGHLY recommend Mr. Ellinwood to anyone facing criminal charges.
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29 Oct, 2017 by Sandi
Mr. Ellinwood took on my son's difficult case along with Mr. Tyler Francis. When ever there was a bump in the road it was handled promptly as well as any concerns we may have had. Thank-You for everything.
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18 Sep, 2015 by Personal injury client
My son and I were in a terrible 3-car accident in Tucson. I went to Hollingsworth Kelly Law Firm and they really came through for us. The staff is professional and experienced. I was pleased with our settlements and that they were able to reduce our hospital liens. Hollingsworth Kelly also set-up a conservatorship for my son. I whole-heartedly recommend the attorneys at Hollingsworth Kelly.
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27 Aug, 2015 by Carol
After my car accident, I experienced pain that kept me from performing even easy everyday activities. I
was fortunate to find an outstanding attorney, Louis Hollingsworth, to represent me in my case. Louis
and his staff took care of all the details related to my case--they dealt with the insurance company,
resolved my medical liens, and were always available to answer my questions. I was very pleased with
my settlement and with the professional and caring way I was treated by the Hollingsworth Kelly Law
Firm.
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08 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Arlene Leoni is a very talented legal visionary who is well educated and brings a wealth of experience into the courtroom. We used her in a family case and she was very caring and considerate throughout. We highly recommend Arlene Leoni to anyone who wants the best outcome.
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06 Dec, 2012 by Pablo
Arlene Leoni represened me and my wife in a case against a former ex and her bogus charges against us not only was she completly honest and up front about the possible outcome she worked diligently around the clock with the prosecutor to have the false charges proved false and the case dismissed she was always available to meet whenever questions arised I would rate her as a person and her service as an 100 and would and have highly recommended her.
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24 Apr, 2015 by Ks
Jennifer is one of the several lawyers I worked with over the case of moving between different states. She is definitely the best one I have had - full of energy, ideas, and initiatives, she doesn't treat it as just a job, but she is truly on your side.
There are many in legal profession who prefer status-quo, and kind of see where things go and go with the flow; Jennifer is the opposite - she brings in the energy, the knowledge, the professionalism, and she will fight tirelessly with all of that by your side.
She has my absolute highest recommendation, you will not be disappointed.
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03 Oct, 2014 by Matthew
Calm, consistent, and receptive to facts and insight even late in the process. A deceptively low key demeanor in court allows Goncalves to position his questions and evidence where they do the most for a client. A study in "less is more" in cross combined with a sense of wonder about facts conveyed to the jury at closing makes Walter perhaps one of the most lethal trial lawyers currently working in Pima county if not the south west today.
This tremendous trial capability is built on a stoic foundation and no-nonsense pre-trial preparation regimen that informs his client and constantly reassesses the facts and discovery as the client becomes more "legal literate". Under Goncalves's guidance, the client becomes empowered, learning to consider and contribute facts in a rational constructive manner and move beyond the early panic of arraignment.
Quite simply the best defense lawyer in Tucson that money could buy, if he wasn't working for the public defenders office. The Pima county DA's office can only hope and pray that someone in the private sector will eventually headhunt Goncalves, until then they will continue to lose cases when Goncalves is retained for some broke defendant like myself.
Acquittal, life and family saved.
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06 May, 2023 by Cassie van gelder
I cannot recommend JC Patrascioiu more. He's calm while fighting harder for you than you can imagine.
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16 Mar, 2022 by Elle
I cannot thank Mr. Curl more for his help with my questions, needs, and expertise! I'd spoken to multiple attorneys/firms regarding my case and nobody was as professional or knowledgeable as Mr. Curl. Thank you again!
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10 Jun, 2023 by Jennifer becker
No-nonsense, highly experienced, professional, and notably superior to my other limited experiences with lawyers.
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02 Nov, 2021 by O k
07 May, 2021 by Kelsey thompson
13 Dec, 2024 by Celta godfrey
After a terrible accident, I found myself in need of an lawyer. Getting a name off the side of a buss or a park bench wasn’t appealing. I contacted a lawyer who in the past had done a great deal of quality work for me. This attorney got back to me within hours. He gave me one name and one name only. Mark Bleaman. Through out the two years it took to settle the case, Mark was always gracious, empathetic and communicative. He always kept me informed regarding the details of the case. However, his greatest skill was his ability to negotiate a settlement way beyond my expectations.
Celta Godfrey Sheppard
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12 Dec, 2024 by Beto estrada
I was in a life-altering car accident in 2021, I had a severe concussion, painful whiplash and other injuries.
Mr. Bleaman and his team did so much heavy lifting throughout the years. They organized all my Doctors and navigated through the legal headaches- I was really lucky that the only thing I had to focus on was making a recovery and getting back to my life.
Jody was always very sympathetic and attentive. Whenever I was going through physical or emotional pain, she would contact all my Doctors or call other offices, so I didn't have to.
I always felt like I could pick up the phone and talk to the office and they were always ready to alleviate any stress I had.
I'm so incredibly grateful for all the work this office did for me. I'm sure, Mr. Bleaman and his staff are very busy, but I always felt like they gave me all their undivided attention. Alaya and the other staff were always very kind when interacting with me.
Phenomenal team, phenomenal service!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Cliburn n
I recently had the opportunity to work with Marc Bleaman, and I highly recommend their services. From our initial consultation, they were both professional and approachable, taking the time to fully understand my case. Throughout the process, they kept me updated and provided valuable guidance. Their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to securing the best possible outcome were noteworthy. They not only managed my case with expertise but also offered compassionate support during a challenging time. If you're looking for a trustworthy lawyer, Marc Bleaman is definitely worth considering.
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09 May, 2024 by James b
08 May, 2024 by Andrew steitz
My parents lived in Sierra Vista. I live out of state. My parents had a living trust and a will. The living trust made it so easy to settle much of their estate. Unfortunately, there are a few out of state assets that they did not transfer to the trust.
I spoke to Mr. Robert Way yesterday and he indicated that I actually would be better served by contacting an attorney in the states where the other assets are located. Refreshing to get that kind of honesty in today's world. If I lived in Arizona, I would definitely use his services for anything he would be willing to handle.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Billie m
The best.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Katie b
I'm so pleased with the outcome of having Hallinan & Killpack Law Firm as my counsel!!! It was a long battle, but with the help of all their supportive staff, and especially Melody, I finally received a positive and favorable judgment! I'm so appreciative of the entire team and so grateful for Melody's kindness, compassion and dedication to seeing my case through!
Thank you!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Sheri miller
It was a long process. Hallinan and Killpack crushed it. I worried because it took so long but they kept assuring me my case was good. They were right. My final hearing lasted 5 minutes with the judge granting my benefits. So glad I trusted and used this firm. Huge shout out to Lexi and Melody - thank you ladies my heart is full!
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10 Jan, 2025 by Jill randall
I’m a believer! The client attorney relationship is valued at this firm! I feel like family and my case is finally being settled! The future looks bright thanks to Jeremy Killpack, Brandie and his team of legal professionals! The absolute best! If you need help Call them!
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05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
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20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
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20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
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20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
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20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
Read more
20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
05 Jun, 2024 by Fernando martinez
Muy buen equipo de trabajo siempre te mantienen informado lo recomiendo al 100% #Jason muy buen abogado.
Read more
20 May, 2024 by Ayda cano
12 Mar, 2024 by Victor morales
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
