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27 Aug, 2024 by Bryan
He was supposed to do a writ of execution but never did he say he handed the paperwork to a paralegal who’s not answering and at this point probably not a real person, struggling to get him to the job that’ll probably take gim 5 minutes and it’s been two months now
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10 May, 2024 by Sofia makaryan
Probably this was one of my best choices I made with professionals. I had to evict my tenant who were not paying their rent from February. Due to their prompt work and professionalism they were able to evict those tenants in 3 months. Kept very quick and good communication with me too taking me through all the steps of the way. Highly recommending their services
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10 May, 2024 by Monique moore
RIco.......XoXo
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20 Jul, 2022 by Pierre ghadoushi
extremally happy from the settlement , and hard work they did specially, Mr. mora
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22 Jul, 2020 by Leslie kaplan
I have worked with different attorneys at this firm for several years now regarding both personal and professional legal issues. I have found each of the people with whom I have worked to be knowledgeable, conscientious and respectful. I would highly recommend them.
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20 Jun, 2020 by Leslie mendoza
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07 Feb, 2021 by Kay
Robert agreed to take a case for me at the last minute on my part. He was relentless in completing a court filing and appearance saving a senior citizen from homelessness. This effort was beyond the normal effort. I recommend him for his commitment to a hard task.
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19 Mar, 2019 by Shanna
Do NOT hire Robert Ostrove! He over promises and under delivers. He lacks communication and organization skills. The costs I have incurred to stabilize my case with new attorneys at the last hour is cause for a malpractice suit.
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13 Jun, 2022 by Margarita
Oscar is the worst. His contract don’t make sense nor does his sense of morals. Oh my gosh if he gives you a referral don’t take it your better off looking through the phone book. Idk this guy seems like he has a stick up somewhere and he needs help getting it out.
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11 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Excellent to work with. Very professional, informative and responsive. My case was very small (but still very imporant to me) which I thought he would not be interested in taking and if he did I wasn't sure if he would actually respond to me in a timely manner. I was wrong. I was very impressed with him and would recommend him to everyone!
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10 May, 2024 by Sofia makaryan
Probably this was one of my best choices I made with professionals. I had to evict my tenant who were not paying their rent from February. Due to their prompt work and professionalism they were able to evict those tenants in 3 months. Kept very quick and good communication with me too taking me through all the steps of the way. Highly recommending their services
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10 May, 2024 by Monique moore
RIco.......XoXo
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14 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I am sure that you can find even more complaints against this individual and the firm he is associated. I will forever regret I got involved with the firm he works, Robert Baskin. It will be a decision you will regret too. Do you research. Contact the State Bar of California and see if they will allow you to know how many complaints there are against this attorney and the firm he works with.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Karen
TERRIBLE! Samuel Huestis has done nothing for my case. It has been 5 months and he hasn't filed discovery, notices of pendency or anything other than the initial petition and objections. The court has nothing from us which tells our side of the story. He doesn't return calls or emails (except from opposing counsel) and refuses to explain why he is not doing anything. The case is so damaged that other attorneys are saying they can't represent me because of liability. DO NOT USE SAM HUESTIS!
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11 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr Huestis completely detached himself from me as a client by refusing to return any of my emails and phone calls over a critical 3 week period of time regarding our opposing counsel's new legal challenge to our case. I finally decided that I had no other options left but to hire another attorney to replace him. Then on the very same day that he received the substitution of attorney agreement from my new attorney, Mr Huestis decided to record several more billable hours to a sum total exceeding my initial retainer by several hundred more dollars while retroactively claiming complete ignorance that I now wanted him off the case. He was totally apathetic until it came to his fees.
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30 Apr, 2019 by Rr
I have worked with Sam Huestis since 2018. He is an EXTREMELY ethical, honest, fair, & trustworthy trust litigation lawyer who is an outstanding advocate! After my Mom passed, I greatly resisted hiring a lawyer to represent me; consequently, I suffered a great deal of blatant unfairness and animosity from a combative & extremely expensive trust litigation law firm whose legal bills rapidly depleted tens of thousands of dollars from my Mom's trust. Ironically, this other firm is exactly why my Mom, and many others in this world, abhor dealing with lawyers. Getting burned by the other expensive & arrogant trust litigation law firm reinforced my distrust of lawyers. When I interviewed trust lawyers in Ventura County, I learned few are "trust litigation" lawyers. Sam is a "trust litigation" lawyer. This means he can go the full distance to trial, if necessary, which avoids the added cost of hiring a 2nd lawyer if things must go to trial. When I hired Sam, I was a deep cynic of both trust litigation lawyers and the trust laws that seem to protect unethical successor trustees at the expense of the rights of beneficiaries. Sam put an immediate stop to the abuse I suffered from the opposing arrogant law firm; he leveled the playing field. Sam also billed fairly and protected my money by doing things in the most cost effective manner. There are very few words that properly convey my PROFOUND sense of appreciation for Sam Huestis, an extremely rare, fair, honest, ethical, and talented lawyer! Sam Huestis is the antithesis of the worst types of lawyers; this is why Sam Huestis was/is my knight in shining armor. I consider myself terribly blessed to have found Sam. I am forever grateful to him for all he did to protect my best interests with my Mom's trust....and for transforming me from a deep cynic....to someone who is forever deeply grateful. My heartfelt thanks for all you did to create justice and fairness for me Sam!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Litigation Lawyer Can Do for You

A litigation lawyer specializes in representing individuals, businesses, or organizations involved in legal disputes. Whether you're the one filing a lawsuit or you're being sued, a litigation attorney will advocate on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. Their goal is to resolve disputes, either through negotiation, settlement, or trial. Litigation lawyers can help with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, real estate issues, employment disputes, personal injury claims, and more.

Litigation lawyers provide strategic legal advice and manage all aspects of your case, from filing motions to representing you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.

When Should I Hire a Litigation Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a litigation lawyer if you're involved in a legal dispute that you cannot resolve on your own. Common situations include:

  • Breach of contract disputes: If a party to a contract fails to fulfill their obligations, a litigation lawyer can help you seek damages or enforce the agreement.
  • Business disputes: Litigation lawyers can represent you in cases of partnership disagreements, intellectual property disputes, or business fraud.
  • Employment disputes: If you're facing issues like wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or wage disputes, a litigation lawyer can help resolve these matters through negotiation or court action.
  • Personal injury claims: If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a litigation attorney can help you pursue your case.
  • Real estate or property disputes: When there are conflicts over property ownership, boundary issues, or lease agreements, a litigation lawyer can assist in resolving the dispute.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process is beneficial, especially if a lawsuit seems imminent or you have already been served with legal documents.

What Does a Litigation Lawyer Do?

A litigation lawyer handles all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to the trial and even the appeals process, if necessary. Their role includes:

  • Case assessment and investigation: Analyzing the facts of your case and advising whether it’s worth pursuing or defending.
  • Pleadings and motions: Drafting and filing documents to initiate or respond to a lawsuit, including complaints, motions to dismiss, and answers.
  • Discovery: Gathering evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, to build your case.
  • Negotiations and settlement discussions: Attempting to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration, or settlement talks before going to trial.
  • Trial representation: Presenting your case in court, examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and making legal arguments before a judge or jury.
  • Appeals: If necessary, filing appeals to challenge or defend the outcome of the trial.

Litigation lawyers are also skilled negotiators and often work to resolve disputes outside of court to save time, money, and stress for their clients.

How Are Litigation Lawyers Paid?

Litigation lawyers typically use a variety of fee structures depending on the type of case, the complexity of the legal matter, and the financial circumstances of the client. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Many litigation attorneys charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and geographic location.
  • Flat fees: For specific, predictable legal tasks (such as filing a motion), lawyers may offer a flat fee.
  • Contingency fees: In personal injury or other cases where you seek damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of the settlement or award if you win.
  • Retainer: Some clients pay a retainer fee upfront to secure ongoing legal services. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as work is done.

The exact structure should be discussed in the initial consultation to ensure you understand how and when you'll be charged.

How Much Does a Litigation Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a litigation lawyer varies significantly depending on the nature of the dispute and the lawyer’s experience. Factors affecting the cost include:

  • The complexity of the case: More complex litigation involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multi-party suits typically costs more.
  • Time spent: Litigation cases can be time-consuming, especially if they go to trial. The longer the case, the higher the legal fees.
  • Type of fee arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $200 to over $1,000 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s reputation and location. Contingency fees generally range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award.
  • Stage of litigation: Cases that settle early in the process are often less expensive than those that proceed to trial or appeal.

It’s crucial to ask about cost estimates during your initial consultation to avoid surprises.

Top Questions to Ask a Litigation Lawyer

Before hiring a litigation lawyer, it's essential to ask key questions to ensure you're choosing the right representation:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Ensure that the lawyer has experience handling your specific type of dispute, whether it's a contract issue, personal injury, or business matter.
  2. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success.
  3. What is your fee structure?
    Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis.
  4. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it's hard to predict, an experienced lawyer can give you a rough estimate based on similar cases.
  5. How often do you settle cases versus going to trial?
    Some lawyers are more inclined to settle, while others may be more experienced in the courtroom. It’s important to understand their strategy.
  6. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Some lawyers prefer aggressive litigation, while others focus on settlement or mediation. Choose one whose approach aligns with your goals.

How to Check the Credibility of a Litigation Lawyer

To verify a litigation lawyer’s credibility, consider the following steps:

  • Check bar association records: Ensure the lawyer is in good standing with the state bar and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and track record.
  • Look for litigation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they have handled cases like yours and have a record of success.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer to provide references from past clients who can speak to their effectiveness and approach.
  • Research their trial experience: If your case is likely to go to trial, ensure the lawyer has a history of courtroom success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make your first consultation with a litigation lawyer productive, you should prepare the following:

  • A clear outline of the dispute: Provide a timeline and key details about the legal issue you're facing.
  • Any relevant documents: Bring contracts, emails, letters, or any other documentation that pertains to the case.
  • A list of key players: Provide the names of individuals or companies involved in the dispute.
  • Questions about fees and the litigation process: Make sure you understand how the lawyer plans to approach your case and how you will be charged.
  • Your goals and expectations: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, whether it's a settlement, compensation, or another resolution.

By coming prepared, you can ensure that your initial meeting with the lawyer is both efficient and insightful, giving you a better sense of how to proceed with your case.

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