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02 Dec, 2020 by Gerry
David is a very knowledgeable and excellent attorney. He paid attention to every detail of our transaction. I hired David in 2017 in order to draft the sales agreement and closing documents for the sale of my business to one of my former employees. Together, we came up with a plan on how the deal should be structured in order to best protect my interests. He came up with many great ideas that I never would have foreseen. He took the time to listen and understand the parties involved. Not only did David oversee the initial transaction, but when the buyer defaulted, he helped me successfully navigate the situation with a 100% favorable outcome where both myself and the buyer walked away satisfied. David is detail oriented, knows the law, and is a caring and all around good guy in a sometimes challenging field. Well done David! I will always highly recommend him.
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10 Oct, 2018 by James
David was instrumental in creating and negotiating a fair and reasonable operating agreement between myself and 2 other business partners. We went through dozens of possible scenarios, both good and bad, based on his past experiences and foresite. It was a seamless process and has been smooth sailing for our business since completion and execution.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Paul
A former employee illegally charged a large sum of money to my personal credit card. Two different attorneys took 18 months trying to correct this situation. Mr. Blansky was recommended to me so I decided to take a chance with him. All I can say is, "Wow, what a difference". We had a relatively brief conversation of the background of the case and he went right to work. Within a comparatively short time Blansky not only won the case but got me some money back. I would recommend him to anyone looking for the best legal representation out there.
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03 Apr, 2020 by Dylan
I received a traffic ticket in a part of new york i was unfamiliar with. Amanda took care of everything for me, i didn't even have to sit around in court and waste my day. Amanda took care of it all and got my ticket reduced to almost nothing! Better then having points and paying large fees. Amanda Disken is super friendly and very well spoken.
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01 Apr, 2020 by Diane
I hired Ms. Disken to assist my elderly mother through a real estate process involving (1) having to "prove" that my father who was co-owner of the co-op when they purchased it 40+ years ago was deceased, (2) going through a Title Search, and (3) assisting her with the closing on the co-op in her name only. I was part of the entire process and at every step Ms. Disken was professional and compassionate (something very important to my 92 year old mother). She was able to move effortlessly between legal terminology lawyer to lawyer, to words my mother could easily understand. She made the process as anxiety free as possible for all involved. Ms. Disken was thorough, finding many errors in the documents provided by the co-ops real estate attorneys. I highly recommend Ms. Disken and will definitely be using her services again in the future.
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29 Mar, 2020 by Camille
I cannot truly express how grateful I am to have found Ms. Disken, Her professionalism and attention to detail, coupled with her legal knowledge and expertise, resulted in a wonderful outcome for me. She answered all of my questions and emails promptly, & explained everything to me in a way that I could understand. I am so very impressed by her integrity and all the hard work she did on my behalf. I very highly recommend Ms. Disken and would not hesitate to use her again if needed.
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04 Dec, 2013 by Bryant
Thomas tyrell has made the best out of the unfortunate situation of dealing with the law. He has a thorough knowledge of the law and anything that has been thrown at me by a district attorney. He is extremely knowledgable friendly and most importantly honorable. He also is extremely confidential. He has been essentially a crutch and has made me feel comfortable in any legal situation . I personally recommend this attorney in any legal situation . If I ever need representation in a court of law Thomas will be the first person I call.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Diane Dwyer was very disrespectfule during my dealings with her. If you want to be treated with respect, forget it. If you want to be treated fairly, read, be informed, make sure you know your stuff as she will only do what is in the best interest of the county, the courts, etc. which is to move your case along as quickly as possible without any regard for fairness ( the bottom line is, save the courts and county as much money as possible even if your life is made more difficult) even though it is the people who indirectly pay her and all court employees salaries.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Stay far, far away. I can't speak for her legal abilities but as a support magistrate in the Nassau County Family Court with whom I had the misfortune of having to face several times over the years, she is a disaster. In my opinion, she is unprofessional, obnoxious, degrading, biased, unfair in her refusal to examine documents if she dislikes you, and downright vicious. She refused to accept or believe I have a learning disability, refused to write down or help me understand additional requests she demanded that I simply could not comprehend, she insulted my maternal abilities despite all my efforts and insinuated I am a liar because she didn't like my honest answers about my medical condition. To do all of this to someone who has suffered from clinical depression for many years only makes the condition worse. Her conduct literally drove me to vomitting on the way out of the courtroom. Worst of all, she refused to review or look at any documentation I offered to support my claims, while having no problem reviewing documents from the other party in the case. She has no empathy for those she apparently considers to be beneath her and takes a little too much joy in disparaging the uneducated, those with disabilities or almost anyone who stands before her, judging from the many angry unfortunates who spoke to me in court after a session with her. She should get off her high horse and learn that more will be accomplished by treating people with a little respect instead of insulting them for their insecurities and shortcomings. I repeat, stay far, far away from this angry, apparently miserable person. In case anyone is wondering how someone with a disability could write such a review, I had a lot of help.
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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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