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4.4
58 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.9
58 Reviews
12 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth lemke
David, and Marica were with me throughout the process. From days after I got injured until the last day of our Mediation. Both would check in often as we reached each new step. I couldn't be more happy with the service they both provided. I was nervous but they eased my mind through it all. David and Marica even made it easy for me on days I could not make it to Des Moines. They'd come to me, or meet me half way. My family has actually used David's services in the past so when I got injured I knew to contact him immediately. David, and Marica 100% believe in getting their clients what is deserved, and treat you like more than just clients.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Dennie
30 Aug, 2024 by Hr pulley
Is it wrong to seek out a lawyer who is strong in competence and prudent in their decision-making? Steve Lombardi has been a man of integrity from the beginning of accepting us as clients, and he fought to exhaust every option helping us find resolution. Hard to find a lawyer who hates to lose nowadays so I’m grateful we’ve met Steve.
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05 Oct, 2012 by Rachel
We contacted Austin, who was recommended to us, to see about hiring him for my husband's petition to receive his permanent residency card (green card).
Austin was willing to meet with us on a Saturday morning, which was really impressive. He really listened to us to understand our situation. This initial meeting made us confident to hire him.
We had a tight schedule to submit the petition and related materials, but Austin was aware of the deadline and got back to our questions in a timely manner. He was also great at explaining everything in a clear and concise way so that we would be as knowledgeable as possible.
He went over the final petition with us, and it was very organized and professional. I am confident that this was a main reason that the petition was processed quickly, and my husband's visa interview was scheduled for less than four months from when the petition was received. Austin encouraged us to have a mock interview with him, which proved very helpful. Many things he drilled with us were brought up in the actual interview.
Austin accompanied us to the interview, and both my husband and I felt confident and comfortable during the interview because of Austin's help. In just over a week, my husband received his permanent resident card.
We are very grateful for Austin's help, and highly recommend him as a competent and trustworthy lawyer who is willing to listen to his clients.
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16 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
We've been working with Mr. Kennedy for almost two years now. During this time Mr. Kennedy has shown his capacity and professionalism. We are very pleased with his work and very impressed with his work ethic.
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28 Jul, 2021 by Dario
I’ve dealt with Cutler for different reasons. He is quick to respond. Always answers or calls back. I like his attitude and his way he works. He is not all about money all the time. He has a heart to help the situation even if it’s not what I wanted to hear, it’s always the best solution. He’s my attorney and so glad he is. Thank you DARIO LENARDUZZI
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28 Jul, 2021 by Mark
My neighbor and have had real safety/ health concerns about another neighbor. A lot of police calls to residence and vandalism by this individual. I met John thru my neighbor and consulted w him several times. It’s been a long time coming, but w Johns professionalism, we are finally getting some resolve. Will definitely call John if needed again.
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17 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Billy is fantastic and honest about both how to proceed and why. He has always given my good advice with fair mindedness and a respect for the process. I highly recommend.
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12 Jun, 2024 by Tina lemke
Jim Exceeded my expectations and provided me with much needed guidance throughout a very difficult time of my life. I would recommend him to anyone needing assistance with any legal matter.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Julie stoneking
Andrew Howie saved me from an unjust ruling. He took the time to really understand my complex case in order to write an indisputable brief. Not only did I win my appeal but across the board on all issues. His understanding of the law and credibility as a lawyer is unmatched by any other. He is by far the best lawyer in the state! If you get a wrong ruling, he’s the best lawyer to fight your case. He is worth every dime!
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17 May, 2019 by Tanya coret
Ryan is amazing at what he does. He helped my husband and I get primary custody of my stepsons and he never quit fighting for us, even when we were overwhelmed and ready to give up. We recommend him to anyone who asks especially to our friends who are fighting for equal parenting rights as men.
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09 Dec, 2023 by S rocker
Highly recommend the firm!!!
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14 Jan, 2022 by Eric cornelison
Steve did an excellent job representing our case and we are very pleased with the result.
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09 Dec, 2023 by S rocker
Highly recommend the firm!!!
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14 Jan, 2022 by Eric cornelison
Steve did an excellent job representing our case and we are very pleased with the result.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Blake cooper
Listens well very helpful darn good lawyer!could not be happier!! You can trust this man!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Bettys pics
16 Aug, 2024 by James bergert
Eric did a wonderful job.
Thanks for all you did.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Glen fries
Jeff and his team did a great job with my accident law suit. Guided me through the process and made it easy for me. Very happy with the outcome.
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17 Oct, 2023 by John kennedy
Them team here did a great job for us. We brought them in late they caught up very quickly and resolved our issues. They also looked out for our well being the entire time.
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02 Jun, 2023 by Nick tasson
31 Dec, 2024 by Sheryl byrkett
I've tried getting disability for years. These lawyers are top notch. She wasn't afraid to speak up on my behalf. She brought up good points to the judge. They also helped my husband a few years ago.
Special Thanks to Annie Hoth and Allie for being professional, supportive, and answering any questions or concerns no matter what.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Cindy gay
I've tried getting disability for 4 years. I just didn't have the right lawyer. These lawyers are top notch. She wasn't afraid to speak up on my behalf. She brought up good points to the judge. She also asked questions which discredited the Voc Rehab. Rep.they had there. I just wish I would of had them the first time. I could of saved myself a lot of heartache.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Cindy lewis
14 Nov, 2024 by Michelle smith
Brent is the nicest man. I am the notary when he needs one for refinance loans. He is such a good man to work with.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Jay jay
I was out of state, and I don’t care how much this cost me, he was worth way more!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Scott iler
As a real estate agent, it is essential to have someone on your side that will be communicative and work hard. Zimmerman went above and beyond to make sure the process went well.
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12 Nov, 2015 by Mary
I was involved in car accident and hired Mr. Arato. He was honest, knowledgeable and professional. Having to do my first deposition was nerve racking but what he said was impressive. He told me the number one rule was, ”always tell the truth and you’ll do great”. During the entire process he kept me informed and if I had any questions he made sure I understood. He was timely and he delivered what he promised which was a win. I have and will continue to recommend Mr. Arato because I believe in his talent and his passion for doing what’s right for his clients
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11 Dec, 2024 by Connie wagner
23 Oct, 2024 by Erin jensen
Clarissa and Bronwyn were wonderful to work with. They took my case seriously and listened to everything I shared with them. They made it easy to complete and were able to make everything fair and balanced. I appreciate them both so much and recommend Hope Law Firm to anyone in the Des Moines area needing legal representation.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Megan haskell
I came to hope law firm during a difficult time in my life, for guidance on getting guardianship of a disabled family member who was struggling on their own. Scott Lyon, and Bronwyn, worked with me and helped me obtain temporary guardianship, which allowed me to seek medical care for my family member at the end of their life. I will forever be thankful I was able to help this family member. As for Scott and Bronwyn, they were very communicative, took time to answer any questions or concerns I had, fairly priced, and trustworthy representation, they also understood the situation as an emergency and squeezed us in for a same day consult. If you are looking for this type of attorney, I couldn't recommend this team more.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Ron luchetti
Very courteous and professional
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20 Sep, 2024 by Travis lenig
Professional and thoughtful and made home closing for first time buyers easy
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21 May, 2024 by Karter smith
12 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth lemke
David, and Marica were with me throughout the process. From days after I got injured until the last day of our Mediation. Both would check in often as we reached each new step. I couldn't be more happy with the service they both provided. I was nervous but they eased my mind through it all. David and Marica even made it easy for me on days I could not make it to Des Moines. They'd come to me, or meet me half way. My family has actually used David's services in the past so when I got injured I knew to contact him immediately. David, and Marica 100% believe in getting their clients what is deserved, and treat you like more than just clients.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Dennie
30 Aug, 2024 by Hr pulley
Is it wrong to seek out a lawyer who is strong in competence and prudent in their decision-making? Steve Lombardi has been a man of integrity from the beginning of accepting us as clients, and he fought to exhaust every option helping us find resolution. Hard to find a lawyer who hates to lose nowadays so I’m grateful we’ve met Steve.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Tara hilsenbeck
08 Apr, 2024 by Kim karnstedt
03 Apr, 2024 by Carla brown
Felt at ease, answered our questions & concerns. Felt confident in our decisions when done.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Jana fowler
22 Jun, 2024 by Lee w
I am writing to highly recommend higgins law firm for their legal services. Throughout the entire process, they demonstrated exceptional consideration and fairness, consistently putting my best best interests first all while considering how i wished to pursue my case. They took the time to explain each step clearly, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed. I hold Grant and Stewart in the highest regard and would not hesitate to seek their services again or recommend them to others.
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09 May, 2024 by Arianna williams
I had a really sticky situation with a previous employer. I was at a point that I didn’t know what to do, or where to turn. Higgins law firm was there for me from the second I called, to see if I even had a case. Candace and Stuart are absolutely amazing individuals. They listened to what my issue was and told me if I had a case or not, so I didn’t waste my money. Stuart goes above and beyond to make sure he is listening to what you want, and that you fully understand what is happening with the case. He generally cares about his clients, and does everything he can to get the best result's. Stuart is bold, and not afraid to take risks. He helped me get an amazing win, even without years of court. I will forever be thankful to Higgins law firm. Thank you once again. ❤️
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15 Nov, 2023 by Glen fries
Jeff and his team did a great job with my accident law suit. Guided me through the process and made it easy for me. Very happy with the outcome.
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17 Oct, 2023 by John kennedy
Them team here did a great job for us. We brought them in late they caught up very quickly and resolved our issues. They also looked out for our well being the entire time.
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02 Jun, 2023 by Nick tasson
13 Dec, 2024 by Jessica wilson
These people are beyond greedy and all they care about is collecting their checks. It seemed like a good idea to work with them 18 months ago, when this all started, but I am deeply regretting going with Innovation Refunds now. Stay clear of these people.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Ross blankenship
It's been more than a year, and still nothing! We are preparing a lawsuit to deal with the fact your entire team was negligent and cost our business. Your errors have caused our business to suffer and if there are other businesses out there who are reading this message, look me up and join.
We could have chosen anyone, but Innovation Refunds and received our funds by now. This is disgraceful and your approach of not having any executive team member reach out to me or our family, is shameful.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Amber r
Disappointing & Unprofessional. Avoid!
My "file" is now over 6 months old and no one can give me an update besides a generic email response. The representatives assigned as my "Account Executives" have been changed multiple times without any notification from the company. After trying to get a response for a month I finally get through to someone who tells me both "Acct Execs" are in different depts now and she'll see if she can get my file assigned to someone else!? What?
The entire process has been unprofessional from day 1. At this point I don't even know of they've actually filed any amended returns on my behalf. Avoid this company if you can.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Dee campbell
10 Mar, 2024 by Chad chaplin
Lack of ethics at this place. Go elsewhere.
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01 Sep, 2023 by Michael thompson
Nice building, prime location. I use Charles Bottenberg he is a sold dude he takes care of my will and things of that nature highly recommend him!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Joe kelly
I enjoyed working with Roger Hudson and Brenda, if you need a good divorce lawyer I recommend working with these two.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Crystalv1980
RJ, is definately the lawyer to have by your side in any court or legal matter. He is very knowledgeable, experienced, and he was OUTSTANDING in court. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He is well worth every penny.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Hilary nelson
He will ditch you and pull out of the case when you need him the most. Dont recommend as when the heat comes on he dips out and leaves you stranded.
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31 May, 2024 by Chandra gangareddy
Mr Anderson was so helpful doing our will and answering our questions with our llcand the trust, thank you so much for all your help. Recommend to our friends as well
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20 Jan, 2024 by Narayan & sangeetha
Great experience
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12 Oct, 2023 by Karen perry
23 Aug, 2024 by Sahra firestine
Chris was the guy we needed him to be. He was realistic and direct, he respected our time and our finances. He talked us down when we needed it, if you’ve been through family court, you know what I’m talking about. He was easy to get ahold of and Sarah on his team was a superstar. We had to trust him with our lives, basically, and we are glad we chose him. Family court is a mess to deal with and he took so much of the stress out of it. He gave us options on how to proceed at every turn, he would even give us options like; you can do xyz yourself and save money or you can have my team do it if you don’t want to deal with it. He was able to help us get a better outcome than most get in our situation. Hopefully we never need his services again, but if we do, we know he’ll be there for us.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Nazhae jackson
Chris is the Best lawyer I’ve had resolved my problem he’s very professional and helpful he is a go to lawyer!
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21 Mar, 2024 by Irving gilbert
23 Aug, 2024 by Sahra firestine
Chris was the guy we needed him to be. He was realistic and direct, he respected our time and our finances. He talked us down when we needed it, if you’ve been through family court, you know what I’m talking about. He was easy to get ahold of and Sarah on his team was a superstar. We had to trust him with our lives, basically, and we are glad we chose him. Family court is a mess to deal with and he took so much of the stress out of it. He gave us options on how to proceed at every turn, he would even give us options like; you can do xyz yourself and save money or you can have my team do it if you don’t want to deal with it. He was able to help us get a better outcome than most get in our situation. Hopefully we never need his services again, but if we do, we know he’ll be there for us.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Nazhae jackson
Chris is the Best lawyer I’ve had resolved my problem he’s very professional and helpful he is a go to lawyer!
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21 Mar, 2024 by Irving gilbert
14 Sep, 2024 by Adam janssen
After doing multiple transactions with Chuck I can say that his knowledge of real estate law and experience in navigating complex transactions is above all else. Anytime I have a question I know he'll have the answer. Highly recommend.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Steve hopkin
09 Aug, 2023 by Carrie brugger
Thank you!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Connie wagner
23 Oct, 2024 by Erin jensen
Clarissa and Bronwyn were wonderful to work with. They took my case seriously and listened to everything I shared with them. They made it easy to complete and were able to make everything fair and balanced. I appreciate them both so much and recommend Hope Law Firm to anyone in the Des Moines area needing legal representation.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Megan haskell
I came to hope law firm during a difficult time in my life, for guidance on getting guardianship of a disabled family member who was struggling on their own. Scott Lyon, and Bronwyn, worked with me and helped me obtain temporary guardianship, which allowed me to seek medical care for my family member at the end of their life. I will forever be thankful I was able to help this family member. As for Scott and Bronwyn, they were very communicative, took time to answer any questions or concerns I had, fairly priced, and trustworthy representation, they also understood the situation as an emergency and squeezed us in for a same day consult. If you are looking for this type of attorney, I couldn't recommend this team more.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Gerald washington
This tax place has a reasonable price for doing good tax
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18 Oct, 2022 by Mo om
I have been using Learned & Associates for several years for tax and legal advice and have had exceptional service from them. They have provided first rate legal advice to me and my family when I established my own business and when I sold my house and other family members houses. Because of their top notch work, they continue to prepare my taxes every year even after I moved out of state. I have referred several people to them and they have been extremely satisfied as well.
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29 Feb, 2020 by Merisa hec
I was referred by Nick to learned law and Chad referred us to Heartland Credit restoration and told us to reach out when our credit score was better. Finally after getting everything resolved. I called and I left a message with their receptionist if Chad would be able to call us back to see if he has an appointment available to come in and speak to him about what all he needs from us to get a home loan. Never heard back. The receptionist was very rude when i was speaking with her. When i have not heard back from Chad for a week i went ahead and emailed him. Its been over a month and half since i have not heard back. At least a phone call or a response to my email would have been appreciated.
Definitely was disappointed because Chad was very helpful in the beginning with all of the information.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Benjamin shaw
Frank's the man for family law.
Dan does magic in traffic court.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Courtney elliott
The lawyers at this firm are extremely rude, condescending, and apathetic. They overtalk you, use loud tones and come off as very superior. There are other firms out there that will take time to listen to you and are willing to help you out. Go there and avoid this place!
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14 Jun, 2024 by Natasha brown
I spoke with Gotsdiner today, a managing partner of this law firm, and he is EXTREMELY rude, arrogant, and ornery! His demeanor reeks of a superiority complex. I needed assistance on a legal matter through my pre-paid legal services. He got on the phone without even a salutation! He immediately says, they could not find a referral attorney for my legal matter. He told me to go to the Iowa Bar Association and find an attorney on my own. Imagine a law office with lawyers allegedly with all areas of practice saying they can’t provide you with an attorney who practices what would presumably fall under real estate law.
He continued to aggressively overstate that they can’t find an attorney or make an attorney take my case, and he’s not going to answer a bunch of questions on my legal matter. He unnecessarily stressed that I needed to find an attorney who could take my case and stated that rather than hang up on me, I needed to find one on my own. I was appalled at the way I was being spoken to unprovoked. While he went on this rant, I was mostly silent because I was so taken aback that my mouth was agape and just totally aghast. He also told me they do not have to provide me with a referral attorney.
The whole purpose of having pre-paid legal services is to be able to get legal advice on legal matters when and if they arise. If they cannot provide you with legal representation, they can refer you to an attorney who can. Imagine a managing partner arrogantly and rudely telling you that he will not provide you with any of the things that are specifically mentioned in what they are supposed to provide. I am appalled and disgusted by the way this man spoke to me today. I will certainly be canceling my pre-paid membership and implore anyone considering pre-paid legal services or Gotsdiner in the state of Iowa to reconsider another option. Such as the bar association, as I was so rudely referred to.
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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.
