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22 Aug, 2023 by Kami
James is such an honest guy! He is very professional and helpful. I highly recommend him ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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08 Nov, 2022 by Tieg
If you need honest legal advice, solid follow through and a fantastic legal representative James Shaw is your man. I am so impressed with his dedication, professionalism and how timely and accurate James represented me and my situation. I spoke with so many other law offices and the moment James started helping me I had full trust in his ability to get it done. Thank you James for taking me on and helping me with my situation which seemed like it was never never ending. Hire James — you won’t be disappointed!
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15 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I knew John for more than 5 years by now. He is a great lawyer. My case went from a simple custody case to complicated divorce and relocation case. He was always well prepared and knew how to hand the case. The most thing I liked in dealing with him was being able to predict the court outcomes. He made a road map plan that we followed, and it worked well for us. He knew the plan that my ex-wife's attorney had which made me well prepared to the court.
I believe he knew my ex-wife personality better than I did. Eventually he got me 90% of what he said he would try to get " he never made promises to get me anything, which scared me at first, but now I know he was very honest with all his words". thank you John for the great job
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03 May, 2015 by Kara
John has handled all my legal affairs for the last 30 years.I have recommended him to many people and still do.He is an excellent attorney and very thoughtful to his clients! I'm glad he was on my side the people on the other side haven't fared so well!I hope he never retires!!!
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28 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
I have worked with Travis on mulitple cases over the years and he has always exceeded my expectations.
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28 Jul, 2010 by Ken
I have worked with Travis on several litigated matters over the years. I have found him to be a diligent and conscientious attorney who pays attention to details, is always well prepared and argues his cases very well.
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16 Feb, 2016 by Ben
Ms. kramer came highly recommended to me by a good friend. That is one decision I will never regret. Jessica is approachable, friendly yet professional, took the time to understand my needs, and worked with my busy schedule to meet in person. There is no need to look any further when you need an attorney in this area of practice!
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08 Oct, 2014 by Ann
Ms. Kramer provided legal expertise in a supporting and confident manner. She handled our case quickly and efficiently - taking into consideration our financial position and potential outcome. She was aggressive and firm yet not over-confident or unapproachable.
It's a comfort to know that Jessica is the person I can trust when I have to say "I'll have my attorney review it" .
I recommend her hands down!
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14 Nov, 2015 by Dan
I had a legal sitution that festered for over five years. Complicating the matter was that I received a judgement in another state and my opponent sought to evade payment in Wisconsin. This mattered little to Mr. Thill. He quickly registered our judgement in Wisconsin and began proceedings. What impressed me the most was that Mr. Thill kept at it no matter what my opponent attempted, tried, or said. Equally impressive was that Mr. Thill kept me informed every step of the way and often asked for my input. If you are in a needs collection situation I would highly reccomend Brian Thill. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
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20 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I had recently had an unfortunate matter involving property and family. Sadly the situation could not be resloved without the need for legal intervention. Attorney Brian Thill provided me with uncompromising professionalism, compassion, and impressive legal knowledge. He always kept me informed, and I never felt as though I was "out of the loop". The outcome of the matter was succsessful One can never really claim a "win" in such a situation, but Attorney Thill did a remarkable job of being able to make myself financially whole, while limiting the harm to the contra party. A fine line which few can walk.
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23 Feb, 2021 by Beth a
I can’t say enough about Krekeler Strother PC and Attorney Driscoll! It was a very difficult period of my life and he made the process simple and easy to understand! He was very attentive to any questions that I had and was thorough in everything he did! I would recommend him to anyone!!
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17 Mar, 2020 by Anne
The attorneys and staff at Krekeler Strother were awesome in assisting my husband and me with our bankruptcy case. Besides being knowledgeable, efficient, and professional in handling our case, Atty. Krekeler, Atty. Driscoll, and Paralegal Heather Reasa Schank were also kind and compassionate in helping us through our difficult decision to file for bankruptcy and the complex process of filling out forms and submitting required documentation. They were a pleasure to work with, and both my husband and I would recommend them to anyone considering bankruptcy.
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22 Nov, 2011 by Daniel
When I received a speeding citation last summer, i was in danger of losing my drivers license which would have really made life very difficult. Mr. Weininger went above and beyond all expectations and was able to minimize the damage for me, getting my offense cut in half, saving me the hassle of losing my license. He also was able to have the fine amount significantly reduced! Andrew did a tremendous job of keeping me informed throughout the entire process and was with me every step of the way, making sure he did all he could to help me. I am very thankful that he took the time to work with me and develop a plan that was most beneficial for me and my family. I am very grateful for having the chance to work with Mr. Weininger. I would strongly encourage anyone to seek out Andrew and his staff if you are need of any help!
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23 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Andrew was an absolutely essential guide to me through my recent litigation. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and able to quickly and decisively deal with any situation when it arose, both in and out of the courtroom. I highly recommend Andrew and will look forward to working with him in the future.
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30 Mar, 2017 by Tim
Worked with Steve on numerous occasions and continue to do so. Usually put him in impossible situations from a timing perspective and he always manages to surprise me by getting the transactions completed when needed. Committed, dedicated and extremely competent in all that he does. And, in addition to all that, a genuinely "nice" man who respects his family, his community and his clients.
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27 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Steve handles all our legal work for our company. He does an outstanding job.
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03 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Scott Beightol listens carefully and learns quickly. He is very knowledgeable about employment law and case history and is always able to explain it to lay people. On the rare occasion when he doesn't know something he will admit it and he will get back to you after researching the issue. His advice has always been practical, effective and spot-on to our situations. He has always guided us to excellent solutions and his integrity is second to none. He is tenacious in our defense. I know a few labor law attorneys and Scott Beightol is my favorite.
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03 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Scott is a very knowledgeable in employment and provides sound advise to regarding legal matters. Helps avoid issues with his proactive approach to emplyment matters. Conservative and strong approach.
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28 Jul, 2020 by Robby
Charles and the team at Murdock law is the best. They have represented me on multiple 6 digit construction and commercial finance claims and each time they far exceeded my expectations and recovery. Their billing is fair to say the least and they are always return my calls or emails immediately. My only complaint is that they are not licensed to practice in all 50 states!
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26 Jul, 2020 by Tom
I am very impressed by attorney Charles Schmidt. He is definitely the most professional and reliable person I have ever worked with. His success in handling a complicated home insurance case for me was nothing short of a miracle. The insurance compensation that he was able to negotiate for me was almost five times the upper limit that the insurance company originally insisted on. Non of the other attorneys I worked with come anywhere close to the level of knowledge and experience that Charles has.
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01 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
After being sentenced to life in prison Ms. Jacobs represented me in my writ of habeas corpus, which is the hardest appeal to win. Ms. Jacobs was successful in winning me relief and I'm now out of prison and free. My family and I are incredibly grateful to Ms. Jacobs and her team.
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26 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
We have a close friend who was defended by Michelle Jacobs. She did such a great job for this! She worked so hard on this case and gathered as much information as she could. She was always responsive, even for little things. She tried extra miles for her clients and always put client's interest as top priorty.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Wendy
Mike Devitt's direct professional attitude and knowledge of the law is impressive.His firm hand shake and eye contact gave me a sense of trust. I left our meeting confident that I had made the right choice for my defense. A strong, realistic, aggressive sense of resolve is what puts this attorney on the top of the list !
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12 Nov, 2009 by Wendy
Mike Devitt is a dedicated focused well informed attorney. I was treated with direct eye to eye contact and given a strong sense of trust.His professional attitude and aggressive resolve is refreshing. Mike is direct, articulate and realistic. When a legal situation compromises your good reputation, Mike Devitt is the attorney you want by your side!
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06 Apr, 2019 by Jeff
I interviewed multiple attorneys when contemplating Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Michael was by far the best for several reasons. First, he was kind, compassionate, understanding. Second, he was extremely knowledgeable and generous with his time. Our conversation was a true consultation, not just a sales job. Third, He clearly had my best interest in mind. In fact, what he suggested I do ended up saving me a lot of money over what other attorneys recommended. Fourth, he showed the highest level of integrity. No question that Michael is the guy I would recommend to anyone looking for a phenomenal bankruptcy attorney!
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11 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Maloney (or Mike as he told us to call him) really took the time to understand how difficult this process was for us and make us feel comfortable with our decision. By explaining all the options in a way that we could really understand he allowed us to make the best decision for our family.
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25 Mar, 2015 by Jackie
I highly recommend Michael J. Ganzer. My personal injury case couldn't have ended so well without him. He is professional and informative.
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14 Apr, 2014 by Heather
After 2 previous attorneys, attorney Ganzer, my last hope, is the only attorney I'd recommend or retain again in the future. Attorney Mike Ganzer is brilliant. Through a long, emotional and confusing case, Mike kept me well informed, explained everything, responded to my questions and concerns rapidly. He was down to earth, easy going, approachable and very honest with me out of court. He listened to my opinions and gave me options with possible outcomes based of each option and advised me based on those. In court, he runs the show with respect but also authority. He is aggressive but at the same time appropriate. His knowledge, professionalism and demeanor in court (and out) gave me absolute confidence in his ability to fight my fight. When thing got difficult or scary, he had the solutions they worked every time. The only attorney I know who I felt actually fought for what I felt was "right",. Thanks to Attorney Ganzer what I felt was "right" became the outcome of my case. I am forever grateful.
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30 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Candice is an excellent attorney who recently helped me with a difficult situation and has been quick and swift and fair, pricing wise.
I have used AVVO for years in my business whenever I sought an excellent lawyer. This time it was personal and as always AVVO provided me a top professional. They are the best and so is Candice. She knows the laws well and took great care of me.
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11 Mar, 2010 by Steven
I was falsely accused of harassment by an ex and was served with a restraining order. I contacted Attorney Tlustosch and she quickly got back to me. I hired her and she got the case dismissed. I found her to be knowledgeable, competent and passionate about her work. I would recommend her to anyone reading this profile.
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09 Dec, 2018 by Beth
Our experience with the Anderson & O’Brien law firm began after I was in a serious automobile accident. We contacted the firm and were put in touch with Attorney Rich Fuller. From that day on, we knew we were in good hands. My injuries were so severe that I had to have two surgeries to fuse my cervical spine. Ultimately our case went to a jury trial. Rich and his team were amazing. They were all thorough, professional, and knowledgeable. Rich included us in every aspect of the case right from the beginning.
Rich always had time to explain what was happening or answer any of our many questions. It was clearly important to him that we always knew what was happening and what to expect. His communication was exceptional through ALL stages of the process over the five years we worked with him. We were always a part of the team. He wanted us to ask questions, offer suggestions, and call him out if something didn’t seem right. He never lost his patience though he sometimes had to explain the same thing more than once for us to fully understand what was happening at that point in time.
Going to trial just over five years after the accident occurred was an experience that I hope to never have to go through again. Rich was always calm, helpful, and reassuring every step of the way. He guided us expertly through the legal jungle keeping our spirits up when needed and tempering our enthusiasm when necessary.
I cannot describe how thankful we are to Rich for the personal sacrifices he made in order to help us ultimately win our case. He made time to meet with us when we were able to get away from work in the evenings and weekends; answered our questions at all hours of the day or night; responded to our emails even when he was on vacation with his family.
Rich does not work in a vacuum at his office. He has some of the most amazing and caring folks there working with him every step of the way. His legal assistant Dawn and “Tech Guy” Ralph were also a pleasure to work with. Without Rich and his team, I don’t believe we would have had the incredible outcome that we had. I would recommend Rich to anyone in a personal injury situation.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Joe
Attorney Fuller represented us in a Personal Injury case that took five years to work through the system. In addition to his excellent understanding of the law, he is an effective litigator and was able to secure for us a substantial verdict that will cover future medical expenses. What I found refreshing about our interaction with Attorney Fuller is his demeanor. He always treated us with respect, was candid on expectations, communicated effectively and worked diligently on the case for five years. I would recommend him to anyone involved in a Personal Injury case.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Misty
Michael helped me with a very ugly divorce. He always advised me my possible legal expenses for desired outcomes and did not just accept my money to pursue what was not in my best interest in the long run. Seeing the mistakes, lack of attention and overall incompetence of my former spouse's various attorneys really highlighted for me what a gem Michael is in his profession.
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04 Dec, 2020 by Elizabeth
Michael has represented me first in my divorce and then has continued as we work through changes in placement. He is humanistic, compassionate, and very professional. I would highly recommend Michael.
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06 Feb, 2015 by James
Steve did a great job guiding our family through the entire land sale and purchase process. When our bank failed to identify the correct procedure executing the reverse 1031 exchange, Steve stepped in and guided the team along. He saved our family potential taxable gains with his knowledge of the 1031 exchange laws and titling requirements set forth via the US tax code. I will recommend him to anyone.
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03 Feb, 2015 by Barry
Steve has the reputation of the attorney you want on your side. He makes sure the client is aware of all issues so they are able to make an educated decision as part of the bigger picture. I am always impressed how he is able to point out potential problems that others have not, including other attorneys. I would never use anyone else.
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23 Jan, 2018 by Kathleen
I was refered to Mr. Ehlinger by my attorney when I was in need of representation by a litigation lawyer. In my first meeting with Mr. Ehlinger he was of great assistance in making me feel very comfortable with all the legal information. Mr. Ellinger was a pleasure to work with, he was exceptionally instrumental in making an intensely upsetting and stressful situation very bearable and kept me informed every step of the way. He was able to settled the issue with grace and satisfaction. His communication skills are far beyond impressive, working with him was truly a wonderful experience as he was able to convey and simplify legal terms in a manner I was able to completely understand. I highly recommend Mr. Ehlinger.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Craig
I first contacted Ralph at the advice of my attorney. I was trying to sell my half of a business so that I could retire. My partner in the business and the corporation that owned the property the business was in had twice caused the failure of the sale of the business. He had last minute changes to the agreements that would be beneficial to him and adversely affect the seller and buyer. Ralph was creative and gave my partner the ultimatum of either buy me out the way the sale was lined up, or we will take over the sale and will put the whole business up for sale with no limitations as to how his position would be handled. My portion of the partnership was sold as soon as the financing was arranged.
A few months later Ralph advised my partner that I no longer wanted to remain a partner with him in the property. A similar ultimatum was given, and my partner purchased my half of the property in a manner that was in our partnership agreement. I was officially retired.
About a year later, I was having an addition and some other work done on our house. When it came time for the signing of the contract, I had Ralph go through it and address any areas that he had concerns about. He was looking at it from the perspective that were potential legal problems. The builders agreed to the changes and were impressed at the detail to prevent a potential problem.
I was also impressed enough to recommend Ralph to a friend having a neighbor dispute.
During my various encounters with Ralph, he also showed concern for my personal feelings and managed my legal expense leaving me feeling that I was not overcharged, and I felt the outcomes were well worth the expense.
Craig
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09 Oct, 2019 by Brandon
I’ve never had any experience with having a lawyer, and honestly it terrified me. Thankfully Jacob was by my side for this case. His confidence assured me I was in good hands. He’s very calm and collected, making this situation a breeze when I expected a hurricane. If I ever get into any kind of legal conflict, Jacob is the first one I’m calling without a doubt.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Kevin
Jacob did a great job settling my case in a timely manor. He ended up getting the ask result I was hoping for. Would definitely recommend him and hire him again.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Cynthia (rainey) dargitz
I hire the Julie Nommensen and her father David. My estate case went on for 3 years, the opposing party appealed (appeal stayed in me favor) They did everthing possible to make it so. They are precise, factual, knowledgeable on the law, attorneys come to them for answers.
They take on your issue as though is was their own. Open communication, knew everything as it was happening. Extremely helpful, supportive, kind, good souls
Best attorneys, I would rehire them.
I was very blessed they represented me.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie helped me update my Will and estate plan. She was caring and knowledgeable, and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand and appreciate. Her prices were also very reasonable. I recommend her to all of my friends.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Greg as my attorney in a highly contentious post-marital settlement case involving custody issues, substance abuse issues and multiple stakeholders including GALs. He helped me resolve my situation with a combination of strong advocacy, keen understanding of the psychological and legal issues at hand, and a deep awareness of the complex relationships amongst the attorneys and others involved. Greg is a straight shooter, highly responsive and extremely skilled. I recommend him highly.
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27 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Greg is a smart, caring and effective attorney. I have been very pleased working with Greg and highly recommend him to anyone looking for an advocate during a very difficult time.
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22 Oct, 2024 by David laitano
First and for most they were completely honest and accommodating.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Becky rivard
The Wittmeyer Lawyers handled my accident case that occurred in 2022. The details of my accident were somewhat challenging due to being in another person's vehicle during the said accident. Mr. Payne, Terri, & associates handled the case as quickly as could be expected. I understand there were times that things can be frustrating in these cases, but Mr. Payne always spoke to me in a kindly manner & helped me understand the wording of the case records at all times as needed. As a client of the Wittmeyer Group I would recommend & reuse them again in the future if there is ever a need for this type of Lawyers. Thank you for your continued service. God Bless you all & Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Becky Gervasi-Rivard
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27 Sep, 2024 by Dan wolf
Ron Wittmeyer and Greg LaCost are top-notch injury attorneys. I have referred a number of clients to them and the results have been consistently excellent. Greg is exceptionally skilled with difficult trip-and-fall cases… he has achieved very substantial settlements in cases that could easily have been turned down on the facts. I will absolutely continue to refer my clients to RF Wittmeyer Ltd.
Daniel Wolf – Schwartz Wolf & Bernstein LLP
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27 Sep, 2015 by Pete
Whitney really went the extra mile for us in our lawsuit against our former landlord. She even worked most of the weekend immediately prior to our hearing. We won our case - in large part due to Whitney's thoroughness and excellent preparations pertaining to our case. She is very personable, professional and approachable. She isn't one of those typical lawyers who take forever to respond to your questions. I highly recommend her!
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30 May, 2013 by Dan
Everyone wants a speedy trial... at least the "Good Guys Do". Well it hasn't been speedy because of the bad guys doing everything to delay everything. However, Winston Ostrows performance has been nothing short of fantastic! We have won against the 2 bad guys in two separate trials. Actually, we slaughtered them. All the jurors were unanomious in our favor and when it went to the Appelate Court, Winston had done such a fine job at both trials and with his Legal Briefs to the Appelate Court that the 3 judge Panel also was unanamous in our favor as well. You may ask "how did you find him?" It wasn't easy, but after calling lots of attorney's and getting referrals, one attorney recommened him and said he just finished a case against him and Winston "kicked his butt" he also said "he is like a pit-bull and doesn't give up! Well, that is the experience I had with him and I am sure he would do the same for you. His goal is winning for you and he sticks to the critical issues to get you that win. Good luck to all.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Jason
Mr. Rotter is a good man. Patient, good listener, honest and great integrity. Fully trustworthy. He cares about people.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Jason
I have been working with Kurt Ellison and his father for three or four years now they are the best lawyers in town they really go out of their way to help you my family uses them they always take your calls and listen to anything you have to say very professional I would not go to anybody else but them
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24 Oct, 2017 by Mr. adam
I had came across attorney Nielsen from an instance with closing company that was doing some inappropriate Business.
Fortunately I haven’t needed to use attorney Nielsen for any legal matters. That being said several occasions I had called and asked for advice. And his knowledge Of every aspect of the real estate industry is in my eyes Impeccable!
And I can tell you I’ve had several conversations lasting well over what most would consider a free telephone Conversation
Thank you, for being the absolute opposite of what us Lehman consider an attorney !!
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16 May, 2024 by Wassim
I am an attorney and called David J. Hase using the Wisconsin State Bar lawyer-to-lawyer directory to inquire about a school-related case. He talked to me for nearly an hour and thoroughly explained the law in a way that highlights his wisdom. If you are looking for an attorney who is passionate about what he does and cares for the clients he is representing, if I was a betting man, I would bet on David to provide excellent legal representation.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Charles
David Herring was my associate attorney for a civil suit. I was a plaintiff who had been involved in a car accident while on my bicycle and we won at trial. I had a great time working with Mr. Herring every step of the case. It was a very high bar, as they say, and couldn't be more grateful for the effort. Trial was stressful and I was counting on more communication from my attorneys which I felt lacked. The victory was a huge relief in my life, and so I would highly recommend his service.
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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:
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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.
