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08 Aug, 2022 by Kim
Calm, reassuring, and smart-very smart, are the adjectives that immediately come to mind when I think of Neil Cahn. He gives no knee-jerk or boiler plate responses and he took the time to carefully craft an approach to my divorce that was both personal and tailor-made for my situation. His staff is kind, caring, and attentive. I could not recommend him more highly.
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22 Jun, 2022 by Emma
I was given a referral by a friend to retain Neil Cahn and from the first consultation I knew I had made the right decision. He really put me at ease and explained everything to me in such a thorough and knowledgeable manner. He was extremely professional and definitely had the best interest for myself and my son, and always went above and beyond in every way possible. As a young mother going through a divorce, I had many questions, little knowledge about family law, and he was able to answer all of my questions and make me feel comfortable. He has made himself available to me during emergency situations when I needed his expert advice or to "talk me down" from exploding. I would strongly recommend Neil for anybody looking for an honest, genuine, attorney with your best interest. He goes above and beyond in everything he does, and is a BEAST at law.
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29 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I have known Neil Cahn for over 10 years. He represented me in my own matrimonial case, and did a great job helping everyone I referred to his practice. Having consulted for NYS Court System for over 15 years made me aware of many issues one faces whilst dealing with the Law, especially here, in Nassau County. There are only a few attorneys that I trust and respect. Neil Cahn is on the top of the list. His encyclopedic knowledge of the Family Law, amazing memory, attention to details, pleasant demeanor, and ability to do an excelent job representing all kinds of clients are outstanding.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Geraldine kazenoff
Excellent workshop.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Jaclyn jones
Smart caring committed lawyers.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Caroline van zandt
I thought this was an excellent, concise and well-organized summary of the major topics of family law. Among other subjects, the presentation covered divorce, distribution of assets, child support, spousal support and orders of protection. Based upon this webinar, I was highly impressed with Jacqueline Harounian and her law firm! Thank you so much for offering this wonderful webinar!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Geraldine kazenoff
Excellent workshop.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Jaclyn jones
Smart caring committed lawyers.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Caroline van zandt
I thought this was an excellent, concise and well-organized summary of the major topics of family law. Among other subjects, the presentation covered divorce, distribution of assets, child support, spousal support and orders of protection. Based upon this webinar, I was highly impressed with Jacqueline Harounian and her law firm! Thank you so much for offering this wonderful webinar!
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28 Nov, 2024 by Sean brady
Richie and Kim both go above and beyond for their clients. They offer personal, one on one dedicated service not offered by other firms. If you want your case to be managed by paralegals who dont care about you- use someone else. If you want Attorneys who answer your calls directly, gives you their cell phone numbers- and is dedicated do doing their job, AND MORE…. Richie and Kim are where you should go.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Kaye diaz
Steve and his staff are very caring.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Jonathan pelc
Steven and his staff helped achieve a fair settlement for my car accident case. They always returned calls and kept me informed during the entire process I highly recommend this firm.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You

A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.

Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.

When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?

Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:

  • Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
  • Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
  • Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
  • Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
  • Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
  • Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.

What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?

A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
  • Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
  • Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
  • Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
  • Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
  • Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
  • Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.

How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?

Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
  • Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
  • Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.

Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.

How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
  • Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.

Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.

Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer

Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
    Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.

How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
  • Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
  • Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
  • List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
  • Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
  • Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.

Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.

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