Filter by

star star star star star
27 Sep, 2023 by Brenda
My sister referred Misty Harris. We met with her virtually for a consultation. I was extremely anxious and worried days leading up to our appointment. By the end of the session, I hired her! Her experience, professionalism, and empathy for the situation was extraordinary. I highly recommend her firm.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
26 Sep, 2023 by Matt
Misty Harris is hands down the BEST attorney out there! She is kind and caring, but firm. She helped me win custody of my daughter and guided me through every step of the way. Her advice was always honest and on point. She never let me down and was a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Misty Harris!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
03 Nov, 2021 by Kristy
Misty is the BEST of the BEST! I was referred to her by a friend and I am so thankful I reached out. No one wants to think of divorce, parenting plans and the financials of the process; but Misty was there every step of the way. I knew I could trust and depend on her during this very terrifying, stressful and intimidating situation. She always explained each process to me and answered any questions I had. She had myself and my children's best interest in mind. Misty is hardworking, knowledgeable, ethical and detail-oriented; on top of all of that she listens with compassion! I have no reservations in recommending Misty Harris! (her team is also AMAZING)
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
04 Dec, 2015 by Kate
We recently had a need for an attorney and are so glad that we were referred to Kathy. She is prompt in communicating; efficient in getting the job done; effective in court. She is honest and realistic in guiding the client's expectations. We would solicit her again in the future without hesitation.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Apr, 2015 by Kevin
We recently had the need for an Attorney and were fortunate enough to get Kathy Rowell. She was very knowledgeable about the law and kept in contact extremely well through the whole process. We were very happy with her professionalism and ability to not only fight our case, but her determination to do what was right. We would recommend her without reserve.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
01 Mar, 2014 by Vaibhav doshi
Super Nice Lawyer! Very Accomodating, Concerned for Clients Issues and not just behind my time and my fees! Very Professional and A very good job done for my divorce case! Strongly recommend her!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
05 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Gold is an excellent attorney. Even though our case did not go anywhere, child custody, Mr. Gold was upfront and honest about a lot of things with our case. Yes, I would recommend him and I would use him again in the future.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
17 Feb, 2022 by Randy
Curtis Bowe III, along with his staff provided excellent customer service. They were very efficient and always in touch with me when changes occurred with my case. Mr. Bowe, was very straightforward in & out of the courtroom. His legal knowledge was very impressive when the time came for cross examination during my case. He provides quality service which can be hard to attain in his field. I thank you for a job well done.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Feb, 2022 by Phillip
I’ve used Mr. Bowe multiple times on different issues and I’ve been very pleased with each experience. Curtis is professional but personable and always made me feel like my situation was important. He and his staff set clear expectations, which is always appreciated when navigating legal issues. Thank you, Curtis!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Great attorney. Really helped resolve my issue. I Wouldn't use anyone else.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Jan, 2024 by Brice
My experience with Bill Pemerton, a family law attorney in Hamilton County, Tennessee, has been profoundly disappointing and distressing. As I navigate through the complexities of family law, the importance of reliable, empathetic legal representation cannot be overstated. This review aims to provide an honest and detailed account of the service I received, or rather, the lack thereof, from Mr. Pemerton, with the hope of informing others and advocating for accountability in legal practice. The journey with Mr. Pemerton's services began with a semblance of professionalism, but it rapidly deteriorated into a scenario marred by negligence and unprofessionalism. A glaring example of this was his audacious misrepresentation of a court date. This misinformation led me to undertake a needless five-hour journey, only to realize that no motion had been filed for my case. Such a grave error not only wasted my time and resources but also amplified the emotional strain I was already enduring. In addition, Mr. Pemerton's approach to my case was marked by a conspicuous lack of accountability. His condescending attitude and attempts to cast doubt on the rationality of my claims were both unprofessional and unbecoming of a lawyer entrusted with such sensitive matters. This lack of empathy was particularly distressing given the gravity of family law cases, where the well-being of children is often at stake. Furthermore, my requests for the transfer of my case documents to my new attorney, were met with what can only be described as a dismissive and nonchalant attitude. This disregard not only reflected a lack of professional courtesy but also a blatant disrespect for my rights and needs as a client. In light of these experiences, I find it necessary to explicitly state that I cannot recommend Bill Pemerton for any matters related to family law in Hamilton County, TN. The cumulative effect of his actions - misinformation, negligence, and a general lack of professionalism - has not only caused me undue stress and inconvenience but has also impeded my pursuit of justice and fairness in a deeply personal and significant legal matter. I hope this review serves as a cautionary tale for others seeking legal representation in family law. It underscores the importance of thorough research and due diligence when selecting an attorney, especially in cases as delicate and impactful as those involving family matters. My experience is a stark reminder of the profound impact a lawyer can have on their clients' lives and the paramount importance of integrity, empathy, and professionalism in the legal profession.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
13 Oct, 2020 by Joshua
My ex wife filed a frivolous dependency and neglect against me in which Bill was my attorney. Bill didn't leave a stone unturned in my case. We ended up winning the case!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
10 Sep, 2018 by Gloria
Billy kept me informed of the details and worked on my behalf to resolve my case through mediation.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
18 Jan, 2024 by Wells eady
I hired Tim Ballard for a child custody case during a sensitive period following the loss of our daughter to cancer. While Tim seemed personable, the service and value I received were unsatisfactory. My experience with Mr. Ballard was costly and inefficient compared to previous attorneys. Over $8000 and nearly a year later, the only significant progress was one hour of mediation. The costs seemed excessive: $2000 for mediation prep and almost $100 for a brief email. Additionally, I questioned the 5.5 hours billed (Tim does his own billing and invoicing. One month I received several months billing all of a sudden) for mediation prep half billed on a day when Tim was handling another case. Several months I’m still waiting on discovery questions, child support worksheet, and some bills of my ex spouse to be paid. All of which are “in the works” Communication issues were persistent. I often had to rebrief him on basic case details, yet was billed for these updates. Despite being promised legal aid assistance, this help materialized late, failing to restore my confidence in the firm. The process was drawn out, with mediation dates constantly delayed from May to July to November. I felt my case wasn't advocated for effectively, particularly in dealings with the opposing attorney. Now in the process of switching lawyers, I'm disheartened by the substantial financial and time investment with minimal progress. I'm open to sharing more details with those considering this firm. A major concern was the inefficient communication costing over half the total fees. I preferred meetings over emails for efficiency, but this approach wasn't adopted. There were also missed opportunities, like enrolling my daughter in a new school, and periods where Tim was difficult to contact, though active on social media liking the opposing attorneys instagram posts. In summary, I expected more empathy and proactivity in handling my case. This experience felt like a financial and emotional drain during an already difficult time.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Sep, 2023 by Briyah and mariyah's world
They are never there and have a awful response time
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
07 Aug, 2023 by Andrew breneman
Chris Varner does an incredible job. Go to see him for your legal needs!
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top