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09 Dec, 2024 by Andrea j
The team at Happy Even After has been very supportive and given me a lot of advice and guidance as a go through this journey.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Annmarie wright
I just wanted to Thank the entire staff at Happy Even After Law Firm. They did a fantastic job representing me during this difficult divorce. They offered me support throughout the process, I truly appreciate everything. They make sure I was comfortable and keep calm during the process. They understood my concerns and offered full assistance when needed. If you’re going through a divorce, look no further. The ladies at this law firm will get the job done with strides and pride. I’m very pleased with their service. A Hill
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23 Oct, 2024 by A f
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05 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Atty McGrath in a custody case and received adequate counsel throughout my case. I was satisfied with the outcome for myself and child.
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24 Apr, 2019 by Sheril
Megan very quickly grasped the nuanced details of our personal situation and worked with us with both efficiency and empathy to reach an agreement that felt comfortable and reasonable to both parties. Of note, she also has a good team and works well with them to achieve closure without excessive billing. This was important, and helpful during a process neither of us had experienced before. Megan also responded to a Sunday night email almost instantly which was not expected, but very much appreciated. There’s a good reason several trusted colleagues recommended her, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do so myself, nor would my now ex- husband.
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17 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney McGrath was professional, patient, communicative, informative and supportive. She was always available for my many questions and helped make the process understandable and manageable. I would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the entire Bauer Law Group for the excellent service was so fortunate to receive. You guys are the best!
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22 Jul, 2015 by Philip
I have been working with Bill Stempel since 2007, when I was introduced to him by a friend who is also one of his clients. I have been very impressed with his intelligence, judgment, and broad experience in health care, life sciences, and business in general. His advice and representation have been extremely helpful to me in a variety of contract, employment, and other matters. Bill is one of my most trusted advisors and I have recommended him to a number of colleagues, who have been very pleased. He is remarkably easy to talk to, a caring and astute listener, a skilled and effective communicator, and a dependable source of wise and practical counsel on both business and legal issues. On top of that he has always been very responsive, even on short notice, and works well remotely (I am in California and he is based in Connecticut). Bill is efficient in his use of time. I am very glad to have him as my lawyer and I highly recommend him to others.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Revati
Bill has been a trustworthy pragmatic and very responsive attorney and advisor to my business. He is a tough negotiator with a very kind and calm demeanor. He has a thorough knowledge of the law and I rely on his judgment to make the correct decisions. He has reviewed every contract I have signed and I have always benefitted from his thoughtful reviews. Sometimes, the other side has expressed gratitude to him for his review as well. I would recommend him unhesitatingly. As a small business owner he has given me the cadillac service that only large companies have access to. I am very grateful for that.
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19 May, 2015 by Wendy
William Stempel is an excellent lawyer. I found "Bill" to be down to earth, approachable, and very clear in his explanations and clarifications. He was very responsive to my requests and needs. I first used Bill's services to assist in a contract dispute with a former employer. Bill was clear, firm when necessary, and highly effective in that situation. I later hired Bill to oversee the formation of our Independent Pharmacy. I highly recommend using William Stempel for any contract, employment and / or healthcare venture or need; you'll get straightforward answers, fair pricing, highly effective work-product.
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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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