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17 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Where to start...2008 my friend referred Melissa to me regarding my custody fight. We started our journey sometime in May of 2008, as a single father trying to gain custody of my 2 daughters I knew I would need a good lawyer. Boy was I surprised, I had been introduced to the best most dedicated honest straight shooting tell how it is attorney. Melissa not only win my case but has continued to assist in my ongoing issues with the mother. Melissa is very caring and dedicated. Melissa wide array of experience in family law place head and shoulders above the rest. I would rate note only Melissa but the entire Johnson Duffy firm a perfect 10! My family and I will forever be indebted to Melissa for her passion and dedication in my case. Thank you Melissa from the bottom of my heart!
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17 Feb, 2021 by Christopher
Melissa Greevy represented me for multiple child custody hearings. Lets face it Divorce is a less then ideal thing to go through. Add in figuring out child custody and its just down right miserable. As a father it was very important to me to to share physical and legal custody of my child. As a man I thought this was going to be a challenging battle, because I bought into a common misconception that fathers were not treated as equals to mothers in custody court. The court process was lengthy and complicated I do admit, but not overwhelming with excellent advice and legal counsel from Melissa. I would recommend Melissa and Johnson Duffie to anyone looking for excellent legal representation during a challenging time. Their legal expertise and guidance will certianly give you peace of mind, and excellent legal representation.
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12 Feb, 2021 by Ashley hill
I reached out to attorney Greevy at the advice of a friend who has used her in the past. She’s very passionate and aggressive; that’s what I needed. I paid her 300$ consultation fee.... we talked for about an hour and I didn’t catch her “vicious” vibe that I was told about; she reviewed my legal documents and discussed our potential plan of action.... following our phone call; I received an email from Melissa stating that she would be handing my case over to another attorney in her office..... confused; I asked her why- I wanted HER to fight for me and my child..... she OFFERED for me to interview this attorney before making any decisions and paying the retainer. I spoke with the other attorney and did not in any way feel that attorney was the one for my case. So, I backed out- and hired another attorney(s) with a different firm- won the case... life is back to normal.... I randomly get a bill, in the mail from Melissa’s law office- billing me for a review of the legal documents (isn’t that covered in a consultation) - also for my interview with the other attorney that Melissa OFFERED me to do..... so- this firm wants me to pay 500$ for ..... nothing. For a 1 hr consultation.... after being blown off by Melissa and just thrown onto someone who was completely not fit to handle the emergency petition thrown our way.
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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.