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07 Dec, 2017 by Todd
Topher did a wonderful job helping our young family begin the process of estate planning. He was efficient with his time and explained everything in great detail so my wife and I could easily understand all the documentation. Highly recommend.
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18 Jun, 2017 by Dave
As professional as we hoped. This being our first will, we needed a lot of guidance and information. Christopher took the time to explain all the "legaleze" in a plain manner which was easily understood. I would certainly suggest Christopher to anyone looking for an attorney for estate planning. Clear, plain speaking, stayed in communication, and produced document I am confident in - what else can you ask.
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19 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Christopher (known as Topher) was a great assistance to me during a difficult period. I was terminated from my job and was uncertain as to my rights. Topher as patient and helped me along every step of the way. More than that, Topher kept his professional cool when the other attorney was stooping to professional lows. I'd recommend Topher to anyone else in a similar situation!
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29 Oct, 2022 by Tracy
Dawn is an amazing attorney who listens to your needs and doesn’t treat you like another dollar. Her clients always comes first (male or female). She handles your case swiftly at a reasonable price. She handled my daughter’s divorce and it was difficult because the other side refused to get an attorney himself and he also didn’t know the law and thought if he did nothing that nothing would happen. Needless to say my daughter won and she didn’t go broke to do it. Definitely want her as your family court attorney.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Ml
Dawn Mondus has been my Family Lawyer since 2013. She has supported me through many post-decree motions and has always had my best interests at heart. She has always been more prepared than the opposing attorney and tough in court! She also puts my concerns first and has been very reasonable in her billing. She is professional and ethical. I am so glad she is on my side. I highly recommend Dawn Marie Mondus.
ML
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03 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Ms. Mondus has represented me in numerous different matters ranging from divorce, civil disputes and unfortunately even a criminal matter in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. She was extremely responsive, very knowledgeable, and had a good reputation with fellow attorneys,court staff and judges. Most importantly, she was very honest and reasonable with her billing. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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10 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Don represented me in a difficult discrimination matter. He clarified the process and strategically approached a challenging appeal hearing. Ultimately, he won my case and delivered positive results and peace of mind for me. His service and follow through are outstanding. I am grateful for his professional expertise along with the fact that he is truly a stand up guy.
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01 Jun, 2016 by Terrie
I hired Don McNeil to assist my business partner and I on a very sensitive matter involving a lawsuit threatened against us individually and against our company. Don immediately jumped into our case reassuring and educating us on the legal process related to the frivolous allegations made against us. He let us know what we could expect in a situation like ours. Defending against a lawsuit is every business owner's worst nightmare. With Don's exceptional representation, we came out of a very difficult situation completely whole and unscathed. I would highly, strongly recommend Don to any business owner facing a potential lawsuit. He is caring, compassionate and extremely service-oriented. But beyond that he is an excellent legal strategist. He defines what it means to advocate for a client. I have worked with many lawyers and Don is definitely a cut above the rest!
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01 Jun, 2016 by Kristy
I hired Don McNeil in 2011 for help with defending me against a non-compete case. And soon after that, my business partner and I used him to help with our partnership documents. When I first met Don, we formed an immediate repore which has lead to a long-term client/attorney relationship that I still depend on to this day. Don is a strong advocate for me and my business. In fact, because of my belief in Dons abilities, I will continue to engage him long-term for my business needs as well as refer my friends, family and clients to him. He is well educated, extremely intelligent, very experienced - and has a great sense of humor to boot! Honestly, I think the world of Don and still tell people that I'm grateful for the unfortunate situation I was in back in 2011 because it introduced me to Don McNeil who I am extremely grateful to call my attorney and my friend.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Thomas
I will recommend Rhia to everyone I know without hesitation. Her knowledge , experience and understanding of the intricacies necessary to successfully navigate the legal process were head and shoulders above my expectations.
My dissoulution with child process took over a year and a half. Choosing a lawyer was tough because let's be honest, lawyers have a certain reputation when generalized as a whole(Not Rhia). I found a lawyer who fit all of those stereotypes (Not Rhia) and promptly fired her in exchange for Rhia's services.
Rhia was responsive , communicated clearly (without all that lawyer babble) and at no point did I ever feel like she wasn't paying attention. She even worked through her maternity leave when my family experienced a crisis .
Every step of the way Rhia ensured I was informed and comfortable with each choice we made together. She presented facts, options, advice and so much more.
In the long preparation for my case , I compiled a truckload of exhibits and information , all of which Rhia reviewed analyzed and utilized in my case. I was very impressed with the preparation process.
Then we went to trial. RHIA KICKED ASS.
Part of me feels like I should leave it at that but I will elaborate. Rhia is an expert in the courtroom. She was calm cool collected and calculated. Every Direct or Cross examination of a witness exemplified superior preparation and excellent skill in uncovering the truths of the situation. Wow.
Words can't express how much Rhia has exceeded my expectations.
If you have read this far, you are like me when I started this process. Doing whatever you can to find the right attorney and not get ripped off. Look no further because you will never find another attorney who is more fair. Honestly I would feel guilty in just paying Rhia the amount she asked for . She truly went above and beyond every step of the way. You would be crazy to even look up another lawyer.
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20 Mar, 2016 by Thomas
I have been in turmoil for over a year now since deciding to file for my divorce/custody case.
During a time of desperation when I needed help protecting my child and the attorney I had been working with remained unresponsive, I sought out help from a family advocate center.
I did my research from the list the center had provided of lawyers they knew could handle my special circumstances and immediately zeroed in on Mrs. Gronberg. I have been thankful of this choice every day!
Rhia responded to my very firsy inquiry with quick, helpful answers and the assurance that she was confidently proficient in handling cases like mine. She even went as far as to provide me with resources I could use to help myself while I weighed out retaining a new attorney.
Since retaining her, Rhia has handled everything from small questions to urgent matters in a manner that's made me feel she genuinely cares about how my family is impacted every step of the way, and not once making me feel like I'm just another case on her list working/waiting on her time. She has even responded to a handful of pressing matters late at night and on weekends- which continues to be unexpected in the legal world, but has made all the difference in my case and life! Even during those "off-hour" responses, Rhia's pricing has remained the same, which is by far more fair and worthwhile than I've ever seen in any simar situation! My gratitude towards her attentiveness and understanding is immeasurable.
These proceedings have not been easy at any step, but Rhia's expertise and encouragement have kept me going through every uncertainty and heart-wrenching blow as s a father in the judicial system. I'm certain I would have folded long ago and regretted it every day since and felt forced/defeated into surrendering my child to the will of my (soon to be) ex if I were under any other attorney's advisement.
Whether you need a reliable professional to simply review a single legal document, or you need a compassionate attorney willing to partner for the long haul, Rhia will make you feel secure and like a top priority every step of the way. She's got the legal know-how with the personal touch of real care. I will continue to recommend her to anyone I meet in need of legal services!
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03 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Marian is very knowledgeable and helped me keep the frustration and worry of the situation at bay. Just knowing she was In our corner and had all our best interests in mind made a difficult situation more tolerable. She is cognizant of all issues, including our financial wellbeing and does a great job explaining all the options for better or worse.
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05 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I used Marian several years ago when going through my divorce. She was very knowledgeable and knew how to approach dealing with a narcissist which was a huge comfort for me while going through this difficult situation. Now that I have to go back and deal with issues again, I searched her out in her new firm and it settled my nerves immediately. I have recommended her to friends as well.
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24 Aug, 2011 by Deborah crowley
Joan has served as a mediator on a number of my cases in the past. She brings to the table valuable experience as a judge, and she has done an excellent job.
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24 Aug, 2011 by Steve
Joan Hallock is a terrific mediator. Our firm engaged her to mediate a case. Joan was knowledgeable, thorough, and handled the mediation professionally and skillfully. Joan was able to effectively communicate the positions of both parties to the point that a settlement was reached. Joan related well with the injured worker and was able to gain his confidence.Joan's style made it very easy for the injured worker to understand the salient arguments and positions and to be able to distinguish them from the superfluous ones. All in all, Joan did a superb job mediating our case. I always recommend her to opposing counsel when we are selecting a mediator.
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26 May, 2020 by Dean
I couldn't have made a better decision by having Engel Law represent me in the custody battle for my daughter. It didn't take long to realize that Kalene is an attorney with true empathy and a high level of integrity. She was always focused on my daughter's need to be with her dad and not on the billable hours. I did notice that she saved me money because she really knows the law and is extremely well organized. She could pull up documents in seconds. I have recommended Engel law to anyone who asked my option.
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01 Dec, 2017 by Karla
Divorce comes with a multitude of questions and emotions. Kalene's knowledge and experience helped answer my questions and concerns. Her genuine compassion was evident from our first conversation. She made a difficult life changing event easier. Highly recommend.
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09 Mar, 2017 by Nora
In 2015 Mr. Allan Witz served as my legal representative for a very complicated matter. Throughout the process Mr. Witz clearly and concisely explained my options, provided me with alternatives when indicated and always gave me the peace of mind that he was looking after my best interests. Following the successful resolution of this matter, I recently retained Mr. Witz to draft a comprehensive estate plan. Once again, I am extremely pleased with his attention to detail and will definitely be using his services again.
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29 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
When my husband and I decided divorce was what we wanted, Herb was helpful, patient and clear. He assisted us in doing the legal stuff needed and helped us resolve the issues we had questions about. He helped us work out a custody arrangement that we both felt was fair for our kids. My ex and I remained friends and are still friends years later, I think that's the best outcome a person could hope for.
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11 Aug, 2013 by Yvonne
This is one of very few lawyers who is actually interested in the good outcome for a client and not in her own income.
I was very satisfied, she is very pleasant, hard working and willing to enter new territory.
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06 Mar, 2010 by Steve
I would have to say Brian is the most competent business attorney in our area. I have used his practice for around 10 years, and he does great work at a fair price. Me and my business give him the highest rating possible.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Megan
I was referred to Ms. Susan Daudelin when faced with an Appeal in February 2020. I had spoken with a few other Appeals Attorneys but none were as versed and educated as Ms. Daudelin. What compelled me most, was she asked to see my previous court orders and had a genuine interest in my case, before speaking with me. Ms. Daudelin wanted to know what lead to the Appeal and showed genuine interest for my families wellbeing. Ms. Daudelin was upfront and gave me best case scenarios and worst case scenarios. Ms. Daudelin was able to navigate the appeals process and eloquently put our case together which lead to a solid prevail. Ms. Daudelins extensive time within the courts shows and reflects within her detailed work. Ms. Daudelin was able to navigate the hearing with professionalism, ease and was prepared for the Judges inquires and concerns. I highly and eagerly recommend anyone faced with an Appeal to contact Ms. Susan Daudelin.
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11 Mar, 2011 by Joni
Sherry Hawley provided the best legal advocacy possible in a very difficult contested adoption case. She exhausted every avenue of research, prepared in depth briefs, and provided convincing verbal and written arguements. She went to great efforts to find every piece of supporting evidence to make my case. She collected in depth depositions. She calmly and determinedly cross examined those that were against me. She was a pleasure to work with. No one could have done a better job. Her knowledge of the law is first rate. She has great compassion and understanding for her clients and passion for justice. Her high ethics are clearly evident in all that she does.
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25 Nov, 2011 by Linda
I felt very confident in her ability to help with my case after our first meeting. Her explanations to my questions were clear and concise. Patty was always available to answer a
I felt very confident having patty as my attorney after our initial meeting. She answered all questions clearly. Was always timely and kept me informed of all new developments in our case. I feel she is a professional who truely enjoys her work and has your best interest at heart. I am very happy I was referred by another attorney who said, "she is one of the best".
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03 Apr, 2019 by Karen
Thanks to Katie things went much smoother than I thought it would. I was notified of each step throughout our process. That was important to me. Keeping me informed and guiding/navigating me through a very personal situation. I would highly recommend Katie for any family law needs. Thank you again!
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20 Mar, 2012 by Jamie
Amanda did a great job keeping me informed about my case and it's progress. She was very helpful and knowlegeble and helped me understand everything I needed to know to help my divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible. She was quick to respond to any questions I had. Amanda really pays attention to detail and shows she cares about the case. Amanda is very personable and realistic. Amanda is an exceptional lawyer with an extreme level of expertise and exceeded my expectations in all aspects of my case. I would recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent lawyer.
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5.0
10 Reviews
23 Mar, 2024 by S f
Helpful, fast, and highly competent.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Jb texas food travels
16 Mar, 2023 by Engelhafen
The employee I spoke with was so kind and hard-working. I have to say that she is a state treasure and I hope the state appreciates her outstanding work and exemplary kindness. So very helpful and responsive.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Benjamin jackson
12 Jan, 2024 by Michael s stewart sr
15 Mar, 2023 by Flyppc
26 Feb, 2023 by Christopher siebenaler
26 Dec, 2020 by Headstartwruuh learner
01 Sep, 2018 by Ken levinson
Thank you for inviting this Chicago trial lawyer to help teach at many of your education programs. I am more than impressed with all the great work MAJ does to assist trial lawyers and their clients. Keep up the fantastic work!
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08 Jul, 2024 by George hawkins
Very helpful
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08 Jul, 2024 by Thomas johnson
12 Jul, 2020 by Sally scoggin
17 Sep, 2019 by David lickness
They care!
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18 Jul, 2018 by Jeff hames
Experienced and professional!
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08 Jan, 2014 by Ryan s
Recently had a custody and child support battle with the mother of my nine year old daughter.
As biased as Minnesota Courts are against fathers, I went into this battle very discouraged already. Derk Schweiger was amazing in court, and I felt that because of his professional demeanor, articulateness, and sheer brilliance in court, the judge was able to see where I was coming from, and my life situation, my desire to better myself as a man, and my desire to be a father. The judgment was more than fair, and I was very happy that I chose Derk to be my lawyer. I have referred him to several people, and if need be, I will definitely call upon him again. He was professional, organized, clever, and not as expensive as other lawyers in the metro area.
Thanks again! -Ryan Wagner
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02 Nov, 2020 by Dave nadeau
Great Attorneys and Dedicated Staff!
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28 Jan, 2022 by Gayle flohrs
Jeremy is very knowledgeable and helpful. We had a good experience having his help us with some estate planning.
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22 Jul, 2020 by Ricky alexander
03 Jun, 2016 by Aaron hall
Unlike many divorce attorneys, Anna is collaborative and seeks to avoid unnecessary fighting (and related legal expenses).
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05 Oct, 2022 by Marcin
I had spoken with another highly rated law firm before consulting with Cortney. This was like a night-and-day conversation, she had been extremely supportive and knowledgeable, doing everything possible to produce a favorable situation for me and my son. Cortney not only provided great suggestions for my circumstances but also made sure my son had the best possible outcome. The outcome ended with everything I hoped for from the beginning. Extremely grateful for her services and experience. She really does go above and beyond, and this is just what you want during such a difficult time in life. I would highly recommend Cortney to anyone looking for legal representation during a custody dispute/settlement!
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21 Jan, 2021 by Chuck
Ms. Whitehouse represented me in my divorce proceedings and always provided excellent guidance and legal advice, in a calming and confident manner, through a very stressful and intimidating process. She educated me as we entered and worked our way through each phase and I always felt informed on what was occurring and why. She continually provided sound advice as I was faced with making difficult decisions. The process ended with a settlement that was more positive than I had initially hoped to receive and I remain thankful she represented me. I strongly recommend that any person who must navigate a difficult divorce situation to strongly consider retaining Ms. Whitehouse as their legal representative.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Michael
My first lawyer screwed up my case so bad, no other lawyer would touch it. Not only did she unravel the mess, I ended up with a settlement equal to the one I thought was fair. A very tenacious, professional. I am so glad she was on my side.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Jairo medina
I was guided throughout all the procedures and they were really helpful. I felt they gave me great customer help.
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24 Feb, 2025 by Carol dischinger
They were a great help to me, thank you
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19 Feb, 2025 by Elizabeth gable
My lawyers Jennifer and Andrew and the whole law firm team helped me successfully get approved for my disability. They prepared me and prep me through every step. Kept me going when many times I was ready to give up. I put my full trust in them and they succeeded in every expectation. Truly an amazing team of lawyers and staff. I would recommend them anytime. Even afterwards of winning my case they still checked in on me and explained the next steps. An let me know if I ever have any questions they are always there to help. It was good knowing I had them backing me every step of the way, and never giving up on the fight.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Melanie lobdell
Kristen helped me with my custody and child support case. She was amazing and so easy to work with. She’s very professional, she quickly responds to emails back and forth or any phone calls that needed to be made. She was very straight forward on the process with what I was dealing with and the routes I needed to take in the process. She made me feel so comfortable even when I was stressed about the situation. I will highly recommend her to anyone and will definitely be calling her again if I have any future needs. She was great!!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Erin wolfe
Kristen Bullock is amazing at what she does! Our case was complicated and high conflict but she was committed to helping us keep my son safe. We are grateful for her expertise and tenacity!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Cullen ford
Daniel Adkins is the best attorney in Minnesota. He got my case dismissed and I didn’t even have to go to court
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09 Oct, 2024 by Adam sanchez
Wow - Just wow. We didn't even talk numbers and Joe was not only willing to help but thoroughly explained what would and wouldn't be a good idea given our situation. He listened and answered thoroughly. We're not yet sure if this will be the route we'll take, but if we do, Joe will definitely have our business.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Joseph lyons
Jennifer Stevens- empathetically and kindly helped guide me through a difficult divorce. She helped me navigate through things like splitting marital assets/parenting time/child support. The money I spent to have Jennifer flawlessly represent me paid off in the end. She helped me find assets that my ex-wife had hidden and/or illegally took after papers were served. Thank you, Jennifer Stevens. You are the best in the Midwest and beyond!
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13 Jun, 2024 by Swankythetiger
Fathers beware.
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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:
-
What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case. -
What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation. -
How long will the mediation process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests. -
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.
