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04 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
We hired David to represent us for a real estate matter in which we purchased a house however later found out non-disclosed issues with the house. The case went on for 2 years and eventually reached a global settlement. David is our attorney and also the most trustworthy partner along the process. We got valuable advices from David regarding what we should do and shouldn't do, and we trust David for all his professional advices. David is very considerate to try hard to keep the cost low for us, which we really appreciate. We feel lucky to have hired David as our attorney and we recommend David to all our friends.
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09 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
We consulted with David for a problem we had with our contractor when he went on an illegal strike. David explained on our options to us, and did not even charge us since our contractor came back to work using the strategy David identified for us!
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16 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired David Marks to represent me in a case brought against me by a property developer who owned an empty lot next door to me and who summarily sued me for a matter that should have been dealt with via a gentleman's agreement, but which ended up costing me thousands. Regardless, Mr Marks helped resolve the case, in the process dealing with the other side's aggressive and irrational attorney. Mr Marks knew that as the "little guy" I needed to keep costs low, and was very reasonable and considerate in this regard. I would have no hesitation in contacting him again should the need arise - which I hope it never does, but one never knows.
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20 Apr, 2016 by Jacques
My name is Jacques Delacroix. I am a retired professor of Management. I live in Santa Cruz, California with my wife, Krishna Delacroix who is an artist. Recently, we went to John D. Laughton, A Professional Law Corporation in Monterey, California for help to deal with the complex and forbidding business of making end-of-life legal preparations. We dealt entirely with Brandie Luis Esq. ,and with the pleasant office staff person (whose name escapes me right now because, well, I am writing a will am I not?)
Ms. Luis deployed incomparable patience and perseverance in dealing with our passivity (and perhaps, with our unconscious resistance). She guided us skillfully through the meanders of legal dispositions we did not even suspected to exist. As a result of her quiet efforts, my wife and I now think that we have done all the right things with respect to our offspring and with respect to the world at large. We believe that thanks to Ms Luis, our passing will not trouble much the peace of those we leave behind. We even think we will leave behind us a slight wake of benevolence. Those are satisfying and probably rare feelings.
Ms Luis ' disposition is so conscientious and so kind that once, she ever made a house call to us! (I hasten to add that this may not be a service the firm offer routinely and to all is customers. We may well have received favored treatment, on his occasion though I am sure we did nothing to deserve it.)
Obviously neither I nor my wife have any previous experience with this kind of endeavor. However, we suspect we stand more on the side of clients from Hell than on the side of angelic clients. Ms. Luis never lost her cool with us and she continued to direct us with a firm but friendly hand until the task was completed. If loving lawyers were not a human impossibility, we would say we have come to love Ms Luis!We could not recommend her personally and the John D. Laughton firm more highly.
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20 May, 2015 by Scott
Brandie Luis, was able to help our family through some difficult legal challenges we had recovering funds that other firms had told us couldn't be done without going through a long and expensive legal process.
She was able to assess the situation quickly and worked with the State and the banking institutions on our behalf to resolve the issues we encountered all to a successful outcome.
Brandie was always prompt with her communications and updated us frequently through the whole process.
I especially appreciated her support and concern for us, we really felt that our situation was as important to her as it was to us, this is a rare commodity that you don't find very much these days.
I would highly recommend Brandie Luis to anyone looking for a Lawyer in her area of expertise.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tracy
Brandie both informed us on our options and helped educate us on what the different choices would mean for the estate. She was very knowledgeable, had clear explanations, and was responsive in her replies when we had further questions. She was very thorough in ensuring all our assets made it in to the trust which was very reassuring as I have heard other peoples horror stories when they found out too late their assets weren't actually in the trust. Brandie's thorough nature ensure we are in good hands and the estate will remain a legacy for generations to come!
I would highly recommend Brandie as an attorney that you can trust with your families future in mind.
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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.
