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11 Apr, 2024 by J. springer
They are very good at what they do. Helped me with everything, I can't say enough about this firm. Pete Scolamiero and Alexis Sanchez are an absolute pleasure to deal with. Without them I wouldn't have the life ill be able to somewhat enjoy now. I'd would highly recommend this firm!!
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28 Aug, 2023 by Cheyenne o'connell
They did nothing for me. Paid my case out.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Bry nin
Never return phone calls.
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14 Feb, 2024 by April matthews
No one ever reaches back out can’t even get a hold of my Public Defender ridiculous
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27 Oct, 2020 by Jade powell
19 Dec, 2019 by Alexander
Helene Bernstein has been my attorney for the past four years on multiple court cases in Brooklyn family court. I give the highest recommendation possible for the work she has done for me as well as her demeanor and professionalism. Helene has the unique ability to be paradoxically empathetic and understanding and yet commanding and resolute when needed; I believe these are the personality traits that make for the best of attorneys.
What initially drew me to Ms. Bernstein’s practice and proved to be true over the years was that she also works as a mediator and looks to resolve contention rather than to win conflicts. In the long run, this proved extremely worthy as well as valiant and likely contributed to her winning my case for me. Our conversations were always about what is just and fair and most importantly, what was in the best interest of my children.
Helene is well organized, communicative, thoughtful, open-minded, reliable and is an extremely hard worker. She took great care in my case, with meticulous notes that she always shared with me. Ms. Bernstein prepared myself and the other witnesses properly when we had to testify and always patiently clarified legal procedures for me and advised me well, even when it was not in her own financial best interest. She was also completely upfront and open about both her fees as well as other legal costs that would impact my case. I am so glad that Ms. Bernstein has been my attorney and sincerely give her the highest rating of endorsement possible.
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19 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I contacted Helene for a consult on my divorce mediation. When she called me back, she came across as rude. I explained I was looking for the consult plus a review attorney, which she said was smart. Like every lawyer I speak with, I asked her about her caseload to determine if she could commit the amount of time I needed for my case. Her reply, "Why would I tell you that, I don't even know you." She can't even have a civil conversation with a prospective client, so that closed the door for me. I thanked her for her time and said I'll contact her if I want to schedule a time.
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13 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Initially looked for a collaborative atty but turned out I needed a litigating atty. Be careful if you seek litigating attorney. She charges reasonable rate but in her first bill charged almost triple the amount of time the plaintiff atty charged for the same task. Did not agree to negotiate the price down or even discuss it. Gave misdealing and misinformed advise that was very damaging in the early stage of the divorce proceeding related to forensic accounting, temporary support and visitation. I advise you to set up "do not exceed amount without approval" right from the start. Good luck
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31 Jan, 2020 by Teresa holland
28 Jan, 2020 by Ulysses peeples
13 Nov, 2018 by Keidyn cheng
31 Aug, 2015 by Diana townsend
These employees are wildly rude and incompetent. I arrived at DC37 vision center to schedule an appointment since I was in the area already. The lady greeted at me by staring at me until I said hello. She then said I couldn't schedule an appointment then but I could call the following Monday and schedule for October (it was mid Sept, ok?). No explanation as to why this is this case. I asked her if I could use my prescription I already had, and not only could she not answer the question but she indicated that it was not part of her job to know this...? Seriously. So I called on Monday. Even though my voucher expired 10/05, an employee told me I could not schedule on 10/01 because it "was too close to the expiration date" (again, really?) she was unable to explain this reasoning. I then called the optical plan people, who had no clue why the vision center was refusing to schedule me, and agreed that they probably just don't know how expiration dates work. AVOID IF POSSIBLE.
Fortunately, it's free though the union and that is why they get a single star.
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02 Aug, 2013 by William giles
11 Nov, 2011 by Eric obenzinger
31 Aug, 2015 by Diana townsend
These employees are wildly rude and incompetent. I arrived at DC37 vision center to schedule an appointment since I was in the area already. The lady greeted at me by staring at me until I said hello. She then said I couldn't schedule an appointment then but I could call the following Monday and schedule for October (it was mid Sept, ok?). No explanation as to why this is this case. I asked her if I could use my prescription I already had, and not only could she not answer the question but she indicated that it was not part of her job to know this...? Seriously. So I called on Monday. Even though my voucher expired 10/05, an employee told me I could not schedule on 10/01 because it "was too close to the expiration date" (again, really?) she was unable to explain this reasoning. I then called the optical plan people, who had no clue why the vision center was refusing to schedule me, and agreed that they probably just don't know how expiration dates work. AVOID IF POSSIBLE.
Fortunately, it's free though the union and that is why they get a single star.
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02 Aug, 2013 by William giles
11 Nov, 2011 by Eric obenzinger
07 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Do you want your lawyer cavorting with future insurrectionists? Do you prefer that they’ve disrupted federal elections? Been given 2 DWIs, one while married and with a 24yr old on his lap WHILE driving? John Edward Sweeney is your man. Google Brooks Brothers Riots. This man should be in prison in Russia, let alone free to practice law in the state of NY.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
From personal experience dealing with this attorney and Supreme Court and family court she uses tactics to mislead the court and she belittles fathers she is a panel 18 attorney and if you're going up against her is extremely important that you hire a skilled trial attorney or she was scheme a plan to make you lose fathers beware of her.
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13 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Diane Dwyer was very disrespectfule during my dealings with her. If you want to be treated with respect, forget it. If you want to be treated fairly, read, be informed, make sure you know your stuff as she will only do what is in the best interest of the county, the courts, etc. which is to move your case along as quickly as possible without any regard for fairness ( the bottom line is, save the courts and county as much money as possible even if your life is made more difficult) even though it is the people who indirectly pay her and all court employees salaries.
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06 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Stay far, far away. I can't speak for her legal abilities but as a support magistrate in the Nassau County Family Court with whom I had the misfortune of having to face several times over the years, she is a disaster. In my opinion, she is unprofessional, obnoxious, degrading, biased, unfair in her refusal to examine documents if she dislikes you, and downright vicious. She refused to accept or believe I have a learning disability, refused to write down or help me understand additional requests she demanded that I simply could not comprehend, she insulted my maternal abilities despite all my efforts and insinuated I am a liar because she didn't like my honest answers about my medical condition. To do all of this to someone who has suffered from clinical depression for many years only makes the condition worse. Her conduct literally drove me to vomitting on the way out of the courtroom. Worst of all, she refused to review or look at any documentation I offered to support my claims, while having no problem reviewing documents from the other party in the case. She has no empathy for those she apparently considers to be beneath her and takes a little too much joy in disparaging the uneducated, those with disabilities or almost anyone who stands before her, judging from the many angry unfortunates who spoke to me in court after a session with her. She should get off her high horse and learn that more will be accomplished by treating people with a little respect instead of insulting them for their insecurities and shortcomings. I repeat, stay far, far away from this angry, apparently miserable person. In case anyone is wondering how someone with a disability could write such a review, I had a lot of help.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Charles
This attorney was hired to compile my fathers last will and testament. When he was incapacitated by dementia this attorney allowed his girlfriend to bring him into the office to change his will basically giving her everything. There were no precautions taken to protect my my father or his entire family.
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03 Oct, 2023 by James
THIS WOMAN IS MENTALLY ILL! SHE HAS SUED THE LAST 3 JOBS IN A SCAM SHE HAS GOING. SHE IS NOW A SOCIAL WORKER FOR CHILDREN AND IS VERBALLY AND EMOTIONALLY ABUSIVE TO THEM. SHE HAS BEEN DIAGNISED WITH BI-POLAR 2 AND IS A DANGERPUS PERSON TO DEAL WITH ON A PERSONAL AND BUSINESS LEVEL. STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS WOMAN! SHE IS A NIGHTMARE!'
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21 Oct, 2007 by Anonymous
Nancy Peters charged thousand of dollars for what she claimed as three drafts of divorce settlement. However, we were not asked, never approved preparing any draft, and never received any draft, except the only one draft we received in the end of the so-called “mediation”. Nancy and Gary Peters (see my comment in this site under his name) dishonest bill, about bogus extra two drafts, and other "extras", helped them to inflate their bill and charge top dollars. In fact, Nancy Peters wrote notes every session -- to the most part this was her only paid role during the “mediation”. The only draft we received consists of just few pages of their own with few simple calculations. As to the draft itself, they neglected to add to it important issues which we agreed upon. I was led by these “mediators” to believe that they would care for all matters in relation to preparing a settlement. However, when coming to what agreed in advance as the last meeting, they noted in the draft a crucial subject as “unknown”. They never contacted us to ask for the "unknown", and did not turn to an expert in order to answer the matter in question. It could be a loss of tens of thousands of dollars for me. This is only one example of unprofessional and uncaring "mediation". Had I finalized an agreement with them, I could have lost up to $150.000 and ruin my future. They have no clue what mediation is. Luckily, shortly after I terminated their service, I found a skilled attorney who prepared a fair and balanced agreement.
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26 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I think I've covered everything above. In addition to that, when I criticized his lack of responsiveness, he hung up on me. This attorney was assigned to me by a Syracuse area bank. I called the bank, explained the situation, and asked for a different lawyer.
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08 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Gary & Nancy Peters (see my comment in this site under her name) charged thousand of dollars for what they claimed as three drafts of divorce settlement. However, we were not asked, never approved preparing any draft, and never received any draft, except the only one draft we received in the end of the so-called “mediation” (I do have an affidavit from my ex-spouse to attest to this matter). Nancy and Gary Peters dishonest bill, about bogus extra two drafts, and other "extras", helped them to inflate their bill and charge top dollars ($350 @hour). In fact, Nancy Peters took minutes for the few session we had-- to the most part this was her only paid role during the “mediation”. The only draft we received consists of just few pages of their own with few very simple calculations. As to the draft itself, they neglected to add to it important issues which we agreed upon. Their draft was a useless document. Simply, not more then piece of junk.
I was led by these “mediators” to believe that they would care for all matters in relation to preparing a settlement. However, when coming to what agreed in advance as the last meeting, they noted in the draft a crucial subject as “unknown”. They never contacted us to ask for the "unknown", and did not turn to an expert in order to answer the matter in question. It could be a loss of tens of thousands of dollars for me. This is only one of many examples of unprofessional, unethical and uncaring "mediation". Had I finalized an agreement with them, I could have lost up to $150.000 and ruin my future. They have no clue what mediation is. Luckily, shortly after I terminated their service, I found a skilled attorney who prepared a fair and balanced agreement.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Adewale has handled my case for emergency assistance and was very nasty when it came to dealing with my case. She yelled on the phone and when I asked can she stop yelling at me. She responded that I needed to turn my back phone down. Ms.Adewale made me feel so little when finishing the call and all I could do is cry. Her title allows her to treat other human beings as though they are beneath her. If your case is in her hands good luck if you even get a word out. If she ever reads this. I would like her to know “ Just because she holds a high title doesn’t give her the right to belittle people who needs help.
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08 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Horrible lawyer and will NEVER recommend using her. I hired her thinking I could trust my lawyer, she was far from that. She clearly only looked out for her best interest.
After her lying to me saying she reviewed the final divorce proposal when in fact she didn't.....I lost a tax exemption for my son and many other issues. I thought I could trust her. Losing the tax exemption meant I lost approximately $25,000 until my child reached 21. Every time I called her it was as if I was bother. Rarely returned phone calls with 2-3 days of leaving a message. I wasted a lot of money thinking she could be trusted. "Never Use Nancy"
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10 May, 2024 by Sandy nichols
As hard as it is for domestic survivors to speak out Ada Emily Williams will refuse to care what you have to say and makes survivors more traumatized and prolongs the healing process.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Madison maxfield
I talked to a very rude DA called Ashley. Wouldn’t recommend talking to her.
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17 Mar, 2023 by Nicki
The DA attempted to make me plead guilty to a crime I didn't commit. If I were to reject the plea, I'd have to waste more money than the fine is worth to go to court. They still weren't willing to drop the charge in the interest of justice.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Frank losquadro
Represents clients who steal from start ups. Hired multiple freelancers and start ups for their soccer projects and then they don't pay for services rendered.
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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:
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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.
