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08 Jul, 2024 by Ajeet singh
I live in the Sacramento Area, but I used to live in the Bay Area, where I found the firm. They were really responsive, detailed, and caring.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hu gui
After getting married, I needed to remove the conditions on my green card. Kyle helped me with form I-751 and my interview. The office even had a nice Chinese New Year display.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Victor mondragon
Compassion, Communication and Knowledge, A clear guided experience! I cant express the gratitude I feel for the Peace of Mind brought by their knowledge. As a father, I always look for the best help for my family and I when it comes to situations that can get or have gotten out of control. Clear communication and understanding of the situation is what we wish for in desperate moments.
Right from the first conversation had with them, you will feel the security and confidence of dealing with true professionals. Making things clear is crucial in situations as such, this was provided right from the beginning.
The options provided to solve your situations are clear and explained in simple terms. Attention to detail is always present, no matter the questions or concerns had.
Highly recommend De Castroverde Law group for does want the right assistance in this unexpected and expected difficult situations.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Ajeet singh
I live in the Sacramento Area, but I used to live in the Bay Area, where I found the firm. They were really responsive, detailed, and caring.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Hu gui
After getting married, I needed to remove the conditions on my green card. Kyle helped me with form I-751 and my interview. The office even had a nice Chinese New Year display.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Victor mondragon
Compassion, Communication and Knowledge, A clear guided experience! I cant express the gratitude I feel for the Peace of Mind brought by their knowledge. As a father, I always look for the best help for my family and I when it comes to situations that can get or have gotten out of control. Clear communication and understanding of the situation is what we wish for in desperate moments.
Right from the first conversation had with them, you will feel the security and confidence of dealing with true professionals. Making things clear is crucial in situations as such, this was provided right from the beginning.
The options provided to solve your situations are clear and explained in simple terms. Attention to detail is always present, no matter the questions or concerns had.
Highly recommend De Castroverde Law group for does want the right assistance in this unexpected and expected difficult situations.
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04 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Jean provided me with clear advice, based both on legal review and her conscience. It's a pleasure to work with her.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I had reached out to Jean to discuss/review a separation agreement that I received from my employer. She was very accessible - I was able to speak with her directly on my first outreach (vs. many other firms who required a detailed questionnaire or discussion with a paralegal). Based upon that first conversation, it was clear that she had good intentions (it wasn't all about how much she would make from the settlement) - her desire was to help me achieve an appropriate outcome. She came across as experienced, measured and fair. I ultimately had her step in to help with the negotiation and was happy with the overall result. Jean was recommended to me by another employment lawyer that is highly regarded - very glad I had the opportunity to work with her.
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23 May, 2018 by Carol
When a person is wrongly terminated it takes away more than your job. You loose the essence of who you are, your confidence, your trust in people, how you interact with the outside world. You feel ashamed. But, Jean was able to change all that for me and my termination turned out to be a blessing. Jean gave me hope from the very first conversation. She and Katherine won my case and the money was great but what they really did was continually make me know that the termination wasn’t my fault. They believed in me. I lived across the country from Jean but it felt as though she was right next door. She was in contact when necessary and was always available when I needed to ask something. She allowed me to make decisions on my case and always gave me options and suggestions. Her guidance and in sight was right on target, I trusted her and she was very successful for me. I am forever grateful.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Junuen
Angela has represented my family for 3 years and she is amazing! I have restraining order, custody, and child support case against my ex who is a political figure. Angela is amazing for many reasons but here are my top 3: she knows the law and the judges; she is tech savvy; she is empathetic.
When I was assigned judge Nöel Wise Angela recommended we switch judges and she was so right! Also, when my ex attempted to divert the case to his political egotistical self, she redirected the case back to the well-being of our son.
Second, I text Angela (Yes, TEXT) if anything comes up, like an R.O. violation, and she responds quickly with a call or text.
Third, she understands survivors of domestic violence in the justice system- sometimes the system is not just. However, she advocates strongly for justice! I really trust her with everything!
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24 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Angela was very patient and thorough during my consultation and completely exceeded my expectations. She will help guide you along the process with her knowledge and expertise. Thank you Angela, for everything! You're amazing!
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11 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Angela was my lawyer in a domestic violence restraining order case. I called several lawyers in the Bay Area while looking for a good fit, and Angela by far made the best impression on me. The first time we spoke on the phone, we spoke for quite a while at no charge. She went through how she would handle the case and I was impressed with her strategy. It was evident that she really cared about my situation, as was not out to just make money. She even gave me the name of another lawyer that did sliding scale work in case I needed a lower-cost option. In the end, I went with Angela, and I am so glad that I did! She was always on top of things, has a very solid knowledge of family law, was always prompt, and always had a solid strategy for how to move forward. During the entire case, the opposing counsel was trying everything possible to make the process harder for me, and frequently dragged their feet on things that needed to get done in the case. Angela took over several tasks that really should have been the responsibility of the opposing counsel because she wanted the best outcome possible. She did not even charge me for these things, which was very generous.
In the end, Angela was simply a much better lawyer than the opposing counsel and was able to negotiate a settlement, which saved me a lot of money. Everything that I wanted Angela was able to get for me, including a long-term restraining order and required anger management for the respondent. Angela was even able to get a significant part of my lawyers fees paid for by the opposing side. I could not have gotten nearly as much without her.
This was an extremely difficult situation for me to deal with, but Angela made me feel like there was someone on my side. If you are looking for a family lawyer, you will be hard pressed to find someone better than Angela.
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11 Dec, 2013 by David
Nina and I worked together for 6 years at Blackhawk Network. As a founder and SVP in charge of all products Nina was my lead attorney on the business. Nina is a very good communicator, good with difficult clients or partners, a good negotiator for the business and a great person. Nina is able to take direction on risk vs business reward, sensitive areas of the business negotiation and on going more general coaching. Nina does good solid work.
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19 Nov, 2013 by Jack
I have worked on multiple projects with Nina related mostly to corporate contracts and contract renewals. I consistently found her to be responsive and very instrumental in helping to close many of my deals. She does a great job with the client and I never hesitated to bring her into a conversation with my customer and their counsel. What I think makes Nina unique is that she was very easy to work with and could simplify the most complex of legal issues so customers and even myself could understand. I recommend Nina and have the utmost confidence that she would benefit any case she is given.
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04 Nov, 2013 by Vicky
Nina is a fabulous, experienced and sophisticated attorney. Nina handles transactions in an efficient and cost effective manner, while keeping focused on the needs of her client. I recommend her highly.
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05 Dec, 2014 by Lena
Ms. Woolfolk helped our soccer organization gain 501c3 status. She is efficient, knowledgeable, and professional. We fully endorse her services.
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02 Dec, 2014 by Jennie stepanian
I have had the good fortune to consider Kelly Woolfolk an esteemed colleague for years. Her tireless dedication and zeal for the law is outstanding. Her consistently positive results for her clients are evidence of her talent. As an attorney myself, I have sought out Kelly's unique perspective in complicated state and federal cases. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney.
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11 Oct, 2014 by Nicole
Kelly represented me during a mediation against a former employer. She was very professional and responsive. She did an excellent job and kept me grounded during the entire process in terms of having realistic expectations and what to expect. I'm so happy to have retain her services. I highly recommend her.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Natasha ewens
Steven was a competent and passionate attorney while representing me. He really went out of his way to maintain all level of professionalism, empathy, and kindness. I was most impressed with his continual efforts to always maintain active communication. I was never left questioning or doubting, and he always got right back to me via email or on the phone. He also showed me that he was experienced and could hold his own in his respective areas of legal expertise that concerned me. I would highly recommend Steven, and I would use his services again in any applicable future legal matters.
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07 Apr, 2024 by Leah pickar
I could not have been so successful in my personal injury case without Steven's expertise, guidance, and generous support. Steven held my hand every step of the way through my complicated case, and guided me with patience, thoughtfulness, and confidence. Not only did Steven help me win my case, but he helped me reach a settlement amount much higher than I had dreamed of. He was always available by phone or email to answer my questions, and explained complicated legal terms in simple, easy to understand language. I have the highest regards for Steven and I could not recommend him more highly!
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25 Mar, 2024 by D b
Steven Chizen provided excellent legal representation in my employment matter. I found him to be a strong advocate and an effective communicator. I highly recommend using Chizen Law if you have an employment issue in California.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Chicano turtle island native
Honesty, Integrity, Character:
This was my first time seeking assistance from a legal professional. Mr. Kershner is considerate, to the point, and professional. Unfortunately he was not able to provide me with the services I needed, however, he was able to be clear and upfront about that, and provide me with references to individuals that could help me with my situation.
Mr. Kershner was honest, and open about his areas of expertise, and practice. He gave me as much guidance as he could, which included referral to other legal professionals that are more practiced in the specific area I needed help with. He did all of this in less than 30 minutes, and during a courtesy consultation.
Mr. Kershner could easily have charged me for the same advice, and I would have been in no position to know better. He displayed integrity and character which I much appreciated. He was prompt with his scheduling and follow through.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Teena d.
14 May, 2022 by Kair jawad
I was very fortunate to have Gary help me he is the best at his Practice.
Truly a fabulous man who went out of his way for me with my father's Will and Estate.
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13 Nov, 2018 by Sarah allison
Great people, beautiful office.
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16 Jul, 2018 by Trotter ronnie
22 Oct, 2024 by King wong
I recommend Vincent Tong at Tong Law to anyone dealing with an employment related matter. I appreciated Vincent and his team for their responsiveness and accommodation. I reached out and was able to get an appointment on the same day! During our call, Vincent took the time to listen to my situation, helped to educate me on what my rights were and what options were available, and answered all of the questions that I had. I was thoroughly satisfied with the guidance and expertise from Tong Law, and highly recommend them to anyone looking for help with an employment related issue.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Mia agazzi
LaPorte Law firm made the process as stress free and straight forwasrd as possible. I'm very impressed, my case was handled with swift responses, professionalism, expertise, and achieved an outstanding out come.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Angel rodriguez lopez
Mr.Laporte was huge help in getting my case resolved. I hope in the near future if I'm ever in need of a Lawyer again I'll definitely ask Mr.Laporte to help me! I highly recommend him and his staff.
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22 Oct, 2024 by King wong
I recommend Vincent Tong at Tong Law to anyone dealing with an employment related matter. I appreciated Vincent and his team for their responsiveness and accommodation. I reached out and was able to get an appointment on the same day! During our call, Vincent took the time to listen to my situation, helped to educate me on what my rights were and what options were available, and answered all of the questions that I had. I was thoroughly satisfied with the guidance and expertise from Tong Law, and highly recommend them to anyone looking for help with an employment related issue.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Mia agazzi
LaPorte Law firm made the process as stress free and straight forwasrd as possible. I'm very impressed, my case was handled with swift responses, professionalism, expertise, and achieved an outstanding out come.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Angel rodriguez lopez
Mr.Laporte was huge help in getting my case resolved. I hope in the near future if I'm ever in need of a Lawyer again I'll definitely ask Mr.Laporte to help me! I highly recommend him and his staff.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Charlotte yu
I had the pleasure of working with AJ during a very challenging time in my life. After my first lawyer, who worked remotely and was unfamiliar with Alameda County, I was relieved to find someone like AJ who truly knows the local legal landscape. AJ's experience and knowledge were evident from the start, and he and his paralegal Teddy always responded to my questions in a timely manner. His billing was transparent and accurate, which added peace of mind throughout the process. I’m grateful for the support AJ provided and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. He came highly recommended by a friend, and now I wouldn’t hesitate to refer him to others.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Dawson justin
Jackie is the best... She Genuinely cares about her clients and thier well being.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Charlotte yu
I had the pleasure of working with AJ during a very challenging time in my life. After my first lawyer, who worked remotely and was unfamiliar with Alameda County, I was relieved to find someone like AJ who truly knows the local legal landscape. AJ's experience and knowledge were evident from the start, and he and his paralegal Teddy always responded to my questions in a timely manner. His billing was transparent and accurate, which added peace of mind throughout the process. I’m grateful for the support AJ provided and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. He came highly recommended by a friend, and now I wouldn’t hesitate to refer him to others.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Dawson justin
Jackie is the best... She Genuinely cares about her clients and thier well being.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Charlotte yu
I had the pleasure of working with AJ during a very challenging time in my life. After my first lawyer, who worked remotely and was unfamiliar with Alameda County, I was relieved to find someone like AJ who truly knows the local legal landscape. AJ's experience and knowledge were evident from the start, and he and his paralegal Teddy always responded to my questions in a timely manner. His billing was transparent and accurate, which added peace of mind throughout the process. I’m grateful for the support AJ provided and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. He came highly recommended by a friend, and now I wouldn’t hesitate to refer him to others.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Dawson justin
Jackie is the best... She Genuinely cares about her clients and thier well being.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Justin tarpley
I had the pleasure of working with the Hart Ginney team while battling through my divorce. Jackie Khong gave me the best advice and really knows what she is doing. She was always there to help when I needed her most. She always responded to me in a timely manner and answered every question I had. I definitely recommend anyone that needs help in family law to request Jackie. She was absolutely amazing and handled everything as expected. Thanks Jackie!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Charlotte yu
I had the pleasure of working with AJ during a very challenging time in my life. After my first lawyer, who worked remotely and was unfamiliar with Alameda County, I was relieved to find someone like AJ who truly knows the local legal landscape. AJ's experience and knowledge were evident from the start, and he and his paralegal Teddy always responded to my questions in a timely manner. His billing was transparent and accurate, which added peace of mind throughout the process. I’m grateful for the support AJ provided and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance. He came highly recommended by a friend, and now I wouldn’t hesitate to refer him to others.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Dawson justin
Jackie is the best... She Genuinely cares about her clients and thier well being.
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05 Sep, 2024 by John coffee
Stayed in contact with my whole team. Responded to our questions even if we messaged or called after hours. They can definitely get the job done!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Valerie
I worked with attorney Bradan Litzinger and he was able to help me resolve my case with my previous employer with a great outcome. He has great attention to detail, timely communication and showed much dedication. Overall amazing firm, wonderful to work with.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Ron freeman
A dedicated and hard working firm, real personable. I hope I don't have need for them again but if you do I would highly recommend this firm
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05 Aug, 2020 by Lucia toscano
Would like to start off with saying that he is one of the most caring humans I know. He has helped me and my family many times. Everytime I call to ask a question or voice a concern he answers immediately and always has a positive solution to what can happen or not happen etc... I have never felt so calm and understood. Mr. Castillo is highly recommended and a great attorney. I have known him for many years and have never been disappointed. He will tell you exactly what he thinks and will not sugarcoat anything. Very responsive, respected and Professional.
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14 Aug, 2017 by Susana lugo
I read the reviews on here and thought I found the lawyer to represent me. I called him several times before he ever returned my call, by the time he return my call it was through text. He said he couldn't represent me if I wasn't charged with a crime before ever even taking the time to call me and listen to my case. After I explained a little of my case to him through text message he then said he would call me the next morning. He didn't call me the next morning I didn't hear back from him until a day in a half later , because I sent him a message to remind him again. I understand lawyers are very busy so I decided to give him the benefit of a doubt. When I talked to Castillo he was very rude, he was talking to other people in the background he was laughing and wasn't giving me his full attention. All the kept on mentioning was that if I needed him to represent me I need to pay him first and then we can talk about my case. He didn't want to advice me and as a matter of fact he mentioned some things that just didn't seem to add up and it seemed like he was not paying attention to anything I had told him. By the time I hung up with him I felt worse, I had a lot of anxiety and began to cry. As an innocent person you expect to reach out to an attorney and be reassured that things will be okay. Castillo did the complete opposite, this is why I decide to leave a review.
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20 Mar, 2017 by Jaskatajas love to eat
Very good attorney and takes his job seriously,keeps it real and lets you know if he will be able to help you or not.
if your looking for a good attorney get ERNIE CASTILLO, he will take all your head aches away and stress.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Ron allen
Annie and Bob Beles (the two lead attorneys of the firm) were both very helpful in my case. I faced very serious criminal charges. Annie was my lead attorney. Without her great legal expertise and spunky street smarts, I would have been falsely convicted and sent to prison, after a terribly contentious and emotional trial. Thank you both, for saving my life! I highly recommend this firm!!!
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25 Jul, 2023 by Kefi ho
Rude
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06 May, 2022 by P lo
11 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
Peter Smith and his firm, Dhillon Smith, are corporate counsel for the company I serve as CEO.Peter represented the company in numerous actions, including our counter-suits, involving a former employee. The nature of the actions involved fraud, concealment and failure to disclose material facts to prospective investors, breach of fiduciary duties, self-dealing, etc. The former employee's attorney took on his case on contingency fees, and attempted to shakedown and bully the company and its executives at depositions and in court.
Peter's handling of the actions could not have been more effective and successful. He was calm, competent, low-key and very effective where it matters. While the other attorney was into theatrics and intimidation/bullying. Peter's style was focused, nuanced, and demonstrative of sound legal judgment and high quality professionalism. Peter created a simple, effective legal framework for the company to present his case for the company, presented it to the judge in a trial lasting several days. The result speaks for itself: the judge overwhelmingly ruled in favor of Peter and the company.
To make it more satisfying, the judge on separate occasions admonished the other attorney for conduct. In contrast, the judge was very satisfied with Peters conduct and professionalism.
At all times in this multi-year, multi-action process Peter kept the Board and CEO fully informed of what he is doing. He discussed his legal strategy, asked for feedback, incorporated those elements that we offered he found of value, explained why some of my other points didn’t matter, etc. In other words, his working style enabled the company and its executives to feel part of a team in working with the outside counsel in a very important matter.
Peter, considering the company's interests, had also filed court papers to insure the other party would be held liable for the attorney's fees in the frivolous actions they imposed on the company. The company is waiting for the judge to complete their ruling and expects to recover its costs (plus damages).
I've worked with some of the best attorneys in corporate law/litigation in the bay area. I'd rate Peter Smith and Harmeet Dhillon among the top. Their firm is small, the service is personalized, your case would be handled by the name partners, their cost structure is far lower than a big law firm so you get excellent value for your money.
If you are a CEO/head of a small or medium business I'd suggest you consider Peter Smith as corporate counsel. If you are an executive or founder of a company and need a sound, competent, low-key attorney to protect your interests, I'd suggest you consider Peter Smith. Lastly, if you are faced with someone attempting to intimidate/bully you with legal threats you'd do well to consider Peter Smith to represent you.
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24 Sep, 2013 by Shri
Peter (as he prefers to be called) is a great trail attorney. He is a partner of his small but extremely effective firm Dhillon and Smith LLP. He along with his partner Harmeet Dhillon have, I think, put together a great team to help people like me to navigate complicated legal trials and processes emerging from some knotty business partnership disputes.
Peter has a great temperament to deal with the highs and lows of the emotions that I went through with my business issues and calmly helped me to make decisions by explaining the legal and trail nuances leading to successful solutions each step of the way.
In conversations with Peter I felt the dept of his experience and that was very reassuring to me. I am not an attorney or an expert in the Law by far and this is just from my experience as a layman client.
His firm, Dhillon & Smith LLP, have rates that are slightly on the higher side but they are very efficient with their hours. They are client friendly and work through any issues that may come up.
Thanks Peter and Harmeet ... and team.
I highly recommend them.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Bob
We hired Harold Smith to represent the company as general counsel. As founder, CEO,and largest shareholder I had a ring-side seat in observing Harold's performance as counsel for about four-five years. Harold is expensive and ok value in select areas: real estate transactions and contracts and litigation, dealing with the city and state departments involving commercial and residential real estate. He was not as effective in other areas, specifically litigation involving business or commercial entities, employee-employer risk management, negotiating and settling with attorneys representing irate customers or business partners or employees, smoothing through upset shareholders, etc. Harold's inexperience, and his refusal to acknowledge it, complicated matters very much and proved in time to be expensive for my company. The company concluded we needed someone that was more experienced in those areas Harold was not strong, we needed less of real-estate focused legal help where he is ok. So we switched to another firm. Harold's handling of our decision to switch legal representation made things very difficult and he could have been more professional.
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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.
