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14 Jan, 2025 by Do not call list
Elizabeth Molnar advised me to address my criminal case by initiating a PFA case. I spent $$$ for a paragraph and sat an entire day in court to submit it. They appeared with me on the scheduled hearing date, knowing it would be postponed, and charged me another $$$.
She told me I needed to hire a criminal lawyer 2 days before my case because they didn’t have one to send, that was another $$$$. But that firm showed up, exceeded the desired expectations THIS firm requested to win the PFA, and did it with one court visit that lasted 30 minutes.
The PFA hearing was postponed again, another full day in court, then wasn’t given clear billing expectations moving forward. She handed off the case to Meghan Zupanic. An emergency arises, there’s a PFA violation, Elizabeth was on vacation, Meghan took 2 days to respond, the lack of action resulted in a PFA being filed against me.
Told them I planned to change firms, Elizabeth offered me a lower flat fee, promised to address my concerns about lack of urgency or communication, I paid them another $$$$. They made no effort to communicate or keep me informed, likely because they weren’t doing anything to prepare or ensure the desired outcome for the cases.
I did the investigative research that Elizabeth suggested, said she would do, and then didn’t. I researched claims and accusations, pointed out lyes, and provided evidential proofs that could be used in my case. Meghan was so ill prepared for the case that the judge was genuinely frustrated. While my character was being ripped to shreds, the JUDGE asked why she wasn’t objecting. She had dates wrong, hadn’t reviewed crucial parts of the case. The conclusion? Another full day in court. My case for the PFA violation was dismissed and a Temp PFA was granted against me.
They have negated any validation I had of being a victim from the criminal trial. I relived all my trauma to provide them the resources to protect me from being fearful of them ever happening again. He got to walk away smiling, calling himself the victim, while I have to live with the perpetual fear of being arrested if he sees me somewhere.
While I hate to leave such a terrible review, its impact will pale in comparison to how their terrible service has impacted me. They refused to provide me any billing details. They couldn’t speak to a single reason or cause for their negligence other than blaming the JUDGE. They dwindled the possibility of a partial refund so I could seek new counsel, they suggested they would take action to try and remedy part of the outcome, but what they really did was just exhaust any legal window I had for recourse.
The negligence, the lack of professionalism, lack of accountability, blame shifting, failure to honor the terms of the retention contract that was signed, is all just absolutely appalling. As they’ve made zero effort to remedy any of this, and have in fact made it worse, I will be filing complaints with all the necessary legal entities. I implore anyone seeking genuine help to look elsewhere.
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10 Jan, 2025 by Annie miller
Ana Lisa Petrella is an extremely efficient, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney. She got me through the very important process of dealing with child support successfully. Will you be charged for phone calls and emails? Of course. But her rates are reasonable and her experience is extensive, so she will not waste your time, or hers for that matter. When you reach out, she responds within the day, sometimes the hour if you catch her between hearings. She is a warm soul that clearly wants to help her clients get what they deserve. As a woman, I wanted a woman representing me through this process. She gave me the confidence to ask for what I needed, and to not give in to my natural instincts to roll over. I'm so grateful to the person who recommended Ana Lisa to me, and now I'm paying it forward to whoever reads this. Do yourself a favor, just call her.
Her office, paralegals, and admins also deserve high praise. They keep you apprised of everything from billing, deadlines, and correspondence about your case. You'll get itemized statements monthly so there are no surprises. Let's face it, if you're seeking a lawyer, you are already stressed- Ana Lisa and her team relieve as much of that pressure as you let them. Just let them. :)
Thank you, Ana Lisa and GRB Law, for a seamless process in my case.
Annie
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09 Jan, 2025 by Melinda wedde
Highly recommend Morgan Bonekovic--kind, thoughtful, and responsive.
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26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 😁
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19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing I’ve found this firm responsible for is making sure their “Bill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashion”
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
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31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
18 Oct, 2024 by Robb bunde
14 May, 2020 by Angela schroeder
04 Mar, 2019 by Tim armstead
Do not get Gilardi for a injury claim attorney if you work for the railroad you will get talked into taking a low ball settlement for a back injury believe me I know
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21 Jul, 2022 by Umesh rao
Mr. Alex Castrodale and his team are simply the best. They are always available and responsive. They give you solid advice and did all my legal paperwork diligently, never had to do it twice. I recommend this law firm and Mr Castrodale very highly.
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01 Oct, 2021 by Denys fedorchenko
I was recommended the firm by my educational institution since, they had several successful cases with them. I had a chance to work with Alex Castradale one of the attorney who represents Immigration field. Alex, is extremely professional and knowledgeable attorney. He was always quick in response, and always was able to find a time for a call and communication. He was able to answer all of my questions, and provide a valuable advise on the case. It was a pleasure to work with him, highly recommend!
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30 Jan, 2021 by Sheina s
Extremely unprofessional and unqualified in handling legal matters; I had a better idea myself on how to draft my application. The firm included both supporting and contradicting materials in my application and the final application was poor, contradicting and carelessly crafted.
Never available for any questions or queries. The entire experience was draining, negative and of being left out in the cold. I wish I had chosen wisely and saved $$$$$.
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26 Nov, 2023 by Rafi bienenstock
I've had the experience of using multiple immigration lawyers in the last few months. Joel was BY FAR the most efficient, honest, and effective I've encountered. I recommend him to anyone looking to be properly taken care of in the quickest and most cost efficient manner. I'd give 10 stars but Joel will have to settle for 5 😁
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19 Jun, 2023 by Gabriel cimarolli
Update Review #2
Absolute disregard for clients time and money, 4 years and Nothing done for divorce. The only thing I’ve found this firm responsible for is making sure their “Bill gets delivered on time to our home in a timely fashion”
I would give it less than one star, but I have to choose something.
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31 May, 2023 by Jake rickard
22 Oct, 2024 by Dunkel esclave
Too much sass from a senior woman I spoke to. Not helpful at all. Just told me to do what I was already doing and refused to accept the fact I was already doing it.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Lauren smith
One time my landlord retaliated against me for calling the health department and the attorney representing me contact my landlord and he faxed her photos communicating with each other and she said that she could not make it to the arbitraration . This othere one named Barbara was so rude and nasty saying that a pregnant woman and child can get evicted without a notice on the spot. I said you should know better then that and she walked away from me.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Aujhanay spencer
17 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
She did not call back for weeks. She could not recall information given in the conversation. She upset me with the lack of empathy and then took the drama and made it worse.
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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.
