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11 Dec, 2024 by Jarred hake
Cirrus Law was thorough and professional. I'm very confident in the counsel they provided with regards to real estate.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Afshin shokoohi
19 Mar, 2024 by Bikram
We reached out to Josh looking for a local lawyer who understood real estate law in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Furthermore, his understanding of both tent and landlord rights was instrumental in our decisions on how to proceed as we were concerned with our liability as we had documented everything to the best of our abilities and never thought we would be in this predicament fighting to keep what was ours. With Josh services and persistence we were able to avoid a lengthy and draining legal battle due to Josh through review of our case and his outline of approaches available to us (each with pros and cons detailed), reminding us that all of these options will result in justice and fairness but all with various timelines and costs. As we prepared for a lengthy battle Josh persisted to communicate with the other party convincing them that it was in their favor to resolve the issue quickly and justly.
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14 Mar, 2015 by Kiera
Amanda is quick to respond, and knows her stuff. She is an extremely vital resource in maneuvering the Contra Costa County Family Legal System. At a time when I was most vulnerable and paralyzed from being overwhelmed, Amanda swooped in and took care of me, guiding and explaining my options the whole way, doing what was in my family's best interest. She gave me insight and ideas that I would have never thought of! I HIGHLY recommend her as a family attorney in the Bay Area! You won't go wrong hiring her!
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13 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
I contacted Amanda when I was frustrated with my previous Attorney. She listened to my whole case and the current situation thoroughly and suggested the next steps. She explained me my rights which helped me raise my comfort level.
Amanda is very knowledgeable, competent and logical when preparing and presenting the case during motion and trial hearings. Her personal conduct and treatment towards me was very human, professional and encouraging.
I highly recommend Amanda to people dealing with family matters in legal dispute.
I will always be thankful to Amanda for everything she has done.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Shivanjali naicker
I had an excellent experience with Ham Family Law. Attorney Caroline Ham was incredibly compassionate and understanding throughout all of my legal frustrations. She showed me a lot of empathy, and at the same time, was very straight-forward with her advice. Ms. Ham's knowledge of family law is extremely impressive, and I felt very confident with the guidance I received from her.
I highly recommend Ham Family Law for anyone seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable firm for family law matters!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Lucky13stl
Most wonderful and amazing experience with the firm. Everyone there is very professional and helpful. Special thank you’s to Ms. Ham and Rachel for the best experience and service. Highly recommend this firm to anyone who needs family law services.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Benjamin markham
I retained Caroline Ham to work on my support issue in 2022. Dealing with Ms. Ham was most ungratifying. She quoted me an approximate amount it would take to take the case, but ultimately exceeded this amount significantly.
Ms. Ham’s self-centered approach to time management was extremely unprofessional. When we set a meeting, Ms. Ham would invariably have 2 responses. First, she would call hours before the meeting and ask if to have the meeting early, at her convenience, not mine. It became apparent that even though I am the client my time could NOT possibly be as important as HER time. Her second response was to be late or not show up for a zoom call at all.
Prior to my retaining Ms. Ham she failed to inform me that the age difference between me and my ex-spouse would create an advantage in the courts for my ex-spouse. I am convinced this is no oversight as it allowed her to bill me. When I finally discovered this information, I took an interim settlement from my ex-spouse and had to wait to file an effective lawsuit when we were on equal legal grounds. My support issue was only resolved in 2024 - WITH ANOTHER LAWYER.
Glad I went elsewhere.
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20 Jun, 2023 by Kimberly easley
17 Nov, 2019 by Nikki z
30 Mar, 2019 by Kristen koeller
Nick Tooliatos and his team have been beyond supportive with my father's conservatorship. They are caring, precise, and have helped to keep me on track with my dad's care and support. Nick has been mindful to minimize unnecessary costs and offered expert advice that has lessened the stress on my family and me. For years, as my dad declined, I was told that it was nearly impossible to get conservatorship for a loved one, but Nick and his team made it happen. Thank God they did because my dad is in a much better place now. I highly recommend Nick and am grateful for his support and expertise.
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22 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I was sent to Mr. Fried for a very simple case. Robert handed the case off to another lawyer at his firm saying that he would “oversee” the case. That lawyer then handed it off to another lawyer saying that “he would oversee the case” That apparently means that you pay for 3 lawyers while nothing happens on the case. They completely botched the case, and apparently had no idea what they were doing. It took them over two months to tender the case to my insurance, in the mean time running up over $30,000 in legal fees for me to pay. Not ethical at all. The new lawyer settled the case in under 5 hours, and wasted neither time nor money. Complete waste of time!
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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.
