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07 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently worked with Farah for my divorce, and I couldn't be more grateful for her support. She was incredibly helpful, handling everything with professionalism and care. Her expertise and dedication made the process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a skilled attorney.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Farah was the second attorney that I hired to help me with my divorce that involved a spouse out of state. She was definitely worth making the change! While going through a divorce is difficult, I found working with her to be a truly good experience. She kept things on track, included me in the decisions, and consistently sent statements showing how her time was being spent. I found her transparency and communication to be invaluable! She helped me to achieve the results I wanted. I highly recommend Farah Ahmed.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Christopher
Farah Ahmed is a very capable and efficient lawyer. I chose Ms. Ahmed to handle my divorce because her firm was highly recommended by a friend of mine. During my first consultation she asked a lot of questions about my situation. She mentioned a few problem areas that she would have to look into, but, at the end, she gave me a good overview of how the case would proceed and how it would end up. Her overview ended up being quite accurate. Ms. Ahmed is very thorough and organized. She stayed on top of the case throughout, making sure that the necessary documents were supplied by both sides. She does not mess around and gets straight to the point. You shouldn’t expect a lot of chit-chat from her. Nevertheless, she is very pleasant and easy to get along with. She was able to foresee multiple pitfalls and roadblocks and was able to get around them. Ultimately, she got me to a good resolution. I don’t think that I could have hoped for better.
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16 Dec, 2021 by Jan
Lisa and her staff did a excellent job during covid … Thank you to all your attention to details.. I felt I had back-up… jan
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13 Oct, 2021 by Martin
If there is a 6-star rating, I definitely would like to give that to Lisa and her firm, they deserve the highest rating! I can't express how grateful to have Lisa Richardson as my lawyer, what I appreciate the most, is that Lisa always let me know what is a realistic view of the possibilities and outcomes ( though sometimes it was hard for me to accept at the beginning, but it turns out, things go down that route anyway ). Lisa never sugarcoats anything and her team takes crispy actions to help me fight through this ugly divorce case. Some people are fortunate enough that they never encounter divorce as a chapter of their life, but unfortunately, I had to experience this tough journey. I truly appreciate Lisa and her team for helping me to get the facts, go through all of this with an acceptable outcome. For sure I will reach out to Lisa and her team for any legal assistance in the future.
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25 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Lisa and Team handled my divorce case with urgency and care. The mediation process was easy and upbeat because Lisa and team were prepared, they had prepared me and advocated beautifully for me throughout this process. The firm is upfront about fees and went out of their way to help me understand return on investment for any actions. I highly recommend giving her firm a call if you need a family law attorney.
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05 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Her law firm possesses a profound understanding of the legal landscape, which is evident in their ability to effectively navigate complex cases. Their expertise is unparalleled, and their guidance was invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of my situation.
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23 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I am a retired attorney with decades of experience, much of it in domestic relations. While bright she demonstrated a lack of client control and everything she proposed failed to take into consideration the fact that the case had languished for 2 years. She was unquestionably bright but totally singular in her approach which in my professional opinion failed both sides.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Kelly
I had a bad experience with my initial divorce attorney and had a very bad divorce decree where my ex had primary residency with the boundary restrictions being the entire state of Texas. After he moved several times and my children went to 4 different schools in 5 years and were going to be uprooted for the 5th time, I was referred to Margo. I couldn't be happier or more relieved with our resolution. She always took the time to explain things fully to me, was incredibly warm and caring, and also helped me fight for what I felt was best for my children (and literally settled my case with opposing counsel at 12:00 in the morning on the day of our hearing!). Her staff was always very responsive and so kind. I highly recommend her to anyone that needs a family attorney. You will not be disappointed.
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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:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. 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.

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