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20 Aug, 2024 by Lauren guza
I can't recommend James Stein highly enough. We had felt a bit daunted by the estate-planning process, but James guided us through its intricacies with expertise and ease. He was both professional and personable, very well versed in the language of the law but also attuned to the human side of things. Thanks to James, we came away from the process with a sense of confidence and security in the plan we created, and that peace of mind is invaluable.
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10 May, 2024 by Melinda dart
I recommend James Stein for creating a living trust. He explains everything thoroughly and anticipates future complications.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Virginia downing
Cannot say enough good things about James Stein. He took me seamlessly through a complex estate planning process with kindness, authenticity and professionalism. He is detailed and a good communicator.
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10 Jan, 2020 by George
April and Melissa were very professional from start to finish. April was my last attorney of many unprofessional and unethical attorneys in a long divorce. I did not work with her very long, however she was great the whole time. She was understanding to my Financial situation, and my needs. Her and Melissa were very prompt in answering my questions and my concerns. She did not charge for every minor issue. The billing was fair and accurate. It was even easy to close my account. Again very professional from start to finish.
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30 Jul, 2018 by Traci
April and Melissa were both very professional and knowledgeable. They were always available when I needed them. They responded quickly to emails and phone calls. They were both caring and personable. I had a very contested divorce, and it was complicated with my children. April was patient, worked hard, and also worked well with my ex's attorney. I appreciated her intelligence and the way she worked within the court system. Her paperwork was impeccable. Besides all of this, she is friendly, has a great sense of humor, and truly cares for people. She wants what is best for the family and not for herself. I recommend April and Melissa for ANY need that you have. If I need them in the future, I will definitely be back!
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07 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
In this entire process, I felt like I had a big sister looking out for me. A few years ago I could of never imagined I would of been in this state (with my now ex). With my head full of emotions April helped me get to my new chapter in the most efficient manner. Thank you so much.
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11 Feb, 2023 by Carol l
I highly recommend Jagar Family Law. Chelsea was very responsive and listened to all my concerns. She didn't push for litigation and was a successful advocate for me in settlement discussions. She helped me close this chapter of my life and months later, I'm still convinced this was the right decision. Couldn't have gotten here without her competent advice. She's fair, realistic and doesn't play games with opposing counsel.
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06 May, 2020 by Jackie
I can’t say enough positive things about Chelsea. I was the party of a nasty divorce with a narcissist; which is the worst divorce to encounter. After having two previous attorneys that wanted to play games, I hired Chelsea to complete remaining items. She was thorough and direct on completing the issues and knows the law better than any other. I also compliment her on her integrity and class, both in and out of the courtroom. She has a positive reputation with judges. I am also available for talking via the phone if you have more detailed questions in choosing an attorney as choosing the wrong attorney could be very costly.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Cp
Chelsea is knowledgeable and competent, and she has an excellent attitude. Her reasoned approach to my divorce made a big difference. In one of the more difficult moments for me, Chelsea was able to keep me focused - which is no easy matter. I am very grateful that I was able to work with Chelsea. Highly recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Dr. samrudhi nakhwa
I received their services for lease negotiation. Jeff Brown guided me through the process. Thank you
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06 Aug, 2024 by Edward paul
Medical & Dental Counsel, particularly attorney Jeff Brown, provided exceptional service in structuring our partnership. Jeff's expertise and attention to detail ensured a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. He was highly knowledgeable about the legal complexities involved and guided us with clarity and professionalism. We are grateful for his invaluable assistance and would highly recommend Medical & Dental Counsel to anyone seeking expert legal counsel in healthcare partnerships.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Michele dias
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01 Aug, 2022 by Amanda
Attorney's fees were found to be unconscionable so much as the judge wrote it in herself and initialed it on the FAOH. Once the request for fees were dismissed by the court, Cristin's office got busy and started calling me daily to collect. I paid them for every overcharged penny they billed for. They even billed me for time spent to attempt to remove the "unconscionable" note from the judge from the FAOH in which they were unsuccessful. Also, they were constantly changing staff and charging me hourly to update them on my case. Please run from the offices of Cristin Lowe, they are crooks and she couldn't care less about you and the vulnerable situation you are in.
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01 Jun, 2022 by Sarah
DO NOT USE CRISTIN LOWE...EVER! I hired her in March 2021 for an extremely simple, non-contested, EASY Legal Separation from my husband. (We're still married but not "been together" for over a decade but live part time. get along, vacation together, raised our boys, and a fantastic platonic fun relationship). She did an initial consult for 400 an hour. I hired her. I literally NEVER HEARD from her again! Not even being exaggerated. She filed the initial separation in S.F. Superior Court and there is a 6 month wait period in CA. Early November 2021 (6 month wait period ended). Did I get my Legal Separation Agreement that I needed so I could then get the QDRO's done and all filed to Superior Court? NO. Mind you this was a NON CONTESTED, AGREEABLE Legal Separation. All we needed was the Agreement so then QDROs could be completed by a QDRO Attorney I already consulted with. Tick Tock...month rolls on....I tried contacting her. She committed CLIENT ABANDONMENT! December. 2021...January 2022...still NOTHING. February 2022...nope...March 2022...nil. In meantime, my Separation Agreement could've been done MONTHS ago. I would've already been paid out by the retirement 401/457 of my husband as my settlement for 21 years of marriage. I wasn't going after any spouse support, there's no custody issue, no CALPERS pension so this was quick. My husband is getting more impatient as months pass because of the legal separation, there is "hold" on the accounts so he can't contribute to his retirement accounts which brings his "net" TAXABLE income bracket higher. Her long delay not doing anything, we both have lost THOUSANDS (15k combined) in our accounts which impacts me greatly since its MY FINAL SETTLEMENT with my husband and I would've had the cash before all the losses if she DID HER JOB I HIRED HER FOR! She NEVER RESPONDED to ANY email after initial hiring. Her paralegal kept saying I have it on her calendar to "catch up" and hopefully you'll get your agreement soon. March 2022 rolls by and I had enough! It's already been a YEAR since the initial filing of our separation in Superior Court. All I need is the Legal Separation Agreement. This isn't rocket science! There aren't lawyers involved on both sides, there's no arguments with my spouse. VERY AMICABLE. I waited 5 MONTHS for a simple painless, non-complicated Legal Separation Agreement. I terminated her at end of March 2022. Did she apologize? NO. Did she even bother to try to explain herself? NO. Just crickets as usual from her. I hired another attorney April 1, 2022 who completed my Legal Separation Agreement in 3 DAYS! Got my QDRO's done right after and within a week I had everything needed. Cristin Lowe didn't even KNOW that my husband's 401/457 company Mission Square are managers just like Fidelity or TRowe. They aren't even CALPERS or have anything to do with CALPERS which I already told her I wasn't going to touch his pension, so her filing a joinder in Superior Court for CALPERS in 2021 was stupid and unnecessary and cost me fees I didn't have to pay to begin with. She will initially give "great advice" and be good in the consultation but after that? You'll never hear from her again. NOT ONE UPDATE about your case, not one email to let you know the progress or next step. She should've had my Legal Separation Agreement READY TO GO and COMPLETED right when the 6 month wait period was over. I had to call her office to make an appointment just to discuss the financial arrangement my husband I agreed upon. That is HER JOB TO CONTACT ME TO GET THE DETAILS so she could FINISH the legal separation agreement she didn't even bother to start. Junk attorney. Cristin Lowe is the absolute worst and too expensive for the little she did. Charging for every email or phone call that you're forced to make to try to get any answer on the progress of your case. Horrid. DO NOT HIRE HER. YOU WILL REGRET IT.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Cristin is a true professional in the family law business. She’s on the expensive side, but specializes in the field and was totally worth the fees paid. Prompt answers to phone and email messages. Please remember attorneys can not guarantee results, and they’re not responsible for the circumstances of the case. All they can do is act within the law and advocate your position in a court hearing. Family law judges have a lot of discretion, it’s not always the attorney’s fault if it doesn’t go your way.
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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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