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19 Sep, 2017 by Darcie
I am a property manager and was involved in a dispute that had been ongoing for two years. Kevin took over the case for another attorney and helped us resolve it. He was so informative and prepared that I felt confident and relief working with him. He is an amazing attorney that I highly recommend!
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13 Mar, 2017 by Jessica
Kevin and his associate Roxanne were very thorough with my divorce case. They were very detailed on the process and expectations of my part in the divorce and subsequent trial. Having clear expectations, and a process moving forward with my divorce was a great relief for additional stress. Kevin helped me realize what would be a good expectation for the divorce outcome in division of property and debt. He fought for what was fair and for my bottom line regarding the final outcome of the divorce. I would hire Kevin and his associate Roxanne again for any attorney needs.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Derek.sanders13
I met Gina Auter back in 2005 when she represented me in my marriage dissolution. My biggest concern was having a fair parenting plan so I could have my 2 kids for more than just a Weds evening visit and every other weekend. I was able to get a plan that allows me to have my kids almost 50% of the time.
A few years later my ex wife remarried and relocated my kids from Puyallup to Seattle and I once again hired Gina to help me try to stop the relocation. Gina was honest with me upfront that our chances were not great but she would do her best. While we were not successful in stopping the relocation, Gina was able to get both my parenting plan and child support adjusted to something that I felt was very fair. I cannot say enough good things about Gina and her assistant and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing assistance with family law. Thank you 100 times over Gina, you are an incredible attorney and someone I would consider to be a great friend.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Andrew
Ms. Auter did a fantastic job with my parenting plan modification. I most appreciated her obvious integrity--when she spoke, she was clear; when she explained, she was thorough; when she took action, she was decisive. I knew that I was getting outstanding representation.
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21 Feb, 2012 by Pam
I have had the privilege of working with Lori as my attorney since 2005. She handled a major matter for me that concluded several years ago, and she has overseen other matters I have had with her firm as well. The expertise and knowledge Lori provides to her clients is distinctive, and in my opinion, incomparable in the current legal/financial market.
Lori’s integrity speaks to the person she is to her family, her friends, her colleagues and especially to her clients. It is never “business as usual” with her. She is personally involved with all aspects of her client’s cases assuring they receive dedicated customer service and quality, comprehensive representation.
Working creatively and with efficiency is Lori’s trademark. She is a knowledgeable and effective negotiator. Her ability to listen is key to her leadership both within and outside of her office. She delivers the best outcome because she is willing to consider other individuals’ priorities, concerns and suggestions.
Respect from and collaboration with varied industry experts – financial planners, business management experts, investment firms, accountants, expert witnesses, etc. – are keys to Lori’s success. However, it is Lori’s unique ability and personal hard work that effectively uses the information provided by these individuals to create a strategy that meets even the most challenging of situations. Her resourcefulness in finding the most appropriate expert for each circumstance assures not only a quality outcome, but effective cost control on behalf of her client.
Lori has been invaluable to me in both my professional and personal life. She has been able to assist me numerous times in negotiating through the complexity associated with an ever changing legal environment. For me, working with Lori is not the best choice I could make… it is the ONLY choice for me to make.
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17 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Lori’s a little more expensive than some divorce attorneys ($375/hr), but well worth it. I’ve often found that lawyers who cost more per hour, end up costing a lot less in the end. She’s one of those.
Over the course of several contested divorces and custody battles, I’ve used 5 different divorce attorneys and Lori’s by far the most effective at getting what's fair and moving you past what's likely to be the most difficult period of your life.
I was referred to Lori by high-powered women in the Seattle investment community. They represent many high-net-worth individuals and were concerned about me. They had watched too many of their customers, both male (like me) and female, get decimated as the result of poor legal representation.
I like Lori for many reasons, especially because she’s one of the creators of a small new movement in family law call “collaborative divorce”. The purpose of this practice is to do the deal ... get the divorce over with ASAP … for the sake of the children (especially) as well as the adults. Lori doesn’t believe in profiting by empowering her client to believe he/she is in the right when they’re not. That does nothing but extend the painful, destructive divorce process interminably ... at the expense of the client's emotions and cash.
Knowing her reputation as a powerful peacemaker, I invited Lori to criticize any demand I felt like making that was unreasonable in her eyes. She did so in a compassionate way. She headed off behavior on my part that wasn’t conducive to settlement by explaining _why_ certain details of my approach wouldn’t work best.
She sometimes based her opinions on experience and sometimes on a description of how I would be perceived if I didn’t change myself for the better — i.e. it's usually not a good idea to place fault in a divorce -- you chose him/her afterall, and both parties are hurting no matter how it appears. In my mind, I learned that the only fault in the process is when a client hangs on to anger, blame and revengeful thinking — thinking that many other divorce attorneys simply encourage.
And yet, Lori also fights like hell for you in a compelling and effective way, at just the right moments and by picking the most important points to get out of the way first. She’ll do what it takes even if she has to get down into the trenches to become your warrior.
She’s busy so I’d suggest getting on her calendar soon.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Mark
Debora did a excellent job on our case. She kept us informed during the process and really came through for us. I would highly recommend her and hopefully we will never need her again. It is nice to know we have highly skilled Attorney if we ever need one. We were really happy with her results.
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07 Apr, 2016 by Margaret
Deborah assisted me with a UMBI claim and a difficult adverse adjuster. She was thorough, knowledgeable, upfront and honest about the case and challenges, and she won an outstanding result. I highly recommend her.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Holly
We are Extremely satisfied with the service we received from Nick. He was honest, and efficient he spent quite a lot of time doing research in the writing of this a letter for my landlord along with contacting the landlord by phone, like a mediator between us . which turned out very well; we got to extend out the date of termination of tenancy , a whole month, just by notifying our landlord of our rights as tenants. I would recommend Nick to anyone who wants an honest, dedicated, persistent and very detailed oriented Lawyer!
I will defiantly call him again, if I need a lawyer again!
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12 Jan, 2017 by Christina
I called Nick on a weekday evening to inquire about the best way for my dad to get a power of attorney in order. Since my dad is on the lower end of the economic scale, Nick said he would be very flexible with the fee. During our whole conversation, he emphasized that he wanted to be sure my dad was taken care of and that he didn't want this process to be an added burden to the stresses of having a sick parent.
The following day, I learned that Nick had gone the extra mile and found a free reliable online source for power of attorney documents that could be notarized. He took the time to review the paperwork, and sent it to me with detailed explanation on terms and how it all works.
I am so grateful for his help, and when my husband and I are ready to have our legal affairs handled we will definitely be working with Nick. He is awesome!
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05 Nov, 2012 by Todd startzel
I strongly recommend Mic to any client needing skilled and effective litigation counsel. I have been both co-defense counsel and opposing counsel with Mic. I much prefer the former position, knowing that Mic will provide strong representation for his client, that will eventually benefit my client. Mic understands how to present a consise and targeted case, a very valuable litigation skill.
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19 Oct, 2016 by Johanna
I had daily contact and consultation on my case with Mr. Davenport. He always gave his full attention to all aspects of the issues. In the end I felt complete satisfaction that he cares about his clients and the best way to help them .
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02 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
I worked with Kristin briefly, but found her sympathetic to my case as well as strong with a great legal mind. She had good common sense. Something not always prevalent in today's society!
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25 Sep, 2009 by Jason
I have worked with Craig Beles for several years now after switching from a larger Seattle firm because of the considerably higher level of personal service and attention. Mr. Beles is an excellent listener and is highly skilled at his craft. It is a pleasure to work with him.
I have recommended Craig Beles to my family and close friends. I only recommend those professionals that I have the highest confidence in such as Mr. Beles.
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19 Jun, 2015 by Eric
I have used David K Hiscock's services several times over the past two decades. He has done wills for my wife and myself, for my mother and for friends. He represented my wife in a minor injury case about twenty years ago, and he helped me through the probate process when my mother passed away. He has always done this work excellently, reasonably and with a great sense of humor. Highly recommended!
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14 Dec, 2023 by Gabriel castillo
23 Jan, 2014 by Jeff
One of the most effective, high integrity individuals I have the pleasure of knowing. Great people skills combined with deep legal knowledge and practical experience help him amicably resolve even the toughest cases.
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06 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Darcia's calm, no-nonsense approach made the challenging process less traumatic and collaborative. She was accessible to answers after our meetings and was very direct, clear and helpful. Her compassionate nature, her easy speaking style, her core understanding of the law and the challenges in conflict resolution made the experience far less anxiety-ridden, faster and more positive than my or my ex could have predicted.
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07 May, 2015 by Anonymous
If Intelligence, integrity, thorough research and passion for justice are important to you then this is the Attorney you will want. Ms. Riedel-Thomas is an exceptional person and isn't afraid to call out other legal professionals for their lack of ethics or reluctance to do their job thoroughly and honestly. If you want an attorney who will act unethical to win then look to someone else. She has helped myself and several acquaintances off and on for 12 years and she is the first call I make when I have any legal questions or needs.
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18 Sep, 2010 by Cody
I have known this attorney for ,many years. In my case he recovered one hundred percent of ,my claim; and also was awarded over $ one hundred thousand US dollars in attorney,s fees.
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19 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Hobson handled my divorce. A divorce that should have been simple turned into "the divorce from hell" because my spouse became vindictive and filed new motions, many of them frivolous, at least once a week. Mr. Hobson kept me well informed and helped me to understand each motion, and the options available. When I was frustrated or upset over developments in the case, he was able to put things in perspective for me. He fought hard for me, and after a long 9 month struggle, the divorce ended with a settlement that I believe was fair to both sides.
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07 Nov, 2011 by David
I am an attorney and I have known Jerry as a professional for more than 20 years. When I needed a lawyer to represent me on a contract dispute I turned to Jerry for his sage advice and powerful advocacy. He took my very difficult and delicate situation and produced excellent results.
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04 Feb, 2010 by Carolyn
Mike Reiss is the gold standard for employment lawyers in Seattle! I cannot say enough good things about him and the work he has done for us.
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06 Apr, 2015 by Mary
I knew from my very first conversation, a five minute phone call, that Janet Smith had the answer to a grueling seven month battle to get coverage through my mother’s long term care insurance. Within that five minutes she gave me a list of practical steps to take. The advice was golden and it was free.
Prior to discovering Janet I had several brief conversations with three other attorney’s. Each was difficult to reach and none seemed to really listen to my problem or the solutions that had already failed. Janet listened and responded with advice that rang true for our situation within the first five minutes.
After I followed up on her advice, we formally met and planned the strategy. When her first letter (containing case study research) to the company did not generate the results we wanted, she persisted with several others, ultimately securing all of our demands.
I have never before hired an attorney. I felt intimated. The three gentlemen I previously contacted for advice reinforced my intimidation. Working with Janet felt like working with a trusted friend. I know I can turn to her if there are any other issues with this policy.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Doug is an excellent business lawyer. I saw another review and cannot imagine what motivated that. He has handled all of our legal affairs for over 20 years and has done an excellent job. I'll answer anonymity with the same, but I am not Doug.
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24 Nov, 2011 by Steve
Maria was the first lawyer I spoke with when the work started on my divorce. I knew the moment I met her that I had walked in the right office. In what was a very difficult situation for me, she treated me with genuine respect and concern. And on top of all that, she was also great counsel, always timely, always knowledgable, and always ethical. And that was in the face of opposition that did not necessarily reflect those same characteristics. I'm quite thankful that I chose her office to walk into.
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12 Feb, 2014 by Seattle broker
I had a difficult case with DOL that they were aggressively pursuing. I asked around and read reviews planning to meet with a few attorneys before making a decision. Everyone I spoke with about this told me that Doug Tingvall was simply the best in this field. In the first 5 minutes meeting with him it was easy to see why. I can’t think of any professional that knows every single detail of their job as well as Doug does. He aggressively defended my case and always seemed to be 2 steps ahead of everyone else. He explained every step along the way and worked to keep the fees reasonable. We ended up with an outstanding result that I'm very happy with.
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30 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
We contacted Ann T. Wilson for breach of trust issues. She was very responsive, focused on the facts, avoided getting caught up in the drama/personal issues. She kept costs down and was able to mediate our case, avoiding trial. Our issues were resolved and our dishonest trustee was replaced.
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25 Mar, 2024 by Diane moorman
Amy Jones with Herrmann Law Group was absolutely amazing! She was forthright and honest, completely helpful with my case. I wouldn’t have been able to get the settlement without all of her hard work. I would recommend Herrmann Law Group and Amy Jones anytime!
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19 Mar, 2024 by Chika groom
It was great working with Ms. Amy Jones.
I explained about my accident and injury at first in my primitive English, she was very sympathetic and really feeling for me. I just left all to her, didn’t have to do anything. She explained very well at each step of how my case was taken care of and proceeded.I can see she is very trustful and detail oriented.
This is the second time I hired a lawyer for a car accident. She worked very hard for my settlement and the result was outstanding and I could not believe what I heard. I am very lucky that I was introduced to her by my chiropractitioner. I felt finally released from anxiety for future and resentment that I got from the accident.
Thank you so much, Amy and Herman Law Group! I definitely recommend them as the prestigious law firm in WA since 1950
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06 Mar, 2024 by Tiara griffin
I am beyond amazed at how I have been treated at Herman Law Group. I worked with Frank, Paige Lee, and Amber. They went above and beyond for me and my case. Frank answered a lot of my questions personally which I really appreciated. I needed extra hand holding and ensuring after my accident due to my decrease in my mental health. Paige and Amber helped me with getting some odds end things taken care of in a timely fashion. Pagie and Teresa really help me with getting my funds after some struggles that were outside their control and worked to find a solution and stayed in amazing communication during the process. I feel so blessed to have this team behind me during the most stressful time in my life. I am happy to end this chapter and move forward.
Thank you so much for all the hard work and dedication that was given to me.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Bev’s gear
Jackie and Troy were super helpful and precise with our filings, producing a great outcome for our family. Thanks you both so much!
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12 Jun, 2024 by Kristin baker
Chellie was great a simplifying all that was required. She worked with me to make the paperwork seamless.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Alicia macy
I cannot say enough good things about Joshua Brunner and his office, Envision Family Law. From the moment I met them, I knew I was in capable and compassionate hands. After a series of disappointing experiences with other attorneys who seemed more interested in their fees than my case, Mr.Brunner was a breath of fresh air. They truly listened to my concerns, understood my needs, and advocated for me every step of the way.
Their dedication to my case was evident in their meticulous attention to detail and their unwavering support. Mr.Brunner provided me with clear guidance and realistic expectations, always keeping my best interests at heart. Their expertise in family law is unparalleled, and their strategic approach made gave me the strength to keep going. Even when I felt like I couldn’t.
I only wish I had met Mr.Brunner and his team at the beginning of my divorce process. They turned a very difficult and stressful situation into a manageable one and restored my faith in the legal system. If you need a family law attorney who will represent you with integrity, empathy, and exceptional skill, look no further than Joshua Brunner, Envision Family Law Bellingham Wa
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26 Jul, 2024 by George minehart
The best attorneys, you can ask for, they are all so very professional and knowledgeable and amazing people. If you need any help call them you won’t regret it.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Aaron schwartz
18 Sep, 2023 by Diana roireau
Very professional team. Very knowledgeable in many areas of civil litigation. Highly recommend.
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15 Nov, 2018 by Tenzin jacobs
Highly recommend Tony Hertel, Attorney for Disabilities cases. This is a sharp attorney and a very compassionate person. And believe it or not, he is a truly honest attorney, as well as a highly ethical one. He saved me money by being honest with me.
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21 Jan, 2018 by Jay lindsey
Great attorneys
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05 Jan, 2021 by Bonnie m.
Dennis mediated a case for me recently. I was highly impressed with his ability to understand the case, apply the law and offer an unbiased opinion of what my expected outcome should be. Dennis spent time earnestly listening to the case and explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each parties side. Dennis was extremely helpful in the resolution of this matter and I felt that the service he provided was well worth the cost. Ultimately he was able to achieve the intended results of helping both parties reach a resolution. I am happy with the outcome of this mediation session and recommend Dennis.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Samantha garvie
By far the best attorney I have had the pleasure of working with. I had an unemployment matter with a very large corporation. He was very helpful and informative. He answered my question about the case well after normal closing time and is very thorough. He will tell you honestly how it will or could possibly go and he is very professional and seems to be well known by judges. Definitely recommend
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25 Sep, 2024 by Deborah hendren
My brother was forced into a guardianship by these people. The Guardian Ad Litum completely ignored the revised laws of 2020 that state Guardianship is to be the least restrictive measures with individual preferance as the most important focus. The Guardian Ad Litum instead marked every box to strip my brother of all his civil liberties taking extreme measures to ensure my brother would never be able to live independantly again...my brother did not deserve the Guardian Ad Litums attack upon all his civil liberties thaf reduced him to a dog basically. Shr alsi did nothing to protect him she reduced him to a vegetable with a stroke of a pen...she probably is a volunteer for the court who has no formal education about guardianship and real intent. But here lies the true problem the attorney with FoxBallard even told my family it was futile nothing could be done to stop this nightmare ...this firm is nothing more than a parasitic nusiance of greed that benefits by inflicting suffering on vulerable adults who the legal system should protect not exploit!
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09 May, 2024 by Cameron george
More than professionals employed here, family is how I was treated with care dignity and diligence by this firm, I heard horror stories about litigation or mitigation might be the word I’m not sure, but my claim was settled in less than a year, and could’ve went on much longer, without their entire team this wouldn’t have been possible, personal standing out gratitude to counselor Humza.
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09 May, 2024 by Kyle g
Kendra was extremely helpful and she was efficient at processing our case, she also helped us feel comfortable through the process
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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.
