Filter by

star star star star star
02 Aug, 2020 by Amit
I was in a very difficult situation during the oncoming COVID crisis and on the verge of a catastrophe with my company and personal finances. I went to Lawyer Andrew M. Thaler for advice. I was very impressed by his patience in hearing out my problems and his self confidence and knowledge of the law in his honest recommendations on the course of action to be taken for the best outcome in my situation, without any bias for his own financial enrichment. But what was more astounding was the flexibility he showed during and after the court case. With Andrew, it is not money by the minute, but integrity, his work ethics and his compassion for the client. I recommend Andrew to anybody who wants a pleasant and the right experience and at the same time, deal with an excellent lawyer.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
01 May, 2018 by Albert
Andrew competence guidance and caring are one of a kind. I am very fortunate to have chosen him to represent me . I was extremely pleased with the way he handled my case from start to end and will surely re commend him to anyone looking for an attorney in this field.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
07 Apr, 2018 by Audrey
I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent service provided by Mr. Thaler and his very competent staff on their handling of the closing on my parent’s home. They made the entire procedure a seamless and pleasant experience. I would not hesitate to use Mr. Thaler again in the future for my legal needs.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
28 Sep, 2024 by Stephen creighton
The Law Office of Carmelia Taylor was recommended to me by a colleague, and I’m so glad I took their advice. Carmelia and her team were compassionate, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable about immigration law. They made the process much easier than I expected, and I’m thrilled with the successful outcome. I can’t thank Abogada Carmelia enough for her support and highly recommend her to anyone needing an immigration lawyer.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
25 Sep, 2024 by Maria reyes
Their expertise and dedication to their clients are unmatched. They made the complicated process of obtaining a visa straightforward and manageable. Their constant communication and updates gave me peace of mind throughout the entire process. I am beyond satisfied with their services and highly recommend them to anyone in need of immigration assistance.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
16 Aug, 2024 by Maria mendez
I can't thank Abogada Carmelia enough for her help. She took the time to explain every step of the process and made me feel at ease. Her expertise and compassion are evident in her work.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
18 Jul, 2024 by James addison
John O'Rourke is the man, he was very easy to talk too, he handle my case with patience and understanding. He was very informative with all information and made sure I understood all the steps of the process.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Jul, 2024 by Antoine reid
John O’Rourke did an amazing job handling my case. Very understanding ,easy to deal with, and accessible. Made the process smooth and answered all my questions and or reservations with integrity. I would recommend Gassler & O’Rourke for any personal injury claims
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
21 Mar, 2024 by Kevin sexton
I never considered writing a negative review until my experience with Van Horn & Friedman, P.C. (“VH&F”). However, I feel compelled to share my story. I retained Alissa to file a petition (for privacy reasons I will not disclose the type) and to represent me throughout the associated court proceedings. Immediately upon learning of the situation, Alissa could not understand why a petition had not previously been filed. When I explained to her that I was told by the local police department that the person was too old, she said that the police do not know the law—she does. Regrettably, I retained her services. To my dismay, I soon learned that the local police department knew what they were talking about; Alissa did not. I believe that VH&F eventually found out shortly after Alissa was unable to file the petition. However, the only response I received when inquiring about the situation was “red tape” and “you have a judge that cares.” Not acceptable explanations coming from a firm you are paying $500.00 an hour to represent you, especially considering that the judge does not have the authority to circumvent the system. I asked at least three (3) times and always received the same responses. Laughably, I was asked by a managing partner at VH&F if I was an attorney. I am not, I just don’t enjoy being taken advantage of. I believe that VH&F’s hourly rate is way overpriced. Moreover, their retainer agreement provides for billing in fifteen (15) minute increments. My bill ran up very quickly because of sending/receiving correspondence. The problem is that Alissa was recommending services I had already tried unsuccessfully and were not related to the petition. As such, I found myself paying VH&F to explain to them that their recommendations were not appropriate for my situation after previously providing that history to her. My takeaway: Don’t expect to receive a good product just because a business charges more than their competitors and be wary of someone’s overconfidence!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
07 Jun, 2023 by Charles
This attorney was hired to compile my fathers last will and testament. When he was incapacitated by dementia this attorney allowed his girlfriend to bring him into the office to change his will basically giving her everything. There were no precautions taken to protect my my father or his entire family.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.

Scroll to top