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01 Aug, 2013 by Michael
Heather has provided legal counsel for me for two separate problems. The first was an issue concerning the housing situation of my very uncooperative and sometimes hostile mother. Family issues can be very tricky to solve, even when the law is pretty clear. Family members tend to play by different rules when dealing with one another and there is a compassion that you give to relatives that doesn't come into play when dealing with strangers. Nobody understands this more than Heather. Her care and compassion for all parties involved give her unrivaled effectiveness in determining a solution with which everyone can be happy. Instead of just going through the legal motions of removing my mother from her current, undesirable housing - which was the legal help I sought - Heather actually went the extra two miles and found several housing alternatives that would fit my mother's financial requirements. She investigated records and found some government assistance programs for which my mother would be eligible. She thoroughly researched all possible avenues, including mediating discussions with other family members. Her warm-hearted demeanor and obvious compassion make her instantly likable and does not put anyone on the defensive, which I have found can be the most serious obstacle to progress. These factors were enough to overcome my mother's hostility and help her realize the right choice to make. I would hire Heather again in a heartbeat if another such situation arises.
Heather is currently representing me in a personal injury claim from a motorcycle accident. I am continually amazed and impressed by her organization and knowledge. Despite being young and newly licensed, she's an excellent researcher and knows when to ask for help. It's obvious to me that she cares most of all about my satisfaction and providing me what I need, rather than serving her own interests. Yet she doesn't just answer my questions, she asks me all the things of which I haven't thought and sees to it that I keep on task when dealing with the seemingly insurmountable piles of bills and insurance paperwork. I can be difficult person with whom to work, because I insist of knowing and understanding everything and doing it my way. Heather doesn't push or prod, but she tells me matter-of-factly what the consequences of each and every one of my proposed actions are. She'll tell me when I'm making a bad choice and after all is said will work tirelessly to whatever ends I choose. I feel very comfortable knowing Heather is representing me and I do not worry. She's not just a great lawyer, she's also a really great, caring person.
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30 Jun, 2015 by Robert
Bruce did a great job with my case, and I recommended him to a friend who was also very happy with his good services. All lawyers should be this effective and honest. Thank you Bruce!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Jocelyn
I highly recommend Mr. Mehta at Mehta Law. I was in a car accident where the other driver was 100% at fault; however, they weren't truthful and told their insurance otherwise. Mr. Mehta was relentless in getting the other insurance carrier to accept full liability by not settling for anything less. He demonstrated great communication skills by always keeping me well informed and I respect that he truly has his clients' best interests in mind. He is very professional and knowledgeable about his practice. Mr. Mehta is very straightforward and about his business. Where the legal world can sometimes be convoluted and discouraging, Mr. Mehta is a no-nonsense attorney and will actually spend time explaining things that aren't always easy to understand.
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07 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I would absolutely recommend the firm of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger. I was a client of Andrew McDevitt during some of the most difficult moments of my life and my children’s. Working with Andrew felt like working with a caring family member. I felt protected, confident and heard. Andrew, Ashley and Marlene were such an incredible team. Responsive and kind, and so helpful. We are so grateful for them all.
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30 Sep, 2015 by Kd
Matt and his team took on my car accident case after a couple lawyers I spoke to told me that I would have a difficult time recovering anything for my injuries due to "liability problems." Matt stuck by my side, answered all my questions, kept me in the loop and never waivered. After over a year, we finally got a GREAT settlement! I feel like I received justice and I thank Matt for that. I would (and have) strongly recommend Matt and his office to anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer that is always available and great at what he does.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Loren
I am extremely pleased with Ritsa, Matthew and Ann Marie's services. We interviewed four other attorneys for this case and right off the bat it was evident that this team cared genuinely about what they do.
What sets this firm apart is their exceptional problem-solving skills, high level of organization and transparent communication style. Their top priority is building strong relationships and truly taking care of their clients. Throughout the process, the team consistently consulted with me, ensuring I was comfortable and fully understood their recommendations and actions every step of the way. They went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of, standing by their word, remaining dedicated with integrity, maintaining tight communication, and working relentlessly to fight for a positive outcome in my case.
The team is very generous with their time and hard-working. Ritsa and her team helped navigate a very burdensome situation and made me feel I was in safe hands. I am now much more informed about the legal landscape, thanks to their expert guidance.
I will continue to rely on Ritsa, Matthew and Ann Marie for my legal needs, and will be enthusiastically recommending them to family and friends. This is an exceptional firm that I would highly recommend to anyone in need of legal services.
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09 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
It was an ugly case, but Ms. Carranza held my hand through the process and responded to all my concerns immediately. She put in the time and attention. We settled the case well below what they were asking for thanks to her knowledge of the case and the law. I'm lucky she was on my side looking out for me.
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14 Nov, 2011 by Tom
Emily & Mike Kelly of her firm represented me after I survived falling out a 4th floor Bay Area hotel room window four years ago.
They visited me in a local hospital & injury rehab center, stayed in touch via phone & e-mail after I returned home to Florida, brought together a first-rate team of expert witnesses and guided me through the sometimes confounding and confusing California personal injury litigation process.
Client management isn't a class in any law school that I know of and it can be tricky to handle a client whose friends have called him a "victim of terminal candor", but Emily and Mike did it well. Emily went so far as to "friend" me on Facebook and make sure I didn't post anything that could hurt the case.
Emily and Mike were professional, extremely thorough and they kept the tone dedicated but not fanatical. They worked out a settlement that helped all and hurt none, but neither they nor I had the slightest doubt that they were ready to go to trial if need be and prevail.
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27 Dec, 2023 by Frank
We hired Chuck after doing due diligence on a total of ten personal injury attorneys. Of the ten attorneys we contacted, Chuck excelled in several ways. Among other things, he was the only attorney willing and able to give us references. We talked to five of Chuck’s previous clients and all of them gave glowing comments about his integrity, demeanor and competency.
We fond Chuck to be a straight shooter and results oriented. His knowledge and experience was especially beneficial to our case. For us, he sealed the deal, minimized our stress and maximized the payout.
Best free tip came from our sister — if you are involved in a situation where law enforcement has been called, it is an excellent idea to request the police report, body cam footage and police photos as soon as possible. As a victim, you have a right to all of this information and it’s typically easy to make a request online.
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06 Apr, 2023 by Kelly j
Chuck Geerhart is an exceptional Lawyer. I highly recommend him, he changed my perception of what I thought a Lawyer was. In the past I had multiple bad experiences, Mr. Geerhart was kind, knowledgeable and patient. He was able to give me a clear understanding of my case and what to expect. If you are searching for representation, look no further.
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01 Nov, 2022 by Sandra sonnenburg
09 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Christian Jagusch and team made our family feel supported, understood, and compassionately guided throughout the whole process. Questions were always answered in a timely manner and with respect and care. We appreciated the medical expertise brought to our case and the thorough background work that was completed. We can’t express in enough words our appreciation for Christian and the other team members within the law firm. Our family feels very lucky and grateful that he/the law firm represented our case
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30 Sep, 2024 by Paul
Josephine Alioto and her team at Veen Firm did a wonderful job. She immediately tuned into all the details of my case, while she and her associate Jessica Ng Othon were very thorough with everything. What they put forth showed me that they invested a lot of time and and effort into their work. In the end, through mediation, Josephine got me a very decent settlement.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Mayank chaudhary
12 Dec, 2024 by Werner m
Our Walkup attorney provided total embrace of us, with excellent care, attentiveness, and professionalism from beginning to end.
We would recommend this firm to any one requiring services of the kind they provide.
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18 May, 2024 by Gundluru ramanjulu
18 Nov, 2024 by Tamara williams (tammy)
17 Nov, 2024 by Louis rodriquez
11 Nov, 2024 by Foster yanko
18 Nov, 2024 by Tamara williams (tammy)
17 Nov, 2024 by Louis rodriquez
11 Nov, 2024 by Foster yanko
26 Sep, 2022 by Trevor potter
I needed help resolving a serious Car-Bicycle accident case and Shaana and her team delivered knowledge, expertise, patience, guidance and ultimately an outcome that left me and my family very pleased. "Big Firm" expertise with "Small Firm" care and accessibility.
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10 May, 2022 by Steven h
I never wanted to be crushed in between a utility bed truck and my work trailer but guess what, life happens..
It was a rough few months dealing with insurance companies and doctors.
I never dealt with anything like this before!
I was at my wits and realized I needed help.
After meeting with Shaana personally I knew I was in good hands. Not only as a lawyer, but as a friend. Every step of the way she and her team made sure that I was not only comfortable but made sure I was taken care of in my best interest.
I plan to call again if needed and I highly recommend Shaana Rahman Law.
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17 Sep, 2020 by Jeremy pasternak
My firm represents employees exclusively and Ms. Rahman's firm is one of just a couple of firms to which we refer clients who have been injured. Over the years, we have referred many clients to her, and have received nothing but stellar feedback about her work. I will enthusiastically continue to refer cases to Ms. Rahman.
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26 Sep, 2022 by Trevor potter
I needed help resolving a serious Car-Bicycle accident case and Shaana and her team delivered knowledge, expertise, patience, guidance and ultimately an outcome that left me and my family very pleased. "Big Firm" expertise with "Small Firm" care and accessibility.
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10 May, 2022 by Steven h
I never wanted to be crushed in between a utility bed truck and my work trailer but guess what, life happens..
It was a rough few months dealing with insurance companies and doctors.
I never dealt with anything like this before!
I was at my wits and realized I needed help.
After meeting with Shaana personally I knew I was in good hands. Not only as a lawyer, but as a friend. Every step of the way she and her team made sure that I was not only comfortable but made sure I was taken care of in my best interest.
I plan to call again if needed and I highly recommend Shaana Rahman Law.
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17 Sep, 2020 by Jeremy pasternak
My firm represents employees exclusively and Ms. Rahman's firm is one of just a couple of firms to which we refer clients who have been injured. Over the years, we have referred many clients to her, and have received nothing but stellar feedback about her work. I will enthusiastically continue to refer cases to Ms. Rahman.
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20 Feb, 2025 by James witty
William Reilly has successfully fought for my disability claim, forcing the company to continue abiding by their insurance policy.
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08 May, 2024 by David haberman
In 2021 because of a foot problem My wife had to go out on disability. We contacted our insurance company and they told us she wasn’t covered even though we’ve been paying for for years
I called around the several disability Attorneys. I didn’t get the feeling they cared. Nobody listened to anything about the case. They just said yes they could cover us and told us the fees.
I finally spoke to Bill Reilly at Roboostof. Right from the start, he made me feel comfortable by listening to what our problem was. He gave us some advice on what to do And told us what the process would be
Through the process, he was amazing and helping us understand what was going on And pursuing the matter
we can’t thank him enough for his guidance to this very hard time I don’t know what we would’ve done without his help
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10 Nov, 2020 by Valerie andriola
29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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20 Sep, 2020 by Aya malmgren
20 Sep, 2020 by Aya malmgren
16 Nov, 2018 by Louise mazzeo
Best trial attorneys in the Bay Area
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25 Aug, 2022 by Ellecat 707
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I I just had a consultation with Mr. Randy Daar , SF Attorney as i’m interviewing Attorneys to represent me in four Criminal charges. I’m innocent; but due to some twists and turns it’s complicated. He cut right to the heart of the matter; looked at the big picture and came up with solutions other lawyers had not thought of. Mr. Daar has a brilliant mind; he’s in control of the situation in minutes and presenting viable solutions and scenarios of possible positive outcomes. Ive been in a slump since i was charged but after half hour with him my smile is bigger than Texas. I’m impressed… he lives up to his reputation and then some. He’s got an up beat, “wining” personality thats infectious. He’s funny and you’ll find yourself laughing at the way he sums up your case. Previously i was depressed, gloomy, morose and felt nothing but impending doom over my case but that feeling is gone and now all i want to do is take my little dogs outside, hold them in my arms, dancing about and singing them a happy song while thanking the universe for sending some luck my way.
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03 Nov, 2021 by Nicole violet
Randy went out of his way to find me after I was arrested. If it weren't for he and his dedication my family would have never found me. Prior to that case, Randy had represented us in civil forfeiture cases and even recommended lawyers in other states. We always won! Randy was an extended part of our family. He is hands down one of sf best!
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09 Feb, 2021 by Curt briggs
I have referred dozens of serious criminal defense cases to Mr. Daar and he consistently gets incredible results. He is respected all over the country is an expert negotiator. His fees are reasonable, he keeps clients informed, and he believes in fighting for the underdog.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Saravanakumar natarajan
28 Jan, 2025 by Munir jalilov
13 Jan, 2025 by Thupten palmo
It's been great working with Scarlett and Betty. Scarlett and her team were very helpful throughout the entire application and most importantly were quick to assist their client with any questions that emerged. Would highly recommend their law firm.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Chandra lahiri
Leiva Law handled our immigration and we could not be happier. Scarlett and her entire team were always very knowledgeable, responsive and supportive. Immigration, especially for Seniors, is a fairly nerve-wracking matter, and it makes a world of difference to be supported so strongly. Thank you, Leiva!
I recommend them very highly.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Ellie rose maas
I don’t have a ton of experience with lawyers, but would 100% recommend working with Cary after utilizing him to help with our prenuptial agreement. Cary was knowledgeable, quick to respond, and made the process as easy and straightforward as possible.
Since Cary was my lawyer and my partner had a different lawyer, I can tell you that our experience was one of extreme differences. While Cary was no nonsense, great at listening and modifying the document to support our wishes, and respectful of our timeline- my partners lawyer was an absolute nightmare for us both.
One large difference between the two was that Cary had a flat rate fee and my spouses lawyer charged by the hour. Because of this, I firmly believe his lawyer drew the process out as much as possible, often completely disregarding our express wishes, and did everything extremely last minute- causing a lot of stress and unnecessary anxiety for us all.
That said, Cary did a fabulous job handling working with someone so unimpressive, and I believe is the only reason we ended up with a document at all.
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22 Feb, 2024 by T. nicolaus
There are a lot of good lawyers out there, but when your child is in trouble, you need a GREAT lawyer, and that's where Mike Silveira comes in. Today, Mike contacted us to share the fantastic news that our son's case was dismissed. This was no easy feat. Our son received a DUI in Nov. 2020, and to make matters worse, fentanyl (not intentionally ingested) was found in his system. We looked at reviews online and we chose Silveira Law based on the great reviews we read. We could not be happier with the outcome. For more than 3 years, Mike Silveira fought for our son, never giving up and doing everything legally possible to have the case dismissed. Mike stuck with it and continued to work the case even when the DA refused to reduce or dismiss it due to newer and stricter policy surrounding unintentional fentanyl. There are no words to describe our amazement when we learned today that the case was not just reduced -- but dismissed! Now our son can move forward with a clean slate -- all thanks to Mike. The dark cloud has lifted. If you find yourself in this situation, don't hesitate to go with Mike Silveira Law. He's truly the best there is! And he has a wonderful staff of folks working there! Thank you, Mike! We are forever grateful for your professionalism, tenacity, and kindness.
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14 Feb, 2024 by Nick hytinen
AMAZING!!! Got my 2nd DUI dismissed!!!! (small collision involved, no one hurt so I cannot believe it). Silveira communicated great, their office was easy to contact and courteous, detailed, and quick replies. He went to many many court dates over the last 3 years trying to get it dismissed and it paid off big time ! I never expected in my wildest dreams to have this turn out! Thank you!!!
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19 Dec, 2024 by Henry s
I highly recommend Law Brothers. I was able to receive the medical care that I needed to recover from the injury that I sustained during a "hit & run" car accident. My case manager, Leslie was very helpful. She kept me informed about the legal process and made sure that my physical therapy sessions and medical procedures did not conflict with my work schedule. I also received a very nice financial settlement.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Eric sood
The LAW BROTHERS are the BEST!
I had LESLIE CRUZ as my attorney and Team Leader, much Appreciated They took care of EVERYTHING and made my Life much Easier. MUCH LOVE
THANKYOU
WOULD Recommend to EVERBODY
Happy Holiday's
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14 Dec, 2024 by Sylvia gil
Giselle Dominguez was a huge help with my case! She kept me updated and worked in a timely manner. A nice woman who provided excellent customer service! I highly recommend Lalezary's Law Firm.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Henry s
I highly recommend Law Brothers. I was able to receive the medical care that I needed to recover from the injury that I sustained during a "hit & run" car accident. My case manager, Leslie was very helpful. She kept me informed about the legal process and made sure that my physical therapy sessions and medical procedures did not conflict with my work schedule. I also received a very nice financial settlement.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Eric sood
The LAW BROTHERS are the BEST!
I had LESLIE CRUZ as my attorney and Team Leader, much Appreciated They took care of EVERYTHING and made my Life much Easier. MUCH LOVE
THANKYOU
WOULD Recommend to EVERBODY
Happy Holiday's
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14 Dec, 2024 by Sylvia gil
Giselle Dominguez was a huge help with my case! She kept me updated and worked in a timely manner. A nice woman who provided excellent customer service! I highly recommend Lalezary's Law Firm.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Andrew khalilian
Excellent firm to work with. Very knowledgeable, responsive, and professional staff. Highly recommend Small World Immigration!
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18 Aug, 2024 by Charly aldebs
Charles was one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. First, he promptly responded to all our emails and phone calls himself (unlike other lawyers who might delegate your case to a secretary or assistant). Second, Charles was very knowledgeable about our case. With his help, we were able to obtain our green cards smoothly, without any delays or issues. I highly recommend him for any immigration case because he truly knows how to get the job done!
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02 Apr, 2024 by Florence lesne
Charles Small is the very best! We filed and obtained our green card in a record time (6.5 months). Charles is responsive and takes the time to respond any questions you may have. After two very disappointing experiences with other firms, I was eager to have rigorous answers for our specific case. We also were anxious for our son who was more than 19 at the time we applied. Not only Charles was able to provide top notch advice, but he found legal grounds to ensure our son would also be part of the process. We highly recommend Small World Immigration and Charles Small.
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02 Jan, 2025 by Gaurav puri
Hi Rai sir
This is Gaurav Gaurav today i have final hearing and judge granted my asylum It all happen because of ur hard work. I rally appreciate jaskiran mam and Brar sir
Thanks for efforts to work done well
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22 Dec, 2024 by Jagg preet
Bai ik number da fudu kam aa fas na jaeo tonu nall laja k dismissal dva den ge he is best attorney to get you dismissal on your case.I don’t recommend any one to go there i hope i save some to from him by my comment.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Gurpreet singh
Best immigration services. Mr. Hardeep Rai attorney and his staff really deserve praise the success of my case
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03 Jan, 2025 by Diana lee
My experience applying for the K1 visa for my fiancé with Yasrebi Law has been exceptional. Communication with the team was always clear and prompt, and the process of gathering necessary information was thorough. Nicolas Jurado was assigned to our case, and he was fantastic to work with. His communication was excellent, and he ensured we stayed on track, rushing us when necessary. Nicolas closely monitored our case until my fiancé was able to pick up the visa package. We encountered some difficulty when the embassy requested our travel itinerary and port of entry, but both Noushin and Nicolas efficiently handled the situation. I truly appreciate their support throughout the entire K1 visa process. I highly recommend Yasrebi Law to anyone, as I am confident they will be in good hands.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Nazari
Highly recommended, Yasrebi Law is one of the best. I am one of their clients and they got the approval for my spouse visa in two months.
They are honest, that is what I like the most. When I was looking for an attorney, I had two cases; one for my spouse and the other one my cousin’s immigration case. I met in person with Mr. Arash Yasrebi, I wanted him to take both cases and he said: he takes my spouse case because he is sure, in return to the fees I pay he will get me that green card but about my cousin’s case he said “No”, due to the nature of the case he cannot be sure of the result.
I insisted that he takes my cousin’s case, if no results I don’t blame him. He said he does not want to charge me for something that he cannot promise but he can refer me to people who work on such cases.
I had consultation with other attorneys too, and the fees I am paying to Yasrebi Law is almost twice as the others but I like their honesty. They are honest and professional.
Thanks to all their staff specially Arash Yasrebi, Noushin Mahdavi, Ali Mahdavy & Nicolas Jurado.
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06 Dec, 2024 by C chan
Arash Yasrebi and his team were very professional in helping us get our citizenship. Although he had a last minute emergency, he made sure that we were taken care of that day of interview and communicated to us right away. We are very blessed to have him helped us in this and highly recommend him to you. JC
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer specializes in helping individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. Whether you've been hurt in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced medical malpractice, a personal injury attorney works to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Personal injury lawyers act as your advocate, navigating the legal system on your behalf and dealing with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They understand how to handle complex legal matters and help you avoid common pitfalls.
When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where you've been harmed due to another's negligence. Some key scenarios include:
- Severe injuries: If you've suffered significant or permanent injuries that result in substantial medical bills, a lawyer can help ensure you are fairly compensated.
- Long-term or permanent disability: Injuries that affect your ability to work or require ongoing medical treatment are complex, and a lawyer can help estimate long-term damages.
- Disputed liability: If the responsible party or their insurance company denies liability for your injury, a lawyer can gather evidence and advocate on your behalf.
- Insurance company lowball offers: Insurers often try to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. A lawyer can negotiate to get you a fair settlement.
- Medical malpractice claims: Injuries caused by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider due to negligence require a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice law.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: If you've been injured due to exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances, a lawyer can help pursue legal action.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is crucial, especially if you're unsure of the full extent of your injuries or damages.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer provides a wide range of services to guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. They can:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer will assess the strength of your claim and determine whether you have a viable case.
- Investigate the incident: Gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions is key to building a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers handle communications with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement and aren't taken advantage of.
- File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement can't be reached, the lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
- Help calculate damages: This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Prepare and file legal documents: Lawyers handle all the paperwork and deadlines associated with your case, including filing motions and discovery requests.
- Represent you at trial: If your case goes to trial, the lawyer will argue your case before a judge and jury to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Are Personal Injury Lawyers Paid?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, either through settlement or a court judgment. Here’s how it works:
- Contingency fee percentage: The lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement or award, typically between 25% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it's resolved.
- Costs and expenses: In addition to the contingency fee, the lawyer may deduct other costs associated with the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and court costs. These expenses are often advanced by the lawyer and repaid out of the settlement.
- No upfront payment: Since the lawyer’s fee is contingent on winning, you usually don’t pay anything upfront.
Always discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer depends on the specifics of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, the amount you pay will depend on the outcome of your case. Here are some general guidelines:
- Contingency fees: Typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. The percentage may increase if the case goes to trial or requires an appeal.
- Other costs: In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for case-related expenses such as expert witness fees, medical record retrieval fees, and court costs. These are often deducted from your settlement, so you won't have to pay out of pocket.
While the cost may seem high, hiring an experienced lawyer can significantly increase the amount you recover, making it a worthwhile investment.
Top Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, it's essential to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right representation. Here are some important questions to ask:
-
What is your experience with personal injury cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases involving similar injuries or accidents. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and what percentage they will take from any settlement or award. -
How long will my case take?
While it's hard to predict, a lawyer can give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. -
How often do you take cases to trial?
Some lawyers prefer to settle quickly, while others are more comfortable going to court if necessary. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior lawyers or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it's important to know who will be managing your claim. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and professionalism.
How to Check the Credibility of a Personal Injury Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a credible personal injury lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews can provide insight into the lawyer's reputation and client satisfaction.
- Look at their track record: Review their experience with personal injury cases, particularly how many cases they’ve successfully resolved or taken to trial.
- Ask for references: Credible lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their work.
- Check professional memberships: Lawyers who are members of respected organizations, like the American Association for Justice (AAJ), often have a solid reputation in the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, prepare the following:
- Detailed account of the accident: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including dates, times, and locations. Include any witnesses or police reports if available.
- Medical records and bills: Bring any documentation of your injuries, treatments, and associated medical costs.
- Insurance information: Provide your insurance details and any communication you’ve had with the other party’s insurance company.
- Employment and income records: If your injury has impacted your ability to work, bring proof of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Photos or videos: If you have photos of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, bring them to your consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions to ask, including how the lawyer will handle your case and what you can expect in terms of timeline and outcome.
By preparing thoroughly for your first consultation, you’ll help the lawyer understand your case more quickly and get a better sense of your legal options.
