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10 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
Tim and his staff were very helpful and informative with helping me set-up my trust
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03 Apr, 2012 by Tim
Tim demonstrated excellent knowledge of the law’s requirements regarding our project, including contract issues, design and, construction aspects, delineating scope of work and additional services, invoicing, and documentation. The judgment was completely in our favor, with all requested compensation granted, and no appeals.
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02 Apr, 2012 by Lynda
Tim helped us to resolve an issue regarding my parents trust. I was very happy with the outcome and always felt comfortable with advice he gave us to help resolve this issue. In my opinion Tim was always fair and honest with us.
If I am ever in need of any legal help in the future I would most definitely consult with Tim again.
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10 Oct, 2024 by V.e.
It was a pleasure to work with Attorney Mousavi. She is the best and very knowledgable, honest, knows the details very well. She is kind and extremely supportive and the most important, She is always available to talk to you on the phone or in person as needed. She gets your job done in timely manner and tells you what to expect which was exactly true. She is also very patient with her clients. Her office fees are very reasonable, she is there to help you. I highly recommend her for your immigration matters. I cannot thank her enough.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sara mozafari
Sahar is one the exceptionally professional lawyers that i have seen, she is patient, knowledgeable, with the great sense of understanding, assessing your case carefully and giving you the best option possible, i highly recommend her to anyone who wants a reliable lawyer
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14 Sep, 2024 by Yosra may
I highly recommend Sahar Mousavi for anyone in need of immigration services. She has been an incredible support throughout my entire process, always attentive, knowledgeable, and professional.
Her expertise and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I always felt confident knowing she was handling my case.
Sahar Mousavi was responsive to my questions and kept me updated every step of the way. Thanks to her hard work and guidance, I achieved the outcome I was hoping for.
If you’re looking for an immigration attorney who truly cares about her clients and delivers outstanding service, look no further than Mousavi Sahar .
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22 Apr, 2021 by Kam haghi
He is the best attorney I had. He will do the job right
And he will get you more than you expect.
It is a mistake not to hire him.
He is the best in Bay Area and I recommend him
To every one.
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29 Sep, 2011 by Josephine
I contacted Mr. Scire because I needed a will, health care directive and power of attorney done. My job transferred me to Ireland, therefore I wanted to ensure that my affairs were in order. Domenico went out of his way to come to my home and explain every document in great detail.
He was timely, courteous and knowledgeable. His rates are extremely competitive also, which is something that appealed to me. I have since recommended his services to my friends and family.
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26 Sep, 2013 by Ecd
He helped me negotiate my credit card debts and stopped various wage garnishments from creditors given my bad financial situation due to the recent recession. He talked with the creditors on my behalf and always kept me informed of the progress. He left no stone unturned in making sure that my interest in paramount and ended up saving me huge amount of money with minimal attorney's fees. His outstanding legal representation helped put me back on my feet. My financial situation has since then improved tremendously and my many thanks go to him for his excellent legal representation when I needed it most.
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25 Sep, 2013 by Jcy
Mr. Nwosu helped me with my car accident case less than a year ago. I was able to get treatment, my car repaired and compensation for my injuries in which I didn't know I was in title to. He was very patient with me and kept me posted with my case on a constant basis. Dealing with Mr. Nwosu was very pleasant specially during this stressful time.
I highly recommend Geoffrey Nwosu as an Attorney.
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07 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Brad is very experienced. He know who to contact for Kaiser case from day one. He really me impressed me day one when he read my X-ray in front of me with a X-ray lamp. During deposition, he created a contradiction to defense doctor regarding the survival rate and prove I would have been stage one without the mistake. Very impressed by his medical knowledge
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03 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
Brad is very experienced in malpractice. Especially in dealing with Kaiser. He knows who to contact and how to proceed on day one of our consultation. He clearly explained to us what he was going to do and provided us with his opinions honestly.
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16 Jul, 2015 by Kathleen
We had the good fortune to be represented by Mr. Lee in a complex lawsuit involving a rogue neighbor and our road association. From the moment Mr. Lee was assigned to our case, we knew we were in good hands. His professionalism, vast experience and knowledge of the law along with his excellent communication skills were evident from our initial meeting. Given we had always resolved disagreements with our neighbors in a cordial fashion with simple communication and courtesy and had never been sued before, we were blindsided by the initial lawsuit. If mishandled by less-capable representation, we were concerned about hurting innocent neighbors and losing the good will we had acquired over our 22 years in our neighborhood. Mr. Lee, with his excellent knowledge of the law, professionalism and finesse, managed to take an otherwise stressful situation and turn it into manageable nuisance we trusted him to handle to its ultimate successful completion and our great satisfaction. His vast experience, perspective and kindness throughout, helped to reinforce our good standing in the neighborhood while defending us from a divisive neighbor who's intent was to win no matter the cost. Given how pleased we are with his representation, we would not hesitate to use Mr. Lee in any future situations where legal counsel might be necessary nor would we hesitate to recommend his services to anyone who found themselves in a similar legal situation. So impressed were several of our neighbors, who attended the depositions and trial, that they stated they wouldn't hesitate to contact him should they need future legal counsel. One neighbor commented, "we wish he represented us." Pretty much says it all.
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08 Jul, 2015 by David
I was injured in a motorcycle accident caused by an on-duty, undercover, San Jose police officer. The officer made an illegal left turn in front of my motorcycle. A police report and independent witnesses clearly showed the police officer was at fault noting there was nothing I could have done to avoid the accident. The City of San Jose denied my claim and, after negotiations, did not even offer enough money to cover my medical expenses.
Working with Jonathan, we took them to court to face a jury. The attorney for San Jose did his best to minimize my claims, my injuries and convince the jury I was partially to blame for the accident. The jury awarded me a large sum of money and, what was important to me, found the the accident was 100% the fault of the officer!
Jonathan is a true professional. The civil litigation process is long and difficult but Jonathan guided my wife and I through it. He took the time to explain every step along the way. If we did not understand some portion of the process he would put it in terms that were clearly understood. He was easy to talk to and answered all of our questions. He maintained a calm demeanor and interjected a sense of humor in a difficult process.
As part of his professional ways he was straightforward and honest. He went over the pros and cons of each decision we had to make during the course of civil litigation. He worked very hard, putting in long hours on our case. He clearly knows his business, working like a chess player, anticipating possible moves by the attorney for San Jose and the judge in the case.
We found the civil litigation process to be like a war with a series of battles. Some battles you win and some you lose. With a strategist like Jonathan we clearly won the war.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Maria sterling
Mr. Staskus is an excellent attorney, he handled my case very quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, he was able to get me more money than anticipated. He's very skilled at what he does. In addition, he is very caring, polite and talks to you as a guest not only a client.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Daniel romo
I had a good experience with Mr. Staskus. He actually has done more than a few cases for me. He was willing to reduce his fees had the outcome not been sufficient.
My biggest case with Mr. Staskus was for personal injury. Which had an excellent outcome. I didn't really want a lawyer, he said he was
confident he would get me around 30K, he actually got me 40K. I had a special circumstance that Mr. Staskus agreed to reduce his fees to help me out. It worked out for well.
In addition I had a girl I dated for a week, file a restraining order on me falsely, Mr. Staskus dropped everything and went down to defend me, He charged me pennies on the dollar. Compared to what another lawyer would have charged me.
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08 Jan, 2021 by Pat
Michael Shea, Jr was referred to me by one of his happy clients; since then, I've referred friends and family to him. His ilk is from another era—the advice, direction, and professionalism are reminiscent of The Greatest Generation. There is not a higher compliment than that!
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02 May, 2019 by Nancy
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Shea & Shea on two separate car accident cases. The entire team, including Michael Shea Jr., are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, respectful, easily accessible, and always quick to respond to any and every question. They regularly go above and beyond to help with all of your legal needs, and they’re also very kind, empathetic people who understand the stress, pain, and trauma you’re dealing with. They handle serious/catastrophic injury cases, and have bent over backwards to help me at every turn - both times! I can’t recommend Shea & Shea highly enough. I’m more than pleased with their help and thrilled with the outcome of my cases.
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26 Nov, 2023 by Moira
Highly recommended. The case included in-person deposition, virtual mediation, and a shed load of filings.
Elizabeth always gave me options based on effectiveness, time & effort and cost, which enabled me to make quick decisions hence saved my time.
Elizabeth was very responsive to emails and always structured her feedback comprehensively and succinctly which again saved my time (and money), since I didn’t need to decipher any content.
Elizabeth’s style is factual, which meant I could prepare for eventualities based on the probability of the potential legal outcomes, as she’d advised.
Elizabeth was patient, which came in handy when working with some of the characters we came across. I was impressed at how calmly she carried herself, and how appropriately reactive she was, during an unpleasant deposition.
Thank You Elizabeth, you’re brill!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Zac
After my car accident, I went to the Law Offices of Trang Do. They were amazing! They took care of everything from start to finish. They even found me a chiropractor for my neck pain, talked to the insurance company for me, and got me a great settlement. I didn't have to worry about anything because they handled it all. I'm so grateful for their help and would recommend them to anyone who needs a lawyer. They made everything easy for me.
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27 Mar, 2019 by Jo
This review is long overdue. I had the honor to have Attorney Kepner as my attorney. She is sincere, knowledgeable, experienced, professional and pleasant to work with. She is also a great communicator. Her assistant Julie is also excellent, and great to work with. Both of them deserve respect and praises. In my opinion, she is one of the best personal injury attorneys in the bay area. Consult with her and hire her. You will not regret.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Anthony
I have had the opportunity to study Business Law Today with Professor Cary Phu Pham, who is also a lawyer, during the past Spring 2015 Semester. He is really a very knowledgeable professor who had guided our class to go through the whole semester with interesting subjects that are very useful for our daily lives even though we don't practice law. The knowledge we gathered from Professor Phu helps enhance our knowledge that we can carry out when it comes to applying to the cases relevant to our interests.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Jnk3888
Mr. Pinelli handled my case with skill and expertise
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02 May, 2018 by Brandon
Arthur did a wonderful job handling my case, his communication skills were on point. My view of him is that he is a hard worker and someone who is very reliable. If I had another case that I need to resolved I would go back to Arthur without a doubt. Fair price as well. *I will not disclose any specifics of my case*
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20 May, 2022 by Jt&ct
Masumi Sakai recently helped us with a Civil Case from a bad Contractor and filed a Cross-Complaint on our behalf. Ms. Sakai is very professional, kept us informed about the case, did not let case drag out, didn't overcharge or create extra charges. She was honest, fair and we really liked working with her in general as a person who would listened, was understanding and knowledgeable of our situation. Our case ended well, as she protected our interests in court. We would recommend Masumi Sakai for your legal needs in her areas of expertise.
Kind regards -
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20 Sep, 2019 by Miguel meza
30 Jul, 2019 by Desiree granados
Ralph is an excellent lawyer.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Mateo mechanics
23 Jan, 2025 by Alexa c.
Muy buen servicio.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Yunuen silva
25 Dec, 2024 by Joy garcia
We are so blessed & grateful to have you as my son’s Attorney. Thank you for your outstanding expertise and support during my son’s court case.
Thank you so much for your help.
May God Bless you and your family!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Martin mccastle
Allie was incredibly helpful—she provided the guidance I needed to move forward with confidence and clarity.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Samantha grundmann
05 Dec, 2024 by Prince reats
Awesome staff. Totally helped me resolve my problems. Would definitely recommend!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Claudia guerrero
27 Aug, 2024 by Britt wilson
15 Oct, 2024 by Rsv confidential
Nicholas was so wonderful to work with, he was incredibly patient and informative during a stressful situation. He was responsive and kept things on track the entire way. This firm really helped us and the outcome was better than I could have imagined.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Fernando zamudio
The Bravo firm was a pleasure to work with. Nicholas is very patient and informative and is helpful to explain everything every step of the way. He sets a standard and definitely works hard to exceed it. I highly recommend working with the Bravo Law Firm.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Scott gephart
The Bravo Law Firm far exceeded my expectations for the settlement I received on my Lemon Law settlement. Very easy to work with and quick immediate response to any questions I had with the whole process. I would highly recommend.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Nilathecat y
Overpriced.
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10 Jan, 2025 by John maverick quinto
GJEL went above and beyond to help me with my case. They were compassionate, clear, and fought hard for a great outcome. I felt supported every step of the way. Thank you, GJEL!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Eric nelson
I'm opening with the statement: INCREDIBLE service, attention to detail, and follow up! I sustained injuries in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, and for the first time in my life I realized that I was going to need more than my own auto insurance company's assistance. Fortunately for me, I was referred to the team at GJEL Accident Attorneys as a starting point, and I didn't need to seek any other guidance after that. I completed a very quick and efficient phone call to explain my circumstances to the firm, and before I could blink I had received an email with clear and simple steps to take to begin the process. I was treated with kindness and compassion during a time when I had a lot of worries about the accident. They made me feel so at ease by advising that they would essentially take over all of the difficult correspondence that was already starting - whether it was my insurance company, the other driver's insurance company, hospital bill inquiries, etc, they handled it all immediately. I was informed and advised at every step down the path to settlement, and their timeliness along the way was so impressive that it made me feel that somehow I was their only client. I wholeheartedly recommend GJEL Accident Attorneys should the need arise, as the entire team had incredible industry knowledge, and they were punctual and professional at every step.
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20 Jan, 2025 by Leo vargas
Gracias a Dios por enviarme con este excelente equipo de emigración, por su trabajo del abogado Gabriel Jack, y Jessica ,por Medio de su servicio y labor a las comunidades emigrantes ,recibí mi residencial ,Ellos estaban en todo momento al contacto de mi tramite .
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25 Nov, 2024 by An nguyen
Thank your for your help ! I have a long processing adjustment case spouse sponsor. With the effective communication, Gabriel and his team who are responsive, listens to my concerns, and explains complex legal terms in a way you can understand. His team accessible and keep me updated on the progress of my case. Gabriel who specializes in immigration law and has extensive experience handling adjustment cases similar to mine. He is an experienced lawyer that familiar with the latest laws, regulations, and procedures in immigration. He also went with my interview and make sure that USCIS get the clear information.
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22 Nov, 2024 by F lee
They are trust-worthy immigration lawyers! My husband and I have had a tricky situation on our L1 and L2 visa that led us to have overstayed in the U.S. for 3 months. Thanks to MJ Law, attorney Mara and Gabriel helped to write a professional attorney letter and guide us on how to explain to the Consulate officer about the unintentional overstay. Now both of us are granted new L1 and L2 visa to re-enter the U.S.
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30 Mar, 2019 by Jason
Omar is not only compassionate, but intellectually astute and knowledgeable about many facets of the law, but especially helpful for us in solving our issues. When we were most in despair, there was Omar finding yet another solution. He is kind, patient and above all smart in what he does. I highly recommend him.
Sometimes lawyers are too busy, irritable, impatient and not problem solvers, Omar is the opposite of all of those traits. He is a rare find in this world, do use his services you will be so pleased you did.
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19 Mar, 2019 by Anjuli
I was hit by a drunk driver at a standstill at 30 mph and suffered neck injuries as well as aggravation to a pre-existing vertigo condition. I was nervous that with a potential pre-existing condition no one would take my case, but I retained Habbas & Associates and have been very satisfied with their work on my case. I am an attorney myself so can recognize when someone is only putting in partial effort, but here they never make me feel like just another client, even given that my case is no 7 figure case. My questions are always answered and my phone calls are always promptly returned. I would recommend this firm to anyone who fell under similar misfortune and needs a personal injury attorney.
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15 Dec, 2017 by Robert
I had seen billboards advertising Mr Habbas' services and never thought too much about it. One day, an illegal alien who was unlicensed, ran a red light and T-boned my car. Fortunately, the car itself was insured (albeit low cost insurance). Habeas immediately made sure that my injuries were addressed with MRI and X-Rays. In addition, they scheduled me at physical therapy to get me back to normal as quickly as possible. After all was said and done, I recovered fully and the medical bills as well as the car repairs were completely taken care of by his office, working with the other guys. The best part was I did not expect to receive any additional monies since the insurance was a minimal coverage policy. But I did receive a small check, which I was happy to receive. I've heard horror stories of other accident attorneys not returning calls and being difficult to get in contact with. Never with Habbas. Whether it was an e-mail, or phone call, they responded usually within 1-2 days with clear, answers to my questions. Thank you Omar for the great work.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Teija rosen
I highly respect Mr. Chau as I have witnessed an outstanding performance in my divorce proceedings. During the entire process, his fundamental goal was to enter into the agreement as soon as possible. He wanted to cut court and legal costs as much as possible and stop the meaningless document stacking, which added great volume regarding timewise and cost. When we finally signed the agreement, it was robust and beyond my expectations. I am very grateful because the legal costs finally ended, and the agreement was final and secured, more favorable to me than I had expected.
Mr. Chau listens carefully to my input and comments, as well as all parties involved. He keeps things moving forwards and the result is an acceptable agreement. His services are top class. He is a lawyer with high morals and ethics. All the proposals suggested for an agreement came from Mr. Chau, and I have much to be grateful for. His skillful negotiation tactics, strategies to settle, wisdom, experience, and expertise produced a solid final agreement.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Gian torre
James Chau is very knowledgeable within the field of Family Law Practices and is a pleasure to work with. Thank you James Chau for you buisness. Gian Torre from Valetorre Appaisal Services.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Edwina leung
A very responsible Attorney. No delayed, made the case closed quickly.
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11 Dec, 2014 by Me
I've used Steven for a internal family matter. I must say he is very compassionate and wanted to see that the family stayed together rather than create some irreversible damage. I must say though there is definitely a tough side to him that I would not want to be his opposing counsel! He definitely had my best interest!
Honest and sincere I would highly recommend him..
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25 Oct, 2014 by Sophie
Steve Pogue is a competent, ethical, knowledgeable attorney with a profound interest to serve his client well. He is a rare attorney who will be there from beginning to end and he is a man of his words. He worked on our case without any hesitation, and he faced the opposing lawyer with complete coolness. He delivered positive result beyond our expectation.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Joy garcia
We are so blessed & grateful to have you as my son’s Attorney. Thank you for your outstanding expertise and support during my son’s court case.
Thank you so much for your help.
May God Bless you and your family!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Martin mccastle
Allie was incredibly helpful—she provided the guidance I needed to move forward with confidence and clarity.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Samantha grundmann
06 Jan, 2025 by Jacqueline delgado
I can’t thank Brendan enough for their incredible work on my case. From day one, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping me. They communicated everything clearly, responded quickly to all my questions, and made me feel confident throughout the process. Thanks to their expertise, my case was dismissed and completely cleared from my record! I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and dedicated attorney.
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16 Dec, 2024 by Monica ramirez
14 Nov, 2024 by Joe wen
This year has been challenging for me and my family, but today, my case was dismissed, thanks to Brendan! Initially, I had some concerns since I only met him once in person, and his assistant/friend represented him at my first court appearance. However, it soon became evident that Brendan was working diligently behind the scenes. His professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness were outstanding throughout the entire process. Because of his hard work, my case was successfully dismissed. I highly recommend Brendan to anyone in need of a dedicated and effective attorney. Trust his guidance, and you’ll be in great hands. Thank you, Brendan, for helping me navigate and resolve my legal issues!
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10 Oct, 2024 by V.e.
It was a pleasure to work with Attorney Mousavi. She is the best and very knowledgable, honest, knows the details very well. She is kind and extremely supportive and the most important, She is always available to talk to you on the phone or in person as needed. She gets your job done in timely manner and tells you what to expect which was exactly true. She is also very patient with her clients. Her office fees are very reasonable, she is there to help you. I highly recommend her for your immigration matters. I cannot thank her enough.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sara mozafari
Sahar is one the exceptionally professional lawyers that i have seen, she is patient, knowledgeable, with the great sense of understanding, assessing your case carefully and giving you the best option possible, i highly recommend her to anyone who wants a reliable lawyer
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14 Sep, 2024 by Yosra may
I highly recommend Sahar Mousavi for anyone in need of immigration services. She has been an incredible support throughout my entire process, always attentive, knowledgeable, and professional.
Her expertise and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I always felt confident knowing she was handling my case.
Sahar Mousavi was responsive to my questions and kept me updated every step of the way. Thanks to her hard work and guidance, I achieved the outcome I was hoping for.
If you’re looking for an immigration attorney who truly cares about her clients and delivers outstanding service, look no further than Mousavi Sahar .
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24 Dec, 2024 by Kumar marthy
Strategy Law is phenomenal! Their team is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. They take the time to understand your needs and provide tailored legal strategies that make a difference. I felt confident and well-supported throughout the entire process. If you're looking for a law firm that delivers excellent results and goes above and beyond, I highly recommend Strategy Law!
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15 May, 2024 by Vivian tran
I couldn't have asked for a more productive and enlightening session, which solidified my trust in Tamara as a legal advisor dedicated to my success.
Tamara Pow's MBA and real estate broker license instilled a sense of security in me as a business owner and investor during our consultation. Knowing that she possesses such diverse and comprehensive qualifications reassured me that I was in capable hands. It underscored her ability to provide not just legal counsel, but strategic insights that align with my business and investment goals. This unique blend of expertise further reinforced my confidence in Tamara's ability to safeguard my interests and propel my ventures forward.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Matthew phillips
I highly recommend Serge Filatov and Strategy Law as a legal partner. I’ve worked with Serge for a number of years now, and the combination of his legal expertise and make-sense approach to law make him a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable and professional team.
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31 Jul, 2019 by An
My situation was the collection firm tried to collect more than 20000 dollar from me. They took me to court tried to get me pay them. They mistaken me with someone else. I hired a lawyer to appear with me in court. he charged me 750 dollar for two hours in court. He charged me but he did not appear in court when the time come. That lawyer did not even return my money. I then hired Teresa Vu to help me with my problem. She did a very good job to get me out of the trouble. she was honest, did not take my money and run away. I appreciated her for the work she did.
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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.
