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5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
54 Reviews
14 Nov, 2024 by Michelle smith
Brent is the nicest man. I am the notary when he needs one for refinance loans. He is such a good man to work with.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Jay jay
I was out of state, and I don’t care how much this cost me, he was worth way more!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Scott iler
As a real estate agent, it is essential to have someone on your side that will be communicative and work hard. Zimmerman went above and beyond to make sure the process went well.
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5.0
27 Reviews
4.5
49 Reviews
23 Oct, 2024 by Gary
Chris helped me with my car accident and got me a good offer. I would recommend chris for anyone's attorney.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Lora
My husband and I hired Chris after I was in a horrific chain reaction rear end collision resulting from a semi tractor trailer truck. He knows his stuff, he's on point, and explains things very well. He has worked very diligently on my case and I'm forever grateful for this. I would recommend Christo anyone who is in need of a great lawyer. Thank you Mr. Coppola
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17 Oct, 2024 by Rima
I am currently working with Christopher Coppola and have been extremely impressed by his professionalism and commitment to my case. He takes the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process and always addresses my concerns with care. I appreciate his proactive approach and dedication, which has made me feel supported and confident during this challenging time. I highly recommend Chris Coppola to anyone seeking effective and compassionate legal representation.
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5.0
21 Reviews
22 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I was arrested for a felony and did not know where to get help. My friend told me to call the Wizard. That nickname is not an understatement. Grant asked me all the right questions so I could gather the necessary evidence that I did not commit the crime. He strategically planned the presentation of the evidence and essentially discredited the witness for the prosecution. Case dismissed! He is brilliant and transparent - always provides straight answers. Need a lawyer that fights, hire Grant, the Wizard!
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07 Nov, 2022 by Adam
Grant is fantastic. 1,000% recommend. He is knowledgeable, as well as being good at helping someone through what might be an uncomfortable moment in their life.
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01 Oct, 2022 by Brooke
Grant was prompt, helpful, courteous, and most importantly knowledgeable about the law. I spoke to one of Grant's assistant's and within hours received a call back. Easy to work with and put my mind at ease. Wouldn't recommend anyone else!
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05 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Contacted my lawyer immediately. He and his legal assistant Emily were very informative with every step of the process. I received communication and what to expect throughout our time working together. Even better, they helped fight a charge that could have impacted my life. I could not ask for better representation!
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19 Sep, 2023 by William
Scott did an excellent job of explaining what needed to be done for removal, and the steps that needed to be taken. I have nothing to say except admiration for his ability.
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02 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Was very thorough when explaining a situation, often cracked jokes while doing. Got my charges completely dropped before the state could even bring in a 2nd witness. Great guy, great lawyer. Would I want him again? No, nobody “wants” a lawyer. But if I needed him I would choose him again.
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4.2
13 Reviews
4.7
43 Reviews
17 Nov, 2024 by Phoenix barlas
Scott at GRL law firm was an absolute professional who took care of my license suspension appeal. His assistant Emily was also amazing. Overall, the process from the first call to billing was seamless and easy. Experts who knew exactly what was going to happen and explained what could happen- without making promises, a good quality!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Heidi vlotho
We had nothing but the best experience with Bobby. He is very knowledgeable and made our experience more comfortable than we could have ever imagined, despite the circumstances we faced! McKayla was awesome as well! She was also helpful and very quick to respond whenever anything came up. We highly recommend hiring Bobby to represent you!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Lawn cutters ames
Bobby and his firm go above and beyond. They care about there client's. They went above and beyond to make sure I wasn't being taken advantage of. The hardest part of when u need a criminal defense lawyer is knowing what is best for you your self. This firm let's u know ur options and makes sure everyone is following the law. Before u go anywhere I personally recommend giving this firm a call.
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28 Dec, 2016 by Kelley
We have consulted with Mark King on a few matters including writing up wills for our family and multiple real estate transactions. I truly think that Mark does what is best for his clients and I trust his opinion. He is very knowledgeable and does a great job communicating potential risks and makes recommendations accordingly. He was always very accessible and responsive when communicating with him. We will use Mark King again for any future legal matters.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Lindsay
Mark went above and beyond to help me with a car accident I was in. He took care of everything from working with the other person's insurance company as well as the rental car place. Mark took care of things I would have never known to do, and made sure I was fairly compensated. Unfortunately a few years later I was in another car accident, where my car was totaled. I of course hired Mark again and he did not disappoint. He again took the burden off of my shoulders and made sure I was well taken care of, being compensated both for my treatment and the loss of my car.
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29 Nov, 2016 by Andy
Mark helped us with our will, power of attorney, etc. We were admittedly late in getting these things taken care of primarily because we didn't fully understand what we needed or how to get there. Mark was very easy to work with and provided helpful insight into common legal documentation necessary and useful in the family and estate planning process. Mark met with us on our time and we were able to communicate both verbally and electronically along the way which also made things much easier.
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06 Apr, 2017 by Billy frazier iv
Great, reliable and stays in constant contact with Client, I'm very happy with his services and the outcome which is not guaranteed.
Very professional and dedicated to his duties
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23 Feb, 2020 by Russell cummings
The best in town thanks Bob
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14 Sep, 2017 by Kelly mitchell
People were very friendly there and their office is very professional
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02 Mar, 2017 by Tj tollakson
Dr. Stephen Brown is excellent employment lawyer whom I trust with all my employment related cases.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Blake cooper
Listens well very helpful darn good lawyer!could not be happier!! You can trust this man!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Bettys pics
19 Apr, 2024 by Randy greenfield
Insurance company and doctors didn’t help me, but thank goodness I called Parrish-Sam’s Luther’s Law! Who helped me to get more than I ever knew what was owed me. Thank you for your help!!!
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4.9
18 Reviews
4.4
58 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.9
58 Reviews
12 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth lemke
David, and Marica were with me throughout the process. From days after I got injured until the last day of our Mediation. Both would check in often as we reached each new step. I couldn't be more happy with the service they both provided. I was nervous but they eased my mind through it all. David and Marica even made it easy for me on days I could not make it to Des Moines. They'd come to me, or meet me half way. My family has actually used David's services in the past so when I got injured I knew to contact him immediately. David, and Marica 100% believe in getting their clients what is deserved, and treat you like more than just clients.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Dennie
30 Aug, 2024 by Hr pulley
Is it wrong to seek out a lawyer who is strong in competence and prudent in their decision-making? Steve Lombardi has been a man of integrity from the beginning of accepting us as clients, and he fought to exhaust every option helping us find resolution. Hard to find a lawyer who hates to lose nowadays so I’m grateful we’ve met Steve.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth lemke
David, and Marica were with me throughout the process. From days after I got injured until the last day of our Mediation. Both would check in often as we reached each new step. I couldn't be more happy with the service they both provided. I was nervous but they eased my mind through it all. David and Marica even made it easy for me on days I could not make it to Des Moines. They'd come to me, or meet me half way. My family has actually used David's services in the past so when I got injured I knew to contact him immediately. David, and Marica 100% believe in getting their clients what is deserved, and treat you like more than just clients.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Dennie
30 Aug, 2024 by Hr pulley
Is it wrong to seek out a lawyer who is strong in competence and prudent in their decision-making? Steve Lombardi has been a man of integrity from the beginning of accepting us as clients, and he fought to exhaust every option helping us find resolution. Hard to find a lawyer who hates to lose nowadays so I’m grateful we’ve met Steve.
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18 Oct, 2024 by Sarah thiltgen
Eric and all the staff at Hupy and Abraham were so helpful. Their professionalism and assistance with my case made a bad situation much more tolerable .
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11 Oct, 2024 by Cardale smith
As a somewhat younger attorney in a field of people who have been in the business 30+ years, Joshua is the best lawyer i ever worked with and I truly feel his one of the most caring, hardest working, and most compassionate lawyers in the field, so I want people who need his help to know where to go. Joshua is definitely lesson to the client as well as follow though. My Work injury changed my life and Joshua helped me and my family walk away with six figures and more benefits than I can ever dream of. Me as will as my family are forever greatful.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Brent
Hired Josh for my workman’s comp case. He worked diligently and efficiently. To resolve my case. Got me the justice and settlement i deserved. Hands down best attorney out there! Would recommend Hupy and Abraham to anyone. That needs there services.
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09 Jan, 2016 by Collier
The title says it all. In brief, I was hit by a car while riding a bicycle. Jeff’s prudence, guidance, and confidence guided me toward a favorable resolution.
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18 Dec, 2015 by Tom
Jeff has been our "go to" attorney for more than two decades. He is very professional and also a friend who knows our core values and philosophies for best strategy setting for positioning timely, efficient resolutions.
Jeff is also very resourceful and developed a process for us utilizing Iowa as jurisdiction for filing litigation, on certain entities, located anywhere in the US, mitigating time, effort and expense.
We have been and continue to be very happy with Jeff and plan to continue to use his talents when needed.
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08 Dec, 2015 by Michael
Mr. Goodman represented me in a campaign finance disclosure hearing. He was extremely prepared, had me well educated to testify and made a very persuasive argument before the administrative board and hearing officer. I would recommend Jeff as an attorney without reservation!!
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01 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I've worked with Ron on several occasions. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I cannot recommend him enough! He will always be my first choice when it comes to legal services.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Jean
Ron clearly knew the ins and outs of estate work, for which we hired him. He made me and my family feel we were in very capable hands after a most trying event, the loss of a beloved family member. Ron returned e-mails and calls almost immediately, often within a few minutes. He was thorough and detailed in his responses and in our meetings as well. He is capable of very assertive conduct when need be but for us as clients he was polite, friendly, and attentive to our questions and needs while being professional. He made certain I understood what I needed to understand (details when necessary) and that I could clearly see the process of dealing with and then later closing an estate in Iowa. Great staff, too. Fast and prompt. I recommend Ron Anderson and his staff most highly.
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14 Jan, 2016 by Jackie & lisa
Ron did a great job helping us with our wills and related paperwork. Very professional and timely. Easy process and well worth it. Worked with him before on other matters and is always very responsive and helpful.
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17 Jan, 2023 by Liz
Brian was by far the best lawyer for the job. Almost immediately as we came into his office, he handled it very efficiently. AND got the job done in our favor. Definitely great customer service and professionalism. Even when I was a nervous wreck, he helped us feel at ease. If we ever get in a bind again, we are calling Brian.
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04 May, 2022 by Deb
I was extremely pleased with Mr. Marty's professionalism and communication throughout my case. He truly cared about me as a person, not just a client. His advise was always in my best interest which resulted in a positive outcome. Highly recommend Mr. Marty and his firm.
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03 Oct, 2021 by Collin
Brian was amazing with communication throughout the whole process, kept me informed with everything going on! He met all my expectations! He was responsive, organized, reliable, professional! I couldn’t be happier with the outcome! First class attorney, would highly recommend!
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08 Oct, 2020 by Betty
Nick Lombardi is a very personal,courteous and very helpful. I appreciate his help and kindness. He is an awesome Attorney. Thank you so much
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05 Oct, 2017 by Nicole
We hired Mr. Lombardi to handle a step-parent adoption and he was professional, courteous and always attentive and able to answer our questions. Everything was handled expeditiously and without issue. He was easy to get a hold of by phone and e-mail and we never felt like we were just another client. We could not have been happier with the level of service we received and will definitely use Mr. Lombardi again should the need arise. Highly recommend!!
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27 Jul, 2017 by Donte
Mr. Lombardi has helped me out with legal advice a few times throughout the past few years, recently I had an issue and he educated me how to go about fixing my problem and it worked!!! If you know this man personally you know that he is a man of integrity and all about family. I will always trust that he has his clients best interest.
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15 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
My son was served papers in the evening. My partner reached out and we left voice mails. So Brandon calls me this morning (10/15/20). While I was staring at those prefer of paper thinking about where I needed to start. Who would think a minor fender bender would lead to someone dying a year later. I was in silent freak out mode. When I spoke with Brandon, her listened to what I was saying, asked me questions as well as being understanding with a sense of humor. When completed the question and answer session. He told me to contact my insurance company that they will help me. He was confident.
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23 Oct, 2019 by Betty
It is an Honor to write a review regarding Brandon Mccaull Bohlman, as I was exceedingly pleased with the work which he did on my case. He explained everything very thoroughly; and when anything needed to be discussed, he was quick to get on the phone to contact me. Brandon was also quick to explain pros and cons, and explained everything in a way that I could easily understand. When I needed extra instructions, he would call me to come in to the office, and we would sit down and go over everything I needed to know in great detail. He had a calm personality, which helped to ease my own feelings of my own uncertainty if I was handling everything appropriate! I found his advise to be sound, good, and very up front with reality. I would wholeheartedly be glad to recommend his service to anyone who is wishing to hire a good attorney! You can't go wrong with Brandon's expertise!
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31 May, 2019 by Taylor
Blake was super helpful to us when writing our will. He went over everything thoroughly, made sure we understood, and answered our questions. We would highly recommend Blake and will definitely use him in the future if needed!
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16 Aug, 2016 by Luke
I can't even begin to tell you how much Blake did for my fiance and me as we were fighting medical bills. We were going back and forth with our insurance company and getting nowhere when we gave up and hired Blake.
I wish we would have done it sooner!
By staying on the insurance companies he was able to get our case escalated to their legal department and resolved within a matter of weeks. But that's not where he stopped. Our insurance company wasn't paying our claim. This resulted in the hospital sending us to collections. Blake then spent over a month working to get the hospital, collection agency and our insurance company to work together to reinstate the claim and pay it in full. Not a dollar out of our pocket.
He didn't stop there. We were in the process of buying a home and Blake took the extra step to work with the collection agency and the the credit agency to get the collections removed from our record.
He was able to get an insurance company, a hospital, a collection agency AND the credit bureau to all change their stance and help us.
Whenever I have a medical situation, the first person I'm calling is going to be Blake. I wish we had reached out to him over a year ago.
Couldn't recommend him highly enough!
Luke
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28 Jan, 2024 by Rick
I want to thank Sydney Ross for the way she handled my case. It was difficult and required an extensive amount of research. Even though the odds were stacked against her in court, she represented me well. She shared my case with other attorneys in the practice who all supported her. All of the office staff were helpful and courteous. Sydney really cared and I appreciate her.
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06 Oct, 2023 by Kallie
I am writing to commend Ms. Sydney Ross on her exemplary handling of my recent OWI on a golf cart case in Allamakee County. Ms. Ross was kind, considerate, aggressive, and most of all knowledgeable about the application of law in all four of my charges. Sydney took the time to understand all facets of my case. Her prompt replies to my inquiries assured me I was in capable and expert hands.
She was able to access the discovery materials to determine the inaccuracy of the arresting officer’s assumptions. Those materials also included the blood alcohol level way below the legal limit, which was the explanation for the arrest. Her attention to details and ability to ask pertinent questions allowed her to attack the charges and get 3 of the 4 dropped from my file.
Sydney’s team of professionals were also expert and well researched in their responses to me. McKayla quickly replied to my questions and if she was unsure, she deferred to Sydney for answers.
I would recommend Ms. Sydney Ross to anyone who is struggling with an unjust arrest or charge. Thank you, Sydney! I will gladly put my trust in you again!
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28 Jul, 2021 by Dario
I’ve dealt with Cutler for different reasons. He is quick to respond. Always answers or calls back. I like his attitude and his way he works. He is not all about money all the time. He has a heart to help the situation even if it’s not what I wanted to hear, it’s always the best solution. He’s my attorney and so glad he is. Thank you DARIO LENARDUZZI
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28 Jul, 2021 by Mark
My neighbor and have had real safety/ health concerns about another neighbor. A lot of police calls to residence and vandalism by this individual. I met John thru my neighbor and consulted w him several times. It’s been a long time coming, but w Johns professionalism, we are finally getting some resolve. Will definitely call John if needed again.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Ariela
Tara is a good lawyer. She is a no nonsense kind of person and that helps. She never promised anything or gave us false expectations. She was honest and direct. This was one of the most stressful situations we ever had to endure but Tara was always understanding without being overly sentimental.
She always answered when we called. She always answered our emails. She helped us reach an agreement that we could live with in a very difficult international custody case.
She was the only lawyer we consulted with that immediately requested to see evidence to back up our story and this was before we ever paid the firm any money. That really caused me to feel secure when hiring her.
I recommend her. As with any lawyer be clear with her about what you want from the beginning.
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13 Jun, 2013 by Gary
Rob Tully handled my case with great compassion and understanding, he knew case law well and I was never concerned with the outcome of the case
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23 Feb, 2020 by Russell cummings
The best in town thanks Bob
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14 Sep, 2017 by Kelly mitchell
People were very friendly there and their office is very professional
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02 Mar, 2017 by Tj tollakson
Dr. Stephen Brown is excellent employment lawyer whom I trust with all my employment related cases.
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09 Dec, 2023 by S rocker
Highly recommend the firm!!!
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14 Jan, 2022 by Eric cornelison
Steve did an excellent job representing our case and we are very pleased with the result.
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4.9
7 Reviews
4.4
58 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Glen fries
Jeff and his team did a great job with my accident law suit. Guided me through the process and made it easy for me. Very happy with the outcome.
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17 Oct, 2023 by John kennedy
Them team here did a great job for us. We brought them in late they caught up very quickly and resolved our issues. They also looked out for our well being the entire time.
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02 Jun, 2023 by Nick tasson
5.0
20 Reviews
4.4
200 Reviews
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Christien hughett
I cannot say enough good things about Emelia, my attorney during my divorce. From the beginning, she was always accessible whenever I needed her, making sure I felt supported every step of the way. Emelia was upfront and honest about all the processes, which gave me a clear understanding of what to expect. What stood out the most was her genuine desire to ensure the best outcome for me and my children. She was willing to fight for what was right and wasn’t afraid to call out any missteps or unfair handling of the case.
At times, she was a fierce advocate—a real 'pitbull' when the situation called for it—but could also be calm, cool, and collected when needed, helping me stay grounded through the toughest moments. Thanks to her advice and encouragement, I pursued and was awarded a 50/50 custody arrangement, which was the best decision for my family. By the end of the process, Emelia felt more like family than just my attorney. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to have on my side.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Joyce beyer
I don’t know how I would have gotten through the divorce process if not for the guidance of Emelia Edwards. She was clear, respectful, and advocated for my best interests while I was struggling with the traumatic aftermath of surviving domestic violence. If you need someone in your corner, Emelia is the right choice.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Leyton temple
Divorce is really hard. So hard. And if you’re going through anything hard, I would highly recommend you have Ashley in your corner. She is so smart, but at the same time, so easy to talk to. She’s realistic, but compassionate. One thing that really stood out to me was her timely responses, and she never dropped the ball at any point during this marathon of a process. I would highly recommend Ashley.
Lindsay T.
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.4
200 Reviews
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
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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:
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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.
