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03 Dec, 2024 by Henry guder
24 Nov, 2024 by Audrey li
I usually do not write reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience for anyone facing the stress of serious legal threats—call attorney Donald Matson! He took the time to listen, thoroughly analyze the situation, and explain potential scenarios and outcomes with exceptional expertise, clarity, patience, and empathy. He even responded promptly to my text at Friday evening family dinner time! He restored my faith in humanity!
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31 Oct, 2024 by Arron t
I called Michele out of the blue and she was able to take swift action. My situation was stressful to say the least, and after talking it over with her, she put my mind at rest. After being thoroughly detailed on the process and her plan of action, she went to work. She completed my case and was able to get it thrown out of court entirely. I couldn't be more grateful and I can now move forward without any worries. I will certainly call upon Michele Ferroni again if the need ever arises.
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30 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Jonathan Primuth patiently explained our options in a rather complicated case, sympathetically outlining what our personal advantages and disadvantages might be for each course of action. He was extremely professional, supportive, prompt and knowledgeable.
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22 Apr, 2019 by Todd
We met several times with Jon to learn and discuss our options for estate planning. He was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent examples of what options we had to consider. The whole process was much easier than we anticipated considering the important decisions that had to be made. In the end we were provided with an executed and comprehensive estate planning portfolio. I highly recommend Jon and his team for their professionalism, expertise, and quality work.
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22 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Completed our estate plan. Jonathan and his paralegal were both terrific. Cost was reasonable as well.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Mohammed
Greg Aslanian is an outstanding attorney. He explained every detail of my case, and was always communicative through the pandemic. Achieving positive results beyond my expectations. Honest, knowledgeable and very professional. It was a pleasure to work together. I would highly recommend Greg to all. Thanks again :)
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05 May, 2020 by Anonymous
After being involved in a major accident I wasn't sure where to turn, I asked around and the Aslanian Law Firm was highly recommended via two separate persons. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Greg Aslanian was very thorough, extremely knowledgeable, patient, and trust worthy. Never did I feel pressured or left out of the loop. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous because I was unsure of how the whole process worked but Greg was certain to make me feel at ease right away. He ensued I was well informed though out and completely understood each step in the case. He was truly a pleasure to converse and work with. The doctors recommended via the firm were wonderful and crucial in my recovery. In the end the case was settled and I was thrilled with the outstanding outcome! An extra BIG THANK YOU to the Aslanian Firm!!!
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03 Apr, 2020 by Richard
I suffered a shoulder injury in 2018 at a dive bar. The injury left me with a broken clavicle. I was unable to work for a while. The incident left my life completely derailed. Choosing an attorney was a bit intimidating all things considered. I turned to Greg. Greg is nice . Crazy nice. Tom Hanks nice. With Greg you feel your in good hands Bc he genuinely cares. He is professional, thorough and will get you results. He took care of me every step of the way.Whatever I needed whatever he could do got done. He networks with top of the line physical therapists, Drs ,and chiropractors. He’ll break down the legal mumbo jumbo and put it in plain English. He’ll let you know what your options are and point you in the right direction. I was right to choose Greg. He got me paid, he got me justice and the timing of it all was perfect. Thank you Greg from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!
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16 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Very professional, Jerlisia loves what she is doing for her client . She is very dedicated to her clients needs . I will definitely recommend Jerlisia Farmer to anybody.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Elizabeth
Jersilia is so knowledgeable! Highly recommend her! She has been very helpful in establishing our Corp. and makes herself very available
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10 Jul, 2020 by Christine
Jerlisia is professional and knowledgeable. I most appreciate her prompt response and how quickly she resolved my case. Her attention to detail and experience made the process seem less. I recommend her services.
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16 Mar, 2021 by Janet
We have been using Jan Copley's services for our own estate planning, as well as that of both sets of parents, since 2006. She provides easy-to-understand, thorough explanations to help us determine what works best for our needs. She is readily available and responsive for questions. Her detailed services have given us peace of mind for our family's estate planning; and we cannot recommend her highly enough. She is a delight to work with.
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12 Sep, 2011 by Steven
Jan has been advising me regarding marketing recently. She is excellent is making suggestions and following up. The key to marketing is following up with your leads. She has taught me the advantage of organizing your marketing in this way. I recommend her very highly
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03 Dec, 2024 by Henry guder
24 Nov, 2024 by Audrey li
I usually do not write reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience for anyone facing the stress of serious legal threats—call attorney Donald Matson! He took the time to listen, thoroughly analyze the situation, and explain potential scenarios and outcomes with exceptional expertise, clarity, patience, and empathy. He even responded promptly to my text at Friday evening family dinner time! He restored my faith in humanity!
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31 Oct, 2024 by Arron t
I called Michele out of the blue and she was able to take swift action. My situation was stressful to say the least, and after talking it over with her, she put my mind at rest. After being thoroughly detailed on the process and her plan of action, she went to work. She completed my case and was able to get it thrown out of court entirely. I couldn't be more grateful and I can now move forward without any worries. I will certainly call upon Michele Ferroni again if the need ever arises.
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20 Jul, 2011 by Anonymous
We were involved with an extremely complicated, lengthy and difficult trust/probate case. Megan Lee was extremely informative and very responsive with us. As clients, we were unsure of the legal aspects of our case. Megan was very good at explaining the answers to the questions that we had. We were most impressed by her sensitivity to the emotional stress that our case was having on us. We feel that this helped us to get through the five year long case that we had. Lawyers can have a reputation for being distant and non responsive. This was absolutely NOT the case with our dealings with Megan Lee. She kept us informed of what was going on all the way through to the end of our long, involved and complicated case. We would recommend her with a five+ star rating!
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26 Nov, 2023 by Maria
Over the course of almost 3 years, I had the pleasure of having Attorney Haroun work on my very complicated case. Attorney Haroun has consistently demonstrated both integrity and professionalism in his legal aid, but his personality to his clients has made him feel like family as well. Haroun not only offers remarkable legal expertise, but he has shown a genuine concern for my case. He has made himself readily available over text, even on weekends, and actively provided me with update on the developments of my case.
I felt secure with Attorney Haroun representing me and I never doubted that he had my best interest in mind.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Haroun to anyone in need of his legal expertisr and I can’t thank him enough for what he had done for me and my family.
You are such a GREAT Lawyer!
Thank you very much Attorney Haroun!
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16 Nov, 2018 by Edward
We are very pleased with the service we received from Dominic. His confidence, knowledge and personable demeanor immediately put us at ease as we completed our estate planning. We would absolutely recommend Dominic to anyone looking to work on an estate plan.
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13 Jul, 2012 by Robin
Mr. Davidson was exemplary in the handling of my parents estate. My parents died within a short time of each other and had no will. Mr. Davidson was so helpful in getting us someone to help liquidate the estate assets and help sell their home and help with an estate sale...his recommendations were extremely helpful and we couldn't have done it without his help. We so appreciate his professional expertise and handling all the legal matters. This was a difficult time and we, my sisters and I, are so thankful to have him working for us. Thank you Mr. Davidson!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Satsuki kitagawa
Nearly 6 years ago it was my first time needing an attorney, and not knowing where to look I called a few that popped up on yelp. Rocky was very prompt in returning my initial call and listening to my situation. He represented me in my child custody case. Although the outcome was not as I had hoped, I found Rocky and his associates to be very honest and attentive. 5 years after the conclusion of that experience, he was proactive in contacting me to remind me of a court date which I had no idea about. Again they helped me through that process and all is well now. I am grateful to Rocky and his staff for making this process as painless as possible.
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22 May, 2024 by Brynne sharafi
I highly recommend Rocky. Rocky and his team helped me at a time where I was very scared because of the threats and false accusations that my ex was making towards me. My child is my world and I would not have imagined a better lawyer to handle the situation with my ex. Rocky and his staff understand how important your children are to you. He even helped me to avoid court altogether. Definitely a great lawyer who lives up to his reputation. Thank you Rocky, Tawny, Nina, and Avo so much for restoring my peace of mind.
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02 May, 2024 by Joe b
I am extremely grateful for the assistance of Rocky and Tawny. They are the best attorneys out there who will fight hard for you. They had prepared a strong case, against my section 8 tenant, who had filed a frivolous elder abuse restraining order against me, after I had served my tenants with a 3 b-day notice to perform or quit.
Rocky and Tawny was able to expose the lies of my tenant, in front of the judge. The tenant couldn't keep his story straight. The tenant was even laughing at me, while I was speaking, and the judge had admonished my tenant.
Thankfully, with the assistance of Rocky and Tawny, the judge had dismissed their frivolous Elder Abuse Restraining order!
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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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20 May, 2022 by Ashley baker
I would highly recommend the McDonald Law Firm. My father was hesitant to hire an attorney. He had A LOT of questions about the process, and they were very patient and responsive.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Carlos fuentes
I highly recommend this law office for anyone needing representation after an accident! I was hit in a car accident and chose this firm to represent me — I couldn't be happier with the results. Stephanie and Angie were incredible from start to finish. They kept me informed, answered my questions quickly, and made the whole process much less stressful. They genuinely cared about my case, and thanks to their hard work and dedication, we won and I received a great settlement. If you're looking for a team that's professional, compassionate, and truly invested in your case, this is the place to go!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Jimmy s
I highly recommend the McNally law firm. They provided excellent assistance to my brother and me after we were rear-ended by a pickup truck. Angie was particularly helpful in scheduling our doctor appointments and ensuring we received timely updates via phone and email. Mr. Frank McNally is an ideal attorney, especially when dealing with insurance companies and seeking fair compensation for damages. He personally called to assure us that he was fighting for our best interests, and he certainly delivered. The team at McNally is straightforward and honest, making our experience stress-free.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Sami clasen
I was provided good experience. Everyone here made the process so much less stressful. I appreciate everything. Thank you!
I would highly recommend Tous Law
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11 Nov, 2024 by Carlos fuentes
I highly recommend this law office for anyone needing representation after an accident! I was hit in a car accident and chose this firm to represent me — I couldn't be happier with the results. Stephanie and Angie were incredible from start to finish. They kept me informed, answered my questions quickly, and made the whole process much less stressful. They genuinely cared about my case, and thanks to their hard work and dedication, we won and I received a great settlement. If you're looking for a team that's professional, compassionate, and truly invested in your case, this is the place to go!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Jimmy s
I highly recommend the McNally law firm. They provided excellent assistance to my brother and me after we were rear-ended by a pickup truck. Angie was particularly helpful in scheduling our doctor appointments and ensuring we received timely updates via phone and email. Mr. Frank McNally is an ideal attorney, especially when dealing with insurance companies and seeking fair compensation for damages. He personally called to assure us that he was fighting for our best interests, and he certainly delivered. The team at McNally is straightforward and honest, making our experience stress-free.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Sami clasen
I was provided good experience. Everyone here made the process so much less stressful. I appreciate everything. Thank you!
I would highly recommend Tous Law
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11 Nov, 2024 by Carlos fuentes
I highly recommend this law office for anyone needing representation after an accident! I was hit in a car accident and chose this firm to represent me — I couldn't be happier with the results. Stephanie and Angie were incredible from start to finish. They kept me informed, answered my questions quickly, and made the whole process much less stressful. They genuinely cared about my case, and thanks to their hard work and dedication, we won and I received a great settlement. If you're looking for a team that's professional, compassionate, and truly invested in your case, this is the place to go!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Jimmy s
I highly recommend the McNally law firm. They provided excellent assistance to my brother and me after we were rear-ended by a pickup truck. Angie was particularly helpful in scheduling our doctor appointments and ensuring we received timely updates via phone and email. Mr. Frank McNally is an ideal attorney, especially when dealing with insurance companies and seeking fair compensation for damages. He personally called to assure us that he was fighting for our best interests, and he certainly delivered. The team at McNally is straightforward and honest, making our experience stress-free.
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01 Nov, 2024 by Sami clasen
I was provided good experience. Everyone here made the process so much less stressful. I appreciate everything. Thank you!
I would highly recommend Tous Law
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer g
This woman has a problem with other women. And working with other women. Avoid if you're a female.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Kelsey duke
I was in a car accident in October 2022 and injured my neck and shoulder. I decided to hire Jacob and boy, am I glad I did. He was able to advise me along the way where I should go to handle my pain all while he worked on my case. It is not an overnight process but with Jacob, your interests are always at the top of his mind and he will check in with you throughout your case and give you honest feedback and a plan that will best suit your needs. He cares about what you are dealing with and any injury and pain you are going through and will fight your case for you. I was extremely happy with what he was able to do for my case. It was a better outcome than we had even thought! And it's because he works hard and cares about you! I strongly recommend hiring Jacob for all your law needs.
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23 Sep, 2024 by John holder
We were very pleased with the service we received from Lagerlof. Zacharias and Christine did a very good job of handling the probate case that the firm was engaged to deal with. Their knowledge of the process and diligence resulted in the matter being resolved as quickly as could be expected, with minimal problems or delays. Zacharias and Christine responded to our questions and concerns quickly and informatively, resulting in us being very comfortable with the process. We would highly recommend Lagelof, particularly Zacharias and Christine, for probate cases or estate cases in general.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Anthony jones
Kyle is the absolute best! We are writing to express our deepest appreciation for your outstanding work in negotiating our lemon law case. Thank you for your professionalism, work ethic, and continued support. Your expertise was pivotal in providing us a favorable outcome. You went above and beyond our expectations to resolve the case. You provided the most excellent representation! We will gladly recommend your service to others who may need legal assistance. With sincere thanks, Anthony and Michelle Jones
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06 Jun, 2024 by Matt brady
Kyle was a superstar in EVERY way. I was of course nervous but read some great reviews and decided to trust them. Right of the bat he was easy to reach, friendly, helpful, and great with follow thru. My brand new electric car from a new European company had SO many issues, not starting, doors not opening, sunroof not opening, GPS not working, weird nosies, it was an endless list of issues. Most of them were not life treating and more annoying, but he was able to get me a full refund. IT was a leap of faith and I am glad I took it.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Brian prado
Staff was friendly and they worked with us extremely well. They were patient with us as well and overall good experience. I would recommend
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05 Dec, 2024 by Daycare preschool
the consultation is is $255 for 30 min -
very over priced - the legal advice was average. Her tone was very condescending. although i appreciate her honestly and expertise. Her delivery could have been way more pleasant especially after paying hundreds of dollars
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01 May, 2024 by Kamili samms
My experience with Ms. Graves and her team was exemplary. They were always available to explain the process and keep me notified of the next steps. I was very pleased with the results of the services provided and felt confident in her ability to effectively negotiate my terms. I would highly recommend The Graves Law Firm for any family law needs.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Brandon backhaus
Facing divorce? Don't know what to do? Terrified of the process? Do yourself a favor and contact The Graves Law Firm in Pasadena. Ms. Graves was there for me each step of my divorce. She was always professional, courteous, and understanding that what I was going through was extremely difficult. There was no judgement. Just solutions. I felt that Ms. Graves and associates were experts in family law. And while we avoided court, I felt Ms. Graves and her team were ready to fight for me. In particular, Ms. Chuvac and Ms. Seminaris became trusted allies. I would recommend and have recommended The Graves Law Firm if you unfortunately find yourself needed someone in your corner in family court.
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27 Dec, 2023 by Warren
Robert helped me with estate planning and far and away I noticed he was the most helpful, patient, and communicative of any attorney I've ever worked with. Most importantly, Robert explained everything very, very clearly, and used that same communication skill to thoroughly answer my questions. Now I know when I have questions, Robert Ashikyan has answers.
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08 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Robert is an amazing attorney! He recently wrote our will and trust and we couldn’t be a happier. He is very on top of everything. He answered any questions that we had and always made himself available to us. He is very detail oriented and meticulous. A lot of attorneys make critical errors when doing estate planning that go unnoticed but Robert makes sure he does a perfect job for all of his clients
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11 Jul, 2012 by Karl
I only had one opportunity to use Sr. Gackle on estate planning, however, would recommend him whole-heartedly. He is straight talking and will not waste your time. Very knowledgeable as well.
I may need him again in the future and would not hesitate to call him back.
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04 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
An excellent probate attorney who really knows what he's doing. The perfect choice for estate planning. Truly was a pleasure to have this fine attorney represent me.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Alan olmos
Excellent and caring attorney. Very knowledgeable and explains issues in detail.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Jennifer g
This woman has a problem with other women. And working with other women. Avoid if you're a female.
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15 Nov, 2024 by Kelsey duke
I was in a car accident in October 2022 and injured my neck and shoulder. I decided to hire Jacob and boy, am I glad I did. He was able to advise me along the way where I should go to handle my pain all while he worked on my case. It is not an overnight process but with Jacob, your interests are always at the top of his mind and he will check in with you throughout your case and give you honest feedback and a plan that will best suit your needs. He cares about what you are dealing with and any injury and pain you are going through and will fight your case for you. I was extremely happy with what he was able to do for my case. It was a better outcome than we had even thought! And it's because he works hard and cares about you! I strongly recommend hiring Jacob for all your law needs.
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23 Sep, 2024 by John holder
We were very pleased with the service we received from Lagerlof. Zacharias and Christine did a very good job of handling the probate case that the firm was engaged to deal with. Their knowledge of the process and diligence resulted in the matter being resolved as quickly as could be expected, with minimal problems or delays. Zacharias and Christine responded to our questions and concerns quickly and informatively, resulting in us being very comfortable with the process. We would highly recommend Lagelof, particularly Zacharias and Christine, for probate cases or estate cases in general.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Will wright
Azadian Law Group provided excellent service, and I feel fortunate that I chose to call them for help with my problem. They made the process easy and were fully supportive throughout. Since I had never used a lawyer before, my experience with them was great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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11 Dec, 2024 by A.denise wilson
Highly recommend. Nothing but great things to say. You are in great hands.
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04 Dec, 2024 by Tariq hill
***Replying to Counts Law Firm's Response***
In our original "free consultation" on 9/11 I made it clear that I would reach out to you when I was ready but you charged me $500 to send me a retainer agreement on case completely unrelated to the case you were hired for. I never requested a retainer agreement from you. They never disclosed that they would charge me for the consolation on 9/11 at any point. You charged me $1000 for 45 min call. If there is anyone thinking about hiring this firm please see the attached invoice. I received a bill from the 9/11 call only once they had my $2500 retainer I paid on 10/25 in hand. This was completely unethical and exploiting business practices by this firm.
I have never written a review in my life, let alone a negative review. As a small business owner, I understand the impact a negative review can have. However, my experience with Counts Law Firm was so unprofessional and disappointing that I feel compelled to warn others. I gave them every opportunity to make this right, but they failed.
I initially contacted the firm for a completely unrelated matter around 9/7/24, I didn't hire them for the matter we discussed. Please keep in mind this was a free consultation. During that consultation, I had a 45-minute conversation with attorney Emahn. Afterward, the firm followed up with several calls, despite me making it clear that I would reach out when I was ready to move forward.
Later, I contacted them for a different, business-related issue involving an employee. I simply needed a cease and desist letter sent. They quoted me a $5,000 retainer but agreed to reduce it to $2,500 when I expressed concerns. Their hourly rate was $500, and I assumed I would receive professional, efficient service. Unfortunately, that was far from the case. They used the $2500 retainer to bill/charge for the free consultation, I never received an invoice for the "Free Consultation". On 9/11/24 was the "Free Consultation" they billed me on 10/25, keep reading...
From the start, the communication was frustrating and disorganized. I received nonsensical emails that required responses from me when I gave them all the information they needed —and I was charged $125 for emails that didn't make sense. After paying the retainer, I requested a brief 10-minute call with the attorney to discuss the case on 10/29. Despite the urgency of the matter, I was told he wouldn’t be available until 11/5, more than a week later. I never actually had a call with him regarding this matter, which is baffling considering I hired this firm to handle a critical situation. I have had to hire attorneys before and I have never not been able to speak directly to the attorney once my retainer was paid. I knew then this was going to be an awful experience, but the retainer was already paid. requesting my money back would only delay the urgent cease and desist letter they needed to go out.
Adding insult to injury, I was charged $1,000 for my *initial* 45 minute free consultation that I never hired them for. See the attached invoice from 9/11 but billed on 10/25 when they had my retainer in hand for the cease and desist letter, they charged me $500 for the consultation and $500 to prepare the retainer agreement I never signed or agreed to. To top it off, the cease and desist letter I needed? I essentially wrote it myself, They made minor edits, "attorney recommendations" and billed me roughly $2000 for the one 3-paragraph letter.
The entire experience was unprofessional, disorganized, and felt like a money grab. For anyone considering Counts Law Firm, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere. This was a terrible experience, I strongly recommend staying away from this firm!!
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11 Oct, 2023 by Debb
I recently worked with Dilair to win my conservatorship case and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! Dilair was professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate throughout the entire process. Dilair took the time to listen to my concerns (there were many :-)))) and answer all my questions which made me feel confident and supported. Dilair's expertise in this area of law was evident and he was able to navigate the complexities of my case with ease. I am more than happy to recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled and dedicated Attorney. Thank you for everything Dilair!
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25 Mar, 2021 by Clay
After interviewing multiple attorneys for an estate matter, I decided to move forward with Dilair and I couldn’t be more pleased with that decision. Dilair is detail-oriented, conscientious, and took the time to explain many complex legal matters to me. He was also adept at making sure we completed everything that was required by the court in a timely manner. Following my first experience and success with Dilair, I hired him to handle two more legal matters for me and he once again completed everything exceptionally. He really took care of me and my family and I didn’t feel like “just another client,” which was my experience when working with other attorneys. All this to say, if you want an attorney that will not only get the job done, but also make sure you understand the processes along the way—look no further. I’d highly recommend Dilair for all of your estate needs. Cheers!
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13 Feb, 2020 by T
I spoke to Dilair on the phone. We set up a consult meeting after he asked me many questions. At the meeting, he came in tennis shoes and a hoodie. He took a 16 minute personal call in the middle of our meeting. I asked a legal question about my issue. He said there was no such thing and then to my surprise said,”I am not going to discuss this further with you. Go hire the people who told you that. “ When I asked him if he was sure because a lawyer had told me that and it changed the grounds for me getting a lawyer to begin with. He repeated the same thing, “I’m not discussing or explaining this. Go hire the people who told you that.”Then he charged me for the free consultation after I told him I would get back to him the next day, after telling me if he got the job tomorrow with another client he wasn’t going to take mine. He said,” I either need my retainer right now or you need to pay me for my time.” I was intimidated, so I paid him. I was by myself. He asked me as I left why I didn’t retain him. He seemed detailed and motivated initially and confused why I wasn’t retaining him then and there. Perhaps with some time and experience he will develop his people skills.
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17 Feb, 2023 by Christian garo
29 Jul, 2022 by Chuck provost
Great Experience working with David A Erickson. Super knowledgeable and professional.
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29 Mar, 2021 by Dino b
17 Feb, 2023 by Christian garo
29 Jul, 2022 by Chuck provost
Great Experience working with David A Erickson. Super knowledgeable and professional.
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29 Mar, 2021 by Dino b
14 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Don't expect any sort of real communication for over a year of your loved ones passing. This attorney has an unreasonable delay in services performed. They never answer the phone and you can leave all the voicemails and emails you want, it will go ignored. I would never want my loved ones to feel the way this attorney has made me and others in the will to feel after going through what we have had to go through with them.
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29 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr Johnson and his staff have assisted our family in estate planning. His entire organization is professional and easy to work with.
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30 Apr, 2020 by Christian
Chris Johnson is excellent. He created the Trust for my mother and stepdad. Every part of the process was professional, detailed and informative. Chris is trustworthy and very thorough in his work. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to create a Trust or anyone in Probate.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Probate Lawyer Can Do for You
A probate lawyer assists with the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This often involves guiding executors (if a will exists) or beneficiaries (if no will exists) through the probate process to settle the estate according to the deceased’s wishes or applicable laws. Probate lawyers can help validate the will, distribute assets, resolve disputes among heirs, handle outstanding debts or taxes, and ensure the estate is legally and efficiently administered.
Whether you’re an executor of an estate or an heir facing probate proceedings, a probate lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process to ensure the estate is settled correctly.
When Should I Hire a Probate Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a probate lawyer when you are responsible for managing the estate of a deceased individual, especially in the following situations:
- The estate has substantial assets: If the estate includes significant assets like real estate, investments, or business interests, legal assistance is often necessary to handle the distribution properly.
- The will is being contested: If there are disputes among heirs regarding the validity of the will or the division of assets, a probate lawyer can help resolve the conflict.
- The estate includes complex or unclear provisions: If the will contains complicated instructions or there are no clear beneficiaries, a lawyer can ensure that the estate is administered according to legal requirements.
- There is no will (intestate estate): When a person dies without a will, the estate is subject to intestacy laws, which determine how assets are distributed. A probate lawyer can help navigate this process.
- Debt or tax issues exist: If the estate owes significant debts or is subject to estate taxes, a probate lawyer can help ensure debts are paid appropriately and taxes are minimized.
- Probate disputes: If family members or other parties are disputing the distribution of assets or challenging the executor's actions, legal representation is crucial to defending your rights and ensuring the estate is handled properly.
Hiring a probate lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the estate is settled efficiently.
What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?
A probate lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help manage and settle an estate. Their tasks can include:
- Validating the will: Filing the will with the probate court and ensuring its legal validity.
- Guiding executors or administrators: Advising the person responsible for managing the estate on their duties, including inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and paying debts.
- Filing necessary paperwork: Preparing and submitting the legal documents required to initiate and complete the probate process.
- Resolving disputes: Mediating or litigating disputes among heirs or between beneficiaries and executors, including challenges to the will or disagreements over asset distribution.
- Handling debt and tax matters: Ensuring that outstanding debts, taxes, and estate taxes are properly calculated and paid from the estate’s assets.
- Distributing assets: Ensuring that assets are distributed to the beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy laws, and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Closing the estate: Completing the final steps of the probate process, including filing a final accounting with the court and formally closing the estate.
How Are Probate Lawyers Paid?
Probate lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the estate and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Most probate lawyers charge by the hour, with rates depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the estate. Hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Flat fee: For simple estates or straightforward probate tasks, some lawyers may charge a flat fee that covers all of the necessary legal work.
- Percentage of the estate: In some states, probate lawyers are allowed to charge a percentage of the estate's value as their fee. This percentage typically ranges from 2% to 5%, depending on the size of the estate and state regulations.
- Retainer fee: Some lawyers may require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the probate process progresses.
It’s important to clarify the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how you will be charged and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a probate lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type of legal issues involved, and the lawyer’s fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Simple estates: For estates with straightforward assets and no disputes, probate legal fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer's fees and the state's probate laws.
- Complex estates: For larger or more complicated estates with multiple properties, business interests, or disputes, probate costs can exceed $10,000 and may reach $20,000 or more.
- Hourly rates: If charged by the hour, expect rates between $150 and $500, depending on the lawyer’s expertise and geographic location.
- Percentage fees: In some cases, a probate lawyer may charge 2% to 5% of the estate’s value, particularly for larger estates or those involving complex legal matters.
Always ask for a clear estimate of fees during your initial consultation to understand the total cost of probate representation.
Top Questions to Ask a Probate Lawyer
Before hiring a probate lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re hiring someone qualified to handle your estate needs. Key questions include:
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What experience do you have with probate cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has experience with estates of similar complexity, especially if disputes or high-value assets are involved. -
How do you charge for your services?
Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the estate, and request a cost estimate. -
What is the likely timeline for my probate case?
While it’s hard to predict exactly, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long the probate process may take based on the specifics of your estate. -
What steps will you take to manage and distribute the estate?
Ask about the lawyer’s approach to handling debts, taxes, and asset distribution. -
Will you be handling my case personally?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle some aspects of your case, so it’s important to know who will be working on your probate case. -
What are potential challenges we may face?
A good lawyer will be able to anticipate possible issues, such as will contests or creditor claims, and explain how they would handle them.
How to Check the Credibility of a Probate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable probate lawyer, follow these steps to check their credentials and experience:
- Verify their state bar status: Check with your state’s bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary action.
- Look for probate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in probate law and have experience handling estates of similar complexity.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews on platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said about the lawyer’s probate experience.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their professionalism and expertise in handling probate matters.
- Look for membership in professional organizations: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA) or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) can indicate a lawyer's commitment to estate and probate law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a probate lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- A copy of the will or trust (if applicable): Bring any estate planning documents left by the deceased, including wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- List of assets and debts: Prepare a detailed list of the deceased’s assets (e.g., real estate, bank accounts, investments) and outstanding debts (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Death certificate: Bring a certified copy of the deceased person’s death certificate.
- Contact information for heirs and beneficiaries: Have a list of all individuals or entities named in the will or who are entitled to inherit under intestacy laws.
- Questions about the probate process: Write down any questions you have about the process, costs, and potential issues you might face.
- Relevant financial records: If available, bring any relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, property deeds, and tax returns.
By coming prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and allow the lawyer to provide the best advice for your situation.
