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Terri A. Merriam, experienced Litigation, Tax attorney in Kirkland, WA with 8 reviews
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13,66
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3.0/5
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3.0
8 Reviews
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20 Nov, 2024 by Keith emmerick
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02 Nov, 2024 by Divineduchessoflight
I think they are a scam. My brother Ricky filled his divorce forms in April 2024. Here he is now filling out more paperwork. He’s gets emails to correct the divorce forms before proceeding with the closing of his divorce from being separated from his ex-wife. I would not recommend this company to anyone. This is false advertising and they aren’t really trying to help their clients. It’s all about money.
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12 May, 2023 by Ryan bejna
Do not use! Website says 30 day money back guarantee. Been fighting for that refund and they say since I had access to website they can't give me a full refund. The gave me a partial and then removed access to my answers, so all my work went to waste. Use a different company.
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Georgia Ann Stearns, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Montesano, WA with 4 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,65
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3.0/5
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3.0
4 Reviews
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25 Jun, 2021 by Travis thurston, nd
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01 Aug, 2018 by Candi lane
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21 Nov, 2016 by Austin rex
The Prosecutor's are friends of mine and have the health and safety as there priorities. They are doing the best they can to clean this county up. Very smart people folks with a heavy work load! Thank You John and Erin -Austin
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David Robert Shelvey, experienced Child Support, Domestic Violence attorney in Tacoma, WA with 5 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,65
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3.0/5
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3.0
5 Reviews
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31 Jul, 2023 by Maleah smitham
Front receptionist was rude, told me they had just gotten back from vacation and didn't have time for my issue right now. Not a customer and never will be with that attitude at the desk
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26 Sep, 2020 by Jon schmieder
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28 Feb, 2020 by Sinbad mareko
Worked with David there!!! Had a really difficult case dealing with child custody!! Always on top of it!! Always informed me of what’s going on!!! Definitely recommend!!!!
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J. Patrick Quinn, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Olympia, WA with 3 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,13
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2.3/5
Avvo
2.3
3 Reviews
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01 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired him and put down a retainer of $3000. We told him it was all we had. He not only dropped us before the case was finished, he then sent us a bill for $2,000. We lost because of him and we have never lost before. We were going up against my fiancé ex wife, she had 2 child protection order placed against her, he didn't even motion to get them! He never added my declaration at all which I did all myself anyways! He did no work at all! My fiancé has never missed a child support payment, he is a good father. Now his child support payments have been raised as high as they can get and we're not sure when we will get to see the kids again. We no longer can afford to have a lawyer so we gave up til we can afford to go after her again! We will never go through him again and we warn everyone else before you hire this heartless con man person. He will loose and take all your money.
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04 Oct, 2015 by James
Mr. Quinn is the most honest, persistent and patient man I know. He went above and beyond to protect my daughter and make sure that all court actions were in her best interest. He skillfully handled revision of parenting plan and many other actions that came with this as it was a high conflict case. He tried to negotiate and settle when necessary. He is fair, honest, reasonable and dedicated to his clients. I highly recommend him. He acted ethically and was always well prepared. He will always look out for your best interest and your children's too! He is well respected at the courthouse and by other attorney's.
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16 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Patrick Quinn put his own fees above the cleints needs He fumbles through oral testomony. He fails to keep his cleints informed and files motions that have not been approved by the cleint. The final straw was when he failed to notice an serious error in the orders from court. This cleint tried to tell him that he failed him and he quit. Some $4000 waste of money on this lawyer with no gain and in fact he put me in a worse place that when I started.
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James Hart Hammerstrom, experienced Estate Planning, Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 22 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,75
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2.8/5
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2.8
22 Reviews
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05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
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04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
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Samuel Elliot Hampton, experienced Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 22 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,75
star star star star star
2.8/5
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2.8
22 Reviews
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05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
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04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
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Robin Dehart Andrews, experienced Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 22 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,75
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2.8/5
Google Maps
2.8
22 Reviews
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05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
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04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
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Denise Haag Larson, experienced Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 22 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,75
star star star star star
2.8/5
Google Maps
2.8
22 Reviews
star star star star star
05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
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04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
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Gregory M Hahn, experienced Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 22 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,75
star star star star star
2.8/5
Google Maps
2.8
22 Reviews
star star star star star
05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
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04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
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Cathy Anne Goodson, experienced Government, Litigation attorney in Seattle, WA with 22 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,75
star star star star star
2.8/5
Google Maps
2.8
22 Reviews
star star star star star
05 Feb, 2025 by Selina sweet
Senator Maria Cantwell voted for bombs, bullets, drones and billions be sent to the colonial extremists Netanyahu and his cohort to slaughter the Palestinians in Gaza - every time that legislation came up for a vote. Never once did she hold a Town Hall in Seattle to garner the predominant voice of her constituency. She ought to be retired.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Tammy mueller
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04 Feb, 2025 by Matt lamay
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Christopher E. Horner, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Ellensburg, WA with 20 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,30
star star star star star
2.7/5
Google Maps
2.7
20 Reviews
star star star star star
29 Oct, 2024 by Tammy phelps
Google Maps
star star star star star
06 Oct, 2024 by Jessica lynn
We worked personally for Marjorie Alumbaugh and she can’t even pay her bill, she is being sent to collections. A women who wants to be a judge refuses to pay her bill for work performed at her house. Disappointing.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Andrew a
Those who wrote 5 star reviews complementing her characters as a lawyer without much proof or evidence make me believe they are her friends and/or family. As a former client 5 years ago, I am still reading the same reviews from the recent clients. Please do not hire her for your mental well-being while going through difficult processes.
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Erin Christine Lambley, experienced Business, Tax attorney in Vancouver, WA with 7 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,29
star star star star star
2.7/5
Google Maps
2.7
7 Reviews
star star star star star
25 Jul, 2024 by Andria bieber designs
Nick Cody helped me and was extremely knowledgeable and excellent with guidance. If you are looking for a great attorney you will be glad you called Nick. He was caring, compassionate and insightful. overall excellent experience.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Marco fanato
Reading all reviews here I decided not to hire any attorneys from this 'law firm'. Besides, I called and left a message for one of their attorneys who never returned my call. I am letting go of my case because I don't want to lose more money than I have already lost by paying to a fraudulent builder/contractor.
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27 Aug, 2023 by James tasoulas
Love it!!!
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Andrew J. Wyman, experienced Tax attorney in Mercer Island, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
12,00
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0.0/5
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David Thomas Lyons, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Seattle, WA with 4 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
9,18
star star star star star
2.0/5
Avvo
2.0
4 Reviews
star star star star star
01 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I have worked with Mr Lyons for over 15 years on various business related transactions and have always received excellent results. We hired Mr Lyons in 2013 for a real estate transaction, he was very helpful and delivered the results we needed in a short time frame. I also used Dave Lyons in 2017 to recover funds from a private placement investment.
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23 Oct, 2018 by Daniel
We hired Mr. Lyons for the sale of business for the estate and that's when our nightmare started. Mr. Lyons has been in control of our profits from the sale of our real property for over 2 years and has been consistently taking money out for himself in terms of made-up fees (to the tune of over $100,000). He tricked us to sign a power of attorney and been enriching himself ever since. He continues to make up excuses and to refuse to release our portion of the proceeds. It’s an unfortunate situation that he betrayed our trust. I would not recommend him to anyone.
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25 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired David for a business transaction. Very bad performance. Very rude and non-communicative immediately after I signed the contracts. His emails and documents are full of typos and grammatical errors. Needless to say, the outcome was poor and we lost the deal. Then to add insult to injury, he tried to shift the blame of the outcome to us. I find this to be a highly unethical behavior. We had to hire another lawyer just to clean up the mess he created. I would never hire David T. Lyons again, even if he PAID me!! It's a miracle how this guy stayed in business for so long. There are tons of other more competent lawyers in the area, Do yourself a favor and avoid him at all cost!!
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Andrew J. Wyman, experienced Tax attorney in Mercer Island, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
8,00
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0.0/5
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Jennifer Coates, experienced Business, Tax attorney in Suquamish, WA with  reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
8,00
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0/5
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Dale L Russell, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Deer Park, WA with 2 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,59
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1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
2 Reviews
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28 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Russell handled a probate proceeding for a matter our family was involved in. He took assets that do not belong to him, lied, and filed lawsuits on behalf of a dead man without express approval from the heirs. We had to hire another attorney just to have him removed from the case judicially. He is not trustworthy and we do not recommend him for any legal matters nor would we recommend him for his CPA services either. The public should always do their research on attorneys and make sure they have never been disciplined.
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26 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
This lawyer has charged me for unknown services stretched out my case over three years ignores everything I ask him to do does everything he can to keep the case from getting settled I have paid him over 10,000 dollars and I am at ground zero do not use him he will take you for everything you got and not even do his job. I am in the process of filing a complaint and seeing what I can do to get my money back he is nothing more then a thug.
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Peter David Svennungsen, experienced Family Law, Tax attorney in Spokane, WA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,57
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1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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25 Feb, 2021 by Jennifer
I would recommend you go to someone else if you need a QUADRO. He charged me $1500, it took 5 months for him to get my Quadro to me, and then told me that he would charge me $400 an hour to actually file the QUADRO with the court-I had to do it myself!
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Anthony Walton Dougherty, experienced Business, Litigation attorney in Clinton, WA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,57
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
11 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
My case was apparently unworked for 2.5 years. When my case was dropped, I requested my file. I was sent 1 letter. Over the 2.5 years, I repeatedly called and asked for updates, rarely were my calls returned. When they were, updates were vague and of no substance. Due to other actions of Doughery my case determined unrepresentable by other lawyers I approached with my case. In the end I was left personally responsible medical bills for an auto accident of which i was not at fault.
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Tamara Whalen Murock, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Spokane Valley, WA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,57
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
08 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Atty Murock charged me over $8,000 for a simple will update and living trust. Could not answer basic legal questions about holding primary residence in LLC. We received documents that were full of typos and grammatical errors, then we were charged for her time to correct her mistakes.
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John D. Earling, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Edmonds, WA with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,57
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
30 Aug, 2024 by Mike
I contacted John and he took my case and a $500 retainer and then disappeared and stopped responding to me!
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Rial R. Moulton, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Spokane, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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William Hall Johnson, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Bellingham, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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Ryan Mathew Douglas, experienced Estate Planning, Tax attorney in Spokane, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Rebecca M. Magnuson, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Spokane, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Brian Brault, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Longview, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Timothy Joseph Danforth, experienced Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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Shawn Michael Bunce, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Olympia, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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Steven R Dethlefs, experienced Family Law, Tax attorney in Seattle, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Sharan Kaur Sekhon, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Seattle, WA with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Tax Lawyer Can Do for You

A tax lawyer specializes in the complex area of tax law, offering legal advice and representation on matters related to tax compliance, disputes with tax authorities, and tax planning. Tax lawyers help individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate the intricacies of federal, state, and local tax laws. They ensure that clients are compliant with tax regulations, minimize tax liabilities, and represent them in audits, appeals, or disputes with tax authorities such as the IRS.

Whether you need assistance with personal taxes, corporate tax strategy, or resolving an audit, a tax lawyer can protect your rights and help you manage your financial responsibilities.

When Should I Hire a Tax Lawyer?

Hiring a tax lawyer is advisable in several situations where tax issues are complicated, disputes arise, or legal strategies are necessary to manage tax liability. Common reasons to hire a tax lawyer include:

  • Tax audits or disputes with the IRS: If you are facing an audit or have received a notice of deficiency from the IRS, a tax lawyer can represent you and defend your rights during the process.
  • Tax debt relief: If you owe back taxes or face significant tax liabilities, a tax lawyer can help negotiate a payment plan, settlement, or Offer in Compromise with the IRS.
  • Tax planning for businesses or individuals: A tax lawyer can advise on strategies to minimize tax liabilities through legal deductions, credits, and other tax-saving mechanisms.
  • International tax issues: If you have foreign assets or income, a tax lawyer can help you comply with international tax laws, such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) or Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBAR) requirements.
  • Tax fraud or evasion accusations: If you're being investigated or charged with tax fraud or evasion, a tax lawyer can provide a defense and negotiate with the authorities to minimize penalties.
  • Corporate tax law compliance: Businesses, especially large corporations, benefit from the expertise of a tax lawyer who can handle complex issues such as mergers and acquisitions, employee benefits, and international tax planning.
  • Estate and gift tax planning: A tax lawyer can help you minimize estate taxes and ensure your assets are passed on efficiently through trusts, wills, and other tax-efficient structures.

Hiring a tax lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you are fully compliant with all applicable tax laws.

What Does a Tax Lawyer Do?

A tax lawyer provides a wide range of services to assist clients with tax compliance, tax planning, and legal disputes. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Tax planning and advisory: Helping individuals and businesses plan their tax strategies to reduce liability, avoid penalties, and maximize deductions and credits.
  • Representing clients in tax disputes: Defending clients in disputes with the IRS or state tax authorities, including audits, appeals, and collections actions.
  • Filing Offers in Compromise: Negotiating settlements with the IRS for clients who owe more than they can afford to pay.
  • Handling tax litigation: Representing clients in tax court or other legal proceedings if a tax dispute escalates beyond the administrative level.
  • Estate and gift tax planning: Advising clients on how to structure their estate to minimize estate and gift taxes, including creating trusts, family partnerships, or charitable giving plans.
  • Assisting with tax fraud investigations: Defending clients accused of tax fraud, evasion, or criminal tax offenses.
  • International tax compliance: Advising clients with offshore assets on U.S. tax compliance and reporting requirements, including FATCA and FBAR.

How Are Tax Lawyers Paid?

Tax lawyers typically charge for their services in various ways, depending on the complexity of the work involved and the nature of the legal assistance required. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many tax lawyers charge by the hour, especially for complex cases or ongoing legal work such as audit defense, tax litigation, or corporate tax planning. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as preparing a legal document, filing an Offer in Compromise, or handling a routine audit, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
  • Retainer: For businesses or individuals with ongoing tax needs, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment used to secure the lawyer’s services and billed against as work is completed.
  • Contingency fee: In rare cases, particularly when negotiating settlements or resolving tax debts, a lawyer may charge a contingency fee based on the outcome of the case. This means they only get paid if they succeed in reducing your tax liability.

Always ask about the fee structure during the initial consultation to avoid surprises and ensure you understand how the lawyer will charge for their services.

How Much Does a Tax Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a tax lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific services required. Here are some general cost estimates:

  • Simple tax issues: For straightforward cases such as filing an Offer in Compromise or handling a routine audit, fees may range from $2,000 to $7,500.
  • Complex tax disputes: For more complicated cases, such as defending against tax fraud accusations, handling a significant IRS audit, or resolving international tax issues, costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the time and effort involved.
  • Hourly rates: Tax lawyers typically charge between $200 and $600 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases involving high-stakes outcomes.
  • Flat fees: For specific services, such as tax planning for an estate or preparing a legal document, a flat fee may range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the task.

Always get a detailed estimate of fees during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.

Top Questions to Ask a Tax Lawyer

Before hiring a tax lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your situation. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with tax law?
    Ensure the lawyer has specific experience handling cases or issues similar to yours, whether it’s IRS disputes, corporate tax planning, or estate taxes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the lawyer’s fee structure - whether it’s hourly, flat fee, or retainer - and ask for an estimate of the total cost of your case.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    Ask the lawyer to provide an honest assessment of your situation and the possible outcomes, such as tax reductions, settlements, or litigation results.
  4. Have you handled cases like mine before?
    Find out if the lawyer has experience with issues similar to yours, such as international tax compliance, criminal tax defense, or complex estate planning.
  5. What is the timeline for my case?
    Ask how long it will take to resolve your tax issue or dispute, as some tax matters can take months or years to fully settle.
  6. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work. Clarify who will be handling your case day-to-day.

How to Check the Credibility of a Tax Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable tax lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for specific tax law expertise: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in tax law and have handled cases like yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and service.
  • Ask for references: A credible tax lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can vouch for their ability to handle complex tax matters.
  • Look for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation or the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) can indicate that the lawyer stays current with tax law developments.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with a tax lawyer, it’s essential to come prepared with all relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Tax returns and records: Bring copies of recent tax returns, especially those related to the issue you're facing.
  • IRS correspondence: If you’ve received notices from the IRS or state tax authorities, bring all relevant documentation.
  • Financial records: Bring records of income, expenses, assets, and any other relevant financial documents that the lawyer may need to understand your tax situation.
  • List of questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the lawyer about your case, the legal process, and the potential outcomes.
  • Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any interactions with the IRS or tax authorities, including audits, notices, or payment demands.

By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and help the lawyer assess your situation effectively, providing you with the best legal advice moving forward.

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