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21 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
No stars. He is completely ineffective. I retained their services In july of 2021, as of this day January 21, 2022 Mr Haught only knew me by name. Knew nothing of my case and to my knowledge did nothing to advocate on behalf of me. Assumed he knew everything about me generally-knew nothing and when I became upset bc he had done nothing for me, he withdrew bc he doesn't get involved in the appeal process at this stage and we are in stage 3 of 5. When does he get involved? In my case he didn't. At all.
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13 Apr, 2021 by Melony
I can’t say enough of Mr. Bruce Haught. Not only is he very knowledgeable of his job and to the point. Mr. Haught is very honest and up front he will not lead you astray ,listen to him and he will advise you every step of your case. In my opinion he is a winner for the person or persons he represents. Mr. Haught staff and Michelle is worderfull any information I needed or did not understand Michelle word explain things for me. With that said Great attorney Mr. Bruce Haught equals great staff you can’t gone wrong with this group of people. Melony from Alabama 4-13-21
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07 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
He and his staff worked three years on my case. He and Tiffany never gave up. Approved thanks to their persistence. Would recommend him. Cindy K.
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23 Jul, 2018 by Sherry
Attorney Bruce Haught is awsome, he really stood up for me even when I couldn't be there, I proudly refer him to everyone I can.

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04 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
I had the privilege of working with Stephanie Ockunzzi during a very stressful and time-sensitive legal situation, and I can confidently say she is an exceptional attorney. My case was a domestic violence injunction hearing, scheduled for a Tuesday. I found out the day before that my soon-to-be ex-wife had hired a lawyer, which left me scrambling. A reputable law firm recommended Stephanie, so I reached out to her immediately. She responded within minutes, and after a brief but thorough conversation, I knew I wanted her to represent me. I retained her that same day. Despite having less than 24 hours to prepare for the hearing, Stephanie was incredibly organized and professional. The entire process was handled efficiently and seamlessly online — from signing retainer agreements to submitting evidence. On the day of the hearing, Stephanie took the time to meet with me in person and go over everything in detail. She was calm, confident, and reassuring, which made me feel well-prepared and supported. Her expertise and knowledge of the law were evident throughout the entire process. She knew exactly how to present the facts, and her professionalism was clear in the way she navigated the hearing. Ultimately, the case was ruled in my favor, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend Stephanie Ockunzzi to anyone in need of legal representation. She’s a skilled, responsive, and dedicated attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Stephanie Ockunzzi is the best attorney I have come across. Stephanie was well prepared for my case. She is always poised, respectful, and professional. Her expertise in his field was a pleasure to watch her in court. Stephanie was very smooth, knew her stuff and brought it in a respectful manner. Stephanie was a pleasure to watch in court defending the case.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Steve
Stephanie was referred to me by several larger firms that didn’t want to take my case due to it being a long standing neighborhood issue with years of evidence to pour over. Not only did she do her due diligence to review the litany of information I provided her but she came into the court room swinging and we won!!!
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26 Jul, 2024 by Dan
Ashley is very proactive, confident, and knowledgeable. Always straightforward and very diligent. One of the best decisions you'll make. Very grateful to have found her.
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25 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Puro gave me the confidence to really fight for my right to see my babies and she is amazing to talk with! So amazing and sweet!
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30 Mar, 2022 by Katherine
I was lost before I found Ms. Puro. She helped me understand everything in regards to my case to the point that I feel like I can be a paralegal (just kidding about becoming a paralegal but but did I learn a lot from her. She gave me strength during such a hard time dealing with my divorce and she fought for me as much as she could. She never steered me wrong and I felt so comfortable with her because she was always honest with me. If you are a looking for an attorney that will be there for you and fight til the end with you this to make sure you are not taken advantage of well not need to look anymore because Ashley Puro is the only attorney you’ll need.
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10 Sep, 2023 by Sherry underwood
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Destin, Florida?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
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