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AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Darcy is a dedicated, hard-working attorney who fights tirelessly for her clients
“She is a true fighter and makes you feel as if you were her only client. She even called us on her daughters bday from her daughters bday party to me and update. And also on wkends.”
2
Darcy provides personalized, compassionate service and makes her clients feel like family
“She treats you with the up most respect and is very professional though she makes you feel like famiky. She is so very easy to talk with about situations you may be in.”
3
Darcy is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and well-connected within the legal system
“She knows Everyone is the court houses too. From all the Judges, Prosecutors, Balifs and even the cleaning crew of the courthouse. She is Very Well Known and Loved By All which is so obvious from the moment you meet her.”
4
Darcy achieves excellent outcomes for her clients, even in very difficult situations
“Darcy was able to give us a better outcome then we could have even hoped for at the time.”
5
Darcy is highly responsive and communicative, keeping her clients informed throughout the process
“Darcy ALWAYS returned my phone calls, text messages and emails. Darcy prepared me every step of the way and showed concern for not only my case but me as a person and my overall well being.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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05 May, 2020 by Ryan
My wife and I hired Darcy Galnor of Galnorr Shumard, P.A. We had an issue that required her assistance. Everything she said she would do, she did. She was quick, professional, and always on point. I can't say enough good things about her and her firm. I would not hesitate to hire her again if a situation were to present it self. She returned every call and every email in a timely manner. She was able to put our minds at ease and everything turned out exactly as she said it would. Thank you , Ryan Carr
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29 Apr, 2020 by Macie
Hands down one of the best attorneys out there if not the best. She’s practically super woman. She helped my family so much through a difficult time. Darcy understood that what we were going through had turned our worlds upside down and she did everything she possibly could to help make it ride side up again. She was genuinely kind and took calls or texts late at night for questions or anything else that was needed.
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29 Apr, 2020 by Kevin
I hired Darcy to represent me as a defense attorney. She was "all over it", she was responsive to my calls, texts and emails. She worked with me and the charge against me was dropped without me even having to appear at trial. I would highly recommend her. Here's a snippet of how things went. We planned our initial approach to my defense, Darcy showed up at Court for my initial hearing and found other details we were unaware of. She immediately scrapped our plan and modified it according to the new information. This lead to the charge being dropped at the next hearing.
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29 Apr, 2020 by Brian
I hired Darcy to handle both a criminal case and a probation violation. She was committed from day one to protecting my rights and getting the best possible outcome. She put forth a lot of time and energy in researching legal strategies for my case. She also is very familiar with the legal system in Duval county. She knows how to get things done. Darcy is a fighter who cares. It was a great comfort in a scary situation knowing I had a professional invested in my well being. I highly recommend this law firm.
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29 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
I was fortunate enough to work with Darcy during my case. Her intelligence, reliability and efficiency brought me comfort during one of the hardest times of my life. Darcy was always quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had. She is well-liked and respected in her field - understandably so. I am grateful for all that Darcy and her team has done for me and I cannot thank her enough. You will not regret choosing Darcy to be your lawyer.
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11 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Smart, kind and quick to respond. I wish he practiced close to my home.
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23 Sep, 2014 by Pat
I incorrectly posted a negative review for this lawyer, which I am hoping will be removed shortly. John has a heart and goes out of his way to make the client feel important and defended. I would recommend him to everyone. Thank you John - you are a lawyer I can trust.
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11 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I came to John Phillips office with little or no hope that I could prove my innocence or survive the alligations against me, I didn't think I would survive emotionally what myself and family were being put through. John along with Reid Hart listen to my story, they explained to me what they could do help me,and how they would go about helping me.My family and I felt so much better about my case and my chances of clearing my name after my conversation with John Phillips, and Ried Hart. I don't know if I would have ever gotten through this ordeal if a friend hadn't suggested that I go speak with John. Every motion they file every question they ask is all tied into getting to the truth,and giving you the best chance of victory I will never use another Law Firm other John Phillips Law firm for anything legal that might come up on my life again. Law firms like John Phillips and Lawyers like Reid Hart don't come like grapes in Bunches.
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02 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Croy is smart, thorough, and incredibly responsive. I know I am in good hands with her.
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star star star star star
27 Dec, 2009 by Steve
Daniel is an excellent corporate and M&A lawyer. Have used him many times and he has been superb each time. Has very pragmatic approach to his advice.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Jacksonville, 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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