Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Experienced and knowledgeable attorneys who excel in their practice areas
“Ed Blake has provided sound legal advice and services to us for over thirty years. He is able to quickly discern the essence of legal questions and elucidate the implications, pros and cons of optional courses of action.”
2
Responsive and attentive service from the firm's staff
“The exceptional team of attorneys, paralegals and staff at Blake Law Group P.C. are true professionals. The knowledgeable staff is reliable, responsive, thorough, and deliberate in understanding and pursuing cases towards successful outcomes.”
3
Strong track record of positive outcomes for clients
“This firm has a proven track record. They are a business of competency, experience, integrity and trustworthiness. I would recommend them without equivocation.”
Cons
1
Concerns with billing practices and perceived overcharging
“Padded bill. Not direct with work on case to end successfully always more money $8000 and no professional court prepared action. poor attitude of a devious wants $$$ Avoids the work. Do not do not hire this firm.”
2
Lack of communication and responsiveness to clients
“I've used mr blake's law firm for several years for probate and living wills , his firm has always been helpful and always prompt. I would highly recommend Blake Behme .”
3
Potential issues with attorney turnover and lack of case continuity
“Looking for good representation? Don't go to this law firm. I hired Jennifer Behme to do a custody case. I never felt like she represented me in any way shape or form.”

All reviews

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09 Aug, 2024 by Melissa
My daughter was mauled by a dog and suffered because of the attack. The attorneys and staff at Burger Law stuck with us through a 2.5 year fight with the uncooperative dog owners. It is a huge weight that has been lifted now that everything is settled. I don't know how many times I told our team thank you for sticking with us and not giving up when it felt like we were at a standstill. They truly made a difference in my daughter's life. Thank you again.
star star star star star
22 Jul, 2024 by Johnna schweitzer
Took them 8 years to get my settlement to me. After everything went to collections and only got me 13k, which did not cover even half of my medical bills.
star star star star star
18 Jun, 2024 by Jesse griffin
Once again Gary and his team have come through for us and our lawsuit is finally settled to our great satisfaction. Gary kept us informed and made sure we understood the entire process. He and his team walked us through and explained every step. We always knew what to expect. We could not be more satisfied with our results. We highly recommend Gary Burger and his team to anyone who wants to be treated with kindness, understanting of what they may be going through and respect. Thank you, Gary, for being there when we needed you. Jesse and Nancy Griffin
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17 May, 2024 by David shaw
Need a good lawyer he will get the job done
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03 May, 2024 by Robinson jenni
I spoke with Mr. Blake and he was not interested in my case from the beginning and was not very caring!! I feel like I had did something wrong after talking to him and then he gave me another name and someone else to call that I couldn’t reach!! Not even I’m sorry this happened to you!! Do better
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06 Sep, 2024 by Heather hepp
John Hipskind was an amazing lawyer. He was always available when we needed him. I would defiantly recommend him.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Maureena davis
Great firm, I worked with them in about 4 months.John was a really good communicator and keeps you fully informed on your case
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13 Aug, 2024 by Jessica cadell
This was my first time using John Hipskind and was very impressed. He took his time listening, always reached out to check in with me or to let me know what was happening, and was very professional. His whole staff was very friendly and so easy to talk to.
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03 May, 2024 by Naomi gilbert
Very knowledgeable and professional!
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12 Feb, 2024 by Paul schmidt
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06 Apr, 2022 by Zachary hufnagel
Just the Best
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23 Mar, 2024 by Alex norman
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19 Aug, 2020 by Jeremy davis
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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 Belleville, Illinois?

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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