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David James Starshak
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2 Reviews
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29 Oct, 2021 by Frederick
Dave went above and beyond in his representation for me! He kept me updated on the case throughout the litigation process and was always available to talk when I needed him. I would definitely hire him again and recommend him to anyone injured in a personal injury case!
10 Oct, 2021 by Nona
Starshak was one of the lawyers with Horwitz and Horwitz that represented me for a bus accident I had at Ohare airport. Starshak was assigned to the case much later after the accident happened so, he can't be blamed for not talking to witnesses right after I signed up with the firm but, time does cause memories to fade. He was good at returning calls, emails and scheduling meetings when I requested. There were problems though that no client would want to experience. You would think that a lawyer would depose the police that wrote the accident report that backed up my position of how the accident happened and what the witnesses on the bus told him. You would think that a lawyer would depose my Supervisor that wrote up a separate report from when he was on the scene about the injuries witnesses on the bus told him they had. That didn't happen. Instead of Starshak showing up in court on status hearings, a stand by lawyer would usually show up and that resulted in an instance where the stand by lawyer had to refute via an Affidavit allegations Opposing Counsel alleged the stand by lawyer made in a proceeding. The Judge in response to the Affidavit issue ended up ruling in favor of Opposing Counsel as to his medical expert. The settlement discussion went down the drain at that point. When a lawyer has time management issues they use stand by lawyers. I never even found a Notice of Appearance for any of the stand by lawyers. The discovery judge tired of stand by lawyers and Starshak started showing up. It seemed that Starshak failed to conference with prior lawyers within his firm regarding an IME appointment I showed up for and the fact that I personally told him I showed up for the IME and had my camera out to film it but, the doctor cancelled the IME even though I told him I'd put my camera away. Then there was the issue of Opposing Counsel alleging that Starshak and crew failed to notify him of the current address of a out of town witness that was on the bus and that Starshak and crew failed to tell Opposing Counsel what the witness would testify to. The Judge Sandra Ramos barred the witness. This was the only witness on the bus Starshak scheduled for a deposition even though there were other flight attendants, executives and a ground transportation witness on the bus. One witness went to the hospital. The deposition was scheduled for when Starshak returned from Gerry Spences ranch. Opposing Counsel told the witness that the Judge had told Horwitz that the witness could not be deposed and Opposing Counsel also alleged in a motion that the subpoena was invalid as it related to contempt. I was shocked at the discovery Opposing Counsel came in alleging he didn't get. Even when the Judge asked Atty. Carter ( lead counsel ) what happened to the discovery sought via a subpoena in 2017 , Atty. Carter's answer was " I don't know." Opposing Counsel also alleged that Horwitz sent out a subpoena for discovery to a 3rd party and failed to send Opposing Counsel a copy of the request. I also had to ask Starshak to watch his language in front of me on at least 2 occasions when he referred to a particular individual using a section of the male anatomy during the conversation. As a result of misrepresentations I alleged that Horwitz and Opposing Counsel made to the court, Horwitz did not want to represent me any longer and walked into court on what was suppose to be the 3rd day of trial with a Motion to Withdraw. The Motion was denied but, Horwtiz said they couldn't represent me so, the Judge told me I either had to represent myself or work Horwitz even though they had said they didn't want to. The Judge wouldn't allow me to complete my sentence when I was trying to ask for time to get a new lawyer. Horwitz and Opposing Counsel suggested I could dismiss with leave to refile. I did that after a 5 minute conference in the hallway with Horwitz. No lawyer wanted to take the case on after looking at the sanctions the Judge dished out.
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04 May, 2010 by Michael
I have had real bad experience with attorneys before meeting ms. lane. I had a dui probation violation and the attorney I paid good money sold me out and I end up in prison for probation violation, which was not a violation in my view. Ms. Lane was appointed to handle charges against me - it was criminal felony charges that could keep me in prison for 7 plus years. I knew I didn't commit that crime, but because I was already in prison I told Ms. Lane that I don't mind pleading guilty for something so I can get it over and done with!
Prosecutors were telling her that I was guilty and I should plead 5 year and they will forgive the rest of the years. I was going to plead, but Ms Lane said I don't let you go before the judge and lie. The prosecutor was scaring both that if we go trial I would get the longest charge 7 plus years. Ms. Lane said we will take a chance with the jury. after 2 months back and forth, the prosecutor told her I should accept a misdemeanor for 1 year and I was going to take it but she said you are not guilty we will take a chance with the jury. then we had to go before the judge. Prosecutor said to judge taht my attorney is not allowing to plead becasue Iwas willing to take the plea deal. The judge looked at me and said Sir do you want to plead guilty to this charge and I said yes. Judge said let's hear your story. Ms lane said judge my client is not guilty but he wants to plead guilty because he is scared of sitting longer if convicted of something he ididnt' do. I will not let him stand before you and lie. I have informed him of his right and he is going against my advices. she stepped aside. Judge started asking me about the specifics of the crime and I didn't know the answers and looked at my attorney and boy did she tell me! she said you are on your won Michael. Well the judge told me "enough" I heard enough set it for trial. One month later the day of the trial, the prosecutor still scaring my attorney to accept plea just fine not time, my attorney told me she would accept it if she were me. She said you are innocent let's take our change with jury. Well that was the day of my life, prosector went before the judge and said we are dismissing the case because we can proof our burden beyond reasonable doubt. Case dismissed the day of the trial after three or so months after the charge. Ms Lane I wished I had known you before. YOu are the best nobody ever fought for me as hard as you did.
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06 Jan, 2010 by Aric
Ms. Lane was handeling my brother's DUI when I heard of her. Soon afterwards, the police was on my door for back child support pretending to be mail delivery and that is how all began. They came to my house to arrest me and as I was emptying my pocket out and giving it all to my girlfriend they grabbed it from her and going thru my wallet, IDs and lighter. They claim my lighter was stiletto and I was charged with carring a switchblade criminal misdemeanor. Before you know I was arrested had to pay bond to get out. This is when I hired Ms. Lane. I told her that I had bought that lighter for $5 at a gas station and it had a knife inside like a box cutter. Long story short, I was not going to plead for having a knife/box cuter - specially at my home when I live out in the county. Prosecutor was "dick" and wanted me to plead guilty or else... my attorney was the best thing that ever happened to me. She said my client wants a jury trial. After a long all day trial and the judge, prosecutor and the two cops giving her hell. Will all respect she contiued with inforing the jury about the 2 Amendment, that this was not a switchblade and did not appear to be ... she bpulled out a pen out of her pocket that had a knief inside .. scaring the cop that he was so dumb. I can tell how hard they made it to her and she never quit fighting for me. The Jury was out only 10 minutes - the verdict was sweet - NOT GUILTY... thanks to her I ahve no criminal record. The cops look dumb! best day of my life .. I called everybody saying how great my attorney was.... Thank you Ms.Lane!
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22 Dec, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Lane was appointed to my case and after she took over the case I have seen her fighting for me like no other. There was a mandatory 6 months jail time which she was able to reduce to 30 days and with credit served I was released immediately. Thank you Ms. Lane.
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25 May, 2010 by Judy and john
Attorney Levitt is an outstanding attorney. He handled a large class action case for us in regards to an educational loan company. From the moment we met Adam, we knew we made the right choice. He is very personable and continually kept us up to date during the entire process. We recently found out we won our case. Adam did a fabulous job representing us and the entire group involved in the suit.. Not once did we doubt his experience. We enjoyed getting to know Adam and highly recommend him to anyone. It was a pleasure to do business with him. We had the greatest faith in Adam and will reach out to his services again, if needed. We cannot say enough great things about Attorney Levitt! He is the best.
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15 May, 2010 by Barry
Adam is assisting me with a consumer problem relating to one of the nation's largest banks. After reviewing my issues with the bank, he filed a class action on my behalf. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, knowledge and expertise. When he makes a commitment or tells me that he is going to do something, he does so in a timely and professional manner. He keeps his word. Adam lets me know what is happening, makes certain that I am informed as to the status of the case and each new development. He explains the issues, process, strategy and next steps. He has a strong commitment to providing quality work, a true professional. And perhaps most important, Adam displays a genuine interest in helping me. Adam is an attorney who obviously cares about his clients. I would strongly recommend him to anyone that needs his type of expertise and services.
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19 Dec, 2014 by Ronald
As my attorney in a copyright infringement case for over one year, I found Vivek to live up to his billing as one of the rising stars in this area of law in the Chicago area. I found him to be 100% honest extremely intelligent, and also someone who is willing to work tirelessly on behalf of his clients. In a world where lawyers often are viewed in so negatively, I found Vivek to be a breath of fresh air. In my opinion , he stands out as not only a brilliant attorney but one of impeccable integrity. I would reccommend him to anyone.
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