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Andrew J. Harger
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4.2
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4 Reviews
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12 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
I was involved in a lengthy divorce which ended up with me no longer able to trust my own lawyer. Data that I had asked for repeatedly never turned up, my lawyer knew the opposing counsel personally, and talked about it often, and even knew the new woman my husband was seeing. Too close a circle. I asked my friend who was high up in HR in a large downtown corporation for help as I didn't trust the numbers, and she sent me to an eminent accounting firm for an opinion in determining whether or not I should hire a separate outside forensic accountant for my divorce case, as again I no longer trusted that my own lawyer was truly acting in my own best interest. Well, this firm advised me instead to first consider a young attorney just setting up his practice (this was about 7-8 years ago), who had worked for an aggressive firm and succeeded against some well known and tough lawyers. He was described as "having one of the best legal minds around, hands down." And so, my association with Andy began. He was easy to talk to and empathetic, but professional at all times. He was a wealth of knowledge, and knew the law exactly. He understood the broader picture, yet also knew how to focus in on what was most important for the long term. And the case was successful in my favor. Without his expertise, I felt that major points were being missed. Best of all, he was extraordinarily fair in his pricing (I had gotten used to grossly overpaying for poor services), and was so very very patient when it took me awhile to fully repay him. I feel he knows what he is doing, and has an honest heart - very, very hard to find in divorce attorneys.
09 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
From the minute Andrew and I spoke about my pending divorce I knew I found the right lawyer to help me through a difficult time. His knowledge and experience was helpful in a complicated case. He advised with legal knowledge but also compassion. I knew that with him fighting for what was right we would get the settlement that was fair. And we did. I credit him with getting me through an incredibly difficult time with extensive knowledge, experience, compassion and follow through. I would recommend him highly to anyone.
30 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Andy to represent me in Feb of 2016. At my initial meeting with Andy I felt comfortable that what he told me was the right direction of the dissolution and trusted in his support. I expressed first and foremost importance was the wellbeing of my son, after we were displaced by my ex. There was initially temporary relief after his first motion for support. However after that, the case lulled along, motion after motion were filed after numerous orders were not followed by my ex husband and his high profile attorney dictated the tone of the finality of the case. My ex husband continually stalled the case by not producing what he was told to produce order after order, even after numerous follow up emails and requests I had made. I was denied access to get back into the marital residence for my personal belongings since we were displaced almost 3 years ago. I was shut out my 410k without access to trade within despite numerous emails to my attorneys and the United States Department of Employment Security. Every single marital asset was in my ex's control, except the car I left with. Again, yes there were points of minimal relief, however my credit suffered tremendously.
I was rationed back a small portion of martial money to pay my and my sons medical bills, two months before the divorce was final. I followed every order, every request for information, all discovery requests, my deposition, as well as court dates and meetings with the GAL. It took over 2 years to get a parenting plan in place, after meditation , failure to come to the minimal consensus with the other party.
There was never an urgency for the wellbeing of my son, after this was expressed to exhaustion, it lulled . It was always the wait and see approach, I expressed my concerns about the final settlement and parenting plan, in my opinion they were taken lightly , It was the "best I was going to do” and "that's a reasonable amount of time for them to propose given the circumstances of your case”. After expressing my concerns regarding the final settlement, I was left playing go fetch with my settlement and discovering now the aftermath of not only the the tax ramifications, but they also took my ex husbands word regarding utilities, taxes, leases and association fees being “up to date” when some were months and years delinquent. There were many instances I felt I was not in control of the outcome after serious expression to both my attorneys. In my opinion, your lawyer should have an overall direct plan for your case not a wait and see approach. If there is any component of mental and financial abuse in your relationship with your ex, they should also be verse in representing that type of client. Not allowing an opposing council to speak to their client in a derogatory way as they wait for the prove up. I understand there is a non emotional component of the representation, but there should be a highly regarded component of fiduciary responsibility that should be addressed not disregarded after expressing that on multiple occasions. My ex husband was able dissipate marital funds through the entire divorce, make unilateral decisions regarding our marital properties- and he was also able to pay his attorney fees out of the marital assets. I never questioned their professional opinions or billable hours , the future of the dissolution was entrusted in their hands. However toward the end I asked Andy and his team to review the invoices where I was charged over 14k a month for numerous months. I saw a more intensity of attention to my case when the final bill was in question than when I was in need of emergency funds to pay my rent in the middle of the divorce.
31 Dec, 2013 by Rob
Andy worked with me on my first divorce with one of the leading divorce lawyers in the country, he basically handled most of the case, and the trial. He has an amazing ability to strategize what the other side is going to do and has an excellent and friendly personality with judges. He handled my second divorce and his strategy and recommendations ended up getting me a great outcome, truly a first rate attorney that is pleasant to work during a very sensitive time in your life, and an honest person, which is a rare statement to make about a lawyer.
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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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