Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Knowledgeable and accommodating legal representation
“He was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. I was extremely satisfied with the results I received. He exceeded my expectations and made me feel comfortable.”
2
Efficient and timely case resolution
“He did not waste my time or my money, thereby earning my trust.”
3
Strong communication and client focus
“He took his time to explain the process to me and was patient and answered all my questions. Every time I went for a meeting with him he was professional.”
4
Compassionate and understanding
“His military experience gave me the impression that he would be understanding and compassionate towards my needs.”
5
Affordable legal services
“Not to mention he is way more affordable than most others.”
Cons
1
Lack of responsiveness and communication issues
“I had to call and ask Mr. Swanson to complete phone calls and paperwork in order to keep things moving in a forward motion. Mr. Swanson was very defensive when questioned about the status of my case.”
2
Delayed case handling and follow-up
“The disappointment seemed endless. I would not recommend him unless you want to waste money and time.”
3
Inconsistent quality of legal work
“I spent $5000 for no results and ended up hiring another attorney. I HATE that I have to write this review and I gave Michael plenty of opportunities to earn his reputation but he consistently underperformed.”
4
Poor reputation in the legal community
“After finally doing my research on attorneys (SHAME ON ME), Michael's standing in the family law community is laughable at best...any strong lawyer would love to oppose him.”

All reviews

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12 May, 2024 by Thomas sullivan
Divorce is never a cheap or easy process. Swanson law firm is changing that it seems. Throughout my case Mike Swanson and his assistant Krysten were kind, attentive, and proactive. All of this coming at a very reasonable price. Swanson law firm found a way to make an incredibly tough time go by with ease. If you are ever in need of a family law attorney, I would highly recommend.
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12 Apr, 2024 by James kelley
Robert Bass was nothing but professional kept on top of things for me. I didn't have to show up at court until it was time. Things were taken care of very professional and I'm so happy for the outcome. I would recommend him at to anybody anytime even just for his advice
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15 Jan, 2024 by Chris kellerman
Rob cares about people and he is the most upstanding lawyer in Madison County. Period. He is the one I would trust with my life.
star star star star star
21 Sep, 2023 by Adam duggan
Shortly after a divorce I put myself in a terrible position dealing with a DUI charge and 6 other additional charges. After Robert was recommended to me, I immediately hired him. His staff are top-tier and get back to you promptly and are very friendly. Rob is the most professional and compassionate lawyer that I have ever had to represent me. He guided me through the journey every step of the way. I was able to achieve all the necessary requirements prior to my plea of reckless driving and all other charges dropped. I can’t express the amount of gratitude I have for Rob, his team and with the outcome. Thank-you so much!!!
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08 Sep, 2023 by Jacob
Robert has been my attorney since I was 15 years old I’m going on 31!!! Hands down the best lawyer around not only was he able to get me probation for a serious drug charge he was also able to dismiss 4 recent charges one being a gun case!! All I can say is if you need the lawyer that’s gonna get it done Robert is the man!!!!!!
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17 Nov, 2017 by Madison
Joel Beckwith is amazing to work with and did a fantastic job handling my traffic ticket. Throughout the whole process he was helpful, professional and reassuring. He was able to reduce my speeding ticket to a non-moving violation in a timely manner! I would recommend Mr. Beckwith to anyone who is looking for a reliable lawyer!
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20 Nov, 2016 by Tim
Joel Beckwith helped me with personal injury claim that other attorneys said would be fruitless. I was assaulted in a bar and had injuries that resulted in over eight thousand dollars in medical bills. Joel does outstanding work and managed to get a settlement of over $16000. I highly recommend him and will contact him in the future for any other legal services.
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04 Nov, 2016 by Nick mitchell
He is a very helpful person and helps in anyway possible, hes straight froward about everything.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Lorenzo candia
Very professional people they explain and answer real good and clear the situation and questions if you have
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12 Mar, 2023 by Deron jackson
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09 Mar, 2023 by Steven
So far brown & crouppen really seems to care about my case and I am very pleased so far and can't wait to see what they do for me!
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20 Sep, 2021 by Jill williams
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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 Edwardsville, 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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