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29 Oct, 2021 by Patty
One star is putting it good.He sold my son out in court for 5000.00. Does not explain things good and never gets back to you or makes appointments
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19 Aug, 2019 by Brad hite
Highly skilled attorney who will aggressively fight for you and make sure your rights are not violated. I was looking at 6 years in IDOC. With Scott as my attorney I ended up with Probation. Thank you Scott
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
i had him for a criminal procceding..and had i not done all my OWN WORK on the case...i would have gone to jail for 5 years..it was I, and I alone who worked my case...he mearly stood by and was a presence in the court room..like i said...he will not "go to bat" for you...you have to do that your self...further more..than after my case ended and i got probation thank god..he took a position as HEAR STATSE ATTERONY!! wow...all i can say is wow...so, hire him if you have something simple..but if you need someone in your corner and you DON'T know anything about law...DO NOT HIRE HIM...he just goes along with whatever the state wants to do unless you act as your own lawyer...this is a true statment..not made in haste or out of anger as this was about 3 or 4 years ago...so...i hold no gruge...i am only speaking for those of you who may need a really good lawyer..this is NOT the one you want.
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17 Mar, 2012 by Craig
I chose this attorney based on a recommendation from a meth ho, and I am sorry. He has no professional staff, and I'm sure that most of his business comes from court appointments rather than personal referrals.
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30 Aug, 2010 by Bob e.
Great for people like me who are from out of town. He treated me very fairly and with a lot of respect. He got my sentence reduced to only court supervision when I was facing a large fine. He knows the laws of Illinois better than most lawyers in Chicago. It's kind of strange, I didn't expect to find Mr. Ealy in small town southern Illinois. Certainly not redneck, he's a very interesting and very intelligent guy.

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25 Jul, 2018 by Walter
I had an issue with my real estate agent not being able to close my house when I was moving. I had a HARD date and needed to close by Nov 16. I called Tony, he took us on and negotiated with seller and agent and I was able to stay in the house before we even closed! Finished the paperwork and got it closed before Christmas! Thank you Tony! Most professional lawyer I’ve ever worked with. And I have bought many homes due to my job moving me.
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16 Feb, 2011 by Nikki
In 2000 I was fighting my step-father for custody of my half brother and sister, after the death of our mother and Mr. Berkbigler was able to do it. Thank you so much!
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07 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
After going to three other attorneys and being told they would not touch our case because of its complexity, I called Mrs. Dent as she had been referred by two of the three attorneys we had previously seen. She spoke to me for quite some time on the telephone and actually gave me some hope that our situation could be resolved. She is extremely knowledgeable. She seems ready to fight for you when no one else will.
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28 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
Kaye is very knowledgeable and took a personal concern on having my case resolved. In the past I have had attorneys who were more concerned about sending out a bill then producing good results. This was definitely not the case with Kaye Dent. If I have more problems in the future I will go back to her without hesitation. I highly recommend her as a attorney.
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27 Jul, 2012 by Jenny
I was worried at first. But durning the appointment, She made me feel comfortable. She was truely knowledgeable, She was able to help with the paper work and answered all questions I had. She kept me updated. I have recommended her to several people and will continue to so in the furture.
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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?
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  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 Effingham, 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:
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  • 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:
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  • 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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