James Patrick Nelson, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Wheaton, IL with 113 reviews
Lawyer credibility
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Average 43,90
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James Patrick Nelson

1749 S. Naperville Road., Wheaton, IL

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star star star star star
4.7 / 5
Avvo
4.8
info
Avvo rating
13 Reviews
Google Maps
4.7
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Google reviews rating
100 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

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License ID number: -

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Last reviews

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.7 113 reviews
Avvo 4.8
Google Maps 4.7

Sergey k

star star star star star
20 Dec, 2024
I am happy to write recommendations for the company professional attitude to business, you will get a positive result! Thank you very much for your work!
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Denis kendall

star star star star star
10 Dec, 2024
Awesome Lawyer.
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Rosena c

star star star star star
11 Nov, 2024
I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Pat Nelson and staff for their exceptional legal representation. Throughout our case, Mr. Nelson has been incredibly patient, understanding, and professional. He and his paralegal have a remarkable ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and concise manner, which has been invaluable in helping me understand the process and feel confident in the outcome. I am particularly impressed with Mr. Nelson's honesty and dedication to his clients. They have always went the extra mile to ensure that my best interests were protected. I am truly grateful for their hard work and commitment. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and experienced attorneys who are well-respected in the legal community
“Stephen Brundage's knowledge of the law and the justice system is second to none. He literally had the state's prosecution witnesses stuttering answering his questions.”
2
Committed to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients
“Pat Nelson has been a great pillar of support and guidance for a stressful time in the life of a family man facing the reality of divorce. He handled this case and represented me flawlessly toward an agreeable and successful divorce.”
3
Excellent communication and responsiveness, keeping clients informed throughout the process
“Pat was very responsive and helped find a satisfactory resolution to my divorce in only a month. He listened to what I wanted and needed and took it into consideration.”
4
Compassionate and understanding, providing emotional support during difficult legal matters
“Mr. Nelson has been incredibly patient, understanding, and professional. He and his paralegal have a remarkable ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and concise manner.”
5
Affordable and transparent billing practices
“His rates are reasonable and he knows what he's doing! He kept in touch with me before my court date and went over the circumstances.”
Cons
1
Some clients have reported difficulty reaching the attorneys or getting timely responses
“Never returns calls. Go elsewhere.”
2
Billing issues and lack of transparency with fees for some clients
“I found duplicate entries for the same dates (double charges) and some charges for dates not even listed as service dates at the top of the statement.”

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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?
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  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
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  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
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  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
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Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Wheaton, 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:
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  • Consultation Assessment:
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  • 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:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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