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Andrea Elizabeth Olness
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Best lawyers in Woodstock, IL
13 Dec, 2018 by Christie
I give Cameron 5-star for his service. I found him on line and chose him based on the excellent rating. He lived up to my expectation. We had a dead beat customer who used every excuse to delay payment. After one year of business talk, nothing was paid. When being nice did not work, I had to get the pros to help. It’s very refreshing to call a lawyer and he actually picked up the phone every time. Cameron was responsive, sharp and effective. He always answers e-mail and phone right away. I didn’t have leave messages with an assistant or paralegal and wait for a call back. I really liked the efficiency he worked. Very happy I found him and will definitely recommend him to others who need service for contract disputes.
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25 Sep, 2018 by Nikki
I consulted Cameron and found him to be knowledgeable, motivated and friendly. He’s an attorney that you feel you can trust and that will go the extra mile for you .
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13 Jun, 2018 by Christopher
Cameron has represented my business for almost a decade now. He's exemplary. Look no further. When you contact him to ask a question, he gets back to you promptly. He listens intently and offers sound guidance and counsel. Cameron has assisted with routine matters (business filings, etc.) and complex situations (contracts, agreements, etc.) and I always leave our conversations with a high sense of confidence that he's "got my back". Most importantly, he's a good person . . . and it's clear that he operates with integrity and compassion.
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06 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Hamilton was one of the kindest and most patient attorneys I have ever worked with. He continuously took the time to explain things to me and was empathetic to my needs. I highly recommend it.
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23 Mar, 2015 by Elizabeth
Vonda K. Vaughn represented me this past year for my divorce case.
From the moment I set foot in her office---I experienced a level of professionalism, strength and confidence...along with a heart and conscience, that is rarely seen...these days. She's an an excellent listener who knows the value of paying attention to details.
She has the competency and commitment required to accomplish the task...or challenge at hand---and does so in the most thorough of manners.
My case was an extremely difficult one:
Ours was a long-term marriage, (26+ years), my position at work had just been "dissolved", and there was a significant income disparity.
The "energy" behind the difficulties was, in large part, due...from the very onset...to the adversarial tone set forth by my now former husband.
Added to this were the continual challenges that arose from the various stances in positions that he held onto.
Vonda had the tenacity and "bite" it takes to navigate our way through a myriad of challenges, such as researching, discovering the existence of...and then "hunting-down" benefits that my (former) husband failed to disclose, such as:
▪︎ a viable pension from a previous employer
▪︎ sources of non-qualified deferred compensation he was receiving...including a less-encountered type of benefit, yet common amongst upper-level
executives---known as a SRIP, (Supplemental Retirement Income Plan).
Even items that were disclosed during the initial "Discovery" period---though they were valuable benefits to me--- added to the complexity of the situation...and required her on-going involvement, monitoring and collaboration with others.
They included:
▪︎ 2 different types of pensions from his current employer
▪︎ a 401(k) Savings Plan, also from his current employer
These benefits, including the ones already mentioned, above them, had to go through the formal process of being divided between the two of us.
This process is known as a "QDRO", (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) and was a lengthy one, that was done in a mathematically-scientific manner---adhering to strict standards as set forth by my former husband's current and previous employers.
A lot of "back-and-forth" was required during this process.
So many "hoops" to jump through...and making sure to "cross" all the "t"s...and "dotting" every "i".
This..again...was where Vonda's attention to detail and ongoing patience was truly amazing.
Vonda fought for me...she was my Advocate.
She would be aggressive...yet tempered with a measure of cool, self-control. Throughout the case, in a variety of situations, she exhibited a remarkable ability to set boundaries---when and where they were needed. This valuable skill speaks to the uniqueness of her abilities. While she was knowledgeable in so many areas of the law---she would not hesitate, when necessary, to reach-out and draw from the invaluable resources that exist, and are there to support her, at a firm such as The Gitlin Law Firm.
So...while Vonda "had-my-back"---attorneys gifted and skilled in various areas of the law---along with an amazing support-staff...had hers.
This...along with so many other reasons...gave me the assurance that I had chosen the RIGHT attorney.
The RIGHT law firm.
Representation.
It's a powerful thing.....when it's done WELL.
I have...and will continue to recommend Vonda Vaughn of The Gitlin Law Firm to anyone who finds themselves navigating their way through the challenging, difficult...and painful process of Divorce.
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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:
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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. -
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. -
Who will be handling my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
What potential outcomes can I expect?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the expected timeline for my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What challenges do you foresee in my case?
Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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 Woodstock, 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:
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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.
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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:
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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:
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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)
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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.
