All reviews

star star star star star
27 Jun, 2021 by Faith watkins
star star star star star
04 Aug, 2020 by Darlene higdon
Awesomr
star star star star star
02 Jun, 2020 by Heather castaneda
star star star star star
07 Jan, 2018 by Shannon scott

Best lawyers in Shelbyville, IN

See more
star star star star star
10 Mar, 2021 by Christopher
Mr. Jeff Bate, has the distinguished insight, and profound legal prowess, to give you a peace of mind, when you are behind steel bars! He is literally Super Man, without the cape, but with his warm heart of, empathy and compassion! If you ever need a helping-hand, reach-out to Mr. Bate, immediately because he is an astute TRIAL Lawyer!
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
27 Jun, 2021 by Faith watkins
Google Maps
star star star star star
04 Aug, 2020 by Darlene higdon
Awesomr
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Jun, 2020 by Heather castaneda
Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
25 Nov, 2015 by Kim
Mike will absolutely do over 100% for you and give you his honest and true opinion on your matter. He did for me, and sure appreciate all his research in my case and knows the law and what all possibilities might be involved. He will not do his job half-way and will cover all bases and fully communicate them and explain them to you. He was recommended by a family member and has been successful for our family in past cases. Not all cases are always in your best interests and Mike will advise and help you make good decisions for you and takes his job and your case seriously as if you were his own family member. You will not be disappointed in his work and staff as they are all thorough and professional. He kept his appointments with me, was honest and listened. He reviewed all information and helped me make a hard decision in a very emotional case involving a doctor, hospital, negligence, and malpractice. Learned a lot from Mike, and gained wisdom. Not all cases win financially, but some cases win eventually. Mike's one of the good guys!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
05 Aug, 2015 by Marti
I was in an automobile accident, my local attorney suggested we add mr. Michael Stephenson, who had experience with insurance companies to our case. Mr Stephenson was a great choice he brought much knowledge, experience, and handled my case with determination to win , and win we did. I appreciated how professionally he handled himself and and my interest in this case. I have recommended Mr Stephenson to several friends, your best interest is his deepest concern. He gives you 110%, you sure do get your money's worth when Mike is on your team.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 Jul, 2015 by Jodi
I would rate Mr. Stephenson's representation as excellent. From the first time I spoke to Mr. Stephenson, he was able to immediately understand the facts of the situation and provide sound advice about how to proceed. I realized from the start that I was dealing with an extremely quick and competent person and this gave me comfort during a difficult time. From this first conversation and over the next year it took to resolve the case, Mr. Stephenson demonstrated a keen understanding of the facts and law. I would highly recommend Mr. Stephenson to friends and associates and without a doubt would use him again, if needed.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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 Shelbyville, Indiana?

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.