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28 Jan, 2014 by Robert
Brooks assisted me with Divorce proceedings. He made me aware of my rights and responsibilities and helped conduct what was a fair and amicable process. I believe that his expertise and experience at the practice of Divorce law allowed me to arrive at a settlement that was fair and equitable for both parties.
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27 Jan, 2014 by Lynn
A friend referred me because Mr. Grainger used an extreme amount of discretion regarding her privacy. I was impressed how true the statement is. He is professional and intelligent, never losing focus of my personal needs to provide for my children. I would recommend him to anyone and have already twice.
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23 Jan, 2014 by Judith
Brooks is an excellent Lawyer, He follows through will his commitments. Brooks is honest and does not mislead his clients. I consider myself fortunate to have him as my attorney.
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13 May, 2011 by Anonymous
While my husband found the cheapest, sleaziest attorney in town I went to Mr. Grainger as a referral from a co-worker. He was very professional and helped me determine what was worth the time and money to persue and what things were not worth fighting over. He heped me to see things the way a judge would and always told me he would help me to fight for whatever I wanted, give his best professional guidance, and do his best to get a fair settlement without a long legal battle because that was my goal, to make it a quick easy process and he did just that. I appreciated his help, respect, and patience. He was always kind and courteous even when I lost my patience and he helped me get the solution I wanted quickly, efficiently, and affordably! This was my first and hopefully last experience with an attorney but if I ever need one again I would definitely call Mr. Grainger.

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21 Feb, 2023 by Shannon hanyzewski
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19 Oct, 2020 by Colby zeedyk
Great service!! I could not have asked for a more professional, fast acting lawyer. Highly recommend to anyone.
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25 Aug, 2018 by Justine r
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18 Mar, 2021 by Ashley
Greg is so helpful, he's very professional and also he's blunt and strait to the point. He helped me to get my divorce settled and parenting time with my kids. I would recommend him to anyone that needs a Family Attorney. His staff is so friendly and just an all around good experience. It was hard going through all of this, but they helped me and gave me hope. I felt extremely comfortable things would work out and I would be in good hands, and I was.
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25 May, 2019 by Julie
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last that I use Mr. Blandford for my attorney. He is very direct but thoughtful, accurate and informative; tells you what is going on in a language you can understand without being condescending. Most of all, he will always let you know what is the best and the worst you can expect (but will always go after the best!) He has such a calm and controlled demeanor in the courtroom, but he is attentive in making sure you understand what is being said... I have hired other attorneys in the past, once I found Greg Blandford, I have retained him whenever I have needed one again. Every time that I have the need again, I feel more at ease knowing that I have him on my side. I have referred him too many family members and Friends, and I have received thank you calls from them every time. So, if you find yourself needing an attorney, I would also advise YOU to give Greg Blanford a call...take a big sigh of relief...and watch him do what he does best. You will NOT be sorry.
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06 Dec, 2013 by Jason
I worked with Brian on the acquisition of our company by an overseas company. The negotiation on the sale/purchase agreement was fairly drawn out, and Brian gave excellent advice to us on the details of the agreement to make sure the deal ended up being favorable for us. Brian has also advised us on many other matters including employee and contractor agreements, compliance with securities laws, supplier agreements, basically on all legal matters that most companies face. We found Brian's legal advice to be well-thought out and pragmatic. We also really appreciate that he writes contracts in a more practical way than most attorneys, using more straight-forward language and structuring rather than traditional legal jargon.
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03 Dec, 2013 by Paula
My case was a simple case but was made very complicated by the tenants attorney Brian was able to sifted threw all paper work and I had a very favorable out come. I was very please with his dedication to my case and would very much recommend him to anyone that needs a good attorney.
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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?
    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 South Bend, 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.
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