Joseph Dean Keegan, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Iowa City, IA with 116 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
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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 43,48
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Joseph Dean Keegan

103 E College St., Iowa City, IA

Practices

star star star star star
4.9 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
2 Reviews
Google Maps
4.9
info
Google reviews rating
114 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Last reviews

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.9 116 reviews
Avvo 5.0
Google Maps 4.9

Bob

star star star star star
12 Jan, 2025
Tom did a great job setting expectations up front and managing the entire process. I felt there was a lot of value in hiring Tom. We really appreciate Tom’s attention to detail and legal knowledge.
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Tony montelongo

star star star star star
11 Jan, 2025
Tom Farnsworth is an exceptional attorney! I had a case that was stuck for over a year with my previous attorney, but after reaching out to Tom, he resolved it within a month. He was transparent about his pricing and took the time to explain each step of the process. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney and team. I highly recommend his services!
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Tammy freidhof

star star star star star
11 Jan, 2025
Tom Farnsworth was very responsive to my needs, not only by his competence but also showing emotional support and guidance to help with my high anxiety. He is by far the best lawyer and I would definitely recommend him. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I also want to thank Tim Farnsworth for his excellent support and service.
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
Exceptional legal expertise and ability to achieve favorable outcomes
“Tom Farnsworth is an exceptional attorney! I had a case that was stuck for over a year with my previous attorney, but after reaching out to Tom, he resolved it within a month.”
2
Transparent and communicative throughout the legal process
“He was transparent about his pricing and took the time to explain each step of the process. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney and team.”
3
Personalized attention and emotional support
“Tom Farnsworth was very responsive to my needs, not only by his competence but also showing emotional support and guidance to help with my high anxiety.”
4
Thorough and strategic approach
“Their approach to my case was very strategic, detailed, organized, respectable, and proactive.”
5
Reliable and dedicated service
“They were upfront about costs and were exceptionally reasonable. I'm very grateful for their professionalism, respect, and dedication.”
Cons
1
Potential for higher legal fees compared to other options
“Tom is a little more expensive but you get what you pay for. He was worth every penny.”
2
Occasional delays in responsiveness
“The first thing you're going to want when you find yourself needing a Defense Lawyer is for life to go back to normal; Tom and his team let me get back to my life and took care of the rest.”

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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 Iowa City, Iowa?

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:
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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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