Best lawyers in Columbia, LA

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22 Jul, 2024 by Heather
I hired Dina for a succession. She was sick with bad cancer and was having chemo treatments, yet still managed to keep on top of my case. She actually allowed me to meet with her in Houston while she was in the hospital at M.D. Anderson. She gave me all the documentation I needed to file and even though she was sick, she still came to court to stand with me. When she questioned the evidence and proved that my sisters were lying about a new will, it was like a TV show. I mean she is THAT GOOD. Don’t let haters persuade you, she settled her disciplinary issue although she knew she was right. I found out that she did not want to use her cancer issues as a crutch so she agreed to settle and accept that reprimand (the absolute minimum any lawyer could get- so she must not have done anything really bad. This lawyer is so smart, talented and professional, I wish I could give her more than 5 stars
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04 Apr, 2022 by Mark
Dina represented me in a divorce as. Well as an additional case. Dina ended up the only attourney standing out of three, as she had the other two dismissed of their representation due to conflict of interest. Thanks for your hard work and doggidness. MSE
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24 Oct, 2015 by Chasity
Their is not enough words to describe Dina . Dina is to me the best most honest, trustworthy caring attorney out their. She will not back down and ready to fight and win. Us clients do our part and she will take over. She the best around and will stand with u. Dina is not only the best attorney cause she honest trustworthy , caring,thankfully and appreciative and also all the best mom she is to her boys. For an attorney to have such great character and the lady she is , I stand with her all the way. I wish I could give her the number one reward their is cause she deserves it and beyond . Her mind is set an ready. Let's get up, aim and win. Dina your the best. I appreciate all the hard effort u do, and even out of office. She puts her self aside, to bend over backwards to help. Thank
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31 May, 2014 by Sputnikman harassment/terminated/discrimination
I became licensed to sell Life and Annuities in nov of 1999. Went under contract with a nationally recognised prominent company and successfully completed all contract requirements. My wife and I were doing well during these times. Then in 2003 my manager retired ;therefore, bring on a goofball. I was forced to work under his inadequate supervision and reported the sexual harassment to the state boss from this new manager to no avail. This very same goofball of a manager terminated my contract in June of 2005. And the state boss remarked, "It's out of my hands." But, later on tape said, "I fired that queer ***, are you ready to come back to work?" I saw Mr Carroll in August of 05 where he said to my wife and I that he could help us recover our losses and more for the harassment and lost wages. During this terminated time my book of renewal and current new business was up to one thousand three, or four people I had personally sold life ins., coverage to or set-up retirement accounts. Many money transfers and rollovers were scheduled in the near future back then from my book of business... I suppose better to forget the state bosses promises, "No one will steal your people or take your business. (They turn out to be all lies.) Mr Carroll said it is best to wait one year before filing your lawsuit for same-sex-sexual harassment. My depositions were taken over two days and he and the Ins. Co., attorney appeared to be best of friends. Then The State bosses depo was taken. And a great deal of time passed as Mr Carroll made excuses of, "we can't locate the perpetrator" or "he is in Washington state." Then he did take the perpetrator's depo in his home town of Denham Springs, LA. His depo and the state boss who fired the perpetrator's deposition are in serious conflict. Somebody is lying. But, Mr. Carroll did not pick up this issue but rather called me up on the phone and said, "It's all over. The judge ruled against you and didn't believe you." I ask, "What about my loses and the money they stole from me? Will you be able to recover any of my losses?" Mr Carroll simply stated, " No, I've done the best I could and it's over. I'm sorry, I wish it would have been more successful. I have thirty-seven thousand in expenses in this case." There seems to have been a joy in his voice. So, I thought and prayed about the matter as the wife and I did before seeking Mr Carroll's help and advice. Oh and because of this loss in life, etc. Mr Carroll was also my divorce attorney. My divorce was final 7/18/2012. So, I've heard my ex is now employed by one of Mr Carroll's best friends he's known most of his life. So I am permanently disabled mainly due to this loss of career and Mr Carroll has "forgiven" the thirty-seven thousand in expenses he incurred. Goes to wonder what happened between Mr. Carroll and the Insurance Company who believes in "sprinkling money on attorney's to make them go away." Of and he is very expensive in the cost of my divorce which I have agreed to pay twenty-five dollars a month from my disability check. And that bill remains over three thousand dollars. So, when it is all said and done I loose a career worth millions of dollars, a wife who still to this day I love very much and has been a rock of valuable support in my life until that divorce. So, Mr. Carroll I do not know what or why you singled me out to be the biggest loss in my life for or know any of your motives except maybe money is you God and worship it accordingly. How did you say it, ? "One in the hand is better than fifty in the bush." Remember on the trip back from Denham Springs, La all you said? Somethings you need to take to the LORD. In closing, I pray no one else has to endure the malpractice, and personal abuse I received from you personally and at times your office as well. It is my prayer, "Mr. James L. Carroll you are healthy, wealthy, and wise but most importantly you have no problem sleeping at night." May God be with you and forgive you your sin,
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25 Mar, 2014 by Rodneym
I do not recommend James Carroll. I hired James more than 3 years ago. James handled my Sexual Harassment matter. Licensed to sell Life and Annuities in Nov. of 1999. Went under contract with a nationally recognized prominent company and successfully completed all contract requirements. My wife and I were doing well during these times. Then in 2003 my manager retired ;therefore, bring on a goofball. I was forced to work under his inadequate supervision and reported the sexual harassment to the state boss from this new manager to no avail. This very same goofball of a manager terminated my contract in June of 2005. And the state boss remarked, "It's out of my hands." I saw Mr Carroll in August of 05 where he said to my wife and I that he could help us recover our losses and more for the harassment and lost wages. During this terminated time my book of renewal and current new business was up to one thousand three, or four people I had personally sold life ins., coverage to or set-up retirement accounts. Many money transfers and rollovers were scheduled in the near future back then from my book of business.I suppose better to forget the state bosses promises, "No one will steal your people or take your business." (They turn out to be all lies.) Mr Carroll said it is best to wait one year before filing your lawsuit for same-sex-sexual harassment. My depositions were taken over two days and he and the Ins. Co., attorney appeared to be best of friends leaving depo's to have lunch. Then The State bosses depo was taken. And a great deal of time passed as Mr Carroll made excuses of, "we can't locate the perpetrator" or "he is in Washington state." Then he did take the perpetrator's depo in his home town of Denham Springs, LA. His depo and the state boss who fired the perpetrator's deposition are in serious conflict. Somebody is lying. But, Mr. Carroll did not pick up this issue but rather called me up on the phone and said, "It's all over. The judge ruled against you and didn't believe you." I ask, "What about my loses and the money they stole from me? Will you be able to recover any of my losses?" Mr Carroll simply stated, " No, I've done the best I could and it's over. I'm sorry, I wish it would have been more successful. I have thirty-seven thousand in expenses in this case." I forgive those. A joy in his voice. So, I thought and prayed about the matter as the wife and I did before seeking Mr Carroll's help and advice. Oh and because of this loss in life, etc. Mr Carroll was also my divorce attorney. My divorce was final 7/18/2012. So, I've heard my ex is now employed by one of Mr Carroll's best friends he's known most of his life. So I am permanently disabled mainly due to this loss of career and Mr Carroll has "forgiven" the thirty-seven thousand in expenses he incurred. Goes to wonder what happened between Mr. Carroll and the Insurance Company who believes in "sprinkling money on attorney's to make them go away." Of and he is very expensive in the cost of my divorce which I have agreed to pay twenty-five dollars a month from my disability check. And that bill remains over three thousand dollars. So, when it is all said and done I loose a career worth millions of dollars, a wife who still to that day had been a rock of valuable support in my life until that divorce. So, Mr. Carroll I do not know what or why you singled me out to be the biggest loss in my life for or know any of your motives except maybe money is you God and worship it accordingly. How did you say it, ? "One in the hand is better than fifty in the bush." Remember on the trip back from Denham Springs, La all you said? Somethings you need to take to the LORD.
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29 Dec, 2013 by Rodney
I became licensed to sell Life and Annuities in nov of 1999. Went under contract with a nationally recognised prominent company and successfully completed all contract requirements. My wife and I were doing well during these times. Then in 2003 my manager retired ;therefore, bring on a goofball. I was forced to work under his inadequate supervision and reported the sexual harassment to the state boss from this new manager to no avail. This very same goofball of a manager terminated my contract in June of 2005. And the state boss remarked, "It's out of my hands." But, later on tape said, "I fired that queer ***, are you ready to come back to work?" I saw Mr Carroll in August of 05 where he said to my wife and I that he could help us recover our losses and more for the harassment and lost wages. During this terminated time my book of renewal and current new business was up to one thousand three, or four people I had personally sold life ins., coverage to or set-up retirement accounts. Many money transfers and rollovers were scheduled in the near future back then from my book of business... I suppose better to forget the state bosses promises, "No one will steal your people or take your business. (They turn out to be all lies.) Mr Carroll said it is best to wait one year before filing your lawsuit for same-sex-sexual harassment. My depositions were taken over two days and he and the Ins. Co., attorney appeared to be best of friends. Then The State bosses depo was taken. And a great deal of time passed as Mr Carroll made excuses of, "we can't locate the perpetrator" or "he is in Washington state." Then he did take the perpetrator's depo in his home town of Denham Springs, LA. His depo and the state boss who fired the perpetrator's deposition are in serious conflict. Somebody is lying. But, Mr. Carroll did not pick up this issue but rather called me up on the phone and said, "It's all over. The judge ruled against you and didn't believe you." I ask, "What about my loses and the money they stole from me? Will you be able to recover any of my losses?" Mr Carroll simply stated, " No, I've done the best I could and it's over. I'm sorry, I wish it would have been more successful. I have thirty-seven thousand in expenses in this case." There seems to have been a joy in his voice. So, I thought and prayed about the matter as the wife and I did before seeking Mr Carroll's help and advice. Oh and because of this loss in life, etc. Mr Carroll was also my divorce attorney. My divorce was final 7/18/2012. So, I've heard my ex is now employed by one of Mr Carroll's best friends he's known most of his life. So I am permanently disabled mainly due to this loss of career and Mr Carroll has "forgiven" the thirty-seven thousand in expenses he incurred. Goes to wonder what happened between Mr. Carroll and the Insurance Company who believes in "sprinkling money on attorney's to make them go away." Of and he is very expensive in the cost of my divorce which I have agreed to pay twenty-five dollars a month from my disability check. And that bill remains over three thousand dollars. So, when it is all said and done I loose a career worth millions of dollars, a wife who still to this day I love very much and has been a rock of valuable support in my life until that divorce. So, Mr. Carroll I do not know what or why you singled me out to be the biggest loss in my life for or know any of your motives except maybe money is you God and worship it accordingly. How did you say it, ? "One in the hand is better than fifty in the bush." Remember on the trip back from Denham Springs, La all you said? Somethings you need to take to the LORD. In closing, I pray no one else has to endure the malpractice, and personal abuse I received from you personally and at times your office as well. It is my prayer, "Mr. James L. Carroll you are healthy, wealthy, and wise but most importantly you have no problem sleeping at night." May God be with you.
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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 Columbia, Louisiana?

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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