Best lawyers in LaPlata, MD

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31 Aug, 2015 by Denise
John Ray was excellent. After my husband passed away, there was a family dispute as to who was entitled to what. My case was quite time-consuming, but he followed through with everything -- even the appeals. John was there with me every step of the way. When I had questions, he was very patient and explained the answers in great detail to further my understanding. I am thrilled to say we won the case. I would highly recommend John Ray.
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09 Jun, 2022 by Anastasia
I am so grateful to have had Fran representing my case. He was hardworking, always on top of things, professional, and extremely supportive of me during a difficult time. I am so glad I had him on my side!
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11 May, 2022 by Tiara
Mr. Granados is exceptional at what he does. He was so helpful with my case and I truly appreciate his knowledge. Thank you again Mr. Granados!
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11 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Fran was professional and knowledgeable in the law for my case. It went smoothly and easy. He assisted me with very little notice and did so with preparedness and confidence. I would hire him again.
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06 Aug, 2015 by Sandi
When we first hired Scott to represent us, his firm was always very responsive to our calls. Scott answered our questions and addressed our concerns immediately. It wasn't long before we gained complete confidence in his ability to represent us. Scott is innovative in his strategies, and he thinks outside of the box. In court, Scott was completely focussed and quick on his feet. He was aggressive when required and restrained when he needed to be. He successfully won Two different cases for us, and I highly recommend his firm to anyone In need of legal services.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Deborah
I’ve retained Scott Bowling on two different occasions. One for a divorce matter and the other for a personal injury incident. He has always represented me with skill unsurpassed in Charles County, MD and has continuously demonstrated top-notch professionalism that rivals anyone in his field. He has expertise and a knowledge base that is unparalleled in the legal system in the Washington Metropolitan area and has proven valuable in helping me achieve a positive outcome every time! He is dedicated to insuring that litigants receive effective representation and benefit from the efficient administration of justice. Scott works to ensure the improvement of ethical and professional standards of the practice of personal injury law successfully obtaining large settlements and demonstrating great skill in trial situations. I have also benefited from his staff as they have been associated with Chapman and Bowling for over 20 years. They have always been proficient and courteous. It is my privilege to recommend Scott Bowling.
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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 LaPlata, Maryland?

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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