Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Exceptional expertise and knowledge of unemployment law and the DUA process, allowing the lawyers to effectively navigate complex cases and achieve successful outcomes for clients
“Ed Howard Jr's paralegal Desiree answered my phone call & right away she treated me with kindness, dignity & respect. As Ed anticipated, my employer showed up prepared & ready to fight against me. Thankfully, beforehand, Ed Jr counseled me on how to properly defend myself & he made sure that I was completely comfortable answering all of the anticipated questions from both my employer & the hearing examiner.”
2
Highly communicative and responsive, providing clients with clear guidance and keeping them informed throughout the process
“Ed Jr was very professional. He helped me with my unemployment hearing. I won the appeal because of his professionalism. I really messed up when I initially applied, but Ed was fantastic.”
3
Dedicated and tenacious in fighting for clients' interests, going above and beyond to ensure the best possible results
“I had a very difficult unemployment case that I couldn't handle I found these great lawyers on the web for the price I paid it was money well spent thank you .Bonville &Howard P.C”
4
Compassionate and understanding, making clients feel supported and at ease during stressful legal situations
“Ed Howard Sr. helped me out. The case just settled and I feel like I can finally get my life back on track after this awful injury set me so far back. Thank you so much to everyone here who helped me.”
5
Reasonable and fair pricing, providing excellent value for the level of service and expertise offered
“I had a great experience with Ed Jr. We were able to resolve a legal matter together efficiently and cost effectively.”
Cons
1
Inconsistent customer service, with some front office staff being reported as rude and unprofessional
“Rudest people on the planet , front office lady "Debbie" very rude and unprepfessional . For a law office you would think the workers would be more professional and not hang up in your face and give an attitude”
2
Difficulty reaching the firm or receiving a response, with some clients reporting that they never heard back after initial contact
“Website said fill out your info and "we'll contact you". Never heard from them. Guess they don't need new business”

All reviews

star star star star star
01 May, 2024 by William snow
I had a very difficult unemployment case that I couldn’t handle I found these great lawyers on the web for the price I paid it was money well spent thank you .Bonville &Howard P.C
star star star star star
01 May, 2024 by Jessica mckinnon
Edward Howard worked on my son's case and did an excellent job. He was clear with everything that would happen. He made myself and my son comfortable during the hearing. I would recommend him for any dealings with the RMV.
star star star star star
01 May, 2024 by Evelyn livant
I recieved a notification from MA DUA a year after I stopped collecting advising me that I was in violation of the law and a determination had been made against me. They were demanding I pay back all the money and I was barred from ever collecting again. At the time I was collecting, I had met all the requirements. I had no idea what they were accusing me of and I couldn't understand the letter. I have an upcoming vacation I've been planning for a few years and I was very worried that an appeal hearing would be scheduled and I'd have to cancel. I had no idea how to appeal this or defend myself. The attorney, Edwin H. Howard II Esq., returned my call promptly, had my case over to UI the same day and was able to get the matter reversed without a hearing. He was able to prevent any more problems in the future and recommended some best practices to help out. I never would have been able to rectify this on my own and he charged a very fair price. I can't recommend them highly enough.
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01 May, 2024 by Andrew wright
Ed has been extraordinary to work with to resolve a DUA fraud and benefits problem I couldn't progress on my own due to how horrible the Massachusetts DUA system and support is. His familiarity with DUA system and connection to the DUA team allowed him to solve things quickly and completely. If you need help with Massachusetts Unemployment, Ed is THE attorney to work with.
star star star star star
30 Apr, 2024 by Lazarus marmanidis
My name is Lazarus, and I have been a client of Bonville and Howard since 2005 and I consider myself a privileged person to be one of their client's and I want to start by saying thank you for always being there when I need you , To whom it may concern, just a few days ago attorney Ed Howard Senior attorney Timothy Enwright and their truly super amazing staff helped me once again on a very important case , that ended like all my other cases very successful in my favor , All the Attorneys at Bonville and Howard and their staff are WISE - HONEST - PROFESSIONAL -HARD WORKING - HONORABLE - SIMPLY JUST 100 PERCENT DILIGENT .
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29 Jun, 2023 by 1988sales
Attorney Nick Carbone literally saved my life! He was very professional and actually cared about my situation, and took care of it for me like a real attorney should. I’m forever grateful for him, and now can move forward with my life, continuing in the right direction, with a clean record. 🙏🏾
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25 Apr, 2023 by Leandro lopez
Nick is great. He was really helpful and confidence inspiring. I remember, even a year after I used his services, I had a lingering question and he made the time to provide advice and counsel.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Jorge ordonez
Nick Carbone is the best!!! I was wrongly accused of an OUI after I lost control of my Jeep and hit my head on the windshield. The officer was persistent on stating that I was under the influence, when I wasn’t. I was in shock and dizzy from the impact. My license was suspended for a while. Nick’s knowledge was what helped me to get this case overturned. My experience with him was the best. He listens carefully to all the details. He is kind, knowledgeable, respectful, and truly cares about helping people. A true professional! If I could give him more than 5 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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01 Feb, 2019 by Michael
I have used Donna's office for many matters over the past 13 years. My first time with Donna, was for a custody/divorce, I was seeking custody. with Donna, I won custody of my 3 children, with a female Judge, I was scared but Donna, said trust me and I did!! Her knowledge is extensive, she takes a personal interest in her clients, she is always prepared and is quick to respond. Pure business in court with my best interest, first and foremost .
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08 Dec, 2015 by Jessica
I hired Donna to handle a custody issue. she was professional, very knowledgeable and always accessible when I had questions/concerns. I wouldn't hesitate to hire her again.
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20 Mar, 2013 by Julie
Absolutely wonderful. Helpful, attentive, brilliant, just a few words. Made a not so pleasant experience more comfortable for all involved, including for our children. Would hire again for any legal needs.
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29 Jun, 2023 by 1988sales
Attorney Nick Carbone literally saved my life! He was very professional and actually cared about my situation, and took care of it for me like a real attorney should. I’m forever grateful for him, and now can move forward with my life, continuing in the right direction, with a clean record. 🙏🏾
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25 Apr, 2023 by Leandro lopez
Nick is great. He was really helpful and confidence inspiring. I remember, even a year after I used his services, I had a lingering question and he made the time to provide advice and counsel.
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24 Apr, 2023 by Jorge ordonez
Nick Carbone is the best!!! I was wrongly accused of an OUI after I lost control of my Jeep and hit my head on the windshield. The officer was persistent on stating that I was under the influence, when I wasn’t. I was in shock and dizzy from the impact. My license was suspended for a while. Nick’s knowledge was what helped me to get this case overturned. My experience with him was the best. He listens carefully to all the details. He is kind, knowledgeable, respectful, and truly cares about helping people. A true professional! If I could give him more than 5 stars I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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FAQs
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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 Fitchburg, Massachusetts?

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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