All reviews

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10 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr Cataldo does not put his clients first. A family member hired him and his only concern was his fee. The outcome was not positive because Mr. Cataldo did not listen or fully look into the information provided to him.
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29 May, 2019 by Michelle
The best!!!! He is honest trustworthy and kept my anxiety down!!!! He actually takes time and listen to you works so hard and keeps you informed at all times!!!! Thank you again!!!!
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27 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I was more than satisfied with the service and the favorable deal he was able to get for me. highly recommended. this guy knows what he is doing
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18 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I have used Joe in two criminal cases. He is generous and always made me feel comfortable. He was committed to me and my family, and patient beyond all expectations. His process is smart, direct and powerful. We prevailed in both cases, and I would recommend Joe Cataldo to anyone who wants to win with dignity. Thank you Joe!
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06 Dec, 2008 by Anonymous
very good lawyer highly recommended

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16 Feb, 2016 by Laura
I have had the privilege of working with Attorney Michelle Raymond on two separate occasions over the course of ten years. In both cases, Attorney Raymond provided a sought-after combination of exemplary Legal expertise, efficiency, compassionate guidance and kindness. She helped me navigate the unfamiliar territory of Divorce by providing the information and direction I needed with clear organization and care. As a professional Airline Pilot, I brought unique circumstances to the table. Attorney Raymond was able to work with me to resolve each issue particular to my case with ease. Her calm, confident manner was deeply reassuring to me, both in individual meetings and in Court. She guided me to the resources and support I needed during extraordinarily challenging times. Additionally, both cases were handled in a timely and favorably effective manner. I recommend Attorney Michelle Raymond most highly. I am deeply grateful for her professionalism, and I would not hesitate to call her again should the need arise.
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18 May, 2015 by Gloria
My experience with Michelle Raymond, despite the circumstances, has been a very good one. I feel very fortunate to have Michelle representing me. She has provided me with excellent legal services and advice, is professional, experienced and kind, and has given me the strength to get through what has turned out to be the most challenging time of my life. My personal situation has been complicated by many factors including divorce, a difficult custody battle, my older daughter's subsequent mental health issues, drug addiction and attempts to end her life, and my younger daughter's emotional distress from all the turmoil. My only regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to have Michelle represent me during my divorce, the outcome of which may have been the same but the experience, I am certain, would have been far less painful. Thank you, Michelle, for standing beside me with sound guidance, in front of me when I need protection, and behind me in case I fall.
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10 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I went through some rough times. Attorney Ira Yellin put his all into it and made us feel very comfortable, compassionate lawyer. He truly is the best lawyer ever. He's ours forever and prior to him I didn't trust attorneys as in the past my old "disbarred " lawyer took me for a ride. I have such respect he says what he is going to do and does it
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21 Apr, 2020 by Dave
We have been in business for almost 20 years. Over that time we looked for a reliable and reasonable source for straight forward legal advice. After many failures we found Mike Doherty. That was several years ago and today Mike has handled and advised us through every turn. I couldn't give him a higher recommendation.
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21 Apr, 2020 by Robert
Attorney Doherty has been our primary counselor for all Kavak matters since 2003. He has successfully handled numerous real estate and banking transactions, family law and estate planning matters as well as general business guidance.
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07 Jul, 2017 by Dan
For those of you in the Franklin MA or 495 mid-beltway area looking for a top shelf business litigation Attorney, I have a solid recommendation for you - reach out to Michael Doherty - Attorney at Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C. Mike assisted me with a case over the last year which was recently resolved due to his outstanding facilitation and due diligence. Mike is a highly professional counselor who provided superior guidance. I was glad to have him in my corner. I highly recommend Mike!
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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 Franklin, 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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