All reviews

star star star star star
17 Jan, 2022 by Mary
Attorney DiBlasi handled four real estate transactions (sales) for me. This was new territory for me and he was most helpful and reassuring. The properties all sold within a few weeks of being on the market. I think he is smart, thoughtful and was always available to me.
star star star star star
25 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Very impressed. Joe has handled a few different matters for me and my family. He was always on top of each matter. He often contacted us and kept us in the loop each step of the way- we never had to chase him for updates. Very knowledgeable and very personable. He has a friendly, patient, and calming manner.

Best lawyers in North Reading, MA

See more
star star star star star
13 Feb, 2014 by Doris
I had never hired a lawyer before, so I asked some friends about their lawyers. Two of them said that I should see Roberta, who lives in my town. I was nervous when I called, but her secretary, Jeanne, was very friendly. Jeanne asked me some questions, to make sure that Roberta could handle my case, and set up an appointment. She told me the first consultation was free. When I walked in, there was the cutest dog I have ever seen (he is Roberta's dog). His name is Sam. Jeanne asked me if I was ok with dogs. I was (I have three dogs), so I played with him until Roberta met with me. Roberta was very friendly and asked a lot of questions about me, my health, my children, and why I was meeting with her. It was very easy to talk to her. I told her I needed a Will. She explained that I should also have a Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy. She asked me if I was concerned about protecting my house and savings if I had to go into a nursing home. I was glad she asked. I was worried about it, but didn't know how to ask about what I could do. I didn't want the State to take my housel. She told me about MassHealth, a program that pays for the nursing home. She asked if my husband (he died three years ago) was a veteran. When I said that he served in World War II, she said that I could apply for Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits if I needed money to pay home health aides to help me stay in my home. She also said that I should contact the local Elder Services Agency if I need help to stay in my home. She also explained that if I did no planning, all of my savings and my house could be lost if I had to go into a nursing home. She told me about deeding my house to my children with a life estate for me and setting up a trust that could not be changed. It was a lot of information. Roberta could tell I was confused, so she suggested that we have a second meeting, with my children there. She said that my children would be involved in my estate planning, and they should understand the ways I could protect my house and savings. We had a second meeting with my children at the meeting. After the meeting, we decided that the Trust (an irrevocable trust) was the best way to protect my home and savings. Roberta sent documents to me and my children with a letter explaining everything. I went over the documents with my children. I didn't understand some of the legal language, but my children did, so I felt good about signing the documents. We had a third meeting. Roberta explained everything again before we signed, to make sure that we understood and then we signed the documents. I am so glad I called her. I didn't think that an attorney would be that friendly. She did her best to make sure that I (and my children) understood the documents that we were signing. I admit I don't understand everything, but my children do. And I trust Roberta. I feel like that I did the right things to protect my home and my savings. Roberta is very smart and knows a lot about programs for older clients. My children also like her. My son is going to do his estate plan with her. I like everything about going to her office. There are bowls of candy and I really like her dog, Sam.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
16 Nov, 2011 by Jeanne
I called Attorney Schreiber because my mother has alheimers. She was living with me and my family, and we were all stressed out. I have a part time job, a husband and three children. Someone had to watch my mother all of the time. We had to figure out how to keep her from wandering away from the house or turning on the stove and leaving an empty pot on it. I was exhausted by the time I met with Roberta. The first thing that she did was help us get a Personal Care Attendant through MassHealth, at a very low cost to us. That really helped. When my mother got worse, Roberta helped us find a good nurinsg home nearby and she applied for MassHealth to pay for my mother's care. Roberta made things so much easier for me. She did all of the paperwork to get my mother benefits. She is a very caring person. She understood what I was going through (she told me that her father had been in a nursing home before he died). She always returned my calls. I am so grateful that I found her.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
11 Nov, 2011 by Jeff
I consulted Attorney Schreiber because I was appointed as Executor of my mother's estate. The first attorney that I hired was not responsive and did not tell me what to do after I was appointed. My sisters were asking what was happening, and I was not able to tell them. A friend told me about Attorney Schreiber and I made an appointment to meet with her. She and her assistant were friendly, and I liked them right away. I was offered cofffe, tea, or water and there was a plate of cookies. Attorney Schreiber was right on time. From the first meeting, she told me exactly what to do. She also gave me a checklist to consult after I left the office. She helped me find a good real estate broker and my mother's house was sold three months later. She told me how to close out my mother's bank accounts and she filled out the paperwork to sell the stock. She wrote to my sisters to tell them what was going on. She worked with my mother's accountant to make sure that the correct tax returns were filed. Everything was settled about eight months after I met with her. My sisters and I got our distributions and the estate was done. My sisters and I are very happy with Attorney Schreiber. She even returned telephone calls on the same day.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 May, 2010 by Florence
Attorney David Hoey help me and our family through a very difficult time, as my mother was poorly cared for and mistreated at her nursing home, a place we had trusted. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work he did. I can now put my mother peacefully to rest. Attorney Hoey is a wonderful person and should be proud of the profession he is in. I would recommend Attorney Hoey to anyone in need of a nursing home attorney.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
25 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I found Jessica through Avvo after I was raped on my college campus. Not only did she help to make my situation at school safer, she continuously checked in on me and recommended numerous helpful resources. These resources entirely benefitted me, she had nothing to gain from them. Jessica is extremely intelligent, empathetic, and, most importantly, great at her job. She answers emails quickly, takes the time to talk to you on the phone for as long as necessary, and is a fantastically eloquent writer. She has been such a big influence in my life, and because of her, I made the decison to be a lawyer myself and do work similar to hers. She has been a role model and a godsend for me and my family. If I could give her more than 5 stars, I would.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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 North Reading, 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.
Scroll to top