Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Experienced and professional law firm
“Experienced. Professional. Effective. This firm is the best around. I highly recommend them.”
2
Effective in helping clients get justice
“I was impressed how they helped the families of Holyoke Soldiers Home get the justice they deserved. They are highly recommended.”
3
Lawyers who are approachable and trustworthy
“Lawyers you can talk to and trust”
Cons
1
Lack of effort and advocacy for the client
“He did absolutely nothing!! I was told to comply when that insurance company was just out to cover their guilty rears. They forced me to go to a quack practitioner 'specialist' that favored the insurance company, for the purpose of hurting my strong case.”
2
Prioritizing insurance company interests over client's
“He in fact helped their insurance company weasel out of paying by making me go to their chosen con-man who would favor them by lying and claiming there was nothing wrong.”
3
Unwilling to pursue fair compensation for the client
“The fact that I suffered concussion and force that literally jolted my teeth along with other various injury and psychological trauma of fear of riding in cars or driving, other injuries, has cost my life immensely and that he felt that was worth ZERO leaves the fault and blame on him. That wasn't right nor fair. I wasn't out to get rich but I was due compensation.”

All reviews

star star star star star
06 Dec, 2022 by Melissa house
I was the victim in a taxi cab ride accident. I certainly was hurt and suffered permenant damage both physically as well as emotionally/psychologically. This firm was recommended to me by a neighbor who said they were excellent with handling accident claims and had represented a tenant who used to live in the complex, they helped her successfully. I dealt with Attorney Aleo. He did absolutely nothing!! I was told to comply when that insurance company was just out to cover their guilty rears. They forced me to go to a quack practitioner "specialist" that favored the insurance company, for the purpose of hurting my strong case. This shameless specialist whom I don't recall was in Westfield and is affiliated with Dr. O'Connell in Northampton, King Quack!!!! Lawyer Aleo did nothing and put zero effort in, resulting in NOT A PENNY because "Mass Health has you covered", no they did not!! Even so, when an accident like this occurs, there is accountability to be had and severe trauma. Plenty of people are insured, that doesn't replace needing to take legal action and suing on someone's behalf. He in fact helped their insurance company weasel out of paying by making me go to their chosen con-man who would favor them by lying and claiming there was nothing wrong. You don't take a hit like that and suffer a concussion for "nothing to have occured & nothing is wrong". I continued to suffer for years and that has not changed. The fact that I suffered concussion and force that literally jolted my teeth along with other various injury and psychological trauma of fear of riding in cars or driving, other injuries, has cost my life immensely and that he felt that was worth ZERO leaves the fault and blame on him. That wasn't right nor fair. I wasn't out to get rich but I was due compensation. My glasses were broken and my neck never recovered and in fact has worsened. I never got to see a dentist. He's in cahoots with the insurance industry & establishment that want to see to it those who suffer don't get what they're fairly due. Lazy lawyer!!!! Out for their interest and NOT yours. AVOID AVOID AVOID!! They are only interested in catastrophic cases they see easy millions in. If that isn't you, you're better off not contacting this place and finding a lawyer who will value what you experienced and get you rightful compensation but these lawyers will ruin your case. So if you think there is no harm in trying, think again. This Aleo was looking out for the evil insurer, NOT me the victim. Stay away and spread the word. There are better lawyers out there!!
star star star star star
30 May, 2022 by Elizabeth simpson
Consummate professionals.
star star star star star
30 May, 2022 by James balicki
Experienced. Professional. Effective. This firm is the best around. I highly recommend them.
star star star star star
27 May, 2022 by Jeffrey trask
Outstanding law firm! I was impressed how they helped the families of Holyoke Soldiers Home get the justice they deserved. They are highly recommended.
star star star star star
14 Sep, 2020 by James copen
Lawyers you can talk to and trust
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26 Jul, 2021 by Llama
David Bloomberg has guided our family through our first home purchase, refinance, home sale and second home purchase. He is detailed and clear in all of his work, and truly connects with our family to ensure that our priorities are central to his work.
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27 Jan, 2021 by Shaul
As a developer and contractor, we sought sophisticated legal counsel with vast real estate, land use, banking and commercial transactions experience. We also sought someone with skill in collaborative and collegial negotiation. We were lucky to find that in Attorney David Bloomberg. We have been working with him, and the other fine attorneys and staff at Fierst Blomberg and Ohm LLP, including Attorney Nicolas Grimaldi, for some years, and have developed great trust and comfort working through many closings and business deals. We were able to keep our tight schedules (even through the pandemic). It's a testament to David that we find him to also be highly regarded by other lawyers, bankers, real estate professionals, government officials and within the local community. David is honest, straight forward, and a deal maker.
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22 Jan, 2021 by Hilary
David Bloomberg is smart, thoughtful, responsive, organized and a pleasure to work with! I both sold a house and bought a house using David, and will seek him out again when I next need legal help. I appreciate the work he has done for the community and enjoyed working and talking with him.
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07 Jun, 2023 by James deragon
Over the course of one weekend, I suddenly found both of my elderly parents in the hospital. One of them would need to move into a nursing home almost immediately as the other recovered. Only, I had no clue how to even begin this process. An event like this is emotionally draining, and now, needing to quickly find a nursing home on top of this, was overwhelming. The nursing homes are ready to take patients, eager for them. Bring them on, private pay! Only going to cost you thousands of dollars a month. Easy. When I called Spencer Ghazey-Bates, this is where I was, completely lost and overwhelmed, prepared for my parents to lose a lifetime of gathered assets within the year. After getting off the phone, this all changed. I had a plan of action. I had reassurances from an expert that has done this time and time again for other families. An overall plan was made, steps were given, one at a time, so as not to be overwhelming. I finally could feel like I knew what to do and could start sorting our lives out again while the paperwork was being taken care of by professionals. The nursing home's billing departments are experts at working for themselves. Without professional legal representation, I felt defenseless from their statements and bills. With Spencer, you have an export that works FOR YOU. Over the months of this process, we gracefully landed with my parent in a good nursing home and my parent’s assets intact. Every call, email, and text to Spencer and his team was answered quickly and professionally, and at times, I almost could forget about the furious amounts of paperwork going back and forth in the background. I was able to focus instead on my family. I cannot more highly recommend Spencer-Ghazey-Bates and his team for any elder planning you could need than I already have. If your family is having a crisis, or even just planning for a crisis, this is the team you want in your corner.
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star star star star star
30 Apr, 2023 by Ana caban
Spencer Ghazey-Barts and team were so helpful in analyzing my parent's situation and proposing the course of action. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and guidance. It will not be forgotten.
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19 Jun, 2021 by Jasper t
Spencer has been kind and patient, also very responsive and professional. Would be my first choice again in the future. Thank you.
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14 Oct, 2022 by Chris allen
We recently worked with Devlin through the mediation process, and in doing so had a great experience with him. He was very courteous, knowledgeable, impartial, timely, and extremely meticulous with detail. This consequently ensured our full understanding of the process and that we had completed everything appropriately. We highly recommend Devlin as a great resource for mediation!
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star star star star star
13 Nov, 2020 by Katherine waddell
Devlin is a terrific mediation lawyer and professional who I regularly refer couples to for mediation and collaborative divorce. I run a center for couples therapy and his practice is our go-to referral for many reasons. He is super smart and many couples I have referred to him have remarked on his warmth, fairness and professionalism in tough situations. We are lucky to have a mediation professional of this caliber in our Valley. Also he is just a really nice guy, not intimidating but effective.
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star star star star star
11 Jan, 2018 by Mike sorenson
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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 Northampton, 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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