Dennis Francis Desmarais, experienced Family Law, Immigration attorney in Springfield, MA with 114 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Average 39,28
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Dennis Francis Desmarais

1380 Main Street, Suite 413, Springfield, MA

star star star star star
4.6 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.6
info
Google reviews rating
113 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Education

1993:
Western New England University School of Law, JD - Juris Doctor
1985:
Weston Jesuit School of Theology, MA - Masters
1980:
College of the Holy Cross, BA

Last reviews

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.6 114 reviews
Avvo 5.0
Google Maps 4.6

Rxmlaa moge

star star star star star
06 Feb, 2025
Most honest and trustworthy person , he will go above and beyond for you , thank you !
Read more Google Maps

Natasha zavala

star star star star star
06 Dec, 2024
Google Maps

Manuel santiago

star star star star star
02 Dec, 2024
Google Maps

Top review highlights

Pros
1
Knowledgeable, experienced, and effective lawyers who achieve favorable outcomes for clients
“Dan is a very knowledgeable and experienced lawyer. From start to finish, I could not be more pleased with my experience! He is definitely the guy to have on your side.”
2
Exceptional communication and responsiveness
“Attorney Daly was nothing short of amazing. He was beyond helpful and the outcome of my case was better than I could have imagined. An absolute professional!!”
3
Genuine care and dedication for their clients
“Dan Daly gets results and does not waste time doing it. Handled a traffic problem for me better than I anticipated and just days after retaining his services. Top shelf barrister.”
4
Aggressive and thorough representation in court
“Watching Attorney Girard during our 3 day trial made me tear up with joy. Without her knowledge, passion and courage... I don't know what I would have done!”
5
Ability to navigate complex legal systems and achieve the best possible outcomes
“Claudette is very organized, well prepared, and knowledgeable about every aspect in the divorce process. Everything worked out fairly due to Claudette's hard work, expertise, and knowledge in Family Law.”
Cons
1
Inconsistent quality of service and communication
“Horrible experience.. Friends with opposing attorney. They went to school together. Emails between her and other attorney clearly show the nature of their friendship,Faulty legal advise ,lied about the admissibility of txt messages. Ignored direct evidence ,refused to report serious contempt of court by the opposing party. Corruption runs Deep in the sprinfield court system.”
2
Overpricing and billing issues
“What a joke. Friends with opposing attorney, ignored additional documents, pertinent information, and ended up getting a worse deal than the algorithms by law in Massachusetts. Just an extremely messy situation which could've been resolved so much better if both parties had better attorneys.”

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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?
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  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
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  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
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  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 Springfield, 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:
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  • 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
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    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
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  • Pen and Notebook:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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