Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Efficient and effective litigation with a focus on strategic interests
“Joe has provided counsel on several real estate and insurance matters and litigates in an efficient and effective manner. He stays focused on the big picture and our strategic interests.”
2
Creative and practical approach to resolving matters
“He brings creativity and practical insight that gets matters resolved.”
3
Highly knowledgeable and experienced in various areas of law
“Joe is well versed in all aspects of real estate law along with being a licensed realtor.”
4
Excellent communicator and responsive to clients
“Joe was prompt in his communications with me, honest, and reasonable with his fees.”
5
Achieves favorable and efficient outcomes for clients
“We had a favorable and efficient outcome. If you are looking for a personalized, timely, efficient, accurate, and knowledgeable attorney to represent you, I would highly recommend Joe.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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15 Aug, 2024 by Andre s. kohn
TLDR: Great Lakes employs attorneys that are not only terrible at their job, but who will overbill you and treat you terribly. You are doing yourself a tremendous disservice taking your business to Great Lakes. Kim Browning in particular is the single worst attorney I have ever had to deal with. She is both not very good at the legal aspect of her job, nor the customer service aspect. She ended up billing me 3x higher than her initial estimate despite the fact that the case proceeded exactly as anticipated without any sort of hiccups. What's more, despite the case progressing exactly as anticipated, she never gave me a clear understanding about what the next steps would be. Worst, she WILL NOT RESPOND TO YOU. Despite paying her over $10k, she could not bother to respond to simple "yes" "no" emails without me having to send them to her 3+ times. Please take your business elsewhere. With Great Lakes and Kim, all you'll get is a massive bill and disappointment.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Tik toker
Kimberly Browning and Stephanie Taylor helped me through the hardest thing I had to go through in life. I lost my dad and didn't know what to do next. Kimberly over heard me talking to people at court trying to figure out what to do next and offered to help. They have been amazing the whole year they helped me with my dad's estate. They always answered my questions. And I was always able to get ahold of them which was very important to me. I highly suggest great lakes family & estates!!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Greggory walton
I am very Grateful, and Thankful for Great Lakes Probate! Kimberly, and Stephanie have worked with me, and family diligently. I had so much on my plate as personal Rep, and they were there for direction, and so much support. Never skipped a beat Very Professional. Me, and my family definitely made the right choice when we selected Great Lakes Probate & Estates! Thank You!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Norma dell palen
Kim and her staff were excellent and went above and beyond my expectations. Thank you during a difficult time...
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15 Aug, 2024 by Tanya heard
My experience with this company was very rewarding as I learned to work with professional attorneys who truly cared about the client which in our case was my niece. I loved working specifically with Stephanie Taylor and Kimberly Browning because they were available immediately at all times as they responded to all of my concerns, questions or comments in the same day or no later than the next day. I really appreciated being able to hire this firm to assist me with my duties as Trustee according to my brother's will and with assisting the beneficiary, my niece. I will gladly refer this administration to other friends and family members who need assistance from a firm that is fair and extremely reasonable. Thank you so much! TDH
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28 Oct, 2022 by Brittney
Dave was amazing every step of the way. He listened to every little detail and made sure that I was always informed and my questions were always answered. He truly was a blessing to work with and I have used him multiple times so far and wouldnt ever go elsewhere!
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27 Oct, 2022 by David sandercott
David Sebastian handled my divorce for me was very professional and efficient. I would highly recommend his firm.
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20 Oct, 2022 by Amber
David went the extra mile to make sure I was defended in my lawsuit. He was realistic about setting up my expectations for the outcome & walked me through the entire legal process. He did research on previous lawsuits of this type & fact checked all my documents to ensure I was fully ready for the deposition. David was compassionate towards my situation & worked hard to understand my side of the story. He was able to get a better outcome for me than I had anticipated which I am fully satisfied with. I have used David's services in the past & he is always consistent about his process, the fees associated & the expected outcome. I would recommend his services to my closest friends & family members.
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13 Mar, 2016 by Stephanie
Al Holtz is a superb attorney. He handled my stressful divorce with respect and grace. I felt safe and confident with Al. My divorce and custody were finalized beyond my expectation, Al's personal attention went above and beyond any expectation.
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23 Jan, 2015 by Bonita
I had the fortunate experience of having Albert Holtz to advise and represent me in my unfortunate life experience...a divorce from my husband of 31 years. I went to Attorney Holtz (Al) with no knowledge of how to proceed or what to expect in filing for divorce. His professionalism, expertise, courtesy and care gave me peace of mind. He was up-front, open and honest. He kept me abreast as to what to expect every step of the way. He watched out for me in every aspect of the divorce process. Al gave me confidence and courage in the face of adversity. Albert, I can't say thank you enough. ... "IF WORDS COULD EXPRESS" If words could express my gratitude they would have a heart so full that it palpitates on the verge of a quiet combustion with beams of red, yellow, orange and blue; The words would be warm to the touch; They would feel cozy and soft; They would speak with a quiet and sincere voice; If words could express... If words could express my appreciation They would have trotting feet racing to meet you; They would have a face that shines like the sun and a head held down in respect; They would have a heart so full that it palpitates on the verge of a quiet combustion with beams of red, yellow, orange and blue; The words would be warm to the touch; They would feel cozy and soft; They would speak with a quiet and sincere voice and say, "Thank you. Your caring way means so much to me." ~Bonita
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22 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Al Holtz to anyone who is looking for an attorney. While searching for a divorce lawyer, I interviewed three attorneys (both men and women) and am very glad that I selected Al. He is experienced, knowledgeable, and cares about his client as well. Al takes the time to get to know his client and listens to what is important to them. He is patient, hard working, efficient and keeps his client well informed on the progress of their case. As my divorce progressed, I felt that I could completely trust Al to take care of my interests and to manage my case. I was very satisfied with the outcome of my divorce. I would highly recommend Al Holtz.
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04 Jun, 2024 by Dana schell
Jose Fanego is an EXCELLENT attorney in times of trouble. He is kind, compassionate, and gets to know your individual situation thoroughly. Jose is great at keeping in contact regarding updates on your case and answering any questions. His speaking and presentation skills are top knotch. I highly, highly recommend him.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I was convicted of a white-collar crime and charged with a felony. Mr. Fanego has a thorough knowledge of criminal law and was determined to defend my case. I was worried I would lose everything including my freedom. His calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about the most. My children and I are eternally grateful for his service and recommend Mr. Fanego without reservation. Jose got my charge down to a misdemeanor, with two years probation. No jail time. My probation officer tried to extend my probation sentencing for another year, and Jose got me off of that too. He is the G.O.A.T of attorneys. I promise you this!
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star star star star star
16 Sep, 2018 by Michael mcclellan
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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?
    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.

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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:
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  • 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:
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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:
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  • Written Summary:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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