Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Exceptional legal knowledge and expertise in family law
“Kirk's expansive, thorough and accurate knowledge of the law is not only astounding, but comforting.”
2
Personalized and attentive client service
“Kirk took the time to really understand my situation and I felt like he genuinely cared about helping me bring my case to the best outcome possible.”
3
Highly responsive and communicative
“Whenever a development came up, I would almost immediately know about it.”
4
Ability to explain complex legal matters in simple terms
“Kirk took the time to explain very complex law to me in laymen's terms, and was extremely good at it.”
5
Effective legal strategy and advocacy
“Kirk can give a very good high level overview, but focus on the details that really matter in order to build a solid, well thought out strategy.”
Cons
1
Occasionally charging higher fees than other firms
“As far as his knowledge and expertise in his field of Law and the ability to execute his service in the courrt room he is far better than the lawyer from another Firm that charged way more than Kirk for far worse results.”
2
Potential issues with responsiveness or availability in some cases
“I called in to ask if the firm was a participant in a legal insurance program that I have through work, and to ask if Civil Litigation was one of their practice areas. The secretary transferred me to Mr. Coughlin, who asked for details about my case in order to answer those questions. After a brief overview, he said that Civil Lit was one of their practice areas, but was not sure if they accepted my legal insurance. Jump forward a month later - I get a bill for the call. I call the office to get clarity, because those two questions should be reasonably answered without cost (each time had to leave a message). After weeks without a call back, I get a strongly worded letter stating that since I didn't pay, they were not going to represent me....which was okay since I never hired them.”

All reviews

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16 Sep, 2024 by Otfasa
Best lawyer me and my family have dealt with.
star star star star star
13 Sep, 2024 by Cheryl spurgeon
They don't return calls or communicate! I would NOT recommend this law firm!
star star star star star
06 Sep, 2024 by Kyle davis
star star star star star
03 Sep, 2024 by Pasana secic
I made a big mistake getting this lawyer daydream me out of my savings my checking account they send me invoice every 2 weeks I mean all big numbers I lost 30,000 on top of that it took them 9 months to do nothing and then call me to say is nothing they can do unbelievable did the worst lawyer you can ever think the name is cricket they will turn you into a nightmare for a year or sometime long so if you got it now go up there close the case find you another lawyer you have time if you ready just to just give the money only thing they going to say we care for our client don't go for that I had Adam then the change to a lady name Mia Malone she closed my case and still send me an invoice I'm telling you if you ready to go down that rabbit hole that this is the lawyer to find there are no good I mean the worst one you can ever think they took my money every two weeks for 9 months I lost $30,000 I'm giving this message to get more awareness of people that get lawyers please review first before you get it I made a mistake and I lost I am in the nightmares right now Mia Malone told me she can't do nothing but took all my money and make me steady put money in my trust account at least four or five times for 2200 knowing they're going into my checking account remind you that I do not have no words to say how experience I had with them she told me send those invoice so I can go through them they double charge me all that time I asked for dispute they denied it I've seen about 20 to 30 invoice for her to go through them to get some of my money back only things she can say is nothing we can do
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03 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie lane
Conlan and Keith were extremely helpful and caring with my situation and I definitely recommend using them. The communication and explanation of what was going on was very helpful and I could tell that they were very interested in helping me fully handle my case.
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Best lawyers in Clayton, MO

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star star star star star
15 Jan, 2017 by Jordan
I'm a small business owner, and I was recently approached by a person that had an interest in buying my business. I hired attorney Steven J. Bernstein to represent me and to negotiate on my behalf. Steven was excellent in all aspects. I strongly believe that Mr. Bernstein earnestly represented my interests at all times throughout the proceedings. I would highly recommend attorney Steven J. Bernstein.
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star star star star star
15 Mar, 2015 by Daniel
I was referred to Mr. Eggmann for a bankruptcy matter in Missouri by another attorney involving a con artist posing as a priest on the run. I couldn't have been more pleased with the work product and professionalism of Mr. Eggmann and his firm.
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star star star star star
07 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Andrew is a candid and excellent communicator. He made the process simple and handled it with a sense of humor. Direct and and the point, Andrew was a pleasure to work with.
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star star star star star
22 Jun, 2023 by Natasha
Filing bankruptcy was an extremely easy process with Mr Smith. He was very personable as well as extremely knowledgeabl. A great price and a great experience. I'm very grateful and thankful I found him. I highly recommend him.
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star star star star star
19 Feb, 2023 by Jacqueline
Andrew is a very nice and well educated person. He help me get back on the right path. I will recommend him to everyone that need to get back on the right track. Thank you so much.
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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 Clayton, Missouri?

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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