Lawyers map
Is this your profile? Claim it for free in just a few minutes!
Janet Chaplan Pew
51 Warren Pl, Montclair, NJ
Practices
1.0
Avvo rating
1 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.
License
License ID number: -
Licensed in: -
Year admitted: -
Education
N/A:
Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law
1984:
Yale University, BA,
Last reviews
See All Reviews
Overall rating
1.0
1 reviews
1.0
Andrea
13 Aug, 2018
My sister and I hired Janet Chaplan Pew in January of 2018 when my father had a heart attack and we needed someone to help apply for his Medicaid application. We had spoken to a few Medicaid specialists who seemed competent, but decided to hire a lawyer in case there were any difficulties with our dad's case and we needed someone to advocate on our behalf. We hired Janet, who talked a good game, but after we hired her, we realized she had only applied for one other Medicaid application before, and that was with the help of her Paralegal-- and what was a big red flag for me, was that when I would ask her questions and mention to her what the other Medicaid agencies were doing, she would ask me in-depth questions about their procedures, as if she wanted to know what SHE should be doing, and in one case I had a hand-out of another agency's list of procedures they followed to get Medicaid, and she asked me for a copy, (I gave it to her). By this time, it was too late to hire another Medicaid specialist, and I was filled with grief over the fear that my father would die, busy making medical decisions for him, taking the train back and forth from Boston to NJ to take care of my dad, it was exhausting, and Janet took advantage of that. The final injury, was that she finally managed to get $10,000 of our dad's money-- in the beginning she promised it would never be more than the $5,000 another agency was charging, even though she charged by the hour. She assured me her fee would never go as high as these other agencies. But she kept asking for more money and we gave it to her. I realize Medicaid is a complicated application, but it's still only an application that simply requires accurate and complete information, and my dad was a perfect candidate for Medicaid. I don't know why she kept asking for more money, we gave her all the information she needed--I assume it just simply took her longer to do the application since she had little experience and didn't understand the ins and outs. (and maybe she figured she might as well ask for more money since we had to run down our dad's money anyway). In May, we gave Janet an additional $3,000 in case we needed her to help us with any difficulties after the application went through. But my dad died on June 3rd and the application never went through, and so that $3,000 was never spent by her/she did no work for that money. When I spoke with her about a month later, she refused to return the unused money. Her reason for not returning the money was this: "Oh, there are lots of reasons I can't return the money." I was astonished. She then sent us a lawyerly letter explaining how she had used/or would use the money in the future. It was incomprehensible. I spoke and called her again, she didn't return my calls, but finally agreed to return $2,700 of the money (I don't know why she didn't return the full $3,000). She wrote a check out to the estate of my father. I will say, she seemed nice in the beginning, she always responded to my calls, even if she did tend to go off on strange tangents during our conversations and wouldn't let me get a work in edge wise, and she seemed eager to do a good job in the beginning. I think ultimately she was in over her head. The most disappointing and hurtful thing was her greed with our dying dad's money. I realize that there are people who go into elder care because they really care about the elderly, and people who go into elder care because they see it as a quick way to fill out an application and make some good money. It hurts, and I never want another family to go through what we did. We needed help, and instead we found someone who took advantage of our fears and sadness to make a buck. I hope this review helps.
Read more
Best lawyers in Montclair, NJ
21 Jan, 2020 by Xavier abreu cedeno
27 Nov, 2024 by Matthew rechs
Trust me on this one: you want Melanie on your side when dealing with a complex, important, stressful transaction.
Read more
21 Oct, 2023 by Brian l
21 Jan, 2023 by Daryn wolfson
If you want a top-tier attorney who is a wealth of knowledge and tirelessly fights for you - Melanie Factor is who to call.
Read more
17 Feb, 2019 by Alexis justiniano
23 Mar, 2017 by Muriel g
Best lawyer by far!!
Read 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:
-
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. -
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. -
Who will be handling my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
What potential outcomes can I expect?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the expected timeline for my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What challenges do you foresee in my case?
Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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 Montclair, New Jersey?
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.
