Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Knowledgeable and skilled in the law
“Allan's guidance was instrumental in resolving my issue with government issued documents. His knowledge and professionalism was greatly appreciated.”
2
Attentive and responsive to client needs
“Mr. Marain was very patient and answered all my questions. I got the sense that he was not trying to rush me off the phone.”
3
Provides clear and thorough explanations
“He explained everything and wanted to make sure that by the time we were done I had a clear understanding and had no more questions or concerned.”
4
Empathetic and understanding
“Allan provided me not only accurate legal guidance but he was a source of hope and light during a challenging time in my life.”
5
Willing to go the extra mile to help clients
“He took the time to answer some questions and provide me with instructions on how to apply for my gun permit, even when I wasn't a client.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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26 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I had a very complicated case. A 1st degree felony with intent to deliver. My future looked bleak. I had almost given up as I had thought this was an impossible case and I would never receive an expungement. The courts, lawyers, judges, all told me no. Not Mr. Marain, he was up for the challenge. He was always available, understanding, empathetic, intelligent, and he knows law better than anyone else I had ever encountered. He's very by the book and thorough if you have a case that you believe is eligible for expungement no matter how complicated it is you need to give Allan Marain a call. He will fight for you when no one else will. It wasn't easy, lots of bumps in the road, but we did it. He changed the trajectory of my life and I am forever grateful!
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30 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Alan provided me not only accurate legal guidance but he was a source of hope and light during a challenging time in my life. I’m extremely grateful. Another testimony there are ‘good’ professionals who care @ their work and the people they help. Thank you very much.
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01 Nov, 2022 by Rciv
I spoke to Mr. Marain today on a PTC issue in Paterson. I was pleasently suprised on the time he spent with me going over my situation and offering the best possible outcomes he could foresee under the circumstances. Mr. Marain is articulate and empathetic...I hate to say my past experiences with other lawyers were not as easy going and welcoming as this. He heard me out with out interuption and was very transparent in what I should do and not do...I recommend Mr.Marain if your looking for one of the good ones...actaully one of theh best one's!!!!!
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04 Oct, 2022 by Jean
Lawyer explained to me the court process and how long it might take including cost and fees. Also the possibility of results. Mr Marain was the only attorney that bothers to call me back about my situation. He's very polite and a good listener
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09 Aug, 2022 by Dan
Allan was patient and thoughtful, took the time to explain every detail of what my situation might ultimately result in and offered several solutions to my dilemma. He treated me with respect and understanding. I was thorougly impressed at his professionalism, candor and experience in this particular part of the law, and would certainly reccomend him to anyone with gun registration/licensing/identification/laws. He also directed me to his website, which is packed full of usefull information.
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Best lawyers in New Brunswick, NJ

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14 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Josh was a fantastic lawyer from start to finish - and after! I got arrested for the first time ever and was charged with 4th degree Stalking. The whole story was overblown by the police and prosecutors, to the point that even the "victims" were not adamant about my arrest - they repeatedly declined to even file complaints against me for harassment when encouraged by police. Furthermore, police repeatedly asked two children and two parents in as many suggestive ways as they could about whether or not I had acted sexually inappropriate towards them - time and time again, they all denied it. The whole thing was a mess. The prosecutor and police were overzealous and I feel used inaccurate and false information to give to the judge. Josh was an unbelievable help and without him and as hard as he tried to stand up for my rights this could've turned out so much worse. He went the extra mile. First, the state filed to have me detained. Josh immediately worked on ways to get me on pretrial release. I was in jail for 14 days. Josh filed motion after motion trying to get me out. He had me do psychological evaluations and used them, in addition to other evidence, to speak to different judges for my release. His representation of me was strong and his arguments right on point. One judge finally let me out on home detention. The prosecution appealed the judge, and the appellate court took my side. After 50 days on house arrest, Josh worked hard to let me leave NJ to go home to another state - something rarely allowed. He put together an excellent motion spelling out every point to the judge which showed, clear as day, that it was absurd to keep me on home detention because of financial hardship. The prosecution fought this, but after another psychological eval., I was free! At my PIP date, the prosecution didn't offer me a plea! Josh got me to apply to PTI, and the probation dept. rejected my app. Somehow, Josh was able to miraculously get the prosecution to allow me into PTI anyway. One final date came - I had a choice to plead not guilty and go to trial or plead guilty and get into PTI conditional on a guilty plea for 3 years with a psychological eval. and possible treatment. Right down to the end I wanted to fight it but Josh encouraged me to take the deal. I'm confident if I went to trial Josh would've been my first pick. He also raised 4th amendment issues and was confident he could've had evidence thrown out at trial. Finally, I think he did a great job behind the scenes working with the prosecutor's office to get a resolution. My point in telling all this is to say how thrilled I am with his representation. No lawyer is a miracle worker, and this didn't turn out perfectly, but I'll be no one could've done a better job or would've tried harder than he. He was also very respectful to me the whole time, listened well, was always available for questions, made the proper suggestions, etc. He visited me in jail periodically for updates. He spoke in a commanding and intelligent manner to the judge and his arguments were clear. He went the extra mile and tried hard - even got my PTI moved to another state. He even followed up afterwards, and after my plea, he walked me over to the probation office on the street. Great lawyer, great guy, great representation, and great effort! I recommend him highly - you'll get a slightly above average price for WAY above average representation and stellar effort!! Criminal charges are a mess, so get yourself a good lawyer who cares and will put in the time! 9 out of 10!
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03 May, 2019 by Nia
I was referred to Craig Aronow through a friend. Being young I did not know much about the law. From the moment I sat down with Craig he was nothing but patient, considerate, and super supportive. I was always filled with a ton of questions and he always got back to me within the same day to answer them. This I found super helpful when you have a million things running through your mind. I commend the fact Craig always gave me options to go about handling my case in different ways and always kept me informed. The best part was having him give me a list of things I needed to complete on my end from day one till the end. The list was always easy to understand for someone who knows nothing about the law. I also enjoyed working with his Paralegal Nyree, she went above and beyond to help me and always worked around my schedule to get things done. She was always readily available and as patient as they come! I Couldn’t have picked a better team to work with!
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08 Aug, 2018 by Rosie
I was in a car accident about 3 years ago. Not knowing what to do, we (my husband and I) were referred to Mr. Mr. Aronow through a family member. He came highly recommended and we were told he is the best you can get. So we scheduled an appointment to meet with him at his firm. From the moment we met him and shook his hands, we knew we were in the right place, with the right person and in good hands. Mr. Aronow exuded such calmness, caringness, knowledge, respect and most importantly, professionalism during the meeting process. He listened to us contently and then explained to us in detail the whole process. He told us how everything will start from beginning to end. He showed us such compassion that was so greatly needed to get us through this ordeal. As time went on, before the successful conclusion of the case, Mr. Aronow and his assistant, Nyree Benitez, were so accommodating whenever we had questions or concerns. They were always available to answer all of our questions and address our concerns that pertained to the case as it progressed. They were very prompt with answers and advice either through emails or phone calls. Nyree was such a huge help in this whole process. She was so wonderful with helping us with all of our concerns. She made us, especially me, feel at ease. She listened, assisted us with all of our needs and explained all of the litigation terminology that we were not accustomed to so well. With such professionalism, we knew that this case was going to have a great outcome. Mr. Aronow did not fail us but fought for us. He was with us every step of the way which made it so much easier for us to stay calm. He guided us the best way possible and always kept us informed on the status of our case. At the end, Mr. Aronow did such a fantastic job that we won our case. With him by our side, we were awarded a settlement that we were very happy with. My husband and I would highly recommend Mr. Aronow to anyone whether it may be a family member, a friend or anyone who is looking for a great lawyer. He and his firm is the place to go to when you need proper guidance and professionals to represent you. His vast knowledge and humble demeanor was such an asset to our case. We thank him so very much for all he has done for us.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Ana
After being involved in an auto accident in May 2013, I retained an attorney to handle my case. Almost a year later, I realized this attorney did not have the necessary experience the case warranted. Then a highly respected colleague referred me to Craig Aronow and his firm. From the very start I could tell he had the experience I was looking for. He explained the whole process and not only did he answer every question and concern I had, but he went above and beyond my expectations. He told me to focus on my recovery and in getting better and that he would handle the rest. From that point forward, I knew in my heart I was in "good" hands and that this time I had the "right" attorney. While we were ready to go to trial , Craig put his super litigation skills to work and was able to settle the case. I am so happy that he was to obtain more money than what I expected. As far as the office staff, there are no words to express how pleased I am with Nyree Benitez, paralegal to Craig. She was very caring and was always concerned about my well-being. My calls and emails never once went unanswered. She did an outstanding job. It was definitely a pleasure to work with Craig and his staff and I would recommend this firm to anyone with no doubts.
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15 Jul, 2021 by Robert
Katherine isn’t just a good lawyer she’s a good person I was picked up on a Thursday night with a bench warrant and if it wasn’t for Katherine I would have spent the entire weekend in jail but because she cares and is good at her job the next day I was home. I gave her plenty of reasons to dump me as a client but she stuck with me. There is no doubt in my mind that if I had any other attorney the outcome would be much worse for me. I’m forever grateful for Katherine and the service she provides,
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14 Jan, 2015 by Rebecca
Katherine Caola is a fantastic attorney. She is professional with a complete understanding of the law. She not only kept me informed about the status of my matter, she also explained very clearly each step in the process so I understood what was happening. She is compassionate and will fight for her clients.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Katherine diligently helped me litigate against a state agency. She conducted hours of research and worked seamlessly with a team of attorneys. She was the point person on various aspects of this case, and worked my case as if it were her own. I hope to never need a lawyer again, but if I do I am calling her.
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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:

  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 New Brunswick, 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.
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