Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled attorney who is familiar with the local legal system and able to achieve favorable outcomes
“Sam was absolutly great, very understanding of my situation, helped me completely throught the entire process. He was fast to meet up and helped me resolve my case as soon as possible.”
2
Personable, caring, and empathetic approach that puts clients at ease during a stressful legal situation
“Not only did he competently represent me as a criminal defense attorney; he was proactive in a no win situation & gave me the best possible outcome. I watched defendants with the same plea deal get multiple years in prison. What I respected most about him was that he was personable while being professional. He legitimately cared about me.”
3
Responsive and accessible, providing timely updates and communicating effectively with clients
“Sam was very quick in his responses and has gone above and beyond in regards to answering all my questions related to the matter.”
Cons
1
Clients may have a tendency to contact the attorney frequently, which can add to the overall cost of legal services
“I called his office repeatedly, even though Sam tried to get me to stop, for the first month and a half after retaining his services...that only added to the bill. He is not a priest. Leave your lawyer to do his job and go find a priest or a good friend to talk to, its better that way.”
2
Lack of communication or responsiveness from the attorney's staff, which can be frustrating for clients
“He may be a good lawyer but I never got the chance to find out. After three phone calls speaking with Brittany I was promised he would return my phone call. And after three emails (one directly to Mr. Breslin) I still received no response. Horrible communication.”

All reviews

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19 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Breslin to represent me in a relatively straightforward misdemeanor larceny case and could not have been happier with the representation he provided as well as the outcome he procured for me. From the very beginning, he was reliable and quick in responding to my inquiries, and took the time to answer all of my questions in a thorough, kind, and professional way. My case was relatively minor, but I never felt that this affected his level of attention or commitment to my case. His fee structure was transparent and fair (he charges a flat fee for petit larceny cases), and payment was easy through an online system. Pandemic-related restrictions resulted in multiple delays with the courts (outside of anyone's control), but Mr. Breslin kept me informed and helped me navigate the changes in procedure; I always felt that I could count on him to provide the knowledge and support necessary to help me through the process. Additionally, Mr. Breslin demonstrated familiarity and experience with the local court, law enforcement, and prosecutorial professionals, and I gathered that his reputation within the local justice community was of great benefit to my case. Mr. Breslin was ultimately able to secure the best possible outcome for me, and I could not be happier with the way that he handled my case and treated me as a person—always with professionalism and respect. I could not recommend him highly enough and if I were ever in need of future legal representation he would be my first call.
star star star star star
24 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
He may be a good lawyer but I never got the chance to find out. After three phone calls speaking with Brittany I was promised he would return my phone call. And after three emails (one directly to Mr. Breslin) I still received no response. Horrible communication.
star star star star star
12 Oct, 2020 by Chris
I hired Sam Breslin for a DWI charge in Albany County and I could not be more pleased with my decision. This was one of the toughest situations in my life and I was interested in finding someone local to the area and specifically listed DWI law as one of their specialties which led me to Sam. His website was easy to use and people had written glowing reviews. What was even better, I was contacted within an hour or two on a Sunday by someone at the law group to collect the information of my case. When Sam called to talk, he could not have been a better human being. He was incredibly compassionate about the range of emotions I was experiencing and when it came to being a lawyer, he made it very simple to understand the law. While there was things I hoped could happen that the law does not allow, Sam did not make me feel like I wasted his time with my questions and that made it easier to appreciate and understand. He got right to work and did all the necessary due diligence and we were able to get quick resolution. I highly recommend Sam if you are in a similar situation as me because he really put me at ease. Not just a great lawyer but an excellent human being!
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10 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Sam was truly amazing. Unfortunately I was arrested for a second DWI which he was able to get reduced to a another DUAI. I was facing criminal charges and possible jail time. He is very personable, responsive, open minded and honest. I would recommend him to anyone. He is worth way more than he charges.
star star star star star
01 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I was very lucky to work with someone like Sam on my DWI charge. Sam's legal knowledge and communication helped me understand all the paths forward that would have been impossible to discover on my own. Sam had an empathetic and assuring approach that put me at ease during a very uneasy time. Sam was successful at reducing my charges and was able to get items dropped that would have been very difficult to recover from financially and professionally. I hope to never need Sam's services again, but if I ever do, I would not hesitate to contact him again.
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FAQs
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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 Albany, New York?

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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