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29 Sep, 2021 by Russty
I paid Mr. Benjamin thousands of dollars to represent me. He refused to follow my instructions, waived my rights against my wishes and left me at arraignment with no lawyer oh and to date he has not returned my money. I absolutely feel that he straight ripped me off. I strongly caution people about a $400 an hour ego that does not match his talent. He care not what you have to say once you hire him your case becomes his and he is so arrogant
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18 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Ronald Benjamin to represent a criminal case. I paid him the fee for his services and he did nothing! For three days he called me to his office both at home and public office in Binghamton NY. His behavior was very odd, not to mention he said " If I have to go to trial in this case, my fee is $3500 more. We're talking five grand, can you swing it? " He told me this doesn't have to go to trial. But I am replacing the incompetent public defender Kevin Ridell. He called the court and did the necessary protocol to replace the public defender Kevin Ridell. He went to court and did nothing but repeat what the public defender said, and gave no defense whatsoever. On the third day he told the defendant in custody he withdrew from the case the second day in front of Judge Dooly without my knowledge or permission to do so. I asked for a refund of my fee for services not rendered and misleading, false representation, questionable remarks and gestures while meeting with him at his office several times. He is a convicted felon, tax evader, gambler, hustler and has had his license revoked many times. He said I paid him to go to court not as a defense attorney, but as a second opinion. He refused to give me a full refund and is clearly not an attorney at all. He's a known criminal. Warning: Do not ever hire this man. His background speaks for itself!
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19 Dec, 2016 by M. hanley
Mr Benjamin has been my Attorney for two separate cases. I have known him since early 2005. He handled both of my cases accurately and with good ,fair results in my favor. His litigation skills in court were impeccable. Not at anytime did he smell of alcohol or was drunk. He can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke. His office desk had a stack of files on one side and a stack of exercise and nutrition guides on the other. I found him to be interesting, respectful, client focused and very knowledgeable to my legal issue.
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07 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
This lawyer is a drunk convict that actually lost my case drunk and he can not appeal to us supreme because they told him you can not ever come back to appeal court. He is the worst lawyer in USA.
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26 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
This is my honest opinion of this lawyer. My goal is to be factually accurate (any inaccuracies are inadvertent). Since his license was suspended (twice) his conduct has been deemed worthy of sanctions according to documents. HIT "MORE" on this page to see suspensions. I ran out of space 4 more. Ronald Benjamin botched my case so badly it was never heard with a string of procedural (paperwork) errors. He ignored the judge when given more than one chance to correct them. It is my opinion that he is incompetent or unethical/corrupt. I can't think of any other explanation unless his goal was to purposely sabotage his own client. I could not have imagined a worse outcome. I was prepared to not win but not for having a lawyer so incompetent my case wasn’t even heard. He apparently refused to correct his errors, thereby allowing the statute of limitations to expire. Problems with Benjamin’s conduct have been noted repeatedly. Here are some quotes from published doc’s and/or articles. This is not an exhaustive/representative sample. When sanctions are mentioned, they are in reference to Benjamin: “Attorney Benjamin’s failure to file opposition papers and otherwise comply with the Local Rules as a result of disorganization and miscommunication in his office cannot be justified or excused” “For the foregoing reasons, the Court further finds that sanctions are warranted. How ever, in light of the fact that Attorney Benjamin’ s failures have resulted in the dismissal of the action, the Court declines to impose sanctions at this time.” “Attorney Benjamin’s excuses do not justify his failure to comply with the Local Rules, do not constitute excusable neglect, and do not otherwise warrant relief under Rule 60” "The panel agreed with the District Court that while Benjamin’s actions were unwarranted and inappropriate, it was sufficient to award the entire disputed lien to Tejedor.” “ A special master instructed Benjamin to attend a meeting and to provide documentation in support of his position. Benjamin did not provide any documents or attend the meetings.” “Although Benjamin’s conduct was unwarranted and inappropriate, the District Court declined to impose sanctions on the attorney.” “Ronald Benjamin, an attorney for five plaintiffs has filed a legally incoherent interlocutory appeal with the Fifth Circuit against an administrative discovery order (Pre-Trial Order No. 28) issued by Judge Fallon" "After the hearings ended, the referee made detailed findings of fact and concluded that Mr. Benjamin's actions, "taken together, demonstrate a course of conduct on the part of Respondent intended to mislead, misguide, misinform, deceive, circumvent and confuse Court and counsel." The referee's report was confirmed by the Third Department as to two of the three specifications of misconduct, and Mr. Benjamin was publicly censured." Most people who file cases have already tried other remedies. By the time they are seeking counsel they are often vulnerable. Encountering an incompetent and/or careless lawyer can be the last straw. I understand that this lawyer has threatened to sue in response to negative reviews. You have a right to know about other people's experience. These quotes are not a representative sample but I hope this review encourages you to carefully investigate.

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12 Jan, 2016 by Wahl to wahl auto parts
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03 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I met Benjamin back when I was an adolescent aspiring to be an attorney and he was my younger brother’s basketball coach. Ben’s family and mines would travel along side each other as our boys played travel basketball. We all bonded over meals and shared hotels. Ben supported my dreams and even let me tag along on his cases to experience the real deal. Who would know a decade later I’d need him to defend me, I was at the wrong place and wrong time. I ended in jail , and with 5 felony charges for a crime I did not commit. I was told I would get 3 years in prison and i was having a very hard time in jail that I ended up on suicide watch . Ben moved immediately, I was out of jail in 6 days because he vouched for me. He is a honorable man and to have him as an attorney would be in your best interest. He moves efficiently and effortlessly , I give him 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend!!
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26 Jul, 2023 by Julie
I hired Ben at the recommendation of a friend to assist with my divorce. He was professional, savvy, and made the entire process so easy to navigate. I would use him again in a heartbeat and have already recommended his services to others who are in similar situations. The absolute best in Broome County!!!
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01 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Ben is phenomenal. He is someone you want on your side. He handled my divorce and custody case. He was straightforward, attentive and listened to my concerns, responsive when I sent him questions, and helped me develop several strategies to ensure my best interests were being represented. He isn’t afraid to fight on your behalf and do what needs to be done to stand up for his clients. He was able to get me everything I wanted (full custody) and even things I didn’t know I needed and wanted (a situation where I would be financially secure). He is clever, witty, excellent negotiator, clear skills in verbal and written communication, and thoughtfully strategic. I will be forever grateful for Ben—he helped me through one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. I trust him completely.
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01 Aug, 2019 by Cherie
After series of incompetent corrupt attorneys I was fortunate to have Mr Serjanej as my attorney. He was a true advocate for me and I don't think he could have done a better job. I highly recommend Artan to anyone looking for an honest, competent engaged attorney that will champion your cause with every bit of energy ho has.
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31 Aug, 2015 by Nathan
He came highly recommended and didn't disappoint. Argued my case in front of the judge and got it thrown out. He is professional, smart and works for his client.
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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?
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  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:
    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:
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  • 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:
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  • 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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