Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Highly professional, knowledgeable, and responsive to client needs
“Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and they always make themselves available to you and take the time to answer all your questions and concerns.”
2
Compassionate and understanding approach
“Laura and her team were beyond patient, understanding and empathetic throughout what was an awful, emotional journey for me.”
3
Effective legal representation and advocacy
“A tenacious advocate for my cause and not at all afraid of a fight.”
4
Excellent customer service and communication
“The team is knowledgeable, professional and most importantly, very personable.”
5
Positive outcomes and client satisfaction
“Great experience and excellent out come. Good advice and no bulldust.”
Cons
1
Inconsistent responsiveness and communication
“Frustrating experience -- late with documents, had to call repeatedly to get updates on case.”
2
Potential bias towards larger clients
“Karen Noble is motivated by $$$ from big employers instead of the violated and victimized employees.”
3
Selective case acceptance and lack of transparency
“They also weirdly stated that they're under no obligation to inform me exactly why they refused my case.”

All reviews

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05 Aug, 2024 by Jack doff
star star star star star
26 Apr, 2024 by Robert bruzik
Alex was considerate, knowledgeable, and as he was very helpful and honest, at no time did I feel pressured or rushed thru my consultation. Above all he let me talk.
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2024 by Andy b.
Reached out to them for a consult about an employment law issue. After explaining my situation to the receptionist (who sounded like she was barely listening) I was told if receive an email by the end of the day. Less than an hour later they contacted me via automated form email and said that they were not only refusing my case, but "declining to offer a consultation". The form email stated that they are an extremely small firm and only take certain cases. They also weirdly stated that they're under no obligation to inform me exactly why they refused my case, but instead made sure to urge me to contact a different lawyer or the state bar association, as my case's statute of limitations may expire soon. Yeah thanks, that's exactly why I urgently needed a consult, duh? Extremely weird. Stay away.
star star star star star
06 Mar, 2024 by Anita wilson
Unfairly losing a job or being demoted from a position one loves so very much can be one of the most painful moments in life. The Noble Law Firm in Chapel Hill fought long and hard for me to resolve my employment discrimination suit. My attorney, Don Davis, was diligent throughout this process and went above and beyond the call of duty. Don was a true professional and his ability to recall the facts of my case was astounding. Not only did he put in endless hours, but Don showed genuine compassion for me and believed in my case wholeheartedly. I could not have been more pleased with an attorney or law firm than I was with Don Davis and The Noble Law Firm.
star star star star star
06 Mar, 2024 by Andrew s
Laura Noble gave me very detailed and valuable advice for my legal issue. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and friendly at the office; it was always a pleasure to visit. Highly recommended!
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star star star star star
03 Aug, 2020 by Paul
I couldn't be happier with the experience of putting my trust together with Duffy Palmer’s firm. I found the firm to be knowledgeable, responsive, professional, and thorough. His firm answered all of my questions promptly and anticipated most of them. Although trusts can be complicated the firm process and knowledge crisply led me through the steps while addressing my specific needs. I never felt rushed as I determined our best options. Duffy Palmer was the attorney but the support staff all contributed to the effort. The trust process doesn't end with writing documents. The funding phase where your legal entities are transferred to the trust was also clearly defined. I was provided a package with detailed instructions, forms, and a discussion to answer any questions. I thought the price was fair for the amount of work performed and would strongly recommend Duffy Palmer for any of his service offerings.
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17 Mar, 2020 by Veaney
Duffy worked with me to do estate planning for both myself and my father. He was extremely easy to work with, professional, responsive and caring. When specific challenges arose unique to either of our situations he worked diligently to find solutions that fit. I highly recommend his services. It made estate planning a much more pleasant and easy experience than I had expected.
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24 Feb, 2020 by Andrea
I engaged Duffy Palmer to prepare my estate plan after attending his estate planning seminar held at Manning’s Restaurant in April 2019. I was very impressed by his professionalism, breadth of knowledge, ability to answer the attendees’ questions, and pleasant and friendly demeanor. During our initial conference, he explained all aspects of the plan which was tailored to my specific financial needs, and made plenty of time available for addressing my questions and concerns. Everything we discussed was in clear, easy to understand language. He drafted the documents promptly, and after incorporating some minor changes, we met again for review and sign-off. In our final meeting, he turned over the completed official plan in a binder, and went over the additional steps I would need to take to complete the process, all of which were clearly documented in a checklist included in the package. I also reached out to Duffy recently for advice on purchasing a long-term care policy. He researched and provided me with very thorough responses to my questions about how tax-qualified and partnership long- term care benefits are addressed in North Carolina estate and Medicaid law, and his advice was instrumental in my decision on which type of policy to obtain. Duffy has impressive expertise in estate law and is extremely pleasant to work with. I highly recommend his services.
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09 Dec, 2021 by Josephine
Mr Gerding really helped me out of a hard space and gave me a second opportunity. Great guy, great lawyer. Two good kids + he is a good father. 10/10 would reccomend.
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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 Chapel Hill, North Carolina?

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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