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AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Exceptional legal knowledge and advice
“Paul not only did a phenomenal job representing me to the court and negotiating for a reduced charge, he also provided me with advice and pro-active steps I could take to make my case stronger when the time came.”
2
Successful case outcomes and charges reduced
“I came into this being indicated on a felony 2 assault charge. Paul dropped that charge significantly. Today I walked out of the courthouse with probation.”
3
Provides personalized and compassionate service
“He was very easy to work with and communicated on a level that my daughter could understand. He worked quickly to obtain the best results possible.”
4
Highly responsive and available to clients
“He always stayed in touch and was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had.”
5
Passionate and dedicated to achieving the best results for clients
“Paul believed me when I said I was innocent and said he would do everything to keep my record clean we fought all the way up to the trial date Paul was consistent and was not backing down.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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19 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I already have a great relationship with Paul but his assistance in guiding me through the family law matters I’ve had to deal with has been so exceptionally helpful that I’ve even managed to settle things on my terms while avoiding full blown litigation. In the end his advisement alone has saved me thousands. You’re looking for an attorney right? Look no further. You found the guy.
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04 Dec, 2023 by Nathan
I had one of the darkest times of my entire life. I felt scared, overwhelmed, and alone, but then I found Paul Kelley. My only light. My friend recommended him. I hired him to represent my boyfriend on a criminal charge and he took into consideration how important the outcome of this case was. And he did exactly what we needed him to do. I couldn’t recommend Paul enough. And by the way his communication. The way he was always there for me no matter when I had a question, Paul was there. Patient, kind, caring, reassuring, and most of all very transparent, straightforward, and honest. This my first time ever having to deal with something like this in my entire life and I couldn’t be more grateful that I had Paul in my corner. Thank you so much. And hopefully I never need you again… but if I or anyone I know does… I KNOW A GUY!
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03 Nov, 2023 by Dale
Paul came recommended by others that I knew and he definitely lived up to his reputation. He was truthful and straight up throughout the whole process. He also works on his cases all hours of the day which proved to me he truly cares about his clients. He comes strongly recommended. Thanks Paul
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27 Aug, 2023 by Brandon
I got picked up speeding during hall of fame week here in canton. Not a huge ordeal by any measure and Paul handled it as if it were his only case. Highly recommended for any situation!
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11 Aug, 2023 by Kim
A friend recommended Paul to me when I needed a lawyer. I glad they did because he helped me with my CPO case. He made the whole journey so much easier, he's very respectful, honest, and willing to put in the work. I'd absolutely hire him again if I ever needed someone.
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11 Nov, 2015 by Bobbie
Rob Horton was very helpful with this whole process! He helped me understand everything that a first time accident victim can expect from the insurance company and the advantages of being represented by a solid law firm. Not just any law firm - Slater & Zurz - is the first name in personal injury in Canton, Ohio. He and James Luna, who was available 24 hours a day, kept me informed and I'm very thankful for their help. They really mean it when they say We Get Results!
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19 Oct, 2017 by Jim
Explained my options and answered all of my questions. Friendly and professional - would recommend!
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17 Oct, 2017 by Mark
My experience with Chester Law has been outstanding. I have experienced professionalism that I haven't seen in my 46yrs of life. My attorney and his legal aide have answered all of my questions and even some I didn't know to ask. I would have my own mother retain this firm for their legal expertise, because I know she would be treated with a sense of compassion you seldom see in this world.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
All of the staff was very professional and easy to talk to. They made the process as simple and easy for me as possible. Everyone was very kind and helpful, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need.
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01 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Slater sent me a packet in the mail after he obtained my info from the health dept. following a recent dog attack I was wounded in. I learned more information from his , packet and just speaking to gim. He took more action in 2 hrs than ant previous attorney. I would recommend James. Thank you.
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27 May, 2015 by Anonymous
“I have worked with Jim in a variety of cases, most when I was an attorney who referred work to Jim and, once when I myself was injured. In every case, Slater & Zurz treated us with respect, were responsive, and served us well to get all compensation we were entitled to.”
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22 May, 2015 by Brian garvine
We highly recommend Slater & Zurz LLP. We have co-counseled with them on several matters. They are excellent and experienced lawyers. We enjoy working with them.
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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 Akron, Ohio?

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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