Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced lawyers who are strong advocates for their clients
“Melissa and the Cornell Law Firm are exceptional lawyers, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need.”
2
Compassionate and understanding approach, especially in sensitive family law cases
“She is compassionate to sensitive matters, listens attentively, processes, answers questions with a quick turnaround time, and remains calm in highly emotional situations.”
3
Excellent communication and responsiveness, keeping clients informed throughout the process
“Every correspondence was professional. Every letter was detailed and well written. She was well prepared for every meeting.”
4
Ability to achieve favorable outcomes for clients, even in complex or difficult cases
“She dug me out of a bad place, and she did exactly what I was hoping she could do.”
5
Ethical and professional conduct, earning the trust and respect of clients and the legal community
“She is trustworthy, ethical and committed to finding a resolution, agreement, or final disposition.”
Cons
1
High legal fees that may be a concern for some clients
“But the charges beyond the retainer were outrageous! Over $1500 just for emails communications alone.”
2
Occasional lack of responsiveness or communication issues
“I wish I could give is a better start, first i would not recommend this law firm she don't do anythings you ask, and no communication or update with you at all and when you write email she will only respond when ever she want or it really hard to get a hold of her.”

All reviews

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02 Feb, 2024 by Joshua redmond
She was good and thorough to make sure my contract would not go against me.. She also was good enough to review my contract at the last minute and with short notice. But the charges beyond the retainer were outrageous! Over $1500 just for emails communications alone. Hopefully, I get what I paid for and my contract is iron clad 🤞 🙏
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03 Jan, 2024 by Erin
Melissa and her staff were very attentive to the case that we were faced with. She and her amazing staff went above and beyond for us. It was very comforting to know we had this amazing law firm, they were nothing less than incredible every step of the way.
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23 Sep, 2023 by Tyler cline
Melissa F Cornell is dangerous. With a reputation for mudslinging and parental alienation tactics, if you're going for ethical, id highly advise you seek counsel elsewhere. Ms. Cornells actions have placed my four children in danger, as well as dissociated them with a loving home and family. God holds a special place for those who harm our children.
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13 Aug, 2023 by Matt youngblood
Melissa and the Cornell Law Firm are exceptional lawyers, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need. Filing for divorce was the most difficult thing I ever did. Add a struggling 11-year-old in the mix made it even more complicated. There were so many dynamics, stories, sides, assets, custody disagreements, and arguments. When I started down the divorce path, I thought “all lawyers are the same” and so I started heading down the road with a lawyer I found on a random “top 10” list. I thought… give him the details and he would take care of the rest. That was a horrible lesson learned. With minimal guidance, I dug a deep hole and thought impossible to get out of. Important lesson – interview your lawyer and have a list of specific questions. After my first court appearance, I fired my lawyer. With my lawyer fired, I then started again… but this time asking for word-of-mouth recommendations. People I trusted. I developed a list of lawyers I wanted to hear from. I interviewed them all. The decision was easy at that point… Melissa gave me the responses I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. All of her responses to my interview questions were directed at what is in the best interest of my daughter. I was instantly impressed. Being that the hole was already dug, she didn’t promise anything besides being professional, detailed, responsive and that she would fight for me and my daughter. That’s what I wanted. That’s what she did. So, we started with an information dump. I gave Melissa everything I had. Coming off my last lawyer experience, I communicated daily. But, after some time, I realized that was not necessary because Melissa was on top of it. Every correspondence was professional. Every letter was detailed and well written. She was well prepared for every mtg. With the case in good hands, I could turn my focus back to my daughter and my career… and that’s what I did. I didn’t have to think about the case day in and day out. Life needed to move on. I do believe that there are no winners in a divorce… but Melissa got everything that I was fighting for. She dug me out of a bad place, and she did exactly what I was hoping she could do. No matter how the outcome would have played out, I would have recommended Melissa to anyone in need. She listens. Responds. And gets your story told. In addition to legal advice and guidance… Melissa also provided me advice on life and parenting. She instilled in me some important life lessons. She taught me to stand up for myself and that I don’t have to constantly explain myself to everyone. She “won” my case and made me a better person.
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27 Mar, 2023 by Stephanie stocking
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star star star star star
22 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Leslie is a honest, fair, and thorough attorney. She thinks way ahead and she is always prepared. I cannot say enough great things about her. Leslie works extremely hard and will take on a challenge, even when the odds of winning the case are against her. She will read and research the laws and case laws until she wins the case. Leslie charges a fair fee and does not over charge. She is excellent when it comes to writing legal documents that need to be filed in court. I recommend this lawyer for family law.
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16 Mar, 2018 by George
Cliff is a superb lawyer generally. He is a true expert in all areas of tax law. He\'s the go-to guy for anyone with questions about or problems with taxation.
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03 May, 2017 by Richard
I'm self employed in construction (a combination the IRS finds exceptionally nefarious apparently) and during the first phone interview I had with my auditor I was accused of hoarding cash under the mattress. Without any substantiation, she decided I had a $100,000 tax bill. She was rude, demanding and hostile. After a handful of sleepless nights, I hired Cliff Ribner. I read the first letter he sent to the auditor and knew I had hired the best! My initial tax burden of $106,000 turned into a couple thousand dollars. He's a great attorney.
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03 May, 2017 by Lindsay
Clifford did a wonderful job and I couldn't have been more happy with his services. Really saved the day for me in a difficult situation.
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star star star star star
07 May, 2024 by Sarah
I retained Shane Henry and he was upfront from the beginning and did not sugar coat expectations and cost. Communication was amazing with him and Amy their paralegal. They work very quickly and you see all communication with opposing counsel which I did not get from the attorney I had prior to retaining him. I got everything I wanted and I owe that to good counsel. I was able to get full custody which was best for my child. It was amazing. If I have to go back to court in the future, I will retain Shane. You will not regret going with Shane! If you are unsure, read the google reviews and do a consult. You will get exceptional service.
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14 Apr, 2024 by Ernest maina
I really appreciate Shawna Baker Esq and her team, they were very thorough and kept me updated with my case, it was a privilege to be represented by her and her team, I highly recommend her.
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03 Nov, 2023 by Jan starke
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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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  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:
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    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
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    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
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  • Written Summary:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Financial Information:
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  • Personal Identification:
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  • Pen and Notebook:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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