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05 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Lillian handles a range of services, though supported me through my divorce proceedings and on follow-up legal matters. She is approachable and reliable, and works the legal process well. I would highly recommend her!!
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30 Jan, 2020 by Dc
Lillian and Stephanie were great to work with. They helped me navigate through the Chapter 13 process and were very understanding and accommodating.
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24 Oct, 2019 by Joseph
Lillian and Stephanie were really just remarkable. Extremely flexible and professional and understanding. Made a difficult experience easy and stress free. Cannot recommend them enough.
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02 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Lillian Watson was my attorney for a chapter 13 bankruptcy which just closed. Her service was stellar. She not only knows the law, but explains it clearly to her client. She is unfailingly honest about the process and what to expect, and doesn't candy-coat it. She does this all with a compassion that I never expected, and I never doubted that she was in my court for the entire time. She responded promptly to any questions or concerns, and when a traumatic event happened during the 5 years, she helped guide me through the parts that were relevant to the bankruptcy. I will hire her again for any family law or estate planning needs in the future, and I strongly recommend her for anyone needing bankruptcy assistance.
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21 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I was served divorce papers after 10 years of separation. We both can not afford a lawyer and I was lost on what to expect on the court date. I retained Lillian on a hourly rate to help me prepare for my court date. She was very helpful on explaining what to expect and how I should represent myself. Thank you for your help.
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23 Mar, 2010 by Jeff
I obtained precise answers to questions, and when an answer was unknown, the response was honest and research was prompt to obtain one. Excellent communication, a refreshing "down to earth" amiable manner, and definite resolutions made me a satisfied client who will not hesitate to utilize her services again.
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21 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
There are two things we would like to cover in this review for Tom Melville. First would be our good fortune in actually finding Mr. Melville. We do not live in the Portland area and went forward with hiring him on the recommendation of another Attorney (who is a friend in the State of Oregon). Our first meeting was friendly, casual, and professional. This wrongful death case was going to have to be handled long distance and he made certain we were well informed and prepared. Never did we feel like we were left with unanswered questions. Secondly, This case was complicated in many ways but I think the biggest part was to prove that our sister's death was indeed hastened by the after affects of this collision and Not cancer (which was listed on her death certificate). Two weeks after retirement our sister was broad sided by a large delivery truck that ran a stop sign on a rural road. She was in the hospital for a month...and never recovered. A LOT of effort was made by Mr. Melville to secure medical records and present proof that her broken neck, leg and back led her down a pathway she didn't deserve and the quality of life in her last month is not one she hoped for or planned. The settlement was fair and we are absolutely pleased with the outcome. He fought hard for us every step of the way! We surely found the right person for our case and .... We highly recommend Tom Melville.
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13 Nov, 2016 by Wayne
I'm a former client, shule was able to get things resolved, and taken care of. If I need a to hire him again, I would. I would definitely recommend Shule.
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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?
    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 Gresham, Oregon?

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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  • Disciplinary Record:
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  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
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  • 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:
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    • 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:
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  • Contact Information:
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  • 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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