Gerald L. Shoemaker Jr., experienced Family Law attorney in Norristown, PA with 8 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Below Average 14,14
Is this your profile? Claim it for free in just a few minutes!

Gerald L. Shoemaker Jr.

2 West Lafayette Street, Norristown, PA

Practices

star star star star star
2.5 / 5
Avvo
2.5
info
Avvo rating
8 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Education

2000:
University of Pittsburgh School of Law, JD - Juris Doctor
1997:
Duquesne University, BA - Bachelor of Arts

Last reviews

See All Reviews
Overall rating
star
star star star star star
2.5 8 reviews
Avvo 2.5

Terry

star star star star star
17 Feb, 2024
He charges extortionate amounts for the work that he actually does, he did a terrible job during my divorce which left me in a lot of debt and very unfairly so. I would recommend steering completely clear of Mr. Shoemaker for any family matters.
Read more Avvo

Anonymous

star star star star star
20 Sep, 2021
Jerry has no concern for children of a divorce or doing what is in the kids' best interest. He will literally watch a parent and their children get ripped apart and support a vindictive parent in damaging relationships with the opposing side. This guy is in it for the money. He doesn't care about collateral damage. No integrity. Find anyone else to help you
Read more Avvo

Anonymous

star star star star star
30 Sep, 2019
Jerry is a great lawyer. He was very responsive,timely and also caring. It is a confusing process and he helped me to understand it every step of the way. I went into it not knowing what to expect and I am very happy with my settlement. I would recommend Jerry to anyone needing a divorce attorney.
Read more Avvo

Top review highlights

Pros
1
Knowledgeable and experienced in family law
“Jerry is an excellent lawyer. Impeccable work ethic and knowledge of family law.”
2
Caring and responsive to clients
“He was amazing, caring, responsive and very knowledgable.”
3
Effective negotiator and aggressive when needed
“Aggressive when he needs to and excellent negotiator.”
Cons
1
Expensive and overly billable
“He charges extortionate amounts for the work that he actually does.”
2
Lack of transparency and communication on fees
“final bill was much higher than I was quoted...he kind of went on auto- pilot after I paid my initial retainer and was not shy about calling for add'l retainer.”
3
Slow and inefficient in handling cases
“Looking back my divorce proceedings with him added so much confusion and wasted time and I lost an opportunity to have my divorce settled in a timely manner.”
4
Prioritizes profits over clients' best interests
“He will literally watch a parent and their children get ripped apart and support a vindictive parent in damaging relationships with the opposing side. This guy is in it for the money. He doesn't care about collateral damage.”

Publications

2007:
Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Robinson-Austin v. Robinson-Austin, Casenote
2004:
Fundamentals of Family Law for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Prenuptial Agreements, Fundamentals from A to Z
2004:
Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Colonna v. Colonna Casenote
2003:
Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Diament v. Diament Casenote,

Best lawyers in Norristown, PA

See more
Keith Andrew Harbison, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Norristown, PA with 210 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
44,39
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
4.6
19 Reviews
Google Maps
5.0
191 Reviews
star star star star star
21 Dec, 2024 by Nick cammilleri
David is absolutely amazing! He was very helpful, thorough and comforting throughout the entire process. He never made me feel bad for being in the situation I was in. He explained to me each step of the process as we were going through the filing and was very communicative the entire time. I HIGHLY recommend David if you are considering bankruptcy!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Dec, 2024 by Ryan padden
Mr. Spitofsky was recommended to me by a colleague of his who knew his track record over the years. I put my trust in Mr. Spitofsky and he delivered with exceptional results. He handled my unusual case with respect, care and understanding for my situation. I am please to say the outcome was in our favor and I would highly recommend him to anyone who may be in need of his services.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Dec, 2024 by Madison steele
David was awesome to work with and made the whole process so easy! Couldn’t recommend him enough !
Read more Google Maps
See more
Jessica Ann Miller, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Norristown, PA with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
22 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Provided aggressive representation with effective results in my Divorce. She is a star in the making at Fox&Fox (if they can keep her). Can turn a losing case to a winning situation via strategic initiative and timely execution. I did not have any issue with the results she got for my case.
Read more Avvo
See more
Arthur R. Braitman, experienced Car Accident, Personal Injury attorney in Norristown, PA with 191 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
43,20
star star star star star
5.0/5
Google Maps
5.0
191 Reviews
star star star star star
21 Dec, 2024 by Nick cammilleri
David is absolutely amazing! He was very helpful, thorough and comforting throughout the entire process. He never made me feel bad for being in the situation I was in. He explained to me each step of the process as we were going through the filing and was very communicative the entire time. I HIGHLY recommend David if you are considering bankruptcy!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Dec, 2024 by Ryan padden
Mr. Spitofsky was recommended to me by a colleague of his who knew his track record over the years. I put my trust in Mr. Spitofsky and he delivered with exceptional results. He handled my unusual case with respect, care and understanding for my situation. I am please to say the outcome was in our favor and I would highly recommend him to anyone who may be in need of his services.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Dec, 2024 by Madison steele
David was awesome to work with and made the whole process so easy! Couldn’t recommend him enough !
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Norristown, Pennsylvania?

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.
Scroll to top