Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Effective at reducing property tax assessments and liabilities
“He was successful and this resulted in a significant reduction of my tax.”
2
Knowledgeable about property assessment and tax appeal processes
“He seemed knowledgeable in the area of property assessments and I was satisfied with his work.”
3
Excellent communication and responsiveness
“He allowed for follow up questions and gave true answers based on my situation and not in a way to make additional profit from me.”
4
Efficient and effective at handling the entire process with minimal effort from the client
“I didn't have to lift a finger, make a phone call or appear in court. He handled everything.”
5
Trustworthy and professional services
“I endorse this lawyer with complete sincerity. Not only as a fellow attorney, but as a client.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

star star star star star
08 Oct, 2024 by Jon b
Awful experience after being a client for many years, and I could not recommend them to anyone. I was charged over $1000 to end services for some simple trademark renewals. The attorney of record changes had already been made, meaning there was practically nothing left to do. If your business needs patent or trademark services, I would avoid Metz and find more personal services elsewhere.
star star star star star
14 Mar, 2024 by Tammy valero
star star star star star
19 Jan, 2024 by Guy berkebile
Great, honest law firm. I use them for my business and have had great experiences and successes with them.
star star star star star
13 Jan, 2024 by Chris stone
star star star star star
09 Aug, 2023 by Dan
READ ALL OF IT Can I give less than one star or a negative rating? Negative rating of 5 billion stars?? The best part of this firm is that we learned a lesson of where not to invest. I learned my lesson and I am passing this on to you. In short, just pay for the good attorney's and well known firms. The guy at this firm for my case was classified as an "attorney". While he passed the bar exam and was heavily endorsed by Laura Gutnick as someone she truly trusts. I gave her $1,000 to have this person that she "Truly Trusted" flank me in really basic civil court case.. I could have won the case myself but paid an extra $1,000 to what I would have guessed would mean victory. Nope!!!! Gutnick gave me this guy and he lost a civil case that was almost impossible to lose. How? The criminal in the case admitted to guilty charges under oath (he was also placed on a federal watch list since it involved FAA aircraft). He neither has nor had any remorse. His father even made a verbal threat to me (just outside the courtroom prior to the case). That father made the threat to the guy who was supposed to be my attorney and in front of everyone awaiting this trial including me. It gets more interesting... The threat; "If I was there I would have slammed it over his head" I paid Gutnick just so I could ensure a win with no stress. Instead, we lost hard in a case that precedent could have won alone. My time, sweat, fee's payments, etc. were wiped out. The heavily advanced UAV, added optic and navigation tech, energy packs, etc were well North $7,000. The loss of business is impossible to calculate. I will save you time and money with this advice. Go with the big firms (Eckert Seamans, Kirkpatrick.Reed Smith, etc). I paid Gutnick $1,000 for a simple civil case that was LOST despite admission of guilt of the perpetrator, legal precedent, etc. After we lost the case, her assigned "attorney" shook hands with everyone on the side that I was paying him to go after. The judge clearly saw it as "We are sorry" to the felons since there is no other reason for this behavior. I had to pay a lot more than expected. I just wish I had the opportunity to have an attorney that knew something about the law. After all, when your prosecuting a person and that guilty person openly admits to a federal felony (under oath) then it should be VERY straightforward case. NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I gave them a legal cost of $1,000 to lose my case. Plus my $2k in asset losses, plus my entire business that revolved around this asset. At least $28k lost based on my estimates. Lesson learned and to be shared; Get the high end firms and I would advise to get two prosecuting attorneys from separate high end firms to represent you (more than worth it to ensure every aspect is being addressed) Otherwise you end up like me. A business that was killed because of the perpetrator that admitted to his felony under oath to a judge overseeing the case. In my mind, this attorney that I paid for was a negative pawn to me but a positive asset to the felon. Also, a vicious life threatening threat from the father of the felon to the victim just minutes before the court hearing (10 feet from the courtroom pre-trial). How did it end you might ask. I lost my assets, business, reputation, "attorney fee's" and the essence of my business to teenagers that this firm couldn't combat (despite admission of guilt from the teenager that stated under oath that HE committed the felony). What did I lose: $2,000+ for the unit, hours of training on the unit, a reputation for excellence, massive advertising and customization of my site. Post losses I was deemed a failure. I could not continue Air Perspective do to defamation of character, web-hosing costs, advertising, ETC. Approaching $30k WHERE IS AIR PERSPECTIVE NOW??? A liability. Lost business. Full loss of my income and full loss of the perfect growth period, etc. I don't even own the domain. This is my experience and losses with Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick, & Gefsky. Do you feel confident?
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star star star star star
12 Oct, 2019 by Fonda d.
Great place to work.
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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 Pittsburgh, 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.
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