Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
The lawyers are professional, friendly, and effective at handling cases
“Professional, Mr. Kanavos and all staff are very friendly. Kanavos and Windsong are AWESOME! God bless them and the entire staff.”
2
The lawyers work hard and communicate well with clients
“Great lawyer's hard working. They keep in touch with you and are easy to get ahold of.”
3
The lawyers are highly skilled and able to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients
“Scott and his team have the balls of a small Buick and you couldn't hire anyone better to represent you.”
4
The lawyers provide personalized attention and care about their clients
“Scott Kanavos treated me with care and respect. He always kept me up to date and fought for me. Highly recommend!”
5
The lawyers are honest, straightforward, and willing to give clients realistic assessments of their cases
“Top notch law firm, Mr. Kanavos is very honest and straightforward.”
Cons
1
Some clients have reported issues with poor communication, lack of responsiveness, and feeling ignored by the lawyers
“Not caring and will not meet with you to explain how long the case will take and what methods they use to resolve the case. They do not follow up 😡 with the clients or provide transcripts to the clients”
2
A few clients have described rude, unprofessional, and dismissive behavior from the lawyers
“Very unprofessional! No respect or compassion for anyone/anything except fattening their own pockets.”
3
There have been some complaints about high fees and a perception that the lawyers care more about money than their clients
“Waste of money due to: no advice, no call backs/communication, lack of understanding and prepping clients as to what may or may not happen.”

All reviews

star star star star star
04 Oct, 2024 by David montkahaus
Used Mr. Kanavos on a few occasions dating back to 2007. He'll always give you the facts as they are and get the result that's best for you.
star star star star star
04 Oct, 2024 by Mark
My son had a very serious issue. Mr. Kanavos and John Wysong worked tirelessly on this and done a fantastic job. I would recommend them to anyone they will really fight for you.
star star star star star
04 Oct, 2024 by Richelle molinarolo
Scott is definitely the attorney to hire!! I’m from out of town and my situation could’ve gone down a lot of different ways but he went to work for me and got the best results possible!!
star star star star star
05 Sep, 2024 by Rhiannon burt
Hands down the best!! He goes above and beyond for his clients. I was nervous at first, but he was very sincere and dedicated to helping me. I can't thank him enough!
star star star star star
03 Sep, 2024 by David deal
Great Lawyer and firm. Everyone that helped me treated me like family. Highly recommend to anyone.
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Best lawyers in Cleveland, TN

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star star star star star
22 Sep, 2015 by Raymond
As C.F.O. for Church of God, I interact with Dennis Watkins almost daily. He has only one client, Church of God. He has served as our corporate attorney for over twenty years. His rating with Martindale-Hubble is 5 out of 5. He is exceptionally competent and we are honored to have him as our in-house counsel.
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13 Feb, 2011 by Dana
Personally, Mr. Robert S. Thompson represented me in a personal case and exceeded my expections. He was and is very professional, knowledgeable and very trustworthy. During the last 7 years I have had a few occasions to refer Mr. Robert S. Thompson to my personal friends and clients of mine and he has satisfied each and every person he has repsented that I refered to him. Cleveland, TN is very lucky to have a true gentleman, a man who does what he says and gets results.
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12 Jul, 2019 by Wendi
Josh and his staff were amazing!! He took the time with me and my son and was totally honest. He walked us through every step of a child custody situation and helped us to stay positive throughout. The end result was what we wanted and turned a negative situation to a positive outcome for my son. Josh truly cares about his clients and it shows.
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02 Sep, 2016 by Ruby
wonderful lawyer The accident was not my fault and I had no idea how to handle it.The other insurance company would not take care of the accident very rude insurance company.I had full coverage . I had never had an accident of this kind.I did not know how to deal with the insurance companys and medical bills I had. My husband is disabled and I was unable to care for him and myself for a while. Joshua Jenne's I felt was sent by God for us. I tell everyone I know that needs help from a lawyer. He is an honest,caring family man. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate him.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
No one ever thinks that the worst can happen to them or their family, or that they may find themselves in the middle of a devastating personal tragedy; unfortunately terrible things can happen to anyone without notice. A few years ago such a tragedy happened to me, taking one of my beloved parents prematurely. It's an almost indescribable feeling to be thrust into such an situation with no warning. While attempting to digest the grief, sorrow, and crushing sadness, responsibilities still nag at a person and can be very overwhelming. I chose to hire Mr. Jenne to handle my Wrongful Death case because he demonstrated compassion. I felt quite vulnerable during this time and needed someone who was professional and competent, but I also needed someone to support me and understand what I was going through. Mr. Jenne worked tirelessly for me and kept me apprised of everything that was going on with my case. I was very fortunate to hire Mr. Jenne (he came as a personal recommendation from someone I knew that had also been through similar circumstances). Mr. Jenne's abilities were proven out in the result of my case, and I can wholeheartedly recommended him to someone in my position.
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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 Cleveland, Tennessee?

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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