Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Knowledgeable, confident, and professional in handling cases
“Mr. Scalise and his staff were knowledgeable, confident and professional about the steps I should take for the best possible resolution.”
2
Excellent communication and keeping clients informed
“He did an excellent job and kept me informed all the way.”
3
Diligent and tireless in working on clients' behalf
“He worked tirelessly on her behalf.”
4
Compassionate and understanding of clients' concerns
“He acknowledged and actually listened to my concerns and did Everything to help me.”
5
Prompt and efficient in resolving cases
“Everything was handled in a timely manner.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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12 May, 2023 by Natashia
Back in December right before what was supposed to be my babies 1st Christmas with myself, my husband and his brother and sister the unthinkable happened my at the time 4 month old son started acting lethargic and seemed to not want to wake up, me having went to medical school and having a diabetic daughter and a son who was premature before my youngest baby I had a feeling that he was in some sort of distress so we rushed him to the hospital approximately 10 minutes before arrival I noticed my son having trouble breathing so I started to administer CPR upon arrival to the hospital once we got inside I ran him to the 1st medical person I saw, we were rushed into a room in the midst of all of the chaos my son was taken to another room while waiting a nurse comes to tell me my son had transport to the main hospital downtown Houston due to the complexities of his issues but what we thought was happening couldn't get any worse it did we were told my son had a skull fracture, perforation of the bowel and a perforation of his esophagus which was done by a Dr at the hospital. Still not knowing what was going on I got in the ambulance with my son and upon arrival to the downtown hospital I was greeted by 2 police officers while my husband was greeted by a police officer at our home so he could meet my mom with our other 2 children we were both questioned and we were always open and honest with Dr's, police officers who we spoke to and regardless we were look at as suspects. In 10 and 6 years of having 2 other children I have never had ever been accused of abuse or neglect of my children after my kids were illegally removed from my custody I called Bradley's office and during my consultation with him he already started working on my case, our sons were born on the same day so he could understand the pain I was feeling after my son had an 8 hour surgery and I only got a week of time spent with him at the hospital before I was blocked by the hospitals CAPS team we were in complete misery and during the short amount of time that we thought was going to never end Bradley fought for our family even driving from Fort Worth to Dayton to be there when we needed him and he was always in communication with me and my husband he obtained my son's medical records and got to work and by March 31st I had all my kiddos back in my home. I would highly recommend Mr. Scalise he always believed in our family and he took on one of the biggest hospitals in the Houston area and called it like it was, ultimately CPS never could provide anything to the contrary of abuse or neglect our case was very complex. I had a sick little baby who needed his family and the hospital took that time away from us but he's back along with his brother and sister just in time for his 1st birthday. My son is happy, healthy and thriving to the fullest and if it wasn't for Mr. Scalise and his help I don't know if we could of found a better attorney to handle our case not just the legal side but the emotional support and compassion that I received from his office. We are so grateful for Bradley and we thank God for me finding you and making our lives back to what they were. Also you still check on us even though we won our case and that is how it should be some attorney's just collect money and don't care after but Bradley is still in contact and we will always be grateful for his hard work. Thank you and God bless you and your family Bradley
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07 May, 2023 by Chris
Brad and his team were instrumental in my case dealing with a family issue. He was able to get a result that exceeded my expectations. If you need one of the best attorneys in Tarrant county Texas Mr. Scalise is your man.
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24 Dec, 2019 by Sasha
I said I'd shout from the rooftops how awesome Brad and Velma, and his firm are, but this review will have to do. 1. You've found yourself in a situation, and you're looking at attorneys, right? If you've found this page, look no further. No, seriously, look no further. You've found the bulldog. You've found Saul. You found Him, or whatever you want to say. Brad is not only an incredible attorney, his cost is negligible compared to the protection, diligence, and dedication you'll get. 2. Did I mention his fees? They might be beaten (unlikely), but I can tell you that not only are they reasonable, they're downright competitive. Get aside that, and Brad is your right hand man. I can't say it enough, his service is Top Notch. 3. If you're unfortunate as I, with someone breathing down your neck (in my case, Denton Co.), don't let anybody, including yourself, tell you that you don't need counsel. I was getting harassed and intimidated, daily, with the real threat of losing my daughter. And then I did the First smart thing I could've-Retained Brad as my attorney. He was able to get them to cease communication with me, and channeled it through him. They're tone Really changes. And if you're smart, you'll see for yourself. 4. His paralegal, Velma, and him will not judge you, make you feel judged, or allow others to judge you. You'll have to be completely transparent, but in doing so, Brad creates a personalized approach/plan for your situation. I never felt too ashamed to be honest with him, or Velma. And being honest is how he was able to get my "Situation" or case, closed, which is what You want, right? 5. If you nodded yes to any of my questions, you Need Brad, and his firm, yesterday. If you want the best outcome (not settling), you Need Brad. If you want a whip smart attorney, who is concerned about You, why are you still reading this, and not calling his office? Of my own volition, if you're having a similar experience, and have questions for someone that's had the anguish and torment you're likely experiencing, email me. If you're wanting help to get out of it with a favorable outcome, CALL Brad Scalise.
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14 May, 2019 by Octavio
Brad went above and beyond the call of duty while handling my CPS case. He was aggressive in getting CPS to stop the harassment and reunite me with my family. Brad knows how to properly handle the rigors of dealing with a government bureaucracy. I appreciate the time Brad dedicated to my case.
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21 Dec, 2018 by Kristin
really came through for me when i though there was no hope. gave me the proper instruction on what to do to get my case closed and when i did my part he stepped up and did his and now my kids are safely back home
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13 Jun, 2024 by Landon
My family ran into some issues with the CPS system, and Dorthea stepped in, took our case right away, we were stressed out because we knew we were innocent, but Dorthea kept her professional demeanor and listened to our story! She dealt with CPS on our behalf, walked with us through the process, and stopped the unwarranted harassments. Dorothea knows what she’s doing!!!
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10 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I've been working with Dorothea for about a year on an appeal of a complex child custody case. First of all, Dorothea is not a "Yes-Man". She will tell you bluntly if she believes your case has slim or no odds of succeeding. And better to hear that at an initial consultation with her than after you've invested thousands of dollars just to be told 'no' by someone else. Dorothea told me the odds of success in my case were not great. It's the nature of appeals. I felt so strongly that a wrong had been done to me that I decided to proceed anyway, even with her telling me at our initial consultation that the odds were against me. As my appeal nears its conclusion, she's produced a brief for me that I'm very proud of that I feel presents the issues as succinctly as she could in only 15,000 words. After retaining her services, Dorothea put in countless hours reviewing court transcripts, thousands of pages of medical records, and interviewing witnesses. Five years had passed in between the time this case was opened and the time it went to trial. There was a lot for Dorothea to catch up on and not much time for her to get up to speed. To further complicate matters, my trial attorney had a family emergency that prevented him from being much help in the transition to Dorothea as my appellate attorney. Despite all of the obstacles and difficulties, she was able to get a grasp on what had happened. She was able to see from a legal perspective how my rights had been violated at trial whereas I had only my belief that this was not how "justice" was supposed to work. I wasn't able to see the forest for the trees until Dorothea made me step back and showed it to me. Because of her patience, her diligence, her enthusiasm for the law and for issues of social justice, I have hope where before I only had a prayer. Dorothea's mental agility and tenacity are the things I appreciate most about her in the courtroom. At every court appearance, she has always had a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C. I suspect if we ever need a Plan D, she would probably pull one of those out of her hat, too. For example, when Dorothea had critical evidence she wanted to get into the record on my behalf, she had that evidence ready to present in multiple different formats to ensure it got into the record. She didn't just give up the first time she was told 'no', as has been my experience with other attorneys, but fluidly shifted to her backup strategies to get that evidence into the record. I intend to continue working with Dorothea even after our business with the appeal is concluded and can't recommend her highly enough.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Linda
She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, focused and detailed orientated. She was also accessible with "no nonsense" persona. She creates a sense of strength and confidence.
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04 Apr, 2014 by Charles
About 2 months ago Mr. Hafer took over my case, from another law firm..My case is still Pending..I get regular updates..Calls are regularly taken..No problems during the time we have done business..
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19 Apr, 2023 by Helen bennett
"Donna J. assisted me in drafted some much needed paper work. She took the time explaining the entire process to me, answered all my questions, and provided many examples in plain language. She was quick to respond via email and by phone when needed. She was also very reasonable in price. I recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable lawyer that gives her clients the time and attention they deserve!"
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15 Dec, 2022 by Zach
Donna was amazing to work with out of all the attorneys I've met she's by far my favorite! Thank you donna to you and your hard working team for everything!
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19 Jul, 2022 by Teri
Donna Smiedt was recommended to me by a dentist friend of mine. He himself had been through a few divorces and knew who was good and who was not. Not only is Donna incredibly proficient at what she does professionally, She is a very compassionate caring and helpful person as well! She knew how to communicate well with both myself & my now ex-husband. I got an incredible settlement -fair & generous. Partly because she was able to speak in a non-confrontational tone with my ex and convince him that it was best to be fair. I’m quite sure no other lawyer could have attained those results due to his type “A” personality. There are so many examples I have of how compassionate and how she helped me mentally through what was the worst time in my life but we don’t have enough room here. Let me just leave it to say don’t regret this huge decision in your life… Make sure you choose the right lawyer.
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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 Arlington, Texas?

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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