Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and skilled in family law, with a strong understanding of the legal system
“Chris is perhaps the best attorney I have ever encountered. He is personal and candid. He handled my matter in a timely basis and it was on budget.”
2
Compassionate and supportive, providing emotional guidance and encouragement during difficult times
“Chris walked a hard road with me. He was available. Because of his experience, he was always one step ahead and worked hard to do what was best for me.”
3
Honest, ethical, and acts with integrity, putting the client's best interests first
“Chris has ALWAYS shown the highest integrity of character, ethics and morals.”
4
Responsive and accessible, keeping clients informed throughout the process
“He always promised and over delivered. He always went over and beyond but at the same time kept my budget in mind.”
5
Builds a strong legal team to effectively handle all aspects of the case
“His assistances are also aligned with his beliefs, morals and values which makes his team very strong.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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04 May, 2020 by Kim
Mr. Chris Lake delivers! He understood my unique situation and crafted a plan that would give me the desired outcome. He has an uncanny ability to understand people and deal with those people in the best possible way and in the timeframe needed. He did not delay! He and his amazing paralegal, Mrs. Carol White, jumped in to help on a weekend when we needed to move quickly. Mr. Lake treated me professionally and with respect at each meeting. He commented or asked about me or my work whenever we visited without spending much time on anything that was not case-related. Mr. Lake was available and accessible to me and was even proactive to check on me. He worked hard, and while getting the job done, he also gave me practical advice for my situation. He helped me to see the worst-case scenarios and gave me hope that with his help we could avoid those undesirable outcomes. Mr. Lake did what he said he would do and even quicker than promised. Most importantly, he understood my situation and was able to help me succeed in getting the outcome that I desired. Mr. Lake delivers.
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02 Oct, 2015 by Jennifer
Mr. Lake recently represented by boyfriend in his divorce case in which the custody of his daughter was in dispute, and there were some very delicate issues at stake. He went above and beyond in insuring that her -- the child's -- well-being was the priority in the case (compassion). I appreciated his candor in working with my boyfriend and demanding that my boyfriend be upfront with him (integrity). I also appreciated that he represented my boyfriend, but not at all costs and that he continuously directed and redirected him toward what he could realistically expect from the outcome of his case given different potential avenues of action to finalize the divorce and custody issue. His wisdom and years of experience became evident time and time again. At times he (we) felt beat down, but Mr. Lake provided him (us) with words of encouragement and hope and the will to continue when he was ready to give up (fortitude). Even though he was clearly his client during the entire process, he did account for the mother and how she might be impacted by various outcomes (compassion).
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03 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Chris Lake walked me through a divorce after my spouse of 40 years suddenly decided to leave our marriage. My first meeting with Chris was difficult because I was still reeling from the shock of all that had happened. Chris did a wonderful job of patiently explaining the legal issues and what would occur over the next few months. Then the conversation took an entirely different turn. Chris asked how I was doing. He listened intently as I shared how numb I was and how unsettling it was to have an uncertain future. We talked about the emotional abuse I had experienced throughout the marriage because of my spouse's unmedicated bipolar disorder. He told me that the raw pain I was experiencing would dissipate in time and that I would be much happier by this time next year. He offered me hope and encouragement. His sincerity was undeniable and his kindness was so touching. Chris gave me his cellphone number at our first meeting and told me to call him day or night if I had any questions or concerns. He stayed in contact with me and copied me on every correspondence with opposing counsel. I never had to wonder where things stood. He actively involved me throughout the entire process. I don't know what I would have done without Chris during all those months of uncertainty. He was my kind and patient encourager all the while being a formidable foe to opposing counsel when difficult situations arose. I knew Chris always had my back and that was priceless. He remained professional even when opposing counsel did not. He brilliantly resolved the difficult issues and settled the divorce with the best possible outcome. I am so very proud to call Chris Lake not only my attorney, but also my friend. If you have the opportunity to hire him as your attorney, do it. He is simply the best!
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22 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
After having previous lawyers in my divorce case, and having spent a substantial amount on legal fees, I was introduced to Chris. Chris was able to bring a level of compassion and realism to the case that others before him lacked. He was also able to see through the manipulative front being presented by the other side and approach resolution in a level headed, reasonable way geared towards halting the conflict and financial hemorrhaging associated with fees. Most importantly (and I believe due in large part to himself being the father of young children) Chris remained steadfastly focused on reaching a resolution that better allowed for the well-being of my young child.
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24 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Chris was very helpful, dependable and got me the best deal. He also has great referrals for specialists as needed. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
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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 Dallas, 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:
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  • Consultation Assessment:
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  • 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
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    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Pen and Notebook:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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