Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and experienced lawyer who stays up-to-date on the law
“Patti is very knowledgeable. And she keeps learning. Books, seminars, consulting with colleagues –her expertise is growing while she is working with you on your case.”
2
Thorough and organized in handling cases, with a focus on client satisfaction
“She is sorting out the stuff in your case neatly and thoroughly, prioritizes well, but remembers the details. Your satisfaction is her priority.”
3
Strong negotiation and communication skills, providing clear expectations
“She is a powerful negotiator, and if she is confused on what you want the negotiation might go into the wrong direction. This means, you, yourself, have to know what you want.”
4
Responsive and accessible, with a dedicated and knowledgeable support staff
“Her office called regularly to keep us informed. She happily met with us several times to explain details. Her response time to emails was usually within minutes, occasionally hours during the business week.”
5
Achieves successful outcomes for clients, even in difficult cases
“Thanks to Patti being so prepared at every one of the five hearings we had along the way we prevailed and my ex got what she deserved for a two month marriage. Nothing.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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26 Sep, 2020 by Susan
Patti helped me with my divorce. I had hired one other attorney but quickly knew this was not the right attorney for me. When I met Patti I could tell immediately that she was honest and reliable, knowledgeable of family law and responsible and hard working. I was right. Patti did me an excellent job! Her staff was responsive and always helpful. If I ever need an attorney again, there is no question who I will use. It will be Patti!
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19 Feb, 2020 by Joseph
In a heartbeat I would Hire Mrs. Hightower again! Her work was exemplary. Her and her team are excellent communicators and tell you what she needs from you. Their response time to emails was usually within minutes, occasionally hours during the business week. Emails sent on weekends almost always had a response by 10am the following business day. When working with Mrs. Hightower and her team, I felt like I was a member of the team and not just the “paycheck”. During my time working with her team, I had one emotional reaction to something the other side had done, and her team was professional, courteous, and professional sympathetic during that event. She does a fantastic job managing expectations and is very clear about what to expect. When I first spoke with Mrs. Hightower, my case was in another county and needed transferring. She said that we could not begin work on the case until it was transferred, and true to her word she got my case transferred and the first hearings scheduled as promptly as possible within the time frame that she predicted. I personally had two hearings with her- Temporary Orders and Final Orders hearings. During Temporary Orders she was honest about what to expect and that I would likely only get temporary custody of one of my three children, but we were trying for all three due to the really high bar we had to reach. This is ultimately what happened. When the other side refused to sign the temporary orders, she was quick to file a motion to admit into record and get signed by the judg. During Final hearings she stated that the bar to meet our desired end state was much lower and had a much higher chance of success given the information, evidence, and testimony. We were granted custody of all three of my children. Through all of it, in every in-person meeting and conference call she was always clear: We can be as prepared as we can be, and its still up to the Judge. As a Father in Texas, I had a very low probability of being granted custody. I set out with the intent of doing everything Mrs. Hightower asked me to do, providing every document she asked for, and working as a member of the team; this was the best way to be successful - and it worked. If anyone were to ask me what advice to give when working with Mrs. Hightower it is this - be calm, collected, and pro-active. Do everything you can to control your emotions. Provide everything she asks for. Listen to her when she tells you what to expect. Always remember that despite whatever happens, and everything you have done to be successful, it’s still up to the judge. Mrs. Hightower and team (I can’t name you here, but you know who you are), THANK YOU!
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06 Jan, 2017 by Krisry
I used Patti for my divorce... No kids, but property & retirement involved... Patti's office was always in contact with me about my case... They were always quick to respond to calls or messages... They went above & beyond what I expected from an attorneys office... I was so pleased with there service, that I actually got both of the flowers when my divorce was final..
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11 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Patti is absolutely the best. I came across the Law Office of Patti Hightower after I had met with two other attorneys with regard to my case and talked to several more briefly on occasion. I took the search seriously. My case was promising to be difficult and it would have been a real disaster if I hired a wrong attorney. That made me very picky. I asked people for recommendations, looked up online, read through all the reviews and the literature on how to choose an attorney. In fact, I postponed filing for divorce for months because I could not find the one. I was impressed by the number of the endorsements Patti had on her page, it looked unrealistically high but it caught my attention. Now, after my case is over, I do not find the overwhelming number of her colleagues endorsing her strange because she really IS that good. 1. Patti is very knowledgeable. And she keeps learning. Books, seminars, consulting with colleagues –her expertise is growing while she is working with you on your case. Not a hint of arrogance. 2. She is very sharp. She is sorting out the stuff in your case neatly and thoroughly, prioritizes well, but remembers the details. 3. Your satisfaction is her priority. If there is a choice of whether to get a good night sleep and look fresh in the Courtroom in the morning or to stay up organizing your case and refreshing in memory all the little details of it, she will sacrifice with sleep and will appear in the Courtroom without, probably, a makeup but prepared. 4. She is thoroughly enjoying what she is doing. 5. She has the right staff in her office, who can substitute her on some occasions. She seems to be in perfect relations with her professional network, however, I constantly felt she was representing my best interest. I never felt she was not doing enough. Anything negative? She is too busy. This does not surprise me, people do want her to work with them. I do not know how it goes in other offices, but you might have to wait sometimes for a response to your email. I think this is minor, and if I ever need an attorney again, I know that will be Patti. With that comes your, client’s, responsibility. Follow her advice. I skipped one and very quickly came to regret it (she asked me to keep notes on everything that was happening even if some events did not seem to be important.) Make sure she understands what you want. She is a powerful negotiator, and if she is confused on what you want the negotiation might go into the wrong direction. This means, you, yourself, have to know what you want. This is not as easy as you might think because the law offers only certain solutions to issues, and “what you want” is not really what you want, but one of those options that the law has in its toolkit. So, you will need to talk to Patti about what you can count on in your case, and she will help you determine your goals. Since the attorney’s time is expensive you will help yourself if you organize your case to your best ability (collect documents, write down your questions and what you want to discuss, write your story if needed) prior meeting with her, so that the time you spend with her was used to discuss your goals and strategies. Do not keep skeletons in the closet. Inform Patti on what is really happening with regard to your case. Behave. At one point, my then-spouse, whom I was divorcing, did a pretty stupid and aggressive thing. Patti told me: “If you would have done that, you would not be my client any longer”. The highest standards possible, professional and personal. If this is what you are looking for - Patty is your attorney.
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18 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Patti for what turned out to be a very difficult divorce. The marriage only lasted 2 months but the divorce took eight months due to the other sides stalling, incompetence, and lack of ethics. My ex and I filed a declaration of informal marriage a week after I bought an expensive home in the nicest neighborhood in Huntsville. I also bought a brand new car after the marriage, everything bought with my own money, basically my life savings. My ex tried to claim we were common law married before I bought the house and the fight was on! She wanted half my house, and all of my car. Thanks to Patti being so prepared at every one of the five hearings we had along the way we prevailed and my ex got what she deserved for a two month marriage. Nothing. Patti submitted case law to the court which was really the deciding factor because it could have gone either way. That takes research skills along with a lot of legal knowledge. I've been around the court system now for my third divorce, a custody fight years ago as well as being sued in both State and Federal court in the past. So I know a good attorney when I see one. If you're looking for a very affordable, hard working, winner.....go see Patti. Her staff is knowledgeable and very thorough as well.
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i have retained mr. green on many occasions and have been extremely pleased on every occasion. i have referred him to family, friends and, clients. they are in complete agreement that he is the best. bruce is very good at dealing with troubled kids. i think the term "pit bull" fits him well. you want him on your side!
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27 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
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07 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Ramming was very kind and patient explaining the whole process. He was honest about what I could expect. He really went the extra mile. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to others.
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07 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I was stopped for speeding and arrested for an outstanding warrant I had no knowledge of. Temple immediately reserached the outstanding warrant and discovered the county had made an error. He met with the ADA, presented the discrepancy and neogotiated a dismissal. I'm confident that his knowledge of Texas Law was the deciding factor in winning my case.
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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 Huntsville, 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.
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    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:
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  • Contact Information:
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  • Personal Identification:
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  • 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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