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05 Sep, 2015 by Peter
He did not represent me properly, no suggestion as to how to prepare for my support case. I was just an income to him, which is costing me so much now.
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09 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Ward never sent me any bills. He stated that he did things that I found out that he did not. He fails to return emails and phone calls on almost every occasion. Stay away and get a Real Good attorney. Recommend him to your wife or husband if you want to win your case against him. A real waste of time and money and he needs to modernize, hire a larger competent staff and provide at least minimal levels of professional courtesy and return calls.
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05 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
While you will feel very comfortable with his knowledge of the law, it would probably work in your favor on judgement day if he would apply that knowledge upfront with any form of preparation. Just the simplest effort would have changed the outcome to my favor. As my current attorney (working to undo the damage that was done due to Mr. Ward's lack of any effort toward my case) stated, "you were totally screwed!". I simply do not have the assets to pursue the case as this attorney perfectly presented everything I have and more to my ex. Best advise that I can offer is to run fast and do NOT look back!
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14 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Mike Ward to handle my divorce and in my opinion, I found him to be knowledgeable and offered very sound advice. Unfortunately, in my opinion, his billing wasn’t as sound as his knowledge of the law. Despite the fact that his contract specifically states that he will send monthly bills, I only received one and that was after repeated phone calls and emails. My husband and I reconciled, I asked Mr. Ward to send me the remainder of my retainer. He ignored this request. I hired another lawyer to have my retainer returned, but Mr. Ward ignored this attorney’s request, so I filed a complaint with the Virginia Bar Association. The Bar sent an Investigator to interview Mr. Ward and review his files. It took two visits before Mr. Ward was able to provide two bills which had never been shared with me or the Virginia Bar at their initial request. Mr. Ward claimed he couldn’t send them because he didn’t have my contact information, which is untrue since he had sent me other information and my full contact information was listed on the contract he created for his services to me. In addition, we had been communicating via email, so it was always possible and simple to send me or the Virginia Bar the information in this manner. The bills given to the Investigator were in the format called block billing-i.e., lumping several tasks together to come up with one number. This is not an appropriate billing method for legal services and not in keeping with any other lawyer’s approach I have previously engaged for personal or business services. Of course, since I had never seen these bills, I was unable to question them until it was too late. Unfortunately, Mr. Ward received $12,000 from me on work that was never performed. In my opinion, if you select Mr. Ward for your attorney, you will get a very knowledgeable attorney, but you should request monthly statements and I wouldn’t give him a large retainer.
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08 Apr, 2013 by Ravi
During my search for a divorce attorney, Michael was the only one that actually spoke to me on my first call without asking for my checkbook upfront. I am writing this review after my uncontested divorce was concluded. Everything Michael agreed to with me, he kept his word. He accurately estimated the duration from end to end. Court takes their own time to sign. Please keep in mind that my divorce was uncontested, and my ex wife and I were in agreement on terms. My advice to everyone is to do your best to agree on all terms in advance. The process is so much smoother. Initially, I was going to try out the speedy two week guaranteed divorce , but they were forcing me to go to some class for 4 hours. With Michael, we had minors, but didn't have to go to court at all since again we agreed on all terms. No hearings, no fuss, no alimony, no child support. Divorce could not have been a more pleasant experience. I took a chance by paying the full fee up front even though he only asked for half. I was lucky that Michael is one of the few honest lawyers I have had experience with. Basically, you keep your end of the bargain, and he will keep his. He is not the least expensive, but also not expensive. He is very reasonable as compared to other attorneys, so all in all, please don't hesitate to consider him if you need a divorce attorney.
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05 Mar, 2020 by Kathleen
Bryan Jones assisted me with post-conviction relief in a difficult criminal case, and he was so tremendously knowledgeable and capable that I retained him to advocate for me in the out-of-state military divorce that followed. I appointed him attorney-in-fact over my finances during incarceration, and he maintains the highest standard of professional ethics. He keeps detailed and complete records of every transaction, and he successfully manages demand deposit (checking and savings), credit, and insurance accounts for me. He effectively navigates the intimidating bureaucracy of VADOC, an admirable feat in itself. I retained him again to coordinate my reentry planning, and I am currently residing in the clean and safe apartment he leased for me with power of attorney. I highly recommend Bryan Jones in any criminal or civil matter. He is a compassionate and dedicated advocate and absolutely trustworthy.
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06 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I met with several attorneys to help with a recent case. Bryan was the only one that took the time to ask questions and better understand me, my background, and the situation I found myself in. Every other attorney told me that I had no choice but to accept some fairly harsh penalties to which I was facing. Bryan spent a good amount of time listening to me, afterwards stating that he believed he could help minimize those penalties. When everyone else told me this was not possible, Bryan expressed confidence in his ability to help. And Bryan delivered. This was the first (and hopefully only) time I have needed an attorney in a criminal case, and did not even know where to start. Bryan is someone that made me feel more at ease with the process, and made an extraordinarily bad situation much better for both myself and my family. If you want an attorney that looks beyond just the case and sees you, Bryan is someone you should call.
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23 Dec, 2019 by Brandon
When I queried Bryan Jones about a legal matter, he answered promptly and courteously, giving me all the information I needed, as if I were an important client instead of someone he didn't even know. He did not stand to gain financially from our first exchange, instead he was genuinely interested in my case. This can be unusual-- it made an extremely positive impression, and I wanted to pass that along.
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02 Aug, 2021 by Rhi
I worked with Mr. Armstrong during a difficult case with a difficult insurance company, and he never failed to represent my interests The insurance company was very difficult. Mr. Armstrong handled my needs and I was able to focus on my recuperation, instead of needless drama with the insurance company I have a brain injury from the wreck and I know I can be difficult to deal with. Mr. Armstrong and all professionals at Allen & Allen have been wonderful. I really can't speak highly enough of my attorney. I certainly hope I never need another accident attorney, but I certainly know where I'll go, if I do I can't think of another firm or attorney I'd want handling my personal affairs. My only regret was that that I couldn't retain Mr. Armstrong for my personal counsel.
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26 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I was a passenger sitting at a red light when the car behind us failed to keep control of her vehicle and rammed into the back of our car. I sustained moderate, life changing neck injuries from that accident. Because the accident was low speed, no one else was hurt , no major damage to vehicles , the insurance company refused to pay for any of my medical bills. I was trying everything to get better but I was getting worse and worse. Now, the car insurance company was getting very nasty with me and refused to pay any of the medical bills. I now knew this was going to be a long hard fight for justice to prevail and that I was going to need the best attorney out there! I wanted an attorney that didn't mind going to court if that's what it came down to. At this point, my medical bills were over $30,000. As the trial date drew near, the insurance company offered to settle the case for $12,000. Needless to say, we took our chances and prepared for trial. Mr. Hajek did an amazing job! He was very professional, stuck to the truth and prevailed. He really cares about his clients. He kept me well informed throughout the entire process! When the jury came back, we were amazed at the verdict! $90,000. I'm very greatfull for all that Mr Hajek did in my behalf! I would highly recommend Mr Hajek. I would hire him again! Thank You Mr Hajek!
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06 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Hajek is a very outstanding lawyer and has been a blessing to our family.Mr. Hajek came to know us about 5 years ago. I was working one night in dark territory, when my conductor took a track warrant down wrong. As I topped a hill, I seen another train right in front of me. I put the train in emergency and l fell to the floor. As I laid on the floor praying it would not hurt it felt like it would never end. There was nothing I could do! I could not jump, for I only would fall off a cliff. Soon came an impact like no other. smashing and crinkling metal screeching that was piercing to the ear. I rear ended a double stacked pig train sitting on the main. As I pulled my self off of the floor, and noticed i was bleeding, I checked my conductor, and told him to call for help. He was fine as far as I could tell. But I myself was not! Soon I was being helped off the train by a search and rescue team. Because we were so far away from any major roads, there was just no access in to reach us. Luck you might say, to even be alive. I was then put in an ambulance, and taken to the nearest hospital. I was able to call my wife, were she met me at the hospital sometime later.I soon contacted a close union member who, told me to call this number right away. I thought" what can they do"? But I took his advice. It was late at night I called and left a message. Within an hour Mr. Hajek called me back personally on the phone, And gave me advice. And believe me advice was what I needed. I felt like he was concerned for me, not trying to get me to sign a paper and such. I was soon released from the hospital with no x-rays taken. The next day Mr. Hajek called me to check on me, and I explained to him how I felt. I told him " something is just not right, I don't feel ok ". His advice to go straight to the hospital saved my life. There in a CT scan showed a bruise on my brain. I had a mild traumatic brain injury. I had to ware a neck brace, to keep my head straight. my neck and back we stuck in a fetal position for a while. After months of recovery, and being took out of service by the railroad, I got back to work.Mr. Hajek set me up with a team of Doctors that was instrumental in my recovery. I most appreciate Mr. Hajek first and for most for saving my life, But he was very honest with me, and took the time to personally explain each and every step of the process that I would be going thru from the start. It was no promising me a settlement that could not be reached. He treated me like I was his own family member. He was instrumental in my recovery, I never had to worry about anything. He called frequently and checked on me and my family. I highly recommend Mr. Hajek to any railroader or anyone with a personal injury to give him a call. You will receive personal attention that you need and deserve when it means the most. I myself, settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, and got back to work. If God forbid anything would happen to me or my family again, I would not hesitate to give him a call again. His track record speaks for its self.
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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?
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  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
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  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 Charlottesville, Virginia?

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.

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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:
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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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    • Financial records (if applicable)
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  • Written Summary:
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  • List of Questions:
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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:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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