Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Effective and skilled representation in various legal matters, including traffic offenses, VA matters, and divorce proceedings
“She genuinely fights for the rights of her clients and is a breath of fresh air in the legal profession.”
2
Prompt and responsive communication, keeping clients well-informed throughout the legal process
“She is very very prompt on communication and just on time.”
3
Compassionate and patient approach, helping clients navigate challenging legal situations
“she is a breath of fresh air" and "she did not get upset, she calmed me down and talked me through the process.”
4
Competitively priced legal services, offering value for clients
“Competitively priced, friendly, direct and positive she is a breath of fresh air.”
5
Willingness to go the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcome for clients
“She worked her magic to get me off the hook completely!”
Cons
1
Potential for billing errors and lack of transparency in fee structures
“I was shocked to say the least. I had spoken to a few other lawyers in the area and the average fee was $360.00 and if Lugar Law had stated that ballpark figure, I would not have been that dumbfounded but an increase of FIVE HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS???”
2
Unwillingness to acknowledge and rectify mistakes, which can erode client trust
“The fact that Lugar Law made such an egregious error and the fact that they were unwilling to acknowledge or accept responsibility for that error speaks volumes to their unprofessionalism.”

All reviews

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23 May, 2020 by Charles
I hired Lugar Law of Roanoke, VA on May 4, 2020 to represent me in regards to a speeding ticket I received in Roanoke County. At first I was pleased with their responsiveness and they quoted me a fee of $150.00 for them to represent me, which was considerably cheaper than other law firms that I had spoken to. I paid the fee and sent them a copy of my insurance verification and a copy of the ticket. At Cerid Lugar’s instruction I had my speedometer calibrated and emailed the firm a copy of the results. They in turn sent me an email showing a letter that they sent to a judge, noting that my speedometer was inaccurate. I was content that the matter was being taken care of. On Friday, May 22, I received a call from the admin at Lugar law stating that they had erred, and that they thought the speeding ticket had been issued in Franklin County instead of Roanoke County. I found this to be a bit incredulous given that they had a copy of the speeding ticket and it states clearly in boldface red letters ROANOKE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT. The admin advised that since the offence happened in Roanoke County instead of Franklin county, that the fee would be $700 instead of the $150, which I had already paid. I was shocked to say the least. I had spoken to a few other lawyers in the area and the average fee was $360.00 and if Lugar Law had stated that ballpark figure, I would not have been that dumbfounded but an increase of FIVE HUNDRED and FIFTY DOLLARS??? The admin stated she would talk to Cerid Lugar and see if she would consider a compromise given that I had already paid the fee and the ERROR was due to Lugar Law, but she called me back and stated that Cerid Lugar would not lower the fee. At no point did Cerid Lugar call me to offer any detailed explanation or apology. I FIRED the law firm on the spot and demanded a refund, advising I would seek representation elsewhere. The fact that Lugar Law made such an egregious error and the fact that they were unwilling to acknowledge or accept responsibility for that error speaks volumes to their unprofessionalism. Attorneys are supposed to act in their client’s defense and a lot of trust is placed in them. Having that trust violated is a serious betrayal and what Lugar Law did to me felt like a SHAKEDOWN. If you are considering hiring them, I would advise you to FIND SOMEONE ELSE. Who knows how much they might SQUEEZE you for.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Rodney
At the end of 2017 I purchased a vehicle and learned a couple months later after having some issues with the vehicle, that the odometer had been rolled back. I called at least 10 attorneys in the area and was told by a few that there was nothing I could do and then by the rest that my case was too complicated to pursue.... Luckily I found Cerid just before I decided to give up. Not only did she get my settled for a fair amount she also showed that my Fair Credit Reporting Rights had been violated and that became part of my settlement. Cerid is a straightforward and honest attorney who doesn't say what you want to hear but rather says what you need to hear. She is an amazing attorney and my family and I are very grateful to have found her! She is also great with communicating the case details! The did far more than I could have hoped. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking an attorney in her area.
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23 May, 2018 by William
I had an out of state traffic offense that I needed help with. I searched through the law firms in the area and read some reviews, and decided to take my chance with Attorney Lugar. I could not be happier with the outcome! Attorney Lugar told me exactly what steps I needed to take to give her the best possible chances for a good outcome, she clearly knew the right things that I needed to do, was patient in explaining them, and followed through on every e-mail and phone call I made in a completely responsive, compassionate, and professional manner! I recommend her services to anyone needing legal counsel without hesitation!
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01 Apr, 2018 by Richard
Cerid has successfully represented me twice in traffic matters. On another occasion, she represented me in a VA matter. She genuinely fights for the rights of her clients and is a breath of fresh air in the legal profession.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Steve
I was represented by Steven Osborne for a reckless driving case in Rockbridge County, VA which I was told by multiple sources is one of the hardest jurisdictions for these types of case. Mr. Osborne and the entire Lugar Law team was very easy to work with, provided incredibly insightful advice and thoroughly prepared my case for presentation to the court. Mr. Osborne skillfully presented my defense to the court and systematically introduced a plethora of evidence. He ensured the judge had a holistic picture of me as a person and made a thorough argument for a reduced sentence, which rarely is granted in this jurisdiction. My sentence was reduced from a Reckless Driving charge down to a simple speeding ticket. I am grateful to the entire Lugar Law team and their commitment to providing the best possible defense on my behave. The Lugar Law firm is committed to excellence -- I enthusiastically recommend them!!
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14 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Higgs organized my limited liability company and serves as the Registered Agent. I have found him to be very responsive to the needs of my small business, and he keeps us informed of all information that we need to pay attention to. His fees have been very reasonable, and I recommend him highly.
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05 Jul, 2019 by Maria thomas
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FAQs
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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 Roanoke, 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.

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:
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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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