Hyatt Shirkey, experienced Child Custody, Criminal Defense attorney in Roanoke, VA with 67 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
Average 40,25
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Hyatt Shirkey

3048 Brambleton Ave SW, Roanoke, VA

star star star star star
4.7 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
20 Reviews
Google Maps
4.5
info
Google reviews rating
47 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Education

2010:
Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, JD - Juris Doctor
2007:
Liberty University, BS - Bachelor of Science

Last reviews

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.7 67 reviews
Avvo 5.0
Google Maps 4.5

Abrina schnurman

star star star star star
30 Aug, 2024
We contacted the Law Office of James Steele for help with a family member's time sensitive court issue. Within the hour, the incredibly helpful office practice manager had secured an attorney who could be available to take the case right away. We did not know Ms. Henderson before, but the way she attended court and expertly and professionally engaged with the judge, prosecution, and officers, showed her ease and skill in that arena. Every authority in uniform in that courtroom was actually happy to see her. She is clearly considered a professional in high regard. I was surprised at the excellent outcome she was able to secure for my family member. She was calm, kind, and reassuring. While I hope to never have occasion to need an attorney in the future, if we do, Ms. Henderson will be my first call.
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Amy sachs

star star star star star
29 Aug, 2024
Ms Jennifer French was awesome. Attention to detail is on point! Great communicator and explained step by step what to expect. Passionate and professional in all aspects of the case. Highly recommend!!
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Keith b

star star star star star
23 Aug, 2024
Great staff! All very friendly and easy to deal with. Signed MANY papers. Each one being thoroughly explained as we went. Very happy with the service received!
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
Effective legal representation and case outcomes
“He defended my case perfectly I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer.”
2
Strong communication and client-focused approach
“He always made sure I understood everything through the process. Very helpful in hard times.”
3
Responsiveness and promptness in handling cases
“He responded to all of my emails and messages in a prompt manner.”
4
Honest and realistic assessments of cases
“He was honest in his assessment of my case, provided a detailed outline about his process and approach.”
5
Compassionate and understanding demeanor
“He is very caring and will go above and beyond for his client.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

Publications

2018:
Virginia Lawyers Magazine, Protecting Your Internet Activity at Home and in the Office
2016:
Virginia Lawyer (Virginia State Bar), The Augmented and Virtual Practice of Law
2010:
8 Ohio St. J. Crim. L. 581, Last Attorney to the Jury Box Is a Rotten Egg: Overcoming Psychological Hurdles in the Order of Presentation at Trial

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John G. Rocovich, experienced  attorney in Roanoke, VA with 2 reviews
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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:
    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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