Phillip Alden Tavel, experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Bellevue, WA with 960 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 44,39
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Phillip Alden Tavel

14205 Se 36th St Ste 100, Bellevue, WA

Practices

star star star star star
4.9 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
3 Reviews
Google Maps
4.9
info
Google reviews rating
957 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Last reviews

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.9 960 reviews
Avvo 5.0
Google Maps 4.9

Munteha shukralla

star star star star star
28 Feb, 2025
I highly recommend Wild Sky Law Group. Roxanne is knowledgable, prompt, accurate, and supportive. Really great experience working with her!
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Regina song

star star star star star
26 Feb, 2025
Attorney Xi is the best. She is very knowledgeable and always patient with all my questions. I always recommend this firm to my friends when they need a great immigration attorney and now I recommend this law firm to whoever is reading this review.
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Taylor houser

star star star star star
25 Feb, 2025
Roxanne is the person you want fighting for you! She went above and beyond for my family with very little help as clients. My family struggled to get everything in order and without Roxanne, we’d be left with nothing. That’s putting it lightly. Each step she walked us through with expert knowledge and grace. I’d recommend her to anyone who needs an attorney and feel safe having their case in her hands and will definitely utilize her expertise if ever needed in the future. If I could give her more than 5 stars, I would!!
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
Highly effective at getting traffic tickets dismissed, often without the client having to appear in court
“Michael has helped me on two occasions over the last few years and has been able to keep my driving record clean. I cannot be more thankful. I highly recommend him if you need lawyer.”
2
Responsive, clear communication, and keeps clients informed throughout the process
“Michael responded quickly, charged a reasonable amount, and resolved my ticket favorably. I would recommend Michael's service to anybody.”
3
Reasonable and transparent pricing
“The fee I paid Mike probably saved me thousands$$$ in avoiding insurance increases.”
4
Experienced and well-connected, able to leverage relationships with local courts
“Mike has helped me dismiss 3 tickets this year. He knows what he's doing. When to do it. How to do it.”
5
Provides peace of mind and hassle-free experience for clients
“Once I've provided him all details necessary, I can forget about it. Mike takes care of all the court procedures and responds back with the good news.”
Cons
1
Some clients experienced delayed communication or lack of responsiveness from the firm
“I was disappointed with the level of professionalism Michael has provided given his profession. After hiring him to fight a ticket, I asked him to notify me by phone with the court's date and decision as I was going to be out of town for a month. Michael left me a voice mail confirming that he will notify me of the decision and date by phone. After not hearing from Michael, It turns out that my ticket was reduced to a lower fine had I paid on time.”
2
A few clients felt the firm did not deliver on promises or achieve the expected outcome
“By far the worst lawyer I ever had. Horrible communication and he didn't deliver. He sold me a dream just to hire him, he never fulfilled what he guaranteed me and he charged more than other lawyers that are better then.”

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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?
    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 Bellevue, Washington?

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:
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  • 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:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Financial Information:
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  • Contact Information:
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  • 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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