Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Knowledgeable, straightforward, and easy to communicate with
“He was extremely knowledgeable, straightforward and easy to talk to. He laid out what our options were and let us do what we wanted without any pressure from him.”
2
Timely and accommodating in preparing legal documents
“Jesse prepared our documents in a timely manner and was very accommodating to our time constraints.”
3
Effective in guiding clients through legal battles and achieving favorable outcomes
“Jesse guided us thro a victorious court battle . He was knowledgeable well prepared an accessible . Jesse told us day one the anticipated cost of this 18 month battle . He did not price gouge the bill not exceeding the amount he quoted .”
4
Responsive and keeps clients well-informed
“He was very quick in responding and always kept us informed.”
5
Honest and trustworthy
“I found him to be forthright, honest and approachable.”
Cons
1
Lack of preparedness and poor performance in the courtroom
“Please to anyone who wants an attorney for court don't use Jesse, if its just paper work then he's ok. I feel he doesn't do his homework he was not prepared in the courtroom and he cost me not just in money but in property.”
2
Overcharging and questionable billing practices
“He estimated the whole case to cost ”
3
Failure to follow through and communicate important information
“He last bad mark was he sent me an email saying I owed the other party a $1000.00 then week later my house almost went into lein because he never send me the final judgement saying I owed $”
4
Declining quality of service after initial engagement
“While in the beginning, I feel Jesse was eager to get my business and was quite helpful. I feel that once he learned I wasn't going to be a 'big spender', the tone all changed.”
5
Unresponsiveness and lack of follow-up
“I sent him a message. He did not even bother to let me know he wasn't interested in helping me.”

All reviews

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06 Oct, 2022 by Debra
Jesse guided us thro a victorious court battle . He was knowledgeable well prepared an accessible . Jesse told us day one the anticipated cost of this 18 month battle . He did not price gouge the bill not exceeding the amount he quoted . He went above an beyond in all aspects of our case . Up against a senior attorney . Jesse skillfully navigated the many hurdles . I definately recommend jesse . Thank you Jesse .
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04 Nov, 2021 by Emm
My 82 year old mother and 90 year old father hired Jesse to defend them in lawsuit that spanned several years. After my father passed, I watched bill after bill arrive for my mother. Little detail, never any copies of filings…. Sometimes the bill would say see attached but nothing was attached or included. My mother doesn’t use email so she’d occasionally get a call. Jesse would charge her $35 if she was not home and he left a message for her to call him back!!! It seemed to me (and having an attorney spouse for 13 years)-after reviewing her bills that they were heavily padded. 6 months from trial Jesse insisted on a hefty retainer. After interceding and at the advice of my attorney-we told him we’d give him a retainer (20k)closer to trial… but why after paying bills timely for 4 years did he need a huge retainer. Once my mother gave him the retainer-almost half was spent in 10 days!! The case was settled in July yet my mother received yet another bill just last month. She is still upset about this attorney. I would not recommend Jesse.
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04 Oct, 2021 by John kimbrough
I sent him a message. He did not even bother to let me know he wasn't interested in helping me.
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23 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
He waste your time and just gets your retainer money then drops you and doesn’t try to build a case he’s great at one thing and that’s B.S be weary and find someone that will fight for you this guy is not it.
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06 Jun, 2021 by Anna
On May 4 I called Jessy Law firm and asked to help me to file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant .All paperwork was collected by another representative already. He asked me for my credit card before he would even look at my case: no less than $2000. His secretary assured me that they will not withdraw my money from the credit card unless we would sign the fee/client agreement . Luckily, the tenants moved out without the need for lawsuit or filing before Jessy and I even signed the agreement. Unfortunately, his law firm still withdrawn the money from my credit card $2000 and is refusing to retune it. I could only imagine how much it would cost me :probably the same as for the another client whom references are within the line with my.
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16 Oct, 2019 by Jeff
I consulted Mr. Dunkerly asking him to review an existing case. After an initial visit, then with his assistance, he then revealed important additional information in regards to the existing case. Very helpful, definitely would recommend his services, and/or opinion in any future matters.
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02 Feb, 2017 by Shannon
I've never met an attorney quite like Edward l. Dunkerly. Not only is Ed profoundly unique as a human being but also in his depth of knowledge in not just one, but in several fields of law. When you couple that with the vast amount of experience Ed has in private practice as well as courtroom experience. ..... well, I can't think another attorney I'd rather have represent me in whatever my legal needs at the time..
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star star star star star
27 Jun, 2012 by Anonymous
Kurt is extremely sharp, prompt and to the point. He is also upfront and in my case was affordable compared to others.
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star star star star star
15 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
I've always been impressed with Kurt's professionalism and knowledge. I would gladly recommend his services.
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star star star star star
15 Oct, 2008 by Anonymous
Kurt has been very helpful in guiding my Company in the filing, upgrading, expansion and litigation of our intellectual property. Kurt is both enthusiatic about what he does and very knowledgeable about what he does. He is very protective of his clients' IP and I would have no hesitation in recommending Kurt to cleints looking for a good Patent Counsel.
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star star star star star
02 Feb, 2016 by Michael langsdorf
James Howsley and I worked on a joint Land Use project near Ridgefield, Washington.several years ago. He was very competent and professional in his approach and as a result both of our clients prevailed in getting their land accepted by the City of Ridgefield even thou their land was on the other side of the I-5 freeway from the City of Ridgefield.
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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 Vancouver, 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:
    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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