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Jacob Aaron Maule
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4.1
Google reviews rating
37 Reviews
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Pros
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant pros were found.
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.
All reviews
08 Aug, 2024 by Kate blankenheim
Michael from Cornerstone Law helped me when I needed it most. I’m fortunate to have found him as I was caught in a crisis – a real estate transaction gone bad that threatened my home. Michael listened and laid out some options. His advice didn’t give false hope, but he put together a strategy we could confidently follow. And it worked! I couldn’t be more grateful.
This is a review of a Law Firm
12 Jul, 2024 by Arthur frazier
Our family engaged Cornerstone Law in 2022 to assist with finalizing our sister's estate, a task that should have been straightforward but turned out to be a frustrating and disappointing experience. We had high hopes when we initially met with Michael Kilkenny, one of the partners at the firm, in September 2022. However, our experience with Cornerstone Law did not live up to our expectations.
We provided Mr. Kilkenny with all the necessary documentation, including the death certificate and extensive communication records with insurance and retirement companies. Michael assured us that his involvement and the firm's formal letter would expedite the process. Unfortunately, our experience with Cornerstone Law was marred by unfulfilled promises and a lack of proactive communication.
One of the primary issues we encountered was Michael's failure to deliver on the promises outlined in our contract. He indicated that a letter from the law firm would facilitate faster progress, but this promise remained unfulfilled throughout the entire process. Our family had to take the initiative to constantly reach out to the law firm for updates and even had to nudge them to follow up with the various companies responsible for issuing checks to the beneficiaries. This was not the level of service we expected when we engaged Cornerstone Law.
Additionally, Michael claimed to have put in extra hours beyond what he was paid for. However, when we requested copies of the communications he had with the various companies, he failed to provide any documentation to substantiate this claim. This lack of transparency left us feeling even more frustrated and distrustful of the firm's handling of our sister's estate. In the end, it was the constant work and communication of the sisters that helped resolve our deceased sister’s estate.
In summary, our experience with Cornerstone Law was far from satisfactory. We had hoped that their expertise and commitment to their clients would ease the burden of finalizing our sister's estate during a difficult time. Regrettably, we were left disappointed by their unmet promises and lack of effective communication. We hope that sharing our experience in this review will help others make informed decisions when choosing legal representation.
We intend to submit this review to the Better Business Bureau to ensure that our concerns are heard and that potential clients are aware of our disappointing experience with Cornerstone Law.
This is a review of a Law Firm
09 Jul, 2024 by Meek and skye fluker
This is a review of a Law Firm
14 May, 2024 by Skye christian
This attorney experience with Michael Killkenny has been extremely unpleasant. Despite his claimed to be dedicated to serving others, I found him to be more focused on profit than compassion. Rather than receiving the empathy I expected, I encountered greed and manipulative behavior. Killkenny's lack of empathy, especially in estate planning, where sensitivity is crucial, was evident. He also showed a negative perspective on the legal field and profession alluding to him not being happy as an attorney, which we soon seen that this was just a means to an end for him and not a true passion. He seemed indifferent to our needs, leading to his termination as our attorney. Despite claiming to advocate for clients, he failed to do so, often avoiding calls and emails, having his staff avoid phone calls and say he is in a meeting, and billing for incomplete services, and retaliation for termination displaying what appears to me to be unethical practices. He treated us more like numbers in his system than valued clients. His staff and assistant were extremely condescending and unhelpful. I strongly advise future clients of his to reconsider choosing his firm for estate planning and instead opt for a more reputable attorney who genuinely cares about their clients' well-being and advocates for their interests. Hopefully, he undergoes training to better navigate interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping him to address their needs equally and effectively.
This is a review of a Law Firm
14 May, 2024 by Star christian
If I could give Cornerstone Law office zero stars, that would be too generous. Michael Kilkenny is a predatory attorney (if you want to even call him that) who uses disturbing tactics to collect money. This man charged my mother’s estate $1250.00 after we terminated him as our representative stating that he already completed documents, however a probate was never filed. Furthermore, he did not contact me about this until after I moved on with probate with a more respectable attorney. The fee was paid as to not prolong an already difficult process and it took Kilkenny days to provide a receipt to myself and the court, even though he stated it would only take a few minutes as it is done electronically. He ignored multiple calls and emails, having his receptionist tell us that he was in meetings all day, everyday. His biases were evident from the beginning and my family received bad vibes from him since the start, hence the termination. I would not trust him for the estate planning of my cats, let alone anyone that I love.
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Best lawyers in Brookfield, WI
18 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Attorney Romell was very personable, knowledgeable, compassionate, a good communicator and easy to work with. She made my divorce process more tolerable and kept me informed throughout the process.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Patrick
After all of the divorce dust has settled, I can't imagine having gone through this process without Sheila Romell. She provided me with excellent guidance and representation, and was always there to be my voice of reason amidst all of the emotions that often times occur during the divorce process. I am 100% certain that I faired better in this process having hired Sheila to represent me! The property division laws in Wisconsin can be unfair compared to some "at fault" states, in my opinion, and I truly believe Sheila protected me and my assets from an unfair or disproportionate division.
Some attorneys will stir the pot, or willingly fight over things, it seems. Not Sheila! On countless occasions, she reminded me that the "things" I wanted weren't always worth the cost of going after them, which I appreciated. Her goal always seemed to be the protection of my best interests, vs unnecessarily bantering with the opposing counsel in order to drive up a bill. That isn't to say that Sheila isn't a well respected attorney, or a fighter, if need be! She seemed to be very well known, and carried herself incredibly well.
Going into my "surprise" divorce, I was wondering how I could afford the legal fees, and whether I would come out in one piece. After the dust has settled, I now know that I couldn't afford NOT to hire Sheila, and am incredibly happy that I did!
I have nothing but good things to say about my representation by Sheila Romell. You hire an attorney for protection, amongst other things. I felt like a lamb going against a wolf in my divorce. Sheila was my protective lion, though, and I will recommend her at every opportunity! A truly wonderful attorney!!! Thank you so much, Sheila!
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05 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Sheila was an excellent attorney to have by my side regarding my child relocating. From the first time I met with her she was very respectful, understanding and willing to help. The skills she has amazed me. Sheila was well prepared in the court room with organized paperwork and thoroughly explained everything to me step by step beforehand. She was outstandingly punctual. Her communications skills were superior between emailing and phone calls assuring that I stayed aware of everything going on. She makes sure her clients are prioritized no matter what, which I was very gracious for. Also, not to mention she is very well respected. Thank you for everything Sheila you and your amazing staff have been a pleasure to work with. Will rehire if needed.
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18 May, 2017 by Laney
Sidney Sodos has been my attorney since 1984 when he had to help me with some issues pertaining to my first born son , He did an excellent job in resolving the matter and always puts his client's interests first. He has also helped another member of my family with work related issues and did an A+ job. He is really smart, has great follow through and tough when he needs to be ! Bottom line... An extremely intelligent, aggressive attorney who covers many different areas of law. I have referred him to many people who have used him and they were happy with his services as well. One of the best lawyers in Wisconsin!
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11 Jul, 2013 by Dz
Atty Sidney Sodo is an attorney with all the below qualities. Has the ability to call in other Attorneys when needed, is compassionate yet to the point and works for the interests of the client. We are not attorneys and when you need one this attorney is in my opinion one to contact. He and his "firm" will go beyond the call of duty to protect your rights.
When hiring a counselor to conduct legal binding decisions the attributes of the counselor combined with his/her. Professional/Personal character is as important as the following,
Wisdom has its special and unique benefit in/beyond the courtroom.
*May blessing reward the professional that maintains the following attributes:
Your attorney must have Studied the appropriate law and provide expert legal advice. Make certain the client receives the benefit of all their rights under the law and does not do anything, which might jeopardize their client's interest.
Your attorney must conduct the client's case so that it will be decided on the merits, rendering the highest fidelity toward the rights of the client. Protecting the client's confidentiality.
Your attorney must Conduct the case in an orderly and expeditious manner, you lawyer must Obey the law and adhere to professional ethics, Represent you ethically, zealously and within the bounds of the law. Competently analyze legal issues & exercise knowledge of the laws applicable to your case.
He or she must communicate with you in a timely and effective manner making sure you understand what, why and exactly the goal. Your lawyer attorney owes you, as the client, a duty of loyalty. Remember he works for you and teamwork is of vital importance to succeed in prevailing.
Your lawyer can't represent you and another client due to legal interests conflicting with yours. *An example of an obvious conflict would be representation of both the landlord and the tenant in an eviction action or both the defendant and respondent in any civil actions i.e. domestic divorce, separation, union action etc. For so long as he/she continues to represent you, your lawyer is required to follow your directions in handling your case unless those directions are illegal.
Your lawyer must keep your personal property separate from his or her own property, and must keep your money in an escrow account. Any time you demand it, your lawyer must return your money or property.
Except in rare circumstances, your lawyer is required to keep client confidences confidential.
Depending on the jurisdiction, lawyers may be prohibited from having personal relationships with their clients.
Unless he or she first obtains your informed written consent, your lawyer is prohibited from taking on representation that is adverse to your interests. *I.e. talking or meeting with all parties prior to retaining the legal representation of one of the parties he/she has prior confidential information through conversation, which then can be a conflict of knowledge obtained by both opposing sides in any court trial.
It is a special Firm that is recognized to maintain these qualities in your employees and solicitors. These are the Firms that have loyal, content and family type list of clients. They are to be recommending in the unrelenting battles in the courts today.
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27 Oct, 2024 by Cheryl
Marnie answered all our questions and helped us through the process. Very professional office and reasonably priced. We highly recommend.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Rudy helped me through one of the worst situations of my life. I bought a house that I quickly found out had many undisclosed issues and he fought for everything I was entitled to. He was great at responding quickly & answering all of my questions. He gave good advice & saved me from what could havecompletely bankrupt me & my family. I would recommend Rudy to anyone!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Emmanuel a
Rudy helped me and my family with a case about a home we purchased that had a lot of issues which weren’t disclosed by the seller. He was kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and friendly. His assistant Marnie was also very kind and responsive to our questions and concerns. I recommend him to anyone dealing with foundation and basement issues.
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Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:
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What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
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Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Brookfield, Wisconsin?
Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:
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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.
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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:
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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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Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records. -
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Professional Memberships:
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Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community. -
Consultation Assessment:
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Ask for References:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as:- Contracts or agreements
- Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
- Legal notices or court papers
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Written Summary:
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List of Questions:
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Pen and Notebook:
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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.
