Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Knowledgeable, experienced, and effective legal representation
“Chris is an exceedingly smart and compassionate attorney who KNOWS HIS STUFF.”
2
Passionate and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for clients
“His knowledge of, and passion for, the law coupled with his commitment to his clients is very evident and he works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.”
3
Excellent communication and client-centric approach
“He took the time to explain every step and detail of my case. He went above and beyond to help me.”
4
Personable and caring demeanor that helps ease client's stress
“He made me feel comfortable during a very stressful time.”
5
Honest and upfront in managing client expectations
“He was very honest and upfront with us about the whole process. So we knew what the worst outcome could be and the best.”
Cons
1
Can come across as direct or harsh at times, but with good intentions
“This is a great attorney he might come off as a little harsh but this is because he not here to waste your time, he is very direct and to the point!”
2
Fees may be higher than some other attorneys
“He is worth the price for freedom.”

All reviews

star star star star star
15 Sep, 2024 by Kristen l
This kind man saved my mother at her most vulnerable moment when she was in the process of being a victim of an elaborate scam. I know a lot about common scams and phishing attempts… What my mom experienced seemed quite sophisticated compared to the typical Indian call center stuff. Christopher took the opportunity to help a random stranger in distress and take care of the problem simply for the joy of taking down a bad guy. By the story my mom told me, he is one hell of a character! Anyone who gets to work with Christopher is lucky to have him on their side; He doesn’t mess around. Thank you so much for protecting my mother when she needed it most!
star star star star star
11 Sep, 2024 by Wendy lucas
star star star star star
10 Sep, 2024 by J chang
Real life Harvey Specter Chris is probably the best defense lawyer in the entire state. Graduated from an Ivy League law school, with more than 4 decades of legal experience, Chris uses his expertise to help everyone with their case to his best ability. I made a good decision by switching from Tracey Wood & Associates to Chris, as he turned my case 180 degrees, in the right direction. During the latter half of my case, I started watch the show "Suits", and I think he is very comparable to the main character Harvey Specter. HE WILL DO EVERYTHING TO GET YOU THE BEST RESULT. He fights tirelessly, tries every approach, and gives you the best advices. While Chris is not a magician, and he does not have a crystal ball, he performs miracles for me time after time. (From getting me excused to court dates because I am attending school out of state, to going beast mode against the prosecutor in court and winning big). The day after my last court date, I sent Chris an email saying that "It felt like I was playing alongside with MJ on the 96' Bulls". I was so happy and I appreciate his help greatly. I am very impressed with Chris' work and I believe you would too.
star star star star star
06 Sep, 2024 by Brandon
Attorney Van Wagner is certainly the best at what he does in Wisconsin. If you want someone who will be brutally honest with you, this is your guy. Thanks Chris for all your help!
star star star star star
15 Aug, 2024 by Carsten carlsen
I dont know if I can properly put into words how much Chris helped my wife and I. Our backs' were up against the proverbial wall, when a twist of fate landed us in a position to call on Chris' expertise and experience. His quick thinking, years of performing under pressure, and wealth of expertise allowed my wife and I to navigate a very challenging and potentially life shattering legal situation. I cannot thank Chris enough for his hard work and sacrifice in taking on our case with minimal upside for him. He even drove out of state to stand by our side when we needed him most. I would recommend Chris Van Wagner to anyone seeking legal counsel. We are grateful to be are forever in his debt.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Nathan k
They were very helpful and explained everything throughout the process of setting up our trust. They also assisted and answered other questions that came up after we set it up. Very responsive, professional and personable service. We highly recommend them!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Amy ruehlow
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24 Mar, 2024 by George hesselberg
Rick Coad has been a patient, prompt, thorough and persistent representative of my interests in an insurance claim. He was reasonable and logical in his assessment. I was more than satisfied with his skills and the conclusion of the case. I would hire him again in a minute!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Tom darlington
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23 Feb, 2024 by Bobby wrobleski
Richard Coad handled a matter for me that was unique, complex, and 20 years old. Something that had been nagging at me for two decades. Over the course of that time I had consulted with other attorneys and none of them had a clue on how to handle it, or had even heard of a situation like mine. When I reached out to Mr. Coad for guidance on my case he was in a remote area vacationing with his family but still took the time to respond. He seemed highly intrigued by my case and showed a genuine interest in getting me the result I wanted. Not only did he succeed in an honestly impressive manner, but he was always easy to reach and kept me well informed every step of the way. An outstanding attorney with a big heart and a pretty good sense of humor too.
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20 Nov, 2018 by Green bean
Anne was very professional and helpful. I found her easy to talk to and willing to help! 5 stars
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Madison, 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:

  • 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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