Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does a lawyer cost?
A lawyer costs$150 to $400 per hour, depending on their location, field, and experience level. Some lawyers charge a $500 to $5,000 retainer fee, which is essentially a down payment based on their hourly rate. Other lawyers charge a flat fee for basic services, including:
Filing for bankruptcy
Immigration cases
Trademarks or patents
Writing a prenup
An uncontested divorce without a custody arrangement
What does a lawyer do?
A lawyer gives legal advice and completes paperwork on behalf of clients. Lawyers who have passed the bar exam can represent their clients in court and advocate on their behalf. These services save their clients the time and stress it would take to complete legal work on their own.
Specific responsibilities of a lawyer include:
Advising clients
Organizing and filing paperwork
Conducting relevant research
Negotiating settlements
Communicating with clients, witnesses, and colleagues
Does it cost money to ask a lawyer a question?
Most lawyers offer free consultations before taking on your case. This allows you to ask questions and helps them decide how long the case might take and whether you're likely to win. However, once you hire a lawyer, you will be billed for phone calls, questions, and emails.
What education is needed to become a lawyer?
A person must get a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school to become a lawyer. Law school takes 3 years, or 7 years including a bachelor's degree. They must also pass the bar exam in order to represent clients in court.
What's the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?
The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" are usually used interchangeably, but they are technically different. A lawyer is someone who graduated from law school and can give legal advice but may or may not have passed the bar exam.
An attorney is a person who passed the bar exam and is now qualified to represent clients in court. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.
How to I choose a lawyer?
When choosing a lawyer near you, follow these steps:
Decide which type of lawyer you need for your case.
Compare reviews from lawyers on Thervo and Google.
Get 3+ estimates from lawyers near you.
Verify their credentials and whether they've passed the bar exam.
Choose a lawyer who fits your budget and makes you feel comfortable.
Choose a lawyer that's conveniently located if possible.
Get an estimate and contract in writing before any casework begins.
What questions should I ask lawyers?
Ask the following questions to find the best lawyer possible:
How long have you been practicing law?
When did you pass the bar?
Do you give free consultations to potential clients?
Are you able to take on my case now?
What are your rates? Do you charge by the hour or have a retainer fee?
How many cases like mine have you won?
Will you give me a written estimate and contract?
Reviews for Mount Vernon lawyers
Recent success stories from people in the Mount Vernon area.
Vadim Z.
I hired Mike when I was in disastrous situation. I had an OP against me, I could not get access to my daughter, petitions for the sole custody and child support was filed by my ex.
After the first court appearance with Mike, OP was removed and I got temporary residential Custody. Right after, my ex created a criminal case against me. Mike helped me promptly to get all criminal charges dismissed and I got full temporary custody of the child.
Custody battle last over 2 years and all this time Mike was a grate help for me.
After Custody hearing that by itself last for a year I got permanent full Custody of the child despite that we got a new judge. Again, it would be impossible to achieve without Mike’s
A year later, we won an appeal filed by my ex.
It is not very common in our days that fathers get full custody especially when mothers do not overuse drugs or alcohol but I got it with grate Mike’s help.
Mike often gave me advises that saved me time and money. For example, he ended up the hearing right in time despite that I thought more time is required to bring more witnesses to convince the judge.
Mike available when I need him and answers to my messages / phone calls in time. His promptness saved me in number of situations in my high-conflict divorce.
He was transparent to me, did not hide anything.
Mike is a good strategist. For example, I accepted one of his advises that was not beneficial to me in a short term but played well at the end.
Mike was transparent to me, did not hide anything.
It does not mean that I put my fate in lawyer’s hands and stop thinking myself. I knew what I wanted and use Mike’s sharp mind, professional skills and experience of a trial lawyer in order to achieve the desirable outcome.
BARROWS LEVY PLLC
Christina B.
He was very informative and punctual. He gave us a clear picture of what information was needed for our day in court and everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend his services.
Leonard J. Tarantino, Attorney at Law.
Genevieve C.
Svetlana was professional throughout my experience and had a genuine concern for our outcome. She kept me informed throughout the process and was aggressive in meeting our needs.
Sobel Law Offices PC
Blanca C.
She was my hero got me through one of the worst times of my life !
Diana Mohyi Attorney at Law P.C.
Jose Z.
Great service and accurate, David helps you with any questions about any case. Also rapid response and works round the clock
David H.E. Bursik, Esq.
Adrienne W.
Mark is kind, caring and an excellent listener. He is also a bulldog when it requires. You will get phenomenal service with this firm and will not be treated like just another client. I highly recommend for excellent service and great results.
Law Offices of Mark F. Brancato
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