Archive | August, 2012

How to Avoid an Inadequate Staten Island Lawyer

22 Aug

It is important to know the qualities that you are seeking if you are looking for a Staten Island lawyer. Qualities such as a hardworking, responsible, reputable, established, and accessible in helping you are traits that probably come to mind. While it is great to have high standards in hiring your Staten Island lawyer, it is also important to recognize the qualities that you are trying to avoid while searching for a Staten Island lawyer. This article will provide you with some warning signs that will help you decide if you have come in contact with a bad Staten Island lawyer.

Be wary of a lawyer who tells you upon first glance that he can handle your case without any complications. If he or she has offered you the, “don’t worry, this is a simple matter,” line, it may be cause for a red flag alert. The law is not always black and white. Oftentimes, complications are bound to arise. Before assessing your case as a “winner,” your attorney should conduct some research and, only after having a well-rounded idea of your individual situation, should your attorney assess the likelihood that the case will be settled, or won.

At your first meeting with the Staten Island lawyer, did you feel rushed while speaking with the lawyer? If the answer is yes, you may want to rethink working with that lawyer for the duration of your case. It is important that you have enough time with your Staten Island lawyer so that you can ask him or her all questions that relate to your case. If you feel rushed, you may become flustered and forget some of the questions you have for the attorney. Additionally, if the lawyer is rushing you while you are face to face, it may be an indication that he or she is pressed for time, and may not have enough time to work on your case.

Another point to consider while weeding through different attorneys is their level of experience. You would never go to a your regular doctor if you are having heart problems just as you shouldn’t go to your tax attorney if you have a workers’ compensation case. Remember to reflect on the type of attorney you need for your current situation. A specialist will most likely be best in handling your case, and have the relevant experience that will best satisfy your needs.

Choosing a Staten Island lawyer is an important process. Therefore, you should dedicate the appropriate amount of time and energy to choosing your legal representative. Remember the warning signs!

Angiuli and Gentile, LLP has a commitment of service to each and every client, and has a history of doing so for upwards of twenty-five years. The firm, with its team of skilled Staten Island lawyers, is deeply rooted in its commitment to clients and its resultant client satisfaction.

Angiuli and Gentile, LLP is a highly respected firm on Staten Island. Each client receives detailed attention to his or her case. For more information about Angiuli and Gentile, LLP, and to learn how their dedicated team of Staten Island lawyers can help with your next case, log on to http://www.AGLawNYC.com.

How to Discuss a Payment Plan with a Staten Island Attorney

3 Aug

Legal fees can be a major expense and sometimes people avoid seeking legal advice for fear of the ensuing fees. Unfortunately, this delay or lack of legal advice can lead to the negative consequences of unsettled legal matters and missing opportunities for justice, as often bringing matters to the attention of the courts can be time-sensitive. Legal fees do not have to overtake your life and become a stressful entity. Here are some tips to help you in discussing a payment plan with your Staten Island attorney that will allow you to have peace of mind and set you on a path towards settling legal issues.

Often, legal fees vary on a case-by-case basis. The fees are dependent on the amount of work the Staten Island attorney must put into the case, and the amount of attention paid to research, gathering information, and arranging dates with other lawyers and the courts. The first step in figuring out a payment plan is to talk to your Staten Island attorney about your specific case. Try to be as detailed as possible about your needs, relevant dates, and your expectations of the attorney. With this information, the Staten Island attorney will be able to gauge the amount of work and time that he or she must dedicate to the case. As you know, often time is money. It is likely that the more complicated cases will render a higher legal fee.

Once you have discussed your case, ask the Staten Island attorney to estimate the cost of his or her legal services. He or she might be able to offer you a quote at that moment or will ask for a few days to discuss your case with his or her colleagues. If the Staten Island attorney is prepared to offer you a quote on the spot, be sure to get the agreement in writing and keep a copy of that agreement for your personal records. Be ready to discuss if you will pay on a monthly basis, or if you will pay legal fees once the case has been settled. It is not uncommon for law firms to have different established methods of payment. Be sure to inquire about all of your different options, and ask detailed questions about each one. It is important to find a payment plan that you are comfortable with and one that allows you to fulfill and meet all of your preexisting financial obligations.

Again, it is important to put any payment plan option that you reach with the Staten Island attorney in writing. That way, there is no confusion on what was agreed upon, and you can refer to the documents if you ever have any doubts about your financial obligations to the lawyer. Once you settle on a payment plan with your Staten Island attorney, you are on your way to settling your legal matters and eliminating the worry from your mind.

Angiuli and Gentile, LLP is a full-service law firm with offices located on Staten Island. The firm is compromised of a talented team that has the expertise and experience to help you with your next case. The firm’s dedicated team of Staten Island attorneys has provided exceptional service to all clients for over twenty-five years. For more information about Angiuli and Gentile, LLP, and to learn how their team can assist with your next case, log on to http://www.AGLawNYC.com.

How to Research a Staten Island Attorney through the New York State Bar Association

1 Aug

Finding a lawyer can often times become a very overwhelming experience. The sheer number of lawyers is enough to stir clients into a frenzy since upon an initial online search of potential lawyers, most look qualified to take the client’s case. Unfortunately, this is sometimes not the case, and it takes a committed client to research a Staten Island attorney to learn if the attorney will satisfy all of his or her needs. A good place to start when discerning the most experienced attorney from the lesser-experienced attorney is the New York State Bar Association.

The New York State Bar Association will offer insight into whether or not the attorney has ever been disciplined. Attorneys can be disciplined for a number of reasons including ethical violations. If a complaint is made against a Staten Island attorney, the Bar Association’s Grievance Committee will investigate any claims and determine if the Staten Island attorney is indeed guilty of violating New York State’s rules of professional conduct. Depending on the degree of severity of the violation, some attorneys who have been disciplined are no longer able to practice law.

If an attorney has been disciplined, but is still practicing law, it is advisable to consult the full text of the disciplinary decision. This will give you a better idea about the Staten Island attorney’s violation of the rules of conduct and the severity of that violation. The New York State Bar Association will also inform you if a lawyer has been placed on probation, and if the Staten Island lawyer has been suspended, reprimanded, or disbarred. Once you have learned this information, continue researching the Staten Island attorney by conducting an online search using the attorney’s name.

The results of the search will most likely include testimonials written by former clients, newspaper articles, and the lawyer’s personal website or that that of his or her firm. Clients’ testimonials will inform you about their experience with the Staten Island attorney, including such information as the client-attorney communication, the attorney fees, and the level of helpfulness of the attorney’s office staff. Be sure to read the newspaper articles written about the attorney, as they might offer insight into the attorney’s level of experience and his or her ability to handle cases similar to your own. Finally, the attorney’s website may offer information about how long the attorney has been practicing law as well as provide the Staten Island attorney’s contact information.

Angiuli and Gentile, LLP is a full-service law firm with offices located on Staten Island. The firm is compromised of a talented team that has the expertise and experience to help you with your next case. The firm’s dedicated team of Staten Island attorneys has provided exceptional service to all clients for over twenty-five years. For more information about Angiuli and Gentile, LLP, and to learn how their team can assist with your next case, log on to http://www.AGLawNYC.com.