Handler & Levine, LLC

Within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category, we present an introduction to Handler & Levine, LLC, a law firm located at 4520 East-West Hwy #700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. While their physical office is in Maryland, USA, their specialization in estate planning may be relevant to local users in Japan who have assets or family in the United States, or who are seeking information for individuals in that jurisdiction regarding wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. The available client reviews offer contrasting perspectives on their services, particularly concerning client communication and value over time.

Information regarding the specific physical environment of Handler & Levine, LLC's office is partially available through one client's feedback, which mentions their sensitivity and precision in handling pandemic-related safety concerns during office visits. This suggests a professional environment that prioritizes client well-being and adheres to health guidelines. However, the other review does not provide details about the office setting itself.

The primary service offered by Handler & Levine, LLC, as highlighted in the client reviews, is estate planning. This includes:

• Document Preparation: Drafting essential estate planning documents such as Last Will & Testaments, trusts (including Home Trusts and Family Trusts), and Maryland Healthcare Directives.
• Legal Advice: Providing guidance and counsel to clients in revising their estate plans to align with their current family situations and needs.
• Comprehensive Service: Offering a full suite of services related to estate planning, as indicated by one client's satisfaction with the value received for the fees paid.

However, one review also suggests a potential shift in service delivery, with a senior attorney initially handling the case but later passing it on to a more junior attorney.

Key features of Handler & Levine, LLC, based on the available client feedback, include:

• Experienced Attorney: Marc Levine is specifically mentioned and has been practicing since at least 2010, indicating experience in estate planning.
• Professional Support Staff: One client praised the professionalism and capability of the support staff.
• Patient Client Handling: The firm demonstrated patience with client delays and inertia in addressing estate planning matters.
• Sensitivity to Safety Concerns: They were responsive to pandemic-related safety guidelines for office visits.
• Reasonable Fees (Initial Experience): One client initially found their fees reasonable for the comprehensive service received in 2010.

However, the second review raises concerns about:

• Increased Costs Over Time: The cost for updating estate documents for one person more than doubled between 2010 and 2023.
• Lack of Communication Regarding Attorney Change: A client was not informed that their case was being transferred to a more junior attorney.
• Potential Loss of Original Instructions: Multiple versions of a document did not accurately reflect the client's directions.
• Absence of Senior Attorney at Final Signing: The client did not meet with Mr. Levine at the final signing, despite the fees charged.
• Questionable Professional Courtesy: The client felt that Mr. Levine should have personally notified them about the change in attorney handling their case.

The promotional information for Handler & Levine, LLC is somewhat mixed based on the provided reviews. The first review serves as a positive endorsement, highlighting their great legal advice, professional staff, patience, sensitivity to safety, reasonable fees, and overall value. This client recommends them without reservation. However, the second review presents a less favorable perspective, particularly regarding the increase in fees, the lack of communication about the change in attorney, and issues with the accuracy of the updated documents. This suggests that while some clients have had positive experiences, others have encountered challenges with their service and communication.

For local users in Japan who require estate planning services in Maryland, or for their family members residing there, Handler & Levine, LLC is a firm with experience in this area. The initial positive review suggests they are capable of providing comprehensive and valuable services. However, the more recent review raises important considerations regarding potential increases in cost over time and the level of communication and personal attention clients might receive, especially if the case is transitioned to a different attorney. It is crucial for potential clients to discuss these aspects explicitly during any initial consultation.

The provided contact information, including phone number (+1 301-961-6464) and mobile phone (+1 301-961-6464), allows for direct communication with Handler & Levine, LLC. Local users in Japan can reach out to discuss their specific estate planning needs in Maryland, inquire about their fee structure for similar services, and ask about their procedures for client communication and attorney assignment to ensure a clear understanding of how their case would be handled. It would be prudent to inquire about the experience level of the attorney who will be primarily responsible for their case and to discuss expectations for communication throughout the process.

In conclusion, Handler & Levine, LLC in Bethesda, Maryland, offers estate planning services, including the preparation of wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. While one client reported a positive experience with their professionalism, reasonable fees, and comprehensive service, another client encountered issues with increasing costs, a lack of communication regarding a change in attorney, and inaccuracies in their updated estate documents. Potential clients should carefully consider both perspectives and engage in thorough communication with the firm to address any concerns before proceeding with their services.