How much does it cost to hire Jean for a legal case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jean walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Jean offer a free consultation?

Jean charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jean's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Jean's current terms during booking.

How long do legal cases in New Jersey typically take?

Simple legal matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jean take my case if I'm outside Montclair?

Jean is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jean will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Jean?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jean accepting new legal clients right now?

Jean's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Jean Desales Barrett — Attorney in Montclair, New Jersey

Over 47 years of legal practice · 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatRuhnke & Barrett

Montclair, NJ

Practicing law in Montclair since 1979.

47+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Are you Jean Desales Barrett?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Jean Desales Barrett is a member based in Montclair, NJ. Jean has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ruhnke & Barrett. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Montclair, NJ
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: legal services

Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Biography

About Jean Desales Barrett — Over 47 years of New Jersey legal experience

Jean Desales Barrett is a member based in Montclair, NJ. Jean has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ruhnke & Barrett. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Jean Desales Barrett is a lawyer. Jean received a A.B. degree from Manhattanville College, and has been licensed for 47 years. Jean practices at Ruhnke & Barrett in Montclair, NJ.

Who Jean represents

Jean reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Montclair and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Credentials

Jean Desales Barrett's legal education and bar admissions

Rutgers University Law School J.D.
—
Manhattanville College A.B.
—

Jurisdictions

Jean's state bar admissions

New York
2006 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1980 · ACTIVE
Colorado
1979 · ACTIVE

Jean studied at — in Rutgers University Law School J.D. and — in Manhattanville College A.B..

Law school and academic background

Jean completed — in Rutgers University Law School J.D. and — in Manhattanville College A.B.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jean runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Jean Desales Barrett

Jean has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Jean Desales Barrett's office in Montclair

Jean's primary office is at 47 Park Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ruhnke & Barrett

47 Park Street

Montclair, NJ 07042

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jean Desales Barrett — 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Jean. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing legal attorneys in Montclair.

4.9

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jean Desales Barrett claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Jean Desales Barrett — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jean usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jean charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jean's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jean will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a legal attorney in Montclair, New Jersey

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jean

Jean discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in legal practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jean confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jean's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jean Desales Barrett

How much does it cost to hire Jean for a legal case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jean walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jean offer a free consultation?
Jean charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jean's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Jean's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple legal matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jean take my case if I'm outside Montclair?
Jean is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jean will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jean?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jean accepting new legal clients right now?
Jean's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.