Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
See more
Pros
1
Extremely knowledgeable and experienced in family law, especially in child custody cases
“Attorney Emile Harmon worked miracles with my case which enabled me to gain custody of my two teenage daughters.”
2
Highly dedicated and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for clients
“They were AMAZING. I was literally amazed at watching them work so flawlessly as a team; with such good humor, so quickly, and with total precision, even in the courtroom.”
3
Straightforward and honest in assessing a case, even if it means being upfront about the challenges
“Emile first struck me as a 'no b.s.' kind of man: he told me exactly what hurdles I was up against, the honest likelihood of me getting full custody back, and at first he said he didn't think he could win the case for me and so I should hire someone else!”
4
Deeply cares about the well-being of children involved in custody battles
“He truly cares about children in the case as well as the client.”
5
Provides excellent client communication and responsiveness
“In preparation for the trial, we corresponded mainly with his associate, yet Emile was always available via phone, text, or email to further ensure that the plan stayed relevant and on track, or even just to answer any further concerns we had.”
Cons
1
Occassionally lost or misplaced important documents related to the case
“Emile Harmon - or his office - lost my contract agreement with his office two or three times after I signed it ... and blamed me.”
2
Failed to follow through on promises or commitments in a timely manner
“Emile Harmon repeatedly failed to return phone calls after he said to get in touch with him ... and blamed his (personally competent) paraprofessional.”

All reviews

star star star star star
05 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
Emile Harmon - or his office - lost my contract agreement with his office two or three times after I signed it ... and blamed me. Emile Harmon repeatedly failed to return phone calls after he said to get in touch with him ... and blamed his (personally competent) paraprofessional. Emile Harmon repeatedly told me he had physical therapists for me to go to after my injury but failed to return phone calls asking for their names. Later, he lied and told the AZ bar, where he has been reported for at least the second time, that he never said he had names of physical therapists. Emile Harmon told me that he would be able to get a demand letter for my case sent within three months. Four months later, after numerous unanswered requests to see the demand letter sent to the party being sued, he sent me the letter. It had numerous errors. I asked if we could fix it. He said we could. I asked how we could do that if it had been sent. He said it hadn't yet been sent after all. When I couldn't abide Emile Harmon's lack of professionalism any longer, I asked for my case to be transferred to another lawyer in the firm. Emile Harmon resigned my case saying, in part, that without physical therapy, my case isn't worth that much anyway. When he resigned it, he left me in a position where at least of some my medical bills have not yet been paid from my insurance (since his paraprofessional asked me to send him the release form from my insurance before I signed anything - I have no idea when she sent it out after that) and they are about to be reported to credit bureaus as unpaid. I reported his behavior to the AZ Bar, where he is currently being investigated. Update: I also engaged another attorney who, despite Emile Harmon's predictions, got me a large settlement. This attorney charged me only 29%, as opposed to Emile Harmon's ask of 40%. When I saw here that Emile Harmon had been sanctioned by the AZ Bar once, I should have paid attention and immediately engaged another attorney. This is now a decision I deeply regret.
star star star star star
18 Jan, 2014 by Angeline
Emile Harmon first struck me as a "no b.s." kind of man: he told me exactly what hurdles I was up against, the honest likelihood of me getting full custody back, and at first he said he didn't think he could win the case for me and so I should hire someone else! Since when do lawyers say that? He was amazingly straightforward, and we all REALLY respect that. He also likes a challenge though, since he decided to take my case, after really interacting with me during the course of the free consult: he asked tons of relevant questions, reviewed documents I provided, and listened respectfully to my questions and concerns (and those of my mother, who wanted grandparental rights) and then answered them honestly. In the course of that one hour consultation he managed to do what 7 other lawyers before him could not: answer the legal questions we had without misleading us about the difficulty of our case yet not quashing our hopes, assess the state of our case accurately, and even form a basic plan as to how we might win. IN ONE HOUR. Most importantly, he made us all feel comfortable, and we knew we were dealing with a forthright professional who would serve us to the best of his substantial ability. In preparation for the trial, we corresponded mainly with his associate, yet Emile was always available via phone, text, or email to further ensure that the plan stayed relevant and on track, or even just to answer any further concerns we had. He was consummately knowledgeable about the applicable laws and legal procedures. He always made us feel we had made the right decision in hiring him & his associate to represent us, every time we communicated. To be quite frank, he and his team worked their asses off for us, since we had a pretty limited amount of time until the date of the hearing by the time we found him. They were AMAZING. I was literally amazed at watching them work so flawlessly as a team; with such good humor, so quickly, and with total precision, even in the courtroom: right in front of the judge when they had to change direction on an issue mid-hearing. Finally, and against all odds, we did win our case (joint custody is far, far better than a few hours every other Saturday!), and both my mother and I sincerely believe that Emile & his team are solely responsible for that victory. I've run out of the dozen cards he gave me because I've handed them all out to friends, even strangers. I've given his number to a dozen more. I'd hire him again in a second, and intend to do so should I EVER require more family law/custody issues legal help, and if I need help in some other area of the law, Emile is the only man I'll ask for a referral, because I respect his opinion so much.
star star star star star
03 Jan, 2014 by P&k
Emile Harmon is a great lawyer; a very aggressive, adroit & knowledgeable law professional. Dedicated & successful at pursuing and protecting the best interests of his client and children involved. Emile & the Harmon Law Office staff are friendly, responsive to all questions, concerns & comments, and always kept us informed. The firm also offers beneficial options such as their payment plan options. It was a blessing having Emile Harmon at our side throughout our custody issues from the very beginning, and we are forever grateful. I highly recommend the Harmon Law Office! Thank you Emile, Rebekah & Harmon Law Office for everything!
star star star star star
19 Dec, 2013 by Matt
Mr. Harmon was very aggresive when he needed to be and more importantly, he knew when to be aggresive to benefit my case. What a great change to see that there is an attorney out there who actually cares about his clients
star star star star star
18 Dec, 2013 by Joanna
Emile has to be one of the most honest lawyers I have come across. He has such an incredible work ethic and truly cares about his clients. Along with his paralegal, Rebekah, they've always handled my case with the attention and care it needed. Without them, I don't know where I would be. Thank you, Emile!
See more

Best lawyers in Tempe, AZ

See more
star star star star star
08 Nov, 2013 by Bethany h
We had Wells Realty & Law Groups take over our short sale for a townhouse we were selling in Mesa, AZ. We had been using a local realtor who deemed himself the "short sale King". We were going on 1 year with that office and making no headway when we finally got smart and decided to go with Wells. That was the best decision we made. In a short 3 months we had our house sold and names cleared off both mortgages and all liens released. I was very impressed with their professionalism, knowledge and communication. Jason, Stella, Chris and Makel were all awesome! Thanks again guys for helping us through the stressful time in our lives. Kevin and Bethany
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Sep, 2013 by Celia
When I found myself needing to make a decision on short selling my home, I found Wells Realty and Law Group on the web and gave them a call. I met with them to consult about my options, at which time they took the time to answer all of my questions and explained all the options available to me. Ultimately I decided to sell my home and Wells Realty and Law Group took care of everything from start to finish. They were just a phone call away and ready to answer my questions, explain a process or clarify something on the paperwork. They stayed on top of the process the whole way through and made sure it got done. In the end we had a successful sale with very little stress on me. I would definitely recommend Wells Realty and Law Group to friends and family.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Sep, 2013 by Sharon
This is wonderful news, and Michelle and I thank you and your team for assisting us with this rather daunting case. As you know, we held out as long as possible for many years with this upside mortgage, despite the 2008 worldwide economic downturn. We had been taught to fulfill our obligations and we marched along with this mantra ringing in our heads as we paid this upside down mortgage month after month — throwing good money into bad as other voices of disagreement also echoed in our heads. When we sought refinancing assistance with Bank of America, the mortgagor, they couldn't assist this customer with the problem, even after escalating the problem to their Vice President. It took an Act of God for us to stop and seek counseling on this really inverted mortgage, based on today’s property worth prices. We are thankful that in our bleakest hour, we found your firm’s information on the Internet, and the business relationship began. Thank you so much for your ethical and judicial counseling, and your calm, patient and emphatic demeanor. Please truly understand how this kindest has helped us move beyond our pride to reality. We are hoping for a better future and that our family member, for whom we originally purchased the property, will be able to move forward to eventual home ownership whenever the right time presents itself. Thank you again.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 Dec, 2017 by William
Michael Medina is an excellent lawyer! Answered all of my questions and got results in a swift manner.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Michael is a one-of-a-kind attorney. I hired him to defend me in an accident. The driver of the vehicle was drunk and at fault. I sustained injuries that changed my life forever. He is professional, genuine, and knows how to WIN cases. I highly recommend him!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
14 Dec, 2017 by Rene leyva
Mr Medina helped me and my family Towards a fatal car accident my parents had, my parents and older sister deceased. He treated my like family guide me thru steps and still keeps in contact
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
02 Feb, 2024 by Joshua
Ms. Goldman was my attorney through a nearly 2 year custody case. She made sure that I was doing what I needed and when I shouldn't worry. She did an excellent job in fighting for me and I do not think I would have found a better attorney than her. Thank you so much! I appreciate everything you and the firm has done for me.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
02 Feb, 2024 by Cody
I was in need of help with custody issues and Jami stepped in fantastically. The water was very muddy and a lot of things we had to get through but the entire time Jami helped me and guided me.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 Jan, 2024 by Amanda
Jami has always been direct, from the start. I felt that my questions were answered, direction was given and she always had my best interest at heart. The guidance and support Jami has given, during a difficult time, goes beyond words. I always felt that she was prepared, educated and ready to take on whatever I threw her way. Highly recommended Jami Goldman, great advocate to work with.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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 Tempe, Arizona?

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.
Scroll to top