John Neal Griffith
Data reflects the status as of the most recent database update. We generally conduct data reviews and updates on a
monthly schedule.
4.6
Avvo rating
13 Reviews
Top review highlights
AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate attorneys who provide exceptional legal representation
“John Griffith is a brilliant, educated, dedicated and above and beyond passionate human being. All of those adjectives describe the attorney he is too.”
2
Personalized and caring service that makes clients feel like they are part of a "family"
“I didn't feel like I was being represented by an attorney, I felt like I was surrounded with a 'family'.”
3
Successful outcomes, including favorable custody arrangements and spousal support decisions
“Thanks to John, I was able to have an 85% share of the custody of my two children which was very, very important to me during that time.”
4
Trustworthy, honest, and transparent legal advice that prioritizes the client's best interests
“John is nothing short of amazing. He is trustworthy, honest and very hard working.”
5
Collaborative team approach with multiple attorneys working together to achieve the best results
“I went to court with a powerhouse team, Amy Lass and John Griffith, that were not only prepared but with the mind set to WIN!”
Cons
1
Potential issues with billing and fees, even though the firm is generally described as fair and reasonable
“Divorce is never cheap, but John and his team had my financial best interest at heart in and out of the courtroom.”
2
In one instance, the reviewer felt the attorney's legal advice and representation was inadequate and led to negative outcomes
“If I could give negative stars, I would. When I hired John, he was full of promises. I should never have listened to his poor legal advice.”
All reviews
05 Jul, 2024 by Move away x3
John has been my attorney for 3+ years guiding me successfully through a nasty divorce and continuing battle after . He is competent and honest and I strongly recommend him to anyone in search of a lawyer, in fact I have already given his number to two of my closest friends. Thank you John for all of your hard work and support, but most of all for the successes!
02 May, 2022 by Mary
I retained Atty Griffiths several years ago when I was going through my divorce. John and the entire staff at GYL were kind, competent, and personable. The kind part can be crucial when you’re going through some thing as emotionally charged as a divorce. Thanks to John , I was able to have an 85% share of the custody of my two children which was very very important to me during that time. Before hiring GYL I interviewed with at least six other local attorneys with “good” reputations and I didn’t feel confident leaving any of their offices. That was 11 years ago . I recently retained the services of Atty Griffiths again as my ex husband sought to eliminate my spousal support. I was met once again with the same knowledgeable, professional, and personable team . For me , going through a divorce was harrowing. I believe receiving excellent support and guidance during this time, made a critical difference in my life going forward. And definitely in the lives of my two children. I could not be more grateful.
07 Dec, 2020 by Morgana
We were referred to John Griffith, at GYL from our former Attorney. I specifically was looking for an aggressive attorney that would yield results. John, Josh and Firm performed flawlessly, and did not disappoint!
Our case was complicated, and needed swift emergency action regarding child custody and restraining orders. John and Josh prioritized our case and executed masterfully producing life changing results for my family and I.
We cannot thank John and the GYL team enough for their professionalism and attention to detail over the past several months. The way John presented our case was pure genius with meticulous preparation and deliberate action in court.
Without the GYL Team we wouldn't have been able to gain full custody of our children. GYL you have truly been a godsend! Thank you very much for everything!!!
25 Oct, 2019 by Timothy
It's hard to put into words what these amazing human beings did over the course of two plus years for my custody battle. I didn't feel like I was being represented by an attorney, I felt like I was surrounded with a "family". John Griffith is a brilliant, educated, dedicated and above and beyond passionate human being. All of those adjectives describe the attorney he is too. The entire office made me feel important, listened to, cared about my case and was with me every step of the way. My case was not easy. It was and is a high conflict, very complicated and dynamic child custody case. John and team expertly chewed through three lawyers that the other side presented. His paralegal (Kristin C) is no longer working for GYL but was instrumental in the case as well. Jeff was another attorney who assisted John with the case and he was an amazing asset who also helped tremendously. I can't thank John Griffith or his firm enough for the care, dedication and attention to detail they paid to my case. More importantly they are child focused and family focused. Thank you John, Catie, Amy, Jeff, Kristin, Kayla, and everyone else over there that helped me through two plus years of tough litigation. You men and women truly are the best. I would recommend this firm to anyone looking for stellar representation if they find themselves in a divorce or custody battle.
05 Oct, 2016 by Sean
As difficult as it is to go through a divorce the one thing I have learned is that at some point you are going to need solid advice from a sound professional. After trying my hand at self representation to get through the sticky portion of support orders, I knew I needed help. After interviewing a few other recommended attorneys, I decided to go with John Griffith and his team of experts. From day one I was blown away with their accuracy, care, attitude, and ability to ethically think outside the box with my case. John and his team are pros and not just looking to bill hours when and where they can. In a time where you feel like you can't trust anyone John and his team truly give you a sense of someone having your back. Divorce is never cheap, but John and his team had my financial best interest at heart in and out of the courtroom. As backhanded as it sounds, I hope I never need to retain their team again, but if so I will gladly do so knowing I am in good, capable hands of true professionals who care.
See more
Best lawyers in Carlsbad, CA
5.0
7 Reviews
5.0
38 Reviews
11 Jul, 2024 by Jeff
I've worked with Sara off and on over a 10-year period in a challenging and complicated divorce situation. Sara has always been helpful and responsive. She has remained calm and kind even when I wasn't. She has been honest and never gave me false hope or set unrealistic expectations. Instead, she has helped me understand the strengths and weaknesses in my case so I could make informed, clear minded decisions. Sara knows the family court system well and the people involved in the system. She also understands its limitations. The unique thing about Sara is that she's a good person ... and I can't say this about other family law attorneys I've worked with. She has looked out for me and my family's best interests while other family law attorneys I've used always managed to prioritize their financial interests above all else.
Read more
10 Jul, 2024 by Andrew jones
Greg helped me with my BK and was absolutely fantastic in every way. Very honest and helpful, even got a creditor who came back years later to stop harassing me for requests of payment. Was very responsive to everything i asked and had the experience to make the process as stress free as possible. Thank you Greg!
Read more
02 Jul, 2024 by Sonny
Greg restored my faith in the legal system and I would recommend him to anyone/everyone who's recently been in a car accident. I was in an unfortunate accident two weeks ago and was in shock when I called up my car insurance company and was immediately pushed into giving a recorded statement. I felt steamrolled by my insurance company (they are not your ally), especially since they immediately pronounced me 100% at-fault without any defense (and without even letting me know). I needed an expert coach to get me through the process and defend my rights. I started calling attorneys and after 15 calls of bureaucratic rejections I felt defeated. These large legal "corporations" would have a rep answer the phone, punch my info into a computer, and then say, "Sorry, but we don't cover minor accidents". I was literally about to give up (and cry), but then Attorney Hood picked up the phone. Yes... he, the actual attorney, called me back and asked for my full story: what happened, why did I feel cheated, etc. He was compassionate, patient, and infinitely helpful. He started sending me legal terms to use and lawsuits to reference. He took the time to actually show/explain to me my rights. I can't thank you enough Greg! Highly highly recommend!
Read more
24 Nov, 2019 by Pieter matthew olimerick
07 Dec, 2017 by Docscotty2001
Ms Hersch has helped me with various issues over the past several years. She is honest and has the highest ethics. Besides being highly competent what I really love about her is that she really cares about me. She makes that clear in the way that she listens and takes time to arrive at the very best approach to solve the problems I set before her. I would never want to use anyone else. She is the best.
Read more
15 May, 2015 by Zoe
It is rare to come across an attorney who has both emotional intelligence and legal intelligence. I am grateful to have found Ariel - she strategically helped us through a sticky situation and was insightful and intelligent. We will continue to use her for our business. We know that good attorneys are difficult to find!
Read 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:
-
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. -
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. -
Who will be handling my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
What potential outcomes can I expect?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the expected timeline for my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What challenges do you foresee in my case?
Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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 Carlsbad, California?
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.