Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
See more
Pros
1
Friendly and helpful staff who provide personalized attention and legal advice
“the staff at vahdat and associate was so friendly and nice, they took there time with me and helped me realize my situation and gave me the legal advice i needed.”
2
Ability to settle cases successfully, even when other lawyers couldn't
“She moved my trial date to a later date in hopes of settling the case with another mediator. She was able to settle my case, negotiate all of my medical liens and still make sure I got a good settlement figure in my pocket!!!”
3
Expertise in handling complex and "risky" cases
“I called numerous attorneys and none would take such a "Risky case" with tricky insurance issues, as well. Thank goodness I found Ms Vahdat (Amy). Amy accepted my case, addressed the insurance issue and settled my "Risky" case, in a timely manner with a far larger settlement than I expected.”
4
Compassionate and client-oriented approach
“Along with her phenomenal "hard" skills, (i.e., above) Ms Vahdat displays "soft" skills. She is honest, compassionate, listens exceptionally well, returns calls prompty and authentically cares about her clients.”
5
Providing personalized support and going above and beyond
“She came to my house to meet my elderly mother because she couldn't walk. Ms. Vahdat set my mom up with the best physicians. She even gave us her personal cell phone number so that we could reach her whenever we needed it!”
Cons
1
Lack of transparency and communication
“Vahdat never told me the truth about anything and in the end I was the one left doing a majority of her job, even though I was injured and suffering.”
2
Damaging to the client's case
“She was damaging to my case and now my new attorney has to clean up her mess with absolutely no cooperation or remorse from her.”

All reviews

star star star star star
05 Nov, 2016 by Lili
I had a tainted contact lens that left me legally blind in one eye (3 months later I regained most of vision, thankfully.) I called numerous attorneys and none would take such a "Risky case" with tricky insurance issues, as well. Thank goodness I found Ms Vahdat (Amy). Amy accepted my case, addressed the insurance issue and settled my "Risky" case, in a timely manner with a far larger settlement than I expected. Along with her phenomenal "hard" skills, (i.e., above) Ms Vahdat displays "soft" skills. She is honest, compassionate, listens exceptionally well, returns calls prompty and authentically cares about her clients. She is young (in age not experience) and pretty. I assumed she was a junior associate attorney even I had her business card that revealed she owns the firm. My only complaint is that she doesn't handle *all* legal problems in *all* states. That is impossible, though.
star star star star star
25 Apr, 2016 by Sofie
Ms. Vahdat is a very hard working attorney. She made me feel very comfortable in her office and made me feel like a human being once again after suffering serious injuries in my car accident. Ms. Vahdat and her staff went above and beyond to ensure I was always kept up to date with my case, the applicable law, and everything that was going on with my case. I was advised every step of the way of how the law works. Overall Ms. Vahdat made me comfortable during this entire ordeal. She definitely has very high standards and ethics. When you meet Amy, her approach and tone of voice makes you instantly feel comfortable. This is especially important when you have suffered a traumatic injury like I did. I admire Ms. Vahdat for her work and ethics.
star star star star star
19 Apr, 2016 by Rachel
I was severely injured when my contractor failed to properly install the cabinets in my kitchen almost 4 years ago. Another attorney was handling my case against Sears. After almost 3 years that attorney could not get anywhere with my case that he he filed suit on. I took my case took Amy. She moved my trial date to a later date in hopes of settling the case with another mediator. She was able to settle my case, negotiate all of my medical liens and still make sure I got a good settlement figure in my pocket!!! She is amazing, caring and attentive. She did magic when another attorney (who is much older than her!!) could not!
star star star star star
19 Apr, 2016 by Dan
My mother was involved in a slip and fall accident while in a nursing care facility. We were referred to Ms. Vahdat for legal help. She explained the process to us in much appreciated detail. She came to my house to meet my elderly mother because she couldn't walk. Ms. Vahdat set my mom up with the best physicians. She even gave us her personal cell phone number so that we could reach her whenever we needed it! She has truly been an angel and I would refer her and her legal team at Law Offices of Vahdat & Associate to EVERYONE!
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
People walk into an office and blind not knowing the outcome of the legal matter. Amy held my hand through the process and made sure my medial treatments were taken care of. She did not concern herself with the dollar value but rather made sure I was in better health. If someone promised me a million dollars or my health, I want my health back and that is what Amy fought for.. God Bless her
See more

Best lawyers in Encino, CA

See more
star star star star star
06 Aug, 2024 by Brian
Olga is impressive in so many ways, she always had answers for my questions, she knows the best way to negotiate a settlement and is a straight shooter. She could've easily put me on the back burner as my case dragged on, but chose not to. Olga has such a great way about her, she's a truth teller with a great human touch.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
22 Feb, 2018 by Edna
I ran accross Mr. Hymans number while doing a Google search and let me tell you, I've never been happier. Andrew (as he introduced himself) was very patient and provided a great deal of advice to me including a few references to help me along the way. Many Attorneys I've spoken with rush me and make me feel less than; Not Andrew. He heard my silent screams and validated them. Andrew is proof that one bad apple does not spoil the entire bunch. By the time the call ended I was asking him for is Avvo info so that I could rate him. Thank you Andrew for your time and your help. If No one else appreciated you my husband Michael and I sure do! Continued Blessings to you sir!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Jul, 2017 by Benjamin
He explained how to prepare so the falls hits the mark.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
24 Jul, 2017 by Rich
Andrew Hyman was very helpful and if I need a lawyer he would be the first when I would contact
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
We hired Rahulan to do our family estate plan. He was extremely knowledgeable and patient with us when explaining all of the things to consider. My spouse and I both have children from prior marriages as well as from our union which makes things a bit more complicated. Rahulan was exceptional in his advice, and subsequent service. I would recommend him to anyone!
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 Encino, 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.
Scroll to top