Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Thorough and dedicated in handling client's case
“Tim worked tirelessly on my behalf. He was thorough, always available and understood that there was a huge amount of emotion involved in my case and handled that part of it with sensitivity.”
2
Provides honest and upfront assessments of cases
“Although hard to hear it was true. Tim could have and offered to go forward to trial which would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. He told me he would give me the best criminal defense that he could but was honest with me.”
3
Effective at negotiating favorable outcomes for clients
“He was able to negotiate a plea deal in which I served no time in jail and had minimal fines. Going to trial would have cost me thousands of dollars and probably my home.”
4
Communicates well and keeps clients informed
“Tim and his associates were extremely professional and helped us through a rough time. We were definitely in good hands and I strongly recommend him.”
Cons
1
Inconsistent in availability and communication
“He didn't come to my court dates, was difficult to reach via phone or email, discouraged me from getting legal advice from anyone else, and generally behaved as if my case wasn't a high priority.”
2
Questionable billing practices and transparency
“I chose him because he quoted me at about half the price of any other lawyer I spoke with. A few days later, he explained that this was a 'pre-charging' rate and that I actually owed him twice the initial rate he quoted.”
3
Delegating important tasks to less experienced lawyers
“Tim didn't appear at a single of my court appearances, but sent other less experienced lawyers in his place (and this was for a serious felony charge).”

All reviews

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01 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Tim for defense in very serious criminal charges I was accused of. Tim worked tirelessly on my behalf. He was thorough, always available and understood that there was a huge amount of emotion involved in my case and handled that part of it with sensitivity. Tim met with me on weekends and holidays. Tim also met my family with me and separately for me to gently tell them things that I did not have the courage to admit myself. I felt humiliated at times and Tim never waivered in his support for me and when all of the investigation on both sides was over and there was no way around it, he sat me down and told me the truth: the accident was simply my fault. Although hard to here it was true. Tim could have and offered to go forward to trial which would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. He told me he would give me the best criminal defense that he could but was honest with me. Although this was a hard pill to swallow it turned out to be the best outcome for me. He was able to negotiate a plea deal in which I served no time in jail and had minimal fines. Going to trial would have cost me thousands of dollars and probably my home. Tim's honesty saved me not just money though. Tim was able to see that my emotion was in the way of the best decision for my case. He was right. It's been about 10 years. The conviction has been expunged from my record. Hindsight they say is 20/20. Tim led me in the right direction and my life would still be negatively impacted if he hadn't. Thank you Tim.
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23 Mar, 2016 by Jim
I enlisted the Law Offices of Timothy Rien to help a friend of mine that was facing criminal charges. Our initial meeting was with Tim, and he was very non-judgmental and helpful -- explaining the process, the cost, and the likely outcome. I really felt like we had an advocate on our side as his office made multiple court appearances and worked with the District Attorney to hammer out a plea bargain. In the end, felony charges were avoided. Although we initially met with Tim, most of our interaction was with Melissa and Joe. I was very pleased with their prompt email updates on court proceedings, and with quick answers to all of our questions.
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07 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
In 2011 I was referred to Tim Rien and quickly knew I wanted him to represent me in what would be a 4 ½ year case that just recently settled. Tim and his law office team were so helpful and supportive. From the first phone call interaction with Tim I knew I would be in good hands. After hearing my situation, he wanted to meet with me immediately and made time in his schedule for that same day. I was going through a great deal of stress and was very emotional but Tim made me feel relaxed and comfortable. He communicated in layman’s terms so that I clearly understood what was going on and what to expect moving forward. He made me feel like he cared about finding justice with my case. He would give me advice and often encouraged me to be strong and hold my head high which meant a lot during a very difficult time. From the first meeting I knew Tim was the best choice to represent me. He thoroughly explained every detail of the legal documents, which can be very daunting and confusing. As my situation continued and there were long waiting periods, Tim would check in with me via phone calls and follow my case directly and completely kept me in the loop about everything. That again reassured me that I was in good hands. There was one day when I needed him immediately on the phone to know how to handle some people that had come to my home. I called the office and spoke with Melissa Adams who assured me in a calming voice that Tim was in court, and as soon as he was out, he would be calling me. She advised me in the meantime, how to handle the current situation until Tim was out of court. I received a call from him less than an hour later. On another occasion when I needed to visit the office immediately, to review something that was in my file. I called the office and spoke with Joseph who told me to come in as soon as possible. I always felt like a priority and not just another client. This gave me such peace of mind during the most difficult time in my life. I want people to know that Tim Rien is one the most upstanding people I have ever met. He is professional, honest, dependable, tough, organized and most importantly experienced. He assured me that this would all be over soon and that he would be with me every step of the way…, which he was. Thank you Tim Rien and your professional law team for everything you have done for me during this 4 ½ year ordeal. I look forward to spreading the word and referring people to you who are in need of a professional and caring legal team that goes above and beyond.
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11 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I had a very similar experience with Tim as the last reviewer did. When I first met with Tim, he appeared to have a lot of sympathy for me and indignation on my behalf in regards to my wrongful arrest. This changed quickly after I paid my retainer. Once my money was safely in his hands, his optimism and enthusiasm for defending me subsided dramatically. He didn't come to my court dates, was difficult to reach via phone or email, discouraged me from getting legal advice from anyone else, and generally behaved as if my case wasn't a high priority. I was very unhappy with his work, both the outcome of my case and the way he handled our communication. I am disappointed that he responded to the last reviewer saying he would not "at this time" reveal the client's name or private information on this website, perhaps implying he might at another time (though the review seemed to me quite fair and very familiar to my own experience with Tim). I believe this statement is a greater testament to Tim's character and feeings toward to his clients than any review is.
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08 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I initially was referred to Tim's office by a colleague back in 2011 when my initial case arose and I needed counsel. I started working directly with Melissa and eventually received assistance from Tim, Melissa and Joe - the whole team. I appreciated them working as a team and being available to me that way. If I couldn't get a hold of one, someone else would respond to me and was well aware of my situation. My case was resolved but unfortunately a restitution claim arose 2 years after, and the team again was back at bat for me. We just recently completely settled, and I appreciate the work put in and the care that was given. I would highly recommend to others. Although I hope to never need to use them again, if another situation comes up I will already know who to call.
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21 May, 2021 by Ray
I say Superior in the title because I've had the unfortunate experience of hiring and firing multiple defense attorneys. In my experience most of them will first fill you full of (FUD) fear, uncertainty and doubt, giving you the worst possible case scenario to make you more vulnerable, promise you they're your savior and once they've got you - you can't reach them and they plead out your case as easily and quickly as possible. Fatima is superior in numerous ways. She does not give you a bunch of FUD, is very personable, professional, treats you with respect, has key - critical relationships in the courts and doesn't accept no from the DA without trying more than once to get you the best deal possible, Again, coming from someone who has had more dealings with defense attorney's than I care to say, she did an absolutely outstanding job for me and kept me informed promptly on aspects of my case throughout the entire process. I can without question that I highly recommend Fatima as a superior defense attorney.
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19 Jun, 2019 by Daniel leary
We are a 35-person engineering firm, and we recently contacted Livermore Attorney: Robert B Jacobs to assist with a complicated contract dispute, where our firm was being handled unfairly. Because Mr. Jacobs has decades of experience as a Mediator, he was able to foresee the legal road map, and his advice led to a very favorable outcome. Robert is tough, smart and experienced.
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18 Jun, 2018 by Carol rivers
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06 Jun, 2018 by Paul clark
Bob has an incredible detailed understanding of the law. All attorneys may have the same right to practice law but they do not all have the same ability . Bob was incredible, best outcome possible, he was able to prepare a flawless case for trial and got us the outcome that could not have been better. When it was time to wrap up the details there was no shortage of a desire to get it done quickly and move the process along to avoid needless costs. Highly recommend for any real estate related transaction, purchase, sale, construction, landlord, tenant, etc. He understands it all from end to end.
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13 May, 2024 by Hainee
He helped us with my sister’s case and my family and I are just not forever grateful but also highly impressed.  Mr. Cox is an outstanding,  authentic, dependable, engaging, supportive and exceptionally intelligent lawyer. I  was impressed with his abilities; attention to detail, communication skills and his passion. He is well-versed, always has a game plan, knowledgeable about the process and was responsive any time you needed anything. It’d be missed if I didn't mention how his staff are also prompt,  friendly and professional. Overall this Law Office strives to exceed  expectations which is a great relief especially during a trial when you feel out of sorts the most. You will feel comfortable, at ease and confident knowing that you have a lawyer that holds himself a much higher bar than any other Criminal Lawyer out there. 
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12 Jan, 2019 by Elaine
From the first consultation meeting, Joe Cox provided personal, considerate, and intelligent defense for my son. Mr. Cox went much further than "the extra mile." He did not stop with proving my son's innocence of the alleged crime, but he pressed on to secure the mental and medical care that was needed. Joe said that here and now is not all we need, we must see that he's set up for a successful future. My family owes lifelong gratitude to Joe Cox, Esq. for defending my son with brilliant expertise and genuine personalized compassion.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Robert m.
I must say that Joe did an excellent job for me. He listened to what I needed. He explained in detail what he could do for me. He has a skill with district attorneys, so much so that he gets it done! This is one lawyer that truly cares! That is very hard to find in the system we live in today. There are times in life when one needs an attorney. Joe Cox is the man to hire! He won’t let you down!
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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 Livermore, 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.
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