Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Excellent communication and responsiveness
“Always returned calls in a timely manner!”
2
Effective in achieving favorable outcomes for clients
“She negotiated a very favorable final deal and covered all the legal 'bases' which forced my former partner into having to be honest and keep his contractual commitments.”
3
Provides valuable guidance and advice
“She carefully counseled me on my options and immediately wrote a strong letter to my employer laying out the legal missteps they had made.”
4
Personable and compassionate approach
“She brings compassion, responsiveness, humanity and honesty to provide valuable options for her clients.”
5
Proactive and takes initiative
“She has taken initiative to follow up with the process.”
Cons
1
Lack of expertise and legal knowledge in some cases
“She admitted she does not know what to do. Her exact words from her email. I just copy and paste.”
2
Potential for overcharging and vague billing practices
“She provides very vague monthly statements and if you ask her for specifics, you will see double charges and clear attempts to 'meet' the desired amount.”
3
Failure to follow through or advocate for the client's best interests
“When the opposing counsel responded denying the claim, she didn't write back or fight back with a rebuttal. Instead she took my money and their lies/excuses about the circumstances of my termination and sat back.”

All reviews

star star star star star
02 Jun, 2017 by Glen
Ms. Machen is the best, not only did she help me get my job back but i was offered a full time position with the company. Thank you so much for all your help.
star star star star star
28 Apr, 2017 by Michael
After being dismissed from my work because of a physical disability, I hired Ms. Machen to represent me. From the get-go, she carefully counseled me on my options and immediately wrote a strong letter to my employer laying out the legal missteps they had made, including discrimination and wage and hour violations. Within two months of my contacting her, she negotiated a settlement that will give me financial stability while I continue to recuperate and take the next steps in my career. Throughout, I appreciated Ms. Machen’s determination and ability to exceed my goals and her always keeping me in the loop on our progress
star star star star star
18 Apr, 2017 by Maria
Very attentive. Always returned calls in a timely manner!
star star star star star
10 Jun, 2014 by Danny mac
Ms. Machen came to the rescue of my business and commercial realestate investment in early 2013 when I needed to end a partnership that had gone bad. She is an extremely smart and flexible attorney who untangled a very complex set of legal problems and put me in a much better position than when we hired her. I can honestly say that her legal services were a very good investment because Ms. Machen saved me tens of thousands of dollars by negotiating a very favorable final deal and covering all the legal "bases" which forced my former partner into having to be honest and keep his contractual commitments. Just recently, when my wife needed an employment law attorney in early 2014, we returned to Ms. Machen and she gave us the information we needed to make the best possible decisions during a very difficult time for us. As Ms. Machen would say, she takes her “counselor-at-law” title very seriously. In our experience, Ms. Machen brings compassion, responsiveness, humanity and honesty to provide valuable options for her clients
star star star star star
31 May, 2014 by Leinaala
When I unexpectedly and suddenly lost my job, I was extremely depressed, struggling to make ends meet and believed that my employer had discriminated against me. Fortunately, I contacted and engaged Heidi Machen who interviewed me about my experience, gathered the necessary evidence to prove my case and gave me a straight assessment of my chances for winning a wrongful termination claim. She listened from the very beginning and gave me the strong guidance I needed. Ms. Machen worked hard for me and used her lawyerly skills of negotiation and communication to achieve a favorable result within a relatively short time without having to go to trial. She kept me in the loop throughout. I greatly appreciate her taking me on as a client and highly recommend her as an attorney to other employees who have been treated unfairly in the workplace.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Masa
David is a well-experienced corporate lawyer, especially in the game industry. We are a startup company located in San Francisco. He works closely with our team and always meets our expectations even we have a short deadline. We would strongly recommend him to anyone who needs an excellent and trusted corporate lawyer.
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04 Oct, 2019 by Joshua
We have relied on David and his team to support us for over twenty years, through multiple financings, corporate and shareholder matters, licensing and the whole range of US legal needs for our rapidly-growing e-commerce businesses. They are responsive, they understand our business and their advice and support have been invaluable.
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03 Oct, 2019 by Vince
As a scrappy startup, working with David from the early days of our business, we were able to secure multiple deals with major publishing and entertainment entities in Japan which were not only critical contributors to our success but also withstood the rigors of 2 exits. David's solid knowledge of the entertainment industry combined with his Japanese language ability and expertise in dealings with Japan were perfect to support our business.
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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?
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  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?
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  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
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  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
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  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?
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  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 San Francisco, 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.
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    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
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    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:
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  • Personal Identification:
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  • 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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