Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Excellent communication and transparency, providing clear and straightforward information to clients
“John has shown personality traits that I find incredibly well-suited to the field of criminal defense, exhibiting confidence and straightforward communications that leave nothing ambiguous.”
2
Strong legal expertise and experience, especially in criminal defense cases
“From simple court cases to felony trials, I am confident that John's experience, expertise, and fierceness are very competitive in the Bay Area.”
3
Compassionate and understanding approach, providing emotional support to clients
“John was compassionate but did not sugarcoat the situation, give false hope, or do a lot of handholding…”
4
Aggressive and determined advocacy, fighting hard for the best possible outcome for clients
“John fought hard inside and outside the courtroom, kept me informed at every turn, and leveraged all of his experience, expertise, and resources to essentially get the best win possible.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

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08 Jun, 2021 by Lin
I hired John Forsyth to help me get my husband out of jail after he was arrested on a fugitive warrant when, unbeknownst to us, charges were filed against him in another state. It took us 9 very stressful days to get him out, and I don’t know what I would have done without John Forsyth. At every turn, John gave practical, sound information and advice that empowered me to make decisions about next steps… pros and cons, implications of various decisions, etc. He cut through the quagmire of legal jargon and procedure to help me understand what was going on and what I needed to do. John was compassionate but did not sugarcoat the situation, give false hope, or do a lot of handholding… BUT he fought hard inside and outside the courtroom, kept me informed at every turn, and leveraged all of his experience, expertise, and resources to essentially get the best win possible. Because of John, we emerged from an extremely difficult 3+ year fight with many scars, but with hope for our future.
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08 Jun, 2021 by Mitchell
John is a awesome professional to deal with. He will tell you how it is good or bad and the best way to approach it which is what you need when dealing with stressful legal issues. He always made sure I knew what was going on and was always available when needed for email/txt or phone calls. He has a strong and meticulous approach in the courts and will do everything he can to take care of his client and make sure anything that is done is in your best interests. I highly recommend John for any legal issue you may be up against.
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07 Jun, 2021 by David
Hiring John to defend me in my case was the best thing I could have done. John is a true professional through and through. He is hard working, diligent, tenacious, and extremely knowledgeable. He is a straight shooter, and very focused, and keeps his clients informed at all times as to the goings on involving their case, no matter how small the detail may be. John and his amazing defense team represented me in a sexual case where I was falsely accused, and was facing multiple charges that would have resulted in possible life sentences. My case dragged on for 3+ years in part, due to the closure of the court system due to the pandemic, and John stood by me every step of the way. Throughout the entire ordeal, John worked on my case with true professionalism, and always kept me updated as to what was happening, and what was the next step we would be facing as the proceedings continued. Knowing the severity of the accusations I was facing, John also acknowledged my fears and anxieties throughout the case, and displayed a very compassionate side as well by always encouraging me to stay strong. As the prosecution continued to try different tactics ( ie...attempting to raise my bail, adding charges ), John always had answers that negated all of their attempts. John and his team responded to every "curveball" the prosecution threw at them in a timely and professional manner. Ultimately, a plea was offered for a much lesser charge, and we agreed, as this would be absolutely the best possible outcome to what were the original charges. Although I didn't receive the full exoneration I had hoped for, I owe my freedom an my life to John Forsyth. To anyone who is facing criminal charges of any kind, I highly recommend you look no further than John Forsyth. He is amazing, and between him and his team of professionals, I personally can not imagine you would find anyone better than John. My gratitude goes beyond a simple thank you, but THANK YOU John for giving me back my future, and my life! God bless you, and all who worked so hard on my behalf.
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26 Sep, 2018 by Steven
From the moment I had my first conversation with John, my family and I had significant stress put to ease, knowing that someone professional and realistic was now helping with my situation. John has shown personality traits that I find incredibly well-suited to the field of criminal defense, exhibiting confidence and straightforward communications that leave nothing ambiguous. He was referred to me by a highly prestigious staff member at the university I attend, and was gracious in considering my financial situation and other contextual factors. In addition to strictly working with me on my legal charges, John has offered a valuable support role in dealing with repercussions from my university and the DMV with regard to my situation. After consulting with a couple of university-supplied attorneys, I was not at all feeling optimistic about my case. As soon as I spoke with John, I was able to understand the potential situations I was faced with and begin planning my next moves, which was absolutely invaluable. From simple court cases to felony trials, I am confident that John's experience, expertise, and fierceness are very competitive in the Bay Area, and I would absolutely recommend speaking with him about any legal matters one may face.
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09 Jul, 2018 by Michael s.
I wont ever forget my first consultation with John. He raked me over the coals and I thought to myself, "what the hell?" but then I realized he was preparing me for a serious battle. He was always on time and knew two steps ahead what would happen at the proceedings. John would also tell me what I needed to know so I could focus on getting my life ready for the next step and not stress too much about the proceedings in general. He sincerely cares for his clients and will not stop fighting for them. I am very happy he is my lawyer, and friend. Thanks to him, I have a fighting chance to rectify the wrongs that were done to me.
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10 Jul, 2013 by Ann
Atty. Gibson does an amazing job. She is thoughtful, extremely bright and totally professional. I totally recommend her.
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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.
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  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
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  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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  8. Do you have references from past clients?
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  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
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  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
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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:
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  • 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
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    • Financial records (if applicable)
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  • Written Summary:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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