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18 May, 2023 by Anonymous
My case was very simple and straight forward and so were my expectations with Tammy. Unfortunately, even the customer service provided by high school kids at in-n-out who are paid $15 hourly, is far better than the way Tammy and her assistant Jessika treated me as their client. I tried to be extra respectful to her since she is my grandmother's age, but Tammy was always very cold, rude and disrespectful to me from the beginning. There was no warmth, empathy or kindness about her, and the way she handled my case makes me highly doubt her qualifications. The first day I met her during consultation she appeared very clumsy when she was dropping things all over including spilling water all over her very ghetto office table and scribbling notes on paper (who does that nowadays?) but she still bullied me into retaining her with her very clever smart-talk technique. She even said "can you believe someone as smart as me can be clumsy as well?" Errrrrr.....I still chose to overlook her clumsiness and wanted to give her a chance and expected her to guide me in my very simple & easy divorce case but she was lazy, arrogant, unprofessional and incompetent. Based on her very high hourly charges, I expected her to guide me a bit after hearing my case, discuss expectations and/or strategize my case but she kept snapping at me any time I discussed my goals with her. She also told me that unfortunately moms have to compromise and my ex can do whatever he wants. At all times, I felt like she is trying to please the opposing counsel and the opponent instead of having my back. Her tone and attitude were always condescending. There were several times she missed responding to me regarding action items and each time I would try to follow up with her, instead of being polite she would snap back at me rudely. I could not believe this is the kind of representation and customer service someone would provide at $600 per hour. She then very clearly emailed me that "she does not care about the way she communicates with me". This was the final straw for me. If you value your time, self-respect and hard earned money, do not hire useless Tammy.
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28 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Tammy-lyn Gallerani for your family law needs. She represented me through a tough divorce and was outstanding throughout the process. She is an expert in the law and compassionate in guiding clients through an emotional and stressful time. I always felt that she was on my side, incredibly responsive and 110% dedicated to the best outcome for me - including making recommendations that kept her legal fees to a minimum. If she has time, would suggest you schedule an introductory meeting and you’ll experience first hand her caring approach and legal talent.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Divorce is hard. Divorce is messy, heart breaking and life changing. I've worked with Tammy and her associates for more than 5 years with a challenging case and she has always gone up and above what is expected and needed. She intently listens to your needs and is realistic about your obstacles. Her enduring compassion helps you swallow the realities you may not always get what you want or what is fair but she is 100% on your side and fights for you every step of the way. In challenging situations, she thinks outside the box and doesn't miss a beat even with, in my case, with the most unethical, rigid, heartless and cruelest of opponents. She is realistic, keeps you up to speed with your case and is honest and practical with expectations. To Tammy, it goes far beyond making a living and she does the extra things you sometimes need expecting nothing in return. She truly cares about enhancing her clients' lives, always has their backs and gently guides them through the ugly stages and transitions of divorce. I always feel well-represented, respected and important. It goes without saying she brings your case home with her 24/7 and is always strategizing to get you your fair shake when possible. She gets things done and is always a few steps ahead of her opposing counsel. Tammy's tenacity, compassion and above average intelligence gives you the peace of mind that it's not all for naught. The way she treats her clients makes the process of divorce just a little less messy, a little less ugly and you walk away you hired the best to represent and support you as you merge forward to a better quality of life. Life for most after divorce is different, often times less money, more downsizing and dreams initially crushed to the ground. But with an attorney like Tammy and her team of associates, it gives you hope you may not have had without them that you can rebuild your life for the better and you had the best support team beneath you to start your new journey, despite the aches and pains of the past which eventually passes. Hiring Tammy and her team was life changing for me and I will always be eternally grateful for their help.
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19 Jan, 2016 by Catherine
Tammy has represented me for 10 years. In that time she has been consistent, well prepared, honest , persistent , very tough on opposing counsel which has gotten me excellent outcomes both inside and outside the courtroom. Tammy is a very kind person, but she doesn't baby clients or just tell them what they want to hear, she tells you what you need to hear. She was tough on me when necessary which saved me from making critical mistakes and she has saved me thousands of dollars by getting issues resolved outside the courtroom as well. She is so intelligent and knows the law inside and out. She has so much experience and is obviously well respected in the family law community. I am beyond grateful for her always fighting for me and the best interests of my kids. Everyone I have sent to her is very happy and I do know she has had great outcomes for both men and women .

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22 Jan, 2020 by Wendy dunivan
Over the past few years we have had the opportunity to work with Jonathan on many complicated issues. He is incredibly professional, patient and thorough. An extra bonus in working with Jonathan is his wife Deanne! They are both wonderful and make a well rounded team. Without question, we would recommend Jonathan Watts. - Wendy and Earl Dunivan
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29 Aug, 2018 by Nancy clarkson
We retained the services of Jonathan Watts following some issues with my father's estate -- to say it was complicated is an understatement. Jonathan was able to sort through the maze of tax issues, title issues, etc., and help us get to a point to be able to close out my father's estate. He and Deanne kept us up to date and went above and beyond to be sure that, going forward, we would not have any further issues. It was a pleasure to work with Jonathan and Deanne and I would not hesitate to refer anyone to them in the future. We were so impressed with his work, that we also used Jonathan and Deanne to do our own personal trust. We are confident that all matters are take care of moving forward. That is peace of mind. Jonathan Watts is a top notch attorney who will make himself available for all of your needs. We could not be happier.
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08 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Jonathan Black defended me on a Breach of Contract lawsuit and I prevailed. The plaintiff in this case was extremley problematic, he filed every possible motion rather it was relevant or not. Mr. Black knocked down each one as it came. Mr. Black went above and beyond for me. When you hire Mr. Black you are hiring a team of people you can rely on.
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08 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a tenant who caused significant damage to my property and Jonathan helped me recover money from both the tenant and my insurance company. Who knew you needed a lawyer to get your insurance company to pay for covered damages?!! He was both professional and interested. He gave me an honest assessment of the situation, worked hard and kept to his word on cost.
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20 Nov, 2015 by Yama
Johnathan has provided invaluable service to me over the years as my attorney and I have recommended him on multiple occasions to my peers and acquaintances. I initially used Johnathan for my property evictions and over the years as my business has grown so has Johnathan's representation of me. He has insured that all my contracts were set-up to protect my best interests. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate law. In the past I have used other attorneys that wasted my time and was not fair in their billing practice. Not Johnathan! I have always felt that he does not waste any time, was very fair in his billing, and most importantly, he got things done. Johnathan is great to work with…very responsive,resourceful, morals and tough…someone all small business owners want on their side!
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20 Aug, 2024 by Lauren guza
I can't recommend James Stein highly enough. We had felt a bit daunted by the estate-planning process, but James guided us through its intricacies with expertise and ease. He was both professional and personable, very well versed in the language of the law but also attuned to the human side of things. Thanks to James, we came away from the process with a sense of confidence and security in the plan we created, and that peace of mind is invaluable.
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10 May, 2024 by Melinda dart
I recommend James Stein for creating a living trust. He explains everything thoroughly and anticipates future complications.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Virginia downing
Cannot say enough good things about James Stein. He took me seamlessly through a complex estate planning process with kindness, authenticity and professionalism. He is detailed and a good communicator.
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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 San Ramon, 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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