Reviews

Cherish is incredibly smart, empathetic and provided me with strong guidance. I’d highly recommend her!

Great service and very good at explaining the process and answering our questions.

I recently received a notification that I have been approved for SSDI! The application process took two weeks– (not months and months, or years and years) yes, you read that correctly. I want to post a review describing my experiences using the services of the LaPorte Law Firm, an Oakland-based firm specializing in Social Security disability cases. Confused as to where to turn, I found this firm on-line and was really impressed by their comprehensive website and their 50 plus great reviews, so I decided to request a free consultation using their on-line portal. Since I didn’t know of any other Bay-Area based disability lawyers, I thought I’d start my research with them. The next day, I got a call from Terry LaPorte, the firm’s senior attorney. During our hour-plus call, Terry explained the application process, defined what a Compassionate Care Allowance is and then educated me about the SSDI “Blue Book”. He also told me about how his fee structure works, and said that he would only get paid if my application was approved. He did a great job simplifying everything and I didn’t experience any crazy “lawyer speak.” During our discussion we also touched on the benefits of using a lawyer or just submitting an application on my own, but I never, ever felt like Terry was giving me a “hard sell” to chose his firm. I really appreciated this. I decided to hire him and he told Maria would call me soon. Sure enough, the next day, I got an email from Maria who asked me to set-up a phone interview with her to prepare my application. During our two-hour call, she asked me about my current symptoms, my medical providers and my work history. During our call, Maria was preparing my application for electronic submission. I liked that she didn’t make me feel stupid or show any signs of being annoyed with me when I didn’t know an answer to something, or indicated that I would have to look something up on my computer. She was really nice and very patient. Within 24 hours of our call, my application to SSDI was submitted electronically. Since my submission she has continued to be highly responsive to all of my questions. If you are on the fence about hiring a disability lawyer, don’t be. Applying for SSDI can be a very complicated process and over 70% of all applicants get turned down the first time they submit their application. Via several Facebook groups, I learned that some people are on their 3 or 4th appeal process and have been waiting for a decision for 3, 5 or even 10 years! A lot of people reported getting turned down because their doctors offices never sent the paperwork to Social Security, or their application was not filled out correctly. Others reported they didn’t know they needed work credits when they applied. Others stated that they got turned down even though their medical evidence was strong, or they got turned because they didn’t understand the SGA rules. After reading hundreds of frustrating and highly negative user experiences, I was more convinced than ever that I needed to hire a reputable law firm who would make sure my paperwork was submitted 100% error-free and ensure my medical records were received quickly. I believe I got approved so quickly because my application was rock solid and professionally presented. Even Terry was surprised by the 2-week turnaround. I did qualify for a Compassionate Care Allowance due to a recurrence of cancer, but I anticipated it would take 2-3 months to receive a decision. If denied, I felt confident Terry would competently handle an appeal on my behalf. In summary, the professionalism of the LaPorte Law Firm, and the knowledge they possess about how to prepare a strong and highly accurate disability claim, made this a really great experience. I’m grateful to Terry and his team and I’m happy that I chose so well. I can’t promise you’ll be approved for SSDI, but I can state that the LaPorte Law Firm will provide you with superb, highly ethical, competent legal representation. I can’t imagine a client having a less-than-stellar experience. They get an A+.

Courtney is professional, , knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. She met her completion deadlines at each stage of the Trust process. She asked pertinent questions; offered suggestions, and clarified terms previously unclear to me. The final Trust binder is thorough and comprehensive. Could not have asked for better.

Gazipura is an excellent lawyer and a pleasure to work with. He shows up well-prepared, is always professional, and goes the extra mile. I would have Gazipura represent me anytime.

Excellent services provided by Courtney at Martin Legal. Can highly recommend.

I recently worked with Courtney Martin to update my living trust and related end of life paperwork. Throughout the process, I found Martin Legal to be super-organized and highly professional! I was always able to get clear answers to my questions, and their responses were prompt. My financial advisor reviewed the paperwork before I signed it, and reported that it was well structured and executed. In short, the end result was of high quality, and the process was straightforward.

We used Courtney's services to update our trust. She was very knowledgeable about the best way to structure the documents and which documents we needed. We felt like she listened to us and understood our needs. She gave great suggestions and we felt very confident in her guidance. Would absolutely use Martin Legal again.

I can't thank you enough Rick Gazipura, We had a long 2 year journey working through 2 cases side by side. Through your guidance we were able to resolve the 2nd and 3rd DUI cases. I had a fear of resolving the cases with time owed in county jail. However through the help of Rick I was able to be represented well and he was able negotiate with the D.A. and Judge to consider other options. Together we planned to do an intensive 6 month inpatient Rehabilitation program. As a direct result of Ricks representation on my behalf. My sentence was satisfied with 180 days ( 6 months ) in a rehabilitation program. Concurrently running informal probation concurrently. Rick negotiated with the Judge for some leniency. Resulting in waived court fines and fees, and day for day time served in a program rather than in a county jail. I want people to know that it's a case by case circumstance. However if you utilize Programs, like a 6 month inpatient program. Rick can work with the DA and Judge to show and represent you well in court. I was able to finalize my 2 cases with a better outcome then I had expected. Did not do county jail time, or community service Completed a 6 month in patient rehab. I have 3 years informal probation. I'm glad I did not have a public defender, and choose to work with Rick Gazipura.

I'm not one to write reviews, but I wanted to share with others my experience with Rick Gazipura and say that I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case! I hired Mr. Gazipura to represent me after I got myself into a bit of trouble. Initially we took the case to trial in attempts to have the charges reduced; but, with Mr. Gazipura's expertise and dedication, he was able to fight for the case to be dismissed entirely and we WON! Now I know every case is different but I promise you I did the best thing I could have done by hiring Rick Gazipura as my attorney. This man will work day and night (took my case close to 8 months) to represent you and he will do everything in his power to get you the best possible outcome. Not only was my case dismissed, but it was immediately expunged. Also, Mr. Gazipura helped me with all DMV side of things. Not a second was my license ever suspended nor was I under any driving restrictions. Once my case was resolved, the DMV gave me a new CDL and I didn't even pay a fee. Should you or anyone you know end up in an unfortunate situation, I highly recommend hiring attorney Rick Gazipura as your representation. This man saved me and he is worth every penny. I can't thank him enough!

Very helpful.

We finally pulled the trigger to work on our estate plan, trust, wills, etc., and we’re glad we found Courtney! It’s a complicated process, but she made it easy with her patient and thorough manner. Highly recommend.