All reviews

star star star star star
14 Apr, 2019 by John
I hired Mrs. Barrett on a flat fee basis for a child custody & support trial, yet after being paid in full she withdrew half way through trial after being completely unprepared and negligent for the custody portion of trial causing extreme harm to my 2 year old daughter and me. To add insult to injury, Mrs Barrett came completely unprepared and failed to introduce key evidence to rebut discovery sanctions costing me a great deal of money for something that should have been easily defended against. Please think twice before hiring this attorney, especially if you have children involved, I can't even begin to explain how much I regret ever meeting Mrs. Barrett.
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I have tried contacting Kathleen several times regarding my case. It always goes to voice mail and she never returns my calls. My ex also has a few questions and wanted to speak with her for clarification, but she refused to speak with him causing confusion regarding our custody order. Please find someone else, especially if you want to co-parent without issues.
star star star star star
31 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Kathleen represented our family in a caring, competent and professional manner, she was always available, always willing to listen, always able to answer any questions we may have had. Kathleen goes above and beyond for her clients and is a real pleasure to work with. Family law issues can be very stressful, working with Kathleen kept the stress to a minimum.

Best lawyers in Simi Valley, CA

See more
star star star star star
28 Sep, 2010 by Michelle
I have known and worked with Janie on matters involving the rights and needs of children from adoption to dependency to guardianships. She is knowledgeable, hard working, and compassionate to her clients. I often recommend her.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
06 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
A hard working advocacte for your California Workers' compensation defense needs. He is both extremely knoweldgeable and personable. An excellent choice for your legal needs!
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
22 Oct, 2023 by Silvana
I have known James Rossi as he represented the majority of the claims I have handled in the past. Even though I no longer hold that position, i know I can go to him with any questions I may have regarding any WC case law. I appreciate his expertise and cordial personality. Always willing to help.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
31 May, 2022 by Farzan
I have worked with James for years now and he is a leader in the industry. James takes time for all of his clients and gets the job done. He is by far the most knowledgeable attorney I have met in the legal field. When it comes to workers' compensation defense and self-insured litigation, James is my go to attorney.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Martin is a work comp specialist. He got me a fair settlement and my injury was fixed and everything was paid for. Even though I recovered 100% after surgery, I still got a settlement afterward. ALl his years of experience sure shows when you need someone who knows their stuff.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
25 Mar, 2013 by Paul
My case went to the CA Appellate Court (not work comp appeals board). He won, very good, highly recommended.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Simi Valley, 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.
Scroll to top