Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Successful track record in eviction cases
“I have used this firm for years. They always take care of my tenant problems. I have yet to lose a case and their fees are very reasonable.”
2
Knowledgeable of the court system and legal procedures
“I have used them for three cases and the results have been excellent on each case I received 4 letters on the progress of the action. They know the court system and achieved great results.”
Cons
1
Lack of personalized attention and communication issues
“Unfortunately, the service and the attorneys have only one concern. To be done as quickly as possible. My representation seems a nuisance to them.”
2
Unprepared and incompetent representation in court
“Attorney went to court completely unprepared and cost me over $45k!”
3
Prioritize revenue over client satisfaction
“They are not about the client. They are about pushing as many client through the door as possible and collecting money.”
4
Unreliable and unresponsive customer service
“The office is besieged with calls. I once spent two hours listening to music. After the eviction was arranged, Block couldn't read emails indicating that the tenant left on her own accord and proceeded to arrange an eviction of paying tenants because he doesn't get phone messages or emails.”
5
Unprofessional and rude behavior from the lawyers
“When told of the problems in dealing with what should be the simplest case ever, he SCREAMED at the top of his lungs as if he's lost his marbles.”

All reviews

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07 Mar, 2023 by Jennifer
This office treated me like garbage and refused to answer simple questions. The attorney sent to cover Block walked away from me and wouldn't talk to me in a court. The office is besieged with calls. I once spent two hours listening to music. After the eviction was arranged, Block couldn't read emails indicating that the tenant left on her own accord and proceeded to arrange an eviction of paying tenants because he doesn't get phone messages or emails and then he writes emails saying he does. When told of the problems in dealing with what should be the simplest case ever, he SCREAMED at the top of his lungs as if he's lost his marbles. He told me to never use his law firm again. As if I needed to pay to be treated as he chose to treat me.
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16 Jul, 2022 by K
I am not a guy who is usually writing reviews. But I decided to write for the public. I am telling you that as soon as you hire this law firm, you will regret what they are doing for you. This law firm is worse than your tenants. Do not hire them!
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28 Oct, 2021 by Ali
While no other Landlord Lawyers during Covid were willing to take my case because legitimate fears of losing, Dennis P Block was the only one willing to take my money. I asked him about the chances of winning my illegal Sub-Tenancy case and that day hungry Dennis Block himself answered and told me "People do not pay me for my good looks" so I thought I was going to win. He typed up everything about my case over the phone, and collected my money without sending me a complete engagement agreement to sign. He wrote a up a letter/notice to the tenant and sent it that same day, while I had not yet signed his engagement agreement. I did not know he was that desperate for money. The tenant received his notice the Feb 8 the same day after he had paid me and went crazy on me. The tenant then got California State Sponsored Attorney Basta firm to represent him. The case I thought was going ok, but they kept charging me frivolous court appearances while the tenants attorney was appearing remotely Dennis P Blocks attorney were going in to court to rack up the bill. Fast forward, I was at the mandatory settlement conference in June 2021, the tenant offered to pay all back rent and asked to stay, I asked Dennis Blocks attorney what do do, all he said was "Whichever path you take, you cannot turn back" what kind of answer is that? So I refuse the settlement, and I regret it now, we were set for what I thought was a trial which was set for 08/26/2021. On 08/25/2021 I flew from Maryland where I live currently for trial, but guess what there was no trail and I did not need to be there because the tenant asked for Jury Trail and Dennis Block knew this information before hand and did not tell me that It was a Non-Jury Trail and chances are tenant will ask for Jury trail, or that I could have appeared remotely. In fact the day before 08/26 Melinda (whatever her name is) who sounded like an attorney but knows how to get you to pay, called me, asking for more money "so that Dennis Block could be ready for trial" she said "we need to be ready for trail so we need a minimum of $3000." She was lying. A trial which they knew was not going to happen. I mean are they naive? Do they not know the games tenants will play? I kept asking her on the phone, if I needed to fly down or not, but she had no idea. In fact no one replied back to my emails, so I took an emergency flight that night for $500 to LA for the trial next day. I was looking forward to getting justice the next day, but the next day when I went to court for the so called trial lol there was an young attorney there with a 2 page file in his hand who tells me there is no trial today, huh?? Why did I come down? Why did they not simply reply back to my email telling me I did not need to come? The attorney at this point asked me about Evidence against the tenant? Now, all these thoughts in my mind were going crazy, I started to cry, I hardly ever cry, I said you are barely asking me for evidence now after 7 months? I came ready for trial and now the tenant wanted Jury Trial? Per the attorney, cost of Jury trail $2500 a day and could last 5 days. That's $12500 I no longer had plus the jury trial date for sometimes in February 2022 6 months later. So he asked me about settling. There is so much more to this.. Due to character limitation, I cannot write and tell you the entire agony this firm has put me through. They need to be reported. Call me if you need more info on them 3108972699 check out my review on google and yelp also...
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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
So much bad advice. They don't strategize with you. You are just a number! The number to you rental. Seriously. I have received horrible advice on several issues. Prior to filing eviction I wanted to address the challenges and they ignored Neville I didn't know what I was taking about. Well it all came up in court. The first time in court had an atty that I wanted to check his IF to confirm he was an atty that's how bad he was. The second time in court more Miney and greater losses from tenant i spoke with another atty and he got it and he said we had to settle. Had we had a strategy in the beginning that would not have happened. They are not about the client. They are about pushing as many client through the door as possible and collecting money. if you get disconnected while talking to an atty. Don't wait for them to call you back..,,, they won't. I spoke with another atty to get advise for small claims and come to find out she was wrong. The judge said I was out of my mind and who told me that. When I said Dennis Block..... oh no wonder. I learned my lesson. Don't waste your money. Hire a local atty. It's worth it.
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13 Jul, 2016 by Karen
Hired firm to evict tenant in Lancaster. Firm still owes us $600 for services billed but not provided. This does not include the ten weeks of rental revenue lost because of their total lack of knowledge of our case. Prior review is true, Dennis Block himself is the worse. Phoned him to discuss the money still due our company and he hung up on me. Billed us $1,310 for work never performed. I asked eight times for a conformed copy of a filing but never received it. Also attorneys showed up for two hearing completely unprepared forcing us to get a continuance. They then had the nerve to bill us $350 each hearing for incompetent representation. They then refused to take these charges off our bill. I will be filing a complaint with the California State Bar.
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Best lawyers in Valley Village, CA

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11 Aug, 2016 by Lisa
What first impressed me about Manisha is, when I called her office the first time to get some advice, I was immediately connected with her, personally. She spent about a half hour on the phone with me, listening to my situation and telling me what I should do and what she could do for me, without charge. I hired her to help me with a situation with my landlord that included illegal rental of my unit, harassment and retaliation, and violation of my quiet enjoyment. She responded to all my questions quickly and efficiently, whether by phone or email. Ultimately, she was able to get me the settlement I wanted without hassle or having to speak with my landlord at all. I felt comfortable with her professional representation in the case and she always asked me what I wanted to do before responding to the other side. She was helpful and accommodating to my financial concerns, not overcharging me for time or services, and up-front about her billing fees right from the start. I'm very happy I found Manisha and hired her to work with me. A very happy "customer"!
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15 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Manisha for a real estate matter, I had her review my case, she was very proactive and good in explaining in simple terms which I was able to comprehend. I felt very comfortable in asking her questions and she clarified all my doubts and concerns. I highly recommend her and would refer her to my colleagues.
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07 May, 2016 by Joshua
Manisha took on a very complex case. A lot of attorneys did not want to take my case because they were afraid of Housing Authority City of Los Angeles. What did she do? Drug use has been going on for 8 years in the apartment complex. Housing Authority City of Los Angeles did not want to do anything about it. They hired a few management companies to deal with the tenants. The management company did not want to deal with the complaints so it was easier for them to try to harass and evict the people who submit the complaints. When I hired Manisha, she forced the management company to do their job and had them evict the drug users. Since I kept getting harassed by the management company, Manisha helped me get into a new home (apartment complex). Manisha stopped the harassing phone calls, and letters. She supported me 100% and fought for me. The great news is she won my case. She is very professional and keeps you up to date. If you want an attorney who will support you and will not abandoned you, give her a call. I am very lucky I found Manisha. It took 4 years to find a attorney who would take the case and she was the one!
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10 Sep, 2024 by Lezlie b.
We are deeply grateful to have had the pleasure to work with Jack LaPedis on a property line adjustment matter. Jack provided exceptional service, his expertise, patience, and dedication throughout a multi-year process were truly invaluable. Jack is professional, he is a man of character, and is committed to his clients. Our family will never forgot his kindness and willingness to navigate us through the process.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Ralph
I recently had the pleasure of working with an exceptional attorney who provided outstanding service in handling my legal contract. From the very beginning, his attentiveness and dedication to my case were evident. He was consistently on task, ensuring that every detail was meticulously reviewed and addressed. His professionalism and communication skills set him apart. He kept me informed throughout the entire process, patiently answering all my questions and providing clear explanations. This level of transparency and support was incredibly reassuring. Ultimately, his hard work and expertise led to a successful outcome, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I highly recommend this attorney to anyone in need of legal assistance. His commitment to achieving the best results for his clients is truly commendable.
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26 Dec, 2023 by Sabrina
Jack was very helpful in helping us understand our rights in a dispute with an insurance company, in negotiating with the company on our behalves, and in helping us assess our best options to proceed.
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13 Feb, 2017 by Kimi
I worked with Josh on my student visa application. He was a huge help and he is a very skilled, patient and intelligent attorney. Unlike other attorneys I contacted, Josh spent hours speaking with me about my case, even before I paid him a penny! He was truly concerned about my needs and wanted to do whatever he could to help me get my Visa and continue with my education in the US. I highly recommend Josh as your immigration attorney for whatever type of Visa you are pursuing. Thanks a ton Josh!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Veronica
I was consulted by Josh Kushner in the closure of business. The situation left me with many questions and concerns and Josh was concise and clear with his answers and recommendations to all the questions I had in legally closing a business. I would recommend Josh to anyone in need to an honest legal representation in business.
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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 Valley Village, 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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