Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
The lawyers are highly knowledgeable and skilled in copyright law, with a proven track record of winning or successfully settling cases
“His knowledge of copyright law is amazing and there isn't a single attorney in the game that can match his talents.”
2
The lawyers are responsive, professional, and go above and beyond to assist their clients
“The attorneys here were responsive and professional and bent over backwards to help.”
3
Clients are highly satisfied with the services provided and feel that the lawyers have their best interests in mind
“Scott Burroughs is the best lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with. He is thorough, honest, goes above and beyond for his clients, and is a genuinely lovely person to speak with.”
Cons
1
There are concerns about the lawyers' eligibility to practice law, as indicated by their apparent ineligibility to practice in California as of July 2024
“I retained this attorney only to discover via the CALBAR website that they are not eligible to practice law as of July”
2
The lawyers may be experiencing financial difficulties, which could potentially impact their ability to provide effective representation
“I got the impression during our consultation that the firm may be experiencing financial difficulties and I have a nagging suspicion this is why they were unable to pay their state bar fees because they were very focused on when I'd be paying the retainer.”

All reviews

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19 Jul, 2024 by John s.
I retained this attorney only to discover via the CALBAR website that they are not eligible to practice law as of July, 2024, and as of the time of this review. He did not make any efforts to inform me and in fact this office seemed very impressed with their own alleged achievements. By this offices own acknowledgment here on this website they indicate they were deemed ineligible by the State Bar due to an ‘administrative error and failure to pay a fee’. TBH I got the impression during our consultation that the firm may be experiencing financial difficulties and I have a nagging suspicion this is why they were unable to pay their state bar fees because they were very focused on when I’d be paying the retainer. In one response here on AVVO Stephen claims the ineligibility is CT related then in another that it’s IOLTA related so the information is very inconsistent and may be questionable. IOLTA accounts are sacrosanct and the issue appears to be related to IOLTA account maintenance and record keeping which may be serious as an IOLTA account is where a lawyer holds client funds in trust. I am in the process of terminating my relationship with the lawyer and requesting a refund of the retainer paid and will report back as the situation develops.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Tyler
Beware of this lawyer, he’s practicing law without a license in California. I consulted with him and he assured me he has all his licenses in place while bragging about his legal prowess and hard selling me on his fees. See the California state bar for additional info and buyer beware!: https://apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/Licensee/Detail/179314
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13 Feb, 2024 by Trevor simms
They helped me smash Coachella in the Filmchella vs Coachella suit
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25 May, 2023 by Selene hu
Bad guys, shame of you!
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23 May, 2023 by True reactions
Terrible law firm that uses predatory tactics to prey on businesses from troll like clients while using unrelated case law as a scare tactic … you can tell they’re desperate by their poorly tailored suits and inability to purchase a sign on their office building which looks like a workplace meetup lol
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Best lawyers in Venice, CA

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06 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Joseph was extremely helpful throughout the my entire EB-5 process by working with me to obtain correct "source of funds" documentation and explaining to me the requirements of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program (and how USCIS adjudicates specific issues). Joseph always kept me updated regarding the status of my immigration applications with USCIS and the status of my EB-5 investment project. He clearly cares about my family and our immigration status, but he also was a good listener and hard-worker. I highly recommend Joseph
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15 Jul, 2015 by Christina
Our family has been helped by Rich Greta many times over the years. His knowledge of estate issues and real estate issues is incredible. He is dedicated to helping you quickly and efficiently. He made sure we were always up to speed on what was transporting. He patiently went over documents in detail so we could understand. I cannot recommend him enough!
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11 Jun, 2015 by Wes
I contacted Mr. Marchand for assistance regarding a trademark dispute I was involved with. He was very responsive to my needs and knowledgeable on the subject. Ultimately he was able to provide counsel as to my best course of action at the outset of the dispute and ultimately resolve the matter without the need for trial. I appreciated his practical approach to addressing the problem and his ability to resolve the matter without incurring unnecessary legal expense, as far as I could tell. I am very pleased with his representation and knowledge on the subject.
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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 Venice, 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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