Reviews
Overall rating
Anonymous
16 Jan, 2013
I had an excellent experience with Nikea Bland. She met with me to review the discovery and discussed the process with me every step of the way. She really cares and spent a great deal of time making sure that I understood every stage of the legal process. Ultimately, based on my prior inconsistent testimony contradicting what a witness said to the police, she was able to get my case dismissed. She did a great job!!
Read more
Anonymous
18 Aug, 2012
I contacted O'Malley law firm after doing a basic web search when was contacted by sheriff's deputies in November 2011. I spoke to Kyle Sawyer, set up a consultation, and met with Nikea Bland and Kyle Sawyer. They studied law books during our meeting and determined that I had not committed a crime. Ms. Bland took over my representation entirely at that point and spoke to law enforcement on my behalf. No charges were filed, and I requested a refund in January 2012. My money (minus reasonable charges for calls) was returned with slight hassle.
The female receptionist, Jennifer, should be avoided. She is extremely rude; quite confrontational and curt. Most of my encounters with her were by telephone and very unpleasant, She had a better attitude in person but was still standoffish. I spoke to the principal of the firm , Terry O'Malley, about my concern and he seemed to be genuinely apologetic and interested.
I contacted Nikea Bland again for defense in June 2012 against criminal charges including a felony that were related to the case for which I had originally retained O'Malley Law Firm. I was admonished for coming back to the firm after firing another attorney who was less expensive and more sympathetic to me but disappointing and ineffective. I bypassed Kyle Sawyer this time, but saw him in the office when I visited. Ms. Bland said defensively "he's still around" when I inquired about his role in my business with O'Malley Law Office. She again consulted law books during our meetings, used legal jargon, and often seemed to be following a textbook procedure. She reiterated frequently her intent to be open, that all my case files were mine, and seemed to request direction from me although I had hired her for legal advice. She became visibly stressed when I attempted to initiate a discussion about case strategy.
I did not feel confident with my representation as my case developed. Ms. Bland communicated frequently via text message (SMS) without gaining my approval. Communication was sporadic and vague. She was moody; aloof and terse then friendly and supportive in the same day. She did offer to represent me for free in an unrelated traffic accident case that was pending at the same time as my criminal case.
She criticized me frequently for my social skills. She was impatient when I tried to communicate facets in me case and facts about my situation. She chided me for not cooperating when I remained silent. She feigned ignorance when I tried to get clear responses to questions that were very urgent in my opinion and often neglected questions altogether. She seemed sympathetic towards the opposition and chastised me for not being sympathetic to the plaintiff's perspective. She engaged in spats that detracted from our business.
I left several messages for the principal, Terry O'Malley, requesting mediation and was subsequently threatened by Ms. Bland with her withdrawal from my case. I never actually spoke to Terry O'Malley but was unfortunately subjected to the poor attitude of the receptionist, Jennifer, on multiple occasions. The situation became intolerable because of continuous personal differences and I eventually discovered that she was not providing me with updates of her activities. I have terminated our representation arrangement and sought alternative counsel.
Read more