Reviews

Jake was recommended to me by another lawyer for a serious criminal case where my granddaughter was the defendant. I depended on Jake to be the expert to guide us through a crisis. Not necessarily to win but to develop a plan for best possible outcome. Jake was with my granddaughter every week whilewaiting for her trial so I believe he tried to be there on an emotional level. I do not think he properly prepared her for the case or any of the rest of us. My disappointment is that Jake built his whole defense on an expert witness who was not an expert. One piece of critical (per Jake) evidence was never fought for or obtained. We should have let him go after the disastrous final motion. It was Friday before the trial started on Monday and we were frozen by indecision and flat out panic. I cannot recommend Jake to any one facing a criminal murder trial.

Mr. Lilly was recommended by another attorney for simple misdemeanors. One of Mr. Lilly’s most critical failures was not providing a legal expert. He also failed to ask key questions of what happened and knowledge I had as it related to that specific area of law which would have helped since he didn’t provide an expert. He also failed to object on key points which were critical to an appeal which I learned later on appeal. He failed to provide information regarding American Disabilities Act and CART Communication Access for Real Time Translation critical to my comprehending what was happening. Had I been aware that this was available I could have discussed the issues that came up at trial rather than learn what was said on appeal. He failed to inform the court when I told him I couldn’t hear and see what was happening at trial. Epic failure on his part. Said he would not cooperate with attorneys on an ineffectiveness of counsel hearing if one was presented. Failed to address the hate crime that was going on based on age, sex, race and disabilities and didn’t listen to my 911 call regarding same which was critical and others who could testify and circumstances of previous faulty sound systems in the very court we would be in. He had too many cases and didn’t have time to listen to my information which was critical to my defense nor did he present reasonable defensible defenses. Failed to provide critical information in a response by the DA to a report I asked to be sent regarding the continued harassment and hate crime. Only learned of it after I asked for copies of my file many many months later. Failed to provide all copies of my files, including things he said at court he would return. Spent most of his time in court talking about himself, to make the jury comfortable he said, and denigrates his client because the jury doesn’t like saints, he said. After court he shared that he was making faces at my responses to his questions. He told me to look at the jury and I was unaware. He does this after he says not to upset the judge or jury in any way. Was he so inept that he couldn’t get my attention more appropriately? Failed at sentencing to remember that the DDA recommended a much shorter probation than what he argued for. He tells me this after the sentencing. Then he decides to be a Deputy District Attorney for the judicial district I live in because the Judge said before trial that morning that he was a pretty good attorney when it came to motions. Lilly let his guard down and got bushwhacked by the Judge. How could I present the continued harassment I was receiving to the DDA when he failed as an attorney. From the transcripts, there is much more to address but I hope this provides more specifics rather than generalizations about his representation. And to be fair, in a later added charge of obstructing a peace officer which didn’t happen, I was found not guilty at the same trial, because the DA did not do her due diligence and inadvertently elicited the abuse the Officers meeted out as poorly trained officers. The jury clearly got that. Learned all of it from the transcripts. If Mr. Lilly would have spent enough time on the other lesser charge and brought in an expert witness or properly utilized by spouse’s expertise in the area which he said after trial he could have, should have done, it would have been an entirely different outcome. It was a very expensive learning experience to read via the transcripts on appeal what should have happened. On the plus side, he does speak well and when in the office if he would set aside enough time, (volume business seems to be his focus), listen carefully and ask more questions to help elicit all appropriate information and then consult, let me repeat this, consult at motions hearings and especially at trial and be properly prepared for all charges maybe he could make a difference?

I had some serious charges brought against me, I hired jake because he was referred to me through another lawyer I called. While working with Mr. Lilly on my case, He refused to hear any point I made and actually got loud in a long email to me about how he's tired of hearing my facts and points about my case. He is the lawyer. I ended up letting Mr. Lilly go because he told me I was an idiot for not accepting a deal on a case I should not have to accept any kind of deal for. He refused to get the deal in writing when I asked to look at it, said he will Absolutely not get it for me in writing and I need to just trust him. He finally got really upset with me and told me that He knew what was going to happen. I was going to go to prison for a long time, and when I did I would regret my choices and come after him for my appeal, but he wasn't going to let that happen, not by me, He was PREPARED FOR ME! As if I am the enemy he was already creating his defense against me. He completely butchered my motions by filing it "backwards" as he put it. Among other things I wont mention because my case is still active. I borrowed money to secure him and every dime we got went to him after to make our payments and after I let him go, He kept every dime cause he made it past motions, The motions he filed "Backwards" I feel like Jakes motives were questionable, I think jake is probably a really good lawyer, but you never know if your the one he is going to sell out and down the river, to better his image if he thinks you will make him look bad later. I got along with jake for the most part and thought he cared for me as his client, but In my opinion...Jake matters to Jake

Mr. Lilly was hired to represent me as a Petitioner in a Civil matter. Even after informing me that this was not his expertise, I concluded after the initial consultation with him that his demeanor, knowledge of the law and integrity were above reproach and without hesitation I hired him. I now know that I could not have made a better choice. His military discipline has assisted him in his outstanding performance as a Criminal Defence Attorney and a Civil Litigator. I consider it to be an honor to know him and a privilege to be represented by him.