Lawyers map
Christopher Martin Locey
Data reflects the status as of the most recent database update. We generally conduct data reviews and updates on a
monthly schedule.
3.0
Avvo rating
2 Reviews
All reviews
28 Mar, 2022 by James
This post provides a written response to the Virginia State Bar’s (VSB) request to initiate a formal ethics investigation against Christopher Martin Locey. It contains information and provides specific examples how Mr. Locey violated provisions of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. In addition, it illustrates how Mr. Locey’s actions and behavior contradict the Principals of Professionalism as he consistently failed to act with diligence, dedication, respect, courtesy and in my best interests. Mr. Locey’s professionalism and ineptitude caused me to experience undue stress and severe anxiety, which ultimately undermined my confidence in his ability and trustworthiness.
Listed below are specific violations of the rules and principals along with a brief description of each. These examples provide a glimpse and represent only a small portion of the almost daily challenges that I faced. Ultimately, Mr. Locey’s inappropriate, demeaning behavior forced me to find new legal representation to ensure adequate legal representation. A complete list of additional violations and their substantiating documents are available upon request.
Rule 1.1: Competence
Mr. Locey filed a motion that contained unsubstantiated and inflammatory acquisitions that were based on his opinion. The motion was submitted after I had instructed him to remove them from a draft that I reviewed. The motion, which was later removed portrayed me as a trained killer who targeted his wife for elimination.
a. “Father’s shocking behavior during litigation has an explanation that does not require Dr. Lane’s evaluation. As the Court is aware, Father is 23-year veteran of the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy who served several combat tours in Afghanistan. He has been trained, and is an expert in, assessing threats, and then neutralizing threats by any means necessary, without reflection, without remorse. Unfortunately, it appears that, in litigation, by seeking to “take away” his children and his family, Mother made herself a “threat” to Father, consciously and subconsciously, and he reacted as he was trained, and learned through experience, to do – to neutralize the perceived threat to his children, by any means necessary.”
Mr. Locey was demeaning, argumentative, and adversarial toward me on numerous occasions. His emails and phone calls were inappropriate and unprofessional in nature. For example, when negotiating a settlement offer for equity and distribution Mr. Locey was sarcastic, condescending, and even insinuated that I suffered from a learning disability.
b. “You are a smart man. You know how to read. You certainly know how to speak up for yourself and ask a question if something is confusing or you do not understand. And this exact issue was one we had already discussed, so there was no way it could be confusing to you the second time unless you have some sort of learning disability you have not disclosed, or else you did not read what I sent to you. Either way, I instructed you to tell me your thoughts, which requires you to read what I sent. Either you hid from me a learning disability, or you did not do what I asked you to do (or you are making this all up, which I suppose, is a third option). None of those are my responsibility.”
Mr. Locey used the threat of seeing my children in the future to push his own opinions and narratives. On numerous occasions he used statements like, “If you ever want to see your children again” to influence me into making decisions contrary to my desires.
a. “If you want to ask for this, the only hope is to do it with a tone that is the equivalent of begging, on your knees, for her to help you, and by extension, the kids, by agreeing to direct communication.”
b. “if you want to see your kids as much as possible and as soon as possible, you really need to appear to be a sweet, happy, cooperative guy. You should be looking for ways to bend over backward to help out Liz.”
21 Dec, 2015 by James
Ive had 5 or 6 Attorneys in my lifetime and I feel that Chris is honestly the best one I've had. I say this because when I signed the retainer agreement he actually included literature that explained exactly how I as the client can help keep cost down. Further more, when I was forced to discontinue with Chris due to an unfortunate conflict of interest (my wife had already consulted with his office partner - sort of (she didn't show up for actual appointment but had talked to him on the phone)), but once we went our separate ways he actually gave me back almost all of my retainer even though he had already done a substantial amount of work, time and effort. Couple this with the fact that he was extremely responsive to my every single email, phone call, and was also very patient and knowledgeable. I cant tell you how upset I was when I could not keep working with him, but I can tell you that the next time I need an attorney, I will approach him again. Very reasonable priced and he seems very honest - which I have never ever said that about an Attorney before in my life.
Best lawyers in Washington, DC
07 Oct, 2024 by Rowan carter
I appreciate S.L. England so much! He really helped me every step of the way! If there was anything , I mean anything I needed, he was there to help. If I didn’t understand something, he made it very clear for me to understand. He helped in every way possible. I was super nervous, paranoid, everything you can think of and all he said to me was “ I got you, don’t worry!” And surely enough I DID NOT have to worry at all!
He always had a solution which was helpful on my end and he is just a very understanding person!
Overall, I personally feel as though he is one of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in the DMV. Hands down. I would recommend anyone to hire him!
Read more
18 Sep, 2024 by Karla zuniga
I have worked with Mr. England for corporate and personal reasons and I am extremely grateful and satisfied with his services. He is very responsive and easy to work with. In all the circumstances, he has delivered the service and results we expected.
Read more
01 Sep, 2024 by Bruno
very helpful and confident in what he does
Read more
16 May, 2024 by Ace mama
24 Jan, 2024 by Ban
Your expertise, patience and dedication exceeded my expectations. This was a difficult and challenging case however you devised a winning strategy quickly and efficiently. I truly appreciate all that you've done to protect my family.
Read more
05 May, 2023 by Anonymous
I want to say thank you to JEFFREY MARKOWICZ ATTORNEY AT LAW for all his assistance in my legal matter. His timely and detailed responses to my inquiries were very greatly appreciated. His experience in matrimonial matters made this a very painless experience with all parties and we were able to reach a comprise and settlement that left all parties satisfied.
Read more
15 Oct, 2022 by Kenzel
Mr. Markowwicz has been hands down the BEST lawyer I could've ever had on my case. From the day he was hired he set high expectations and gave me his opinions based on the information I gave him straight forward. Any and all questions were answered, and he fought for me more than I honestly felt that I would've been able to fight for myself in court. Throughout the case, he made sure to keep me updated on everything and even gave me advice on the things I needed to do in order to help strengthen my argument when it came time to do so. To sum it up he was able to help me win FULL primary custody in a case where I truly believed I'd only get visitation rights.
Words can't express my gratitude. Thank you, Mr. Markowics
Read 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:
-
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. -
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. -
Who will be handling my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
What potential outcomes can I expect?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the expected timeline for my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What challenges do you foresee in my case?
Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
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 Washington, District of Columbia?
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.
