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11 Jul, 2024 by Gazell hadeedee
He is an amazing person. He spend over one hr with me guiding me and telling me how to not do certain things to waste my money. I have no idea how can someone write a bad review. In fact, he gave free advice which he doesn't have too. He listened and with genuine attention. 🤩🥰
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07 Jul, 2024 by Patrick costello
Overbilling, bad communication
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01 Jul, 2024 by Scott stephens
By far probably one of the worse family law attorney offices out there. All they care about is your money. They will act like they care about your case and be friendly but do the absolute minimal amount of work possible. They literally charge you for every text message and any type of correspondence. If I could give them negative stars I would. If you want good representation I highly recommend you stay away from these guys.
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07 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Michelle during one of the most vulnerable and traumatic times of mine and my children’s lives. She made big promises, didn’t deliver, and drug things out for billable hours, while she knew my kids were going through hell when with their dad. I was never in the courtroom with her, always made to wait outside of it. I remember one court date, where I became very frustrated as the court was once AGAIN postponed, and she turned around, away from me, and said to her associate, “She’s so I unappreciative”, referring to me. Very unprofessional at times. I finally had to fire her and retained another lawyer who had my children’s best interest at heart and got results and resolution, and always had me in the courtroom with him. If you can, try to work things out in your marriage. If you can’t, try to keep it out of the courts, and work out an agreement that’s good for the kids.
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10 May, 2021 by Ryan
Being a business owner, I typically only leave reviews for one of two reasons; Either what I experienced was above average, exceeded expectations, & the business deserves the shout out. Secondary, as a forewarning to others the business was such a letdown & did so horribly, avoid wasting your money. Unfortunately, my experience with Michelle & her firm was the latter.
Custody is never easy and conflict was high with my case as I was barely able to see my kids for almost 2 months. I reached out to Penna Coker Law & spoke with Michelle, once & only once with an initial free consultation. After listening to my case, she provided pieces of an aggressive game plan & some guidance that gave me hope. I retained Michelle's firm & she assured me along with her team, she would be there to continue providing legal guidance. She couldn't have been more wrong.
I spent the next 3 weeks with unanswered questions, confused, afraid, & completely left in the dark without a single word from Michelle until I terminated her firm. Things started off rocky with over 20 misspellings on the initial filing, including several of my son's name which would be correct on one line, incorrect on another, correct, then incorrect. Other misspellings included commonly used words or incorrect grammar. If you're going to charge $350/hr for a paralegal's work, at least have them run spell-check. Even Windows 98 had spell check... After that, they filed a document I never saw until after they filed with court & misspelled CALLIFORNIA. The state they're practicing law in. I emailed my attorney directly 6 times & called 6 times requesting to speak with Michelle over a 3 week period. I always got the same excuses of why she wasn't available & after taking my money, Michelle didn't see my case fit enough to take even one more second of her time on me.
Michelle was so uninvolved & out of the loop, in one of her final emails to me she made several references to my "child". I have two children Michelle. After being fired, Michelle was so kind as to take the liberty of filling in my new attorney, then bill me for her time. Neither my new attorney nor I requested Michelle to inform my new counsel how to do their job. $4,500 initial retainer, then Michelle informed me "there was so much work done on my case" & then I got another $3k bill a month later. I just hit the same total amount with my current attorney after 7 weeks, who also got me custody orders & overnight alternate weekends with my kids after 11 days.
Michelle advised me to file an aggressive restraining order, then admitted to me in an email (after termination) that evidence wasn't concrete enough. Had I pursued what Michelle advised with fantastic odds of losing, I was potentially liable to pay the opposing side's legal fees if I hadn't decided to drop the case.
If you're looking for help with your family law case, I would recommend any firm but this one.
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19 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Michelle Penna and her staff all worked very hard to help resolve my issues. When looking for an attorney, you want to find one that will be fair and is capable of providing you with accurate information. Michelle and her staff will go above and beyond to help you find a fair resolution. If you want an attorney that has no heart and will just crush the other party then don't go to her. If you want someone that will help you through a tough situation and do everything possible to provide a very fair result, then Michelle Penna is who you want to hire. As angry as we can be with our former partners, at one point we loved them. It can be difficult to remember that, especially in the heat of battle. For me, the most important thing was getting though my custody situation with a fair outcome. Michelle made that possible for me! Now me and my ex both feel good about the situation and are able to communicate well again and work together on matters regarding our daughter. Everyone's situation is different, and it wasn't an easy road getting to this point. It took us over a year to get to where we are today. On the other hand, I have recommended people to Michelle that were able to resolve their issues in a matter of weeks. I would recommend Michelle and her staff to absolutely anyone I know. Thank you very much Michelle, for everything you did for us!
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04 May, 2023 by Ben
I don’t post reviews too often, but I had such a bad experience here that I felt the need to leave a review. I had chosen this firm after having free consultations with many places. I was told that the firm had dealt with cases like mine before and that it would be a very easy divorce. Their price seemed fair compared to other places and I was told that I most likely would get some money back from the original estimate/retainer. The timeframe for completing the divorce also seemed good; I had been told I would be in the waiting period in about 3-4 months. Based on what I was told by the firm I went with their services. I started the process in February 2022. In July 2022, after things were already taking longer than expected, and I was not receiving updates to why there was a delay, I talked with the attorney on my case and was told that within three weeks my case should be in default, which would have been around the end of August. August comes and goes, and I hear nothing, so on September 9 I called for an update and was told that the default would now be filed in a week or two. To make a very long story short, they got rid of the attorneys that were on my case and then totally forgot about my case. As a result, the timeframe to enter the default had passed and therefore they had to refile it. The worst part is that they were not even aware that my case was never handed off to another attorney until I called wondering why nothing was happening on my case. Furthermore, the person I spoke to on the phone tried to give me the run around, lying to me, like everything was happening the way it was supposed to, until she finally had to admit that they completely forgot about my case. This made the rest of the process very confusing and take much longer than what I was originally told, as they basically had to start the process over. I received a call from Ms. King, the owner of the firm, apologizing for their mistake but not offering anything to make right their mistake. I wasn’t sure what I had been charged for from the original attorney and now, with it needing to be redone if I would be charged twice for the same services. After combing through the invoices, I did find a few things that were double charged that they did refund me for, but I had to go back through the receipts and look very carefully. At this point I was already to the original estimate. I am aware that the initial estimate is only an estimate, but in the end, it cost me 3 times as much as I was quoted, which is frustrating after being told that I would probably get money refunded to me from the original amount I was first quoted. This was an uncontested divorce with all terms mutually agreed upon by me and my ex, so not complicated. In addition, it also took almost 3 times as long as what I was originally told, mainly due to the firm dropping my case after the attorneys working on it were let go. When I addressed this issue with them, about how it was costing much more and taking much more time than what I was initially told during my consultation, primarily due to their mess up with dropping my case, they would not take any responsibility or compensate me in any way. Their reasoning was that they let the two attorneys that messed my case up go so they were not responsible for what those attorneys told me. How can a firm not be responsible for what their lawyers say just because they fired them? How can a firm not take any responsibility as far as trying to make things right after completely forgetting about someone’s case? Finally, how can a firm charge their client for the time it takes to redo paperwork and filings due to their lawyer’s/staff’s negligence, regardless that they fired those lawyers? In the end I felt completely taken advantage of. Did I expect my case to be handled for free? No, of course not, but I did expect my case to be handled professionally, which it was not, and no effort was given to adjust for the firm’s errors nor was anyone fort
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10 Nov, 2018 by Tiffany
Rachel and her team are amazing. They were not only knowledgeable, communicative and responsive but also the best support system I could have had on my case. Rachel was instrumental in the successful outcome, leading me throughout the process and helping me to understand every option available. While she allowed me to make the final call with every decision, her candid advice and suggestions along with her ability to predict the outcome of every angle proved her to be trustworthy and I was always confident in her ability to fight for my best interest. I can't speak highly enough of Rachel and her firm. I'm thankful to have had her in my corner through the most challenging time in my life.
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20 Apr, 2015 by Denis
Rachel really knows how to connect with her clients. She is not the stereotypical fact-only seeking attorney. She really seeks to understand who she is working with so she can be of greater service to them. I highly recommend!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Russell
Always will recommend this firm been a client for a long time. Mr Shaun hanson is great! Never a doubt with him, takes care of business, very professional, very trusting, honest, and caring. You'll always have the peace of mind you're in good hands here. Tony the paralegal is awesome here to he is very attentive and determined to have clients minds at ease through situations, takes care of business, very professional, caring, honest and trusting. You will definitely be in good hands here
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03 Sep, 2024 by Chris richardson
Constant charges for useless communication. Every email with a miniscule update cost me a few hundred dollars. I am taking my ex back to court with a new lawyer and have some much better results coming forth. They were much more interested in passing the buck and going to the gym. 2 stars because he did come up with a decent idea about how to split alimony and child support. $40k+ for a two star result. I would check elsewhere before committing to this group.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Cindy lopez
15 Oct, 2024 by Russell
Always will recommend this firm been a client for a long time. Mr Shaun hanson is great! Never a doubt with him, takes care of business, very professional, very trusting, honest, and caring. You'll always have the peace of mind you're in good hands here. Tony the paralegal is awesome here to he is very attentive and determined to have clients minds at ease through situations, takes care of business, very professional, caring, honest and trusting. You will definitely be in good hands here
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03 Sep, 2024 by Chris richardson
Constant charges for useless communication. Every email with a miniscule update cost me a few hundred dollars. I am taking my ex back to court with a new lawyer and have some much better results coming forth. They were much more interested in passing the buck and going to the gym. 2 stars because he did come up with a decent idea about how to split alimony and child support. $40k+ for a two star result. I would check elsewhere before committing to this group.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Cindy lopez
15 Oct, 2024 by Russell
Always will recommend this firm been a client for a long time. Mr Shaun hanson is great! Never a doubt with him, takes care of business, very professional, very trusting, honest, and caring. You'll always have the peace of mind you're in good hands here. Tony the paralegal is awesome here to he is very attentive and determined to have clients minds at ease through situations, takes care of business, very professional, caring, honest and trusting. You will definitely be in good hands here
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03 Sep, 2024 by Chris richardson
Constant charges for useless communication. Every email with a miniscule update cost me a few hundred dollars. I am taking my ex back to court with a new lawyer and have some much better results coming forth. They were much more interested in passing the buck and going to the gym. 2 stars because he did come up with a decent idea about how to split alimony and child support. $40k+ for a two star result. I would check elsewhere before committing to this group.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Cindy lopez
15 Oct, 2024 by Russell
Always will recommend this firm been a client for a long time. Mr Shaun hanson is great! Never a doubt with him, takes care of business, very professional, very trusting, honest, and caring. You'll always have the peace of mind you're in good hands here. Tony the paralegal is awesome here to he is very attentive and determined to have clients minds at ease through situations, takes care of business, very professional, caring, honest and trusting. You will definitely be in good hands here
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03 Sep, 2024 by Chris richardson
Constant charges for useless communication. Every email with a miniscule update cost me a few hundred dollars. I am taking my ex back to court with a new lawyer and have some much better results coming forth. They were much more interested in passing the buck and going to the gym. 2 stars because he did come up with a decent idea about how to split alimony and child support. $40k+ for a two star result. I would check elsewhere before committing to this group.
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10 Jun, 2024 by Cindy lopez
17 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer
Awful. Was assigned to my cousin Anthony and doesn’t show up to court dates , postpones constantly, isn’t honest & doesn’t respond to any attempted contact.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
This attorney was assigned to my husband’s case in October,2023 and as of today, we have not spoken to her, met her, have not even received a piece of correspondence from her. She does however continue to make decisions w/out notifying us. I have called, texted, emailed & even filed a complaint with her office with no luck!
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19 Mar, 2024 by Zack
I would like to share some details in regards to an ongoing case that daniel was handling for us. However, due to our complaints of his ineffectiveness. And his paralegals' inability to create professional documents, he decided we were too much of a hassle and could earn easier money somewhere else. If you have hired this firm and they have not delivered on anything that they have said or promised And have continuously just taken money from you. Please reach out to me so we can put a stop to this together. Family court is hard enough. We should have an attorney that is on our side.
Update: I've requested a refund for services because of the lack of work and have been ignored. I filed a bar complaint.
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02 Aug, 2022 by Pamela gonzalez
I strongly recommend that you do research before hiring this firm. I spoke with Catherine Vincent originally and my case was handled by Daniel "Rat" His inexperience has shown throughout my case and I feel like everything is a wreck because of him.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Miguel
Attorny I have to keep calling Mr. Corder because if I don't I do not hear from him at all. There is times when he will not return my taxt/call. We are on 11 years with this case. That should say everything!!!
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Questions? We have answers
Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:
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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. -
What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
Who will be working on my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving 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 are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
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:
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Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
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.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:
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Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
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Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
Budget Constraints:
Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
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Fee Structures:
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Hourly Rate:
Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location. -
Flat Fee:
For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee. -
Retainer Fee:
An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees. -
Contingency Fee:
Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award. -
Monthly Retainer:
For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
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Hourly Rate:
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Factors Affecting Cost:
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Complexity of the Case:
More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs. -
Lawyer's Experience:
Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees. -
Geographic Location:
Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city. -
Additional Expenses:
Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
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Complexity of the Case:
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Estimating Total Costs:
Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case. -
Negotiating Fees:
Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints. -
Pro Bono Services:
For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
