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11 Feb, 2024 by Alex ferbrache
Victor helped my mom win a personal injury settlement against a major retail chain. I am incredibly grateful for his outstanding legal support and guidance throughout the process. His diligence and attention to detail in gathering information about the incident both from my mom and the relevant medical professionals and organizations was instrumental in the favorable settlement he achieved on her behalf. We'd highly recommend working with Victor.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Beverly li
Victor was a tremendous help. After my car accident, I initially felt overwhelmed and reluctant to deal with anything related to the incident, anticipating it to be a hassle. However, once I mustered up the confidence to reach out to Victor and put in some effort, it became evident that he would be able to assist me—and he truly did. Although the process was somewhat lengthy, Victor consistently excelled in providing timely updates throughout the case. I definitely would recommend Victor to anyone who needs him.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Alvin lee
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Victor and his team. They truly went above and beyond to help me with a case that was far from easy to prove. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case were remarkable. From the initial consultation, Victor and his team took the time to thoroughly understand the complexities of my situation. They provided me with clear guidance on the potential outcomes and a realistic assessment of my situation, which helped me make informed decisions throughout the process. What impressed me the most was their tireless advocacy on my behalf. Victor and his team left no stone unturned, conducted meticulous research, and navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse. They handled everything with determination and professionalism, even when all seem hopeless. I'm thrilled to say that their hard work paid off, and I received compensation that I never thought possible. This outcome was a testament to Victor and his team's expertise and their ability to handle challenging cases. Moreover, the communication throughout the entire process was exceptional. They kept me informed at every step, promptly answered my questions, and eased my anxieties. I felt supported and empowered throughout the journey. If you're in need of legal representation and are facing a complex or challenging situation, I wholeheartedly recommend Victor. They are a dedicated team of legal experts who will fight with passion, skill, and unwavering commitment.
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11 Feb, 2024 by Alex ferbrache
Victor helped my mom win a personal injury settlement against a major retail chain. I am incredibly grateful for his outstanding legal support and guidance throughout the process. His diligence and attention to detail in gathering information about the incident both from my mom and the relevant medical professionals and organizations was instrumental in the favorable settlement he achieved on her behalf. We'd highly recommend working with Victor.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Beverly li
Victor was a tremendous help. After my car accident, I initially felt overwhelmed and reluctant to deal with anything related to the incident, anticipating it to be a hassle. However, once I mustered up the confidence to reach out to Victor and put in some effort, it became evident that he would be able to assist me—and he truly did. Although the process was somewhat lengthy, Victor consistently excelled in providing timely updates throughout the case. I definitely would recommend Victor to anyone who needs him.
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19 Sep, 2023 by Alvin lee
I cannot express my gratitude enough to Victor and his team. They truly went above and beyond to help me with a case that was far from easy to prove. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case were remarkable. From the initial consultation, Victor and his team took the time to thoroughly understand the complexities of my situation. They provided me with clear guidance on the potential outcomes and a realistic assessment of my situation, which helped me make informed decisions throughout the process. What impressed me the most was their tireless advocacy on my behalf. Victor and his team left no stone unturned, conducted meticulous research, and navigated through the legal intricacies with finesse. They handled everything with determination and professionalism, even when all seem hopeless. I'm thrilled to say that their hard work paid off, and I received compensation that I never thought possible. This outcome was a testament to Victor and his team's expertise and their ability to handle challenging cases. Moreover, the communication throughout the entire process was exceptional. They kept me informed at every step, promptly answered my questions, and eased my anxieties. I felt supported and empowered throughout the journey. If you're in need of legal representation and are facing a complex or challenging situation, I wholeheartedly recommend Victor. They are a dedicated team of legal experts who will fight with passion, skill, and unwavering commitment.
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18 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
We do not recommend Dave Porter as we feel there was insufficient transparency between his fee and hours worked and most of all we left the engagement with little valuable legal advice. We engaged Dave Porter for advice about Proposition 19 property tax issues. Though his website lists him primarily as a tax attorney focused on litigation, he assured me that he could advise on Prop 19's impact to our estate taxes. We submitted a retainer, a copy of our trust and scheduled a call. He was courteous but tended to wander, and at $500 an hour, this is an issue. We ended the 50 minute call with a recommendation by him. We researched alternative legal sources and found the recommendation was debatable so we opted not to proceed. We were ultimately billed for $1000 for our 50 minute call and the hour it took him to read our trust (which is boiler plate). However, after billing an hour to read the trust he could not answer a basic question about its portability, and for that he charged us $500. We asked him to reconsider his 2 hour fee as it seemed excessive relative to the advice delivered. He declined and discontinued communications. It is unprofessional to not respond or to discuss disagreement on quality of service provided. It is unfortunate that Dave chose this short sighted approach to doing business as he has eliminated any future opportunities and referrals from us.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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29 Dec, 2019 by Jose espinal
They are the best. I recommend all lawyer
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08 Oct, 2019 by Ariel green andersson
The team at Jewell, Stewart and Pratt made our transition from Czech Republic to California go remarkably well. A large amount of paperwork, all very clear and thorough and timing was exactly what they told us and better. Claire, Monique and Mable made a great combo and we highly recommend hiring them when you are looking for results beyond the basics, special requests and international managing of affairs across borders, oceans and mountains of red tape. In 1st moments we thought to do it on our own. Then, realized there were some surprises along the way and that our team got results we were not able to get on our own and we didn’t want any mistakes during an already stressful period of change. This was the best investment in our future we made, by far. No regrets. No surprises. Professional and straight forward. Exactly what you need when moving yourself and family to U.S. Crossing the border with confidence is the best gift you can give yourself.11 minutes at the airport border crossing/special room, amazing. Do yourself a favor and relax into a professional team who knows what’s needed, so you don’t.
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20 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I consulted with Gretchen before my custody battle. She told me that Hersh Family Legal will do anything to win. She said she is good friends with all the family court attorneys in the Marin County Court and if I hired her I would not only get full custody, my x would never see our our kids again. She wanted $20k upfront. Her hourly is $650, which could possibly go up. Need I say more?
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08 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
My attorney Guohui Zhang has abandoned me. Not providing me the files that he has prepared for me. Not picking up my phone calls. And even blocking my messages and incoming phone calls. This constitutes a misconduct of law and theft of personal property. Let alone all the typos and mistakes that the attorney has made on my legal application forms.
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10 Sep, 2020 by Shengzhe
With the help of Attorney Zhang, my family and I successfully obtained green cards. He is an upright and kind lawyer. I am pretty sure that he is a very professional and efficient lawyer. In addition, Lawyer Zhang has been following every step my family had taken in this long immigration process. Thank you so much for your help.
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14 Jul, 2020 by Snow
Thanks for his help, I got my green card. he is very busy, but still answer my question after work time, appreciate .
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12 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Lorie is amazing and has great expertise! She walked us through the legal processes very clearly and spent time to explain each step and every question. She is very familiar with the California laws and negotiated well on my behalf. It was a pleasure working with Lorie!
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21 Feb, 2024 by Brian
This is not something I typically do - writing a review for an attorney - but thanks to an “unhealthy” and highly litigious ex-wife, I’ve had more lawyers in my life than I care to admit. Since I unfortunately have a lot of experience within the family law system, I can say with the utmost confidence that Lorie Nachlis, without question, is the best family law attorney you will ever find. My case had a little bit of everything but, from the moment I met Lorie during the search for representation process, I knew she could expertly handle it all, and she most certainly did. I worked closely with Lorie for years - yes, it took years as my ex had us in and out of court as if it was a revolving door - yet Lorie remained invested, focused, and vigilant through it all. Lorie is ultra-professional, super organized, highly experienced, brilliant and a very compassionate attorney. Never once did I ever question her preparedness or performance; she is always nothing but top tier across the board. But what I find almost important as her courtroom prowess is her caring heart. Lorie is as tough - or tougher - than any lawyer I’ve ever seen in action. Yet she is every bit as gentle and caring as she is strong and aggressive. My three kids are my world, as I’m sure yours are for you and, as a family law attorney, Lorie knows it and will fight with all she has for you and your kids. Lorie genuinely cares; even after our work together concluded she still sporadically checks in. How many attorneys out there can the same be said of? She fought for my world and got exactly what we were asking for. Lorie is worth every penny. If you are where I was a decade ago: hurt, confused, scared, and searching for the best representation, your search should stop here. Lorie is the absolute best lawyer and a gem of a human. I am so fortunate to have had her represent me, and my kids, during the most challenging time in my life. I am eternally grateful for her, and her wonderful and supportive staff. I simply cannot possibly recommend Lorie Nachlis and her firm highly enough. Hiring her will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
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25 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
[Disclaimer] I did not hire Nachlis Cohade Lopez-Whitaker LLP (NCLW) for family law services, I am only sharing my experience in their evaluation/intake process. I was searching for family law services and reached out to NCLW via website, email, and phone 4 times over a two week period before getting a response back from them. Once I was able to connect with someone from NCLW, we set about scheduling a consultation but communication & expectation-setting around their process was piecemeal. I characterize my overall experience with them as unresponsive and unprofessional.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Stanley Goff took the easy way out on my civil action and RICO case in 2019. Come October 2022. I pray that Stanley gets buried by Roger's and Hayward's. An earthquake, not a law firm.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Charles
He accepted our money, started our case, and apparently dropped the ball. Had a a hearing where he appeared on our behalf and haven't heard back from him since. Have been to both his Oakland office and his San Francisco office and left several written and verbal messages. To date we still haven't e not received a response from this attorney. He also accepted a retainer er from us to start on another matter and again we have received no response to date. This is not only rude, it is quite unprofessional for an attorney. This is not an acceptable way to treat paying clients.
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17 Nov, 2020 by Darcey
My lawyer always knows what he's doing at all times thank you Stanley Craig Goff he can turn around into her right thank you very much for the law office of Stanley Craig goff
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09 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Jeff is a very smart and capable litigator who lacks the time and bench to be the four or five star that he could/ should be. If you work with him you can expect moderate/ inconsistent client management and lower quality execution on the day to day ground game. When he has the capacity to pay attention you can get quality court docs
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21 Jul, 2013 by Bobbi
Jeff Riebel was the answer to my prayers when I was going through a complicated and difficult divorce while I lived in San Francisco. I would never claim to be knowledgeable about laws, but with Jeff explaining everything to me along the way, I was never worried and always prepared for what was going to happen next. Even when I called him and couldn't speak with him right away, he always returned my call and was pleasant and ready to answer my questions. I even started to consider him a friend because he went through the entire process with me and always looked out for my best interest. Things turned out well for me and I don't think I could ever repay Jeff for his help. He is definitely someone I will be keeping on speed dial even though I moved out of state. I recommend him to all of my friends who are still in the area.
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27 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Riebel is an intelligent lawyer who is focused on developing his own career and establishing himself as a family law litigator. His energy, effort and loyalties are divided and in conflict, between those of my own as his client and those of his own to avoid challenging established attorneys and judges in the lucrative community he desires to establish himself. He failed to advocate for me, his client, where there might be risks to his own benefit. Specific matters were obscenely obvious. If Mr. Riebel litigated for Roe, Voting Rights, Civil Rights, Title VII, Korematsu, Brown, Dredd Scott, Gideon, Miranda, or any matter that requires his fidelity and courage over expediency and ambition, our judicial system and society would be worse for it, but his own interests would be well served. Do not let his college alms mater or billing rates fool you, he is working for himself first. This opinion comes not from bitter rejection by him to pursue a novel legal claims, but a total failure to secure the most basic rights and protections that are guven divorcing parties and that were specifically requested, then forced into compromise through Mr.. Riebel 's coordination with the court, opposing counsel, the court, and worst of all, a mediator who his client paid for but he used to coerce a compromise that served primarily his own purposes for his longtime gain. Very specific, mechanical issues where I was clear and consistent needed ti be done were promised and never done. Structuring litigation and settlements around anticipated problems of compliance were never managed, dismissed by him and all came to pass after he was satisfied with a conclusion, and he then refused any effort to correct his actions, responding that a deal is a deal. His quick departure from an establushed furm if highly regarded attorneys should be noted and carefully considered regardless if his explanations and encouragement that his loyalties and efforts supersede his own ambitions and desires. Do not expect more than a barely passable standard of loyalty, fidelity and professional ethics from this attorney. After 100's of hours of billable legal work, I cannot recommend him for a single skill or insight or legal understanding that a client could not do for themselves. And without animosity but with knowledge of this legal professional, he will give ten times the effort to clear his name from poor recommendations than he would in working diligently for his clients. His fidelity and loyalty are with himself.
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15 Jan, 2016 by J.s.
Mr. Goldstein helped me out of a terrible tax and debt situation. He answered all my calls and emails usually within minutes but always by the end of the day. He understood the complex tax laws and really fought for my case. I recommend him highly!
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27 Apr, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Goldstein assured me that he could handle my case and get me results quickly. Five months later, it didn't seem that he did anything on my case and didn't even remember facts I shared with him, didn't seem to know what's going on.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I was referral to Allan Samson in regards to my Immigration status, he was detailed in telling me exactly the steps to take in other to obtain my status, he is very knowledgeable in Immigration law, he did not beat around the bush with stories or excuses, he was direct and straight forward, which is what I wanted when looking for a expert attorney to represent me, some attorney sugar coat to what can be done, while Allan make SURE it gets done! He was very punctual in all our meetings, court meetings and INS officer interviews. I highly recommend Allan Samson for anyone who is seeking advise in immigration law.
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18 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
I asked Allan Samson for representation in a case of Asylum after reading his answers on www.baraban.org. Samson told me that my case would be pending with the immigration judge for years and I would have plenty of time to make payments to him. He seemed to care only about how much money he could get from me. He did not listen to me when I tried to tell him about my case. When I finally said that I wanted my case expedited, he seemed surprised to hear that I knew of such option and asked me how I would be able to pay attorneys fees upfront. I ended up going to a different attorney, who charged me much less and won my case in 2 months. I am glad I did not continue with Samson who failed to inform me about basic issues and cared for nothing else but his fees.
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06 May, 2024 by Thomas pacheco
Horrible lawyer. He lied to me about settling my debt. He told me he could help me with an IRS settlement, but after he received the retainer, he told me there was nothing he could do. Took my money and made a few phone calls. I was robbed, and I still owe the IRS. I'm filling a complaint with the state bar. He will need to prove to the state bar how he spent my retainer. He also does not return email messages. I would hire someone else if I was you.
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09 Apr, 2018 by Mike
The IRS falsely tried to levy my wages so I called Ary. He picked up the phone immediately (no receptionist) and carefully listened to my story. Ary, then asked for at power of attorney and contacted the IRS to find out what was going on. He got back to me quickly and told me what the IRS was trying to do and let me know they are 100% wrong and were trying too collect on a tax debt I don't owe. He then went through the proper channels, spoke with the IRS agent and got my levy dismissed after the explained to them the 5 areas of tax law the IRS was blatantly violating! If I didn't have a lawyer on the case I probably would have ended up paying the IRS, but since I hired council I only ended up paying for his time which was well worth it. I would highly recommend Ary Ariazand. He is very responsive, professional and you can even get in touch with him quickly even on weekends! He certainly didn't leave me hanging and fought hard to get my levy resolved.
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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22 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
If you're looking for a divorce attorney who is not above lying, playing tricks, refusing to meet and confer with opposing counsel before hearings, and frequently interrupting, talking over and essentially bullying the judge into getting his way, then Eric's your guy. Eric is representing the defendant (my ex) in our divorce case. I have wondered why my many attempts at settlement over the last several months were getting nowhere, despite my ex complaining about the 6-figures in fees he has paid Eric. I now understand why. Using these weasely tactics, Eric has successfully ducked and dodged any spousal support order (we've been separated 2.5 years after a marriage with domestic violence). I wouldn't consider this behavior ethical, but some don't care. Your choice.
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23 Oct, 2017 by Julie
Eric did an outstanding job with my divorce settlement. He understood what was important to me, he worked effectively with the other counsel and he worked to a peaceful negotiation without having to go to court.
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 Feb, 2013 by Leland
Dennis advised & prepared my divorce which was very horrible & complicated. He was fair to my ex-wifes demands & explained "in detail" various options available. He was stellar in predicting behaviors of all concerned & the need to me to calm down, take the emotions to a neutral level & create an atmosphere of trust & goodwill for all concerned.
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03 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Never returns phone calls. Promises to get things done and never does, even after months of requesting. Is not on top of anything, in the slightest.
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14 Dec, 2018 by Jolen
Carroll Collins did a great job helping me finalize my divorce. He worked long hours and some weekends as my divorce was complicated. He was expensive but worth it. I appreciated his patience and wisdom.
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22 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Carroll Collins totally screwed up my divorce. he charged me a ton of money for leaving messages and sending one line e-mails, in addition to charges for work that was not done. i am going to be dealing with the state bar , his company and the referal i recieved to try to get my money back. hiis unethical behavior is unethical and was similar to the movie "Wall Street".
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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02 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I would not recommend John Grele, his fees were substantially higher than others I consulted with and he had a dismissive attitude from the get-go.
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30 Aug, 2013 by Grail
He has helped me with a lot of dirretnt types of law from business to professional issues. He finishes the task quickly with always a win outside and inside the courtroom. He is my life time attorney. He rocks with speed and wins. Grail
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04 Apr, 2019 by Robin
I needed an experienced, committed, fight for your client, litigator. Those were the reasons I hired Ms. Shindell and those were the qualities she promoted. Unfortunately, she possessed none of those qualities. She was clearly unprepared, evasive, self-justifying and outrageously expensive.
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08 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
Ms. Shindell is a very experienced hard working attorney who dilligently looks after the needs of her clients.
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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08 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I trusted Alexandria with my case. It was a difficult because I had two cases obviously when I was going to court they gave me the grater charge. When the D.A. Gave me an offer she advices me to take it without letting me know the outcome, which was not what my family expected. After I had the opportunity to split the time on my cases which at the time it was the better deal and she never showed up to the court date and te judge had to proceed with the original charge. So honestly I think she did not do her job een after my family paid her upfront.
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12 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
She was perfect in court, and conducted herself in a professional manner at all times. This case was very difficult, and Ms. Carl supported our requests. Everything we requested in our case outcome happened. She was outstanding. Great experience. Thank you.
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 May, 2023 by Mi na
I'm convinced that Ann Riley is the most ethical, competent, and intelligent divorce attorney in the Bay Area. I interviewed a lot of lawyers and many of them were simply not confident about the law and fairly apathetic. Ann really cares in a way that is helpful. She doesn't waste your time, she is able to be firm when needed, and is extremely logical. She has a good understanding of the family court system in SF. Opposing counsel was unprofessional and difficult and Ms. Riley refused to engage, knowing that it would cost me more if she did so and that it wouldn't get me any further ahead. A lot of attorneys like to engage in time wasting activities because they know they can get away with billing you for them - there wasn't a single line item in Ms.Riley's bill that was questionable - she deserved every penny of her retainer. I wish I had met Ann under different circumstances but I'm really grateful to have met her when I did. She gives me hope that there are still decent and good people who find value in doing the right thing.
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23 Dec, 2020 by Brayden fox
Riley Ann bullies me!
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15 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Fasano is calm and kindhearted person. He help me with my family case and devote his time to win my case. I'm confident with him expressing my opinion to our case.
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10 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Larry was not good in my Family Law case and civil litigation cases. If an ex-live in stole your property / items and does not have their name on the title of your house, you should be able to get that piece of property / item back within wondering if that ex will take or claim your house. This lawyer did not know how to use the law to our advantage. He milked me for 3 years until I got another lawyer and she helped me settle the case in less than 3 months. I would have still been fighting my ex in court if I kept using Mr Fasano. Don't use him, unless you want to be milked like a cow !
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22 Aug, 2023 by Kreyer family trust
This man is a horrible lawyer, as far as I’m concerned he is a criminal, and a bully - he billed my family over $80,000 and didn’t fight to present crucial evidence when it came down to the wire.. He is a liar, a megalomaniac, a horrible person, and I would absolutely NOT recommend him unless your willing to waste tens of thousands of dollars to listen to him lecture and insult you while telling you crucial evidence is worthless. He abandoned me twice during hearings he promised to appear for, as he said he would not leave me out to dry - yet abandoned me day of the trials/hearings and I lost horribly due to his malpractice and misrepresentation of his skill set I went in on my own for trial and was ten times more effective than he was in all three years of his representation combined! I will gladly share more information with anyone considering hiring Wallace. Unlike him, I’m not scared to present it. He has threatened to sue me for defamation when he knows he’s failed me as an attorney - the only thing he did well was a deposition - which Yorker a ton of evidence he never presented. This man is a joke and a hot head - do not waste your money or energy depending on him to do the honest Abe ethical thing. Feel free to message me for further detail and evidence. I’m reporting him to the bar and trying to recover the money wasted on this man’s ego.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Pamela
She puts the PRO in PROfessional! She responds to texts, emails, and phone calls in a timely manner. She explains everything to you.
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08 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Reed is someone you should AVOID at all cost. In my case, he worked with opposing council MANY MANY times after I told him over and over to have no contact. He totally undermined my case to the tune of over 1 million dollars. He recommended others for support who were AWFUL!!! Stay away Stay away
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29 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous
To be a good Attorney you also have to be a good negotiator and Reed Harvey is definitely both. He represented me twice and I found him fair in his fees and excellent in his work. He really cares for you. I highly recommend Reed.
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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:

  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. 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.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. 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.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving 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 are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
    Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. 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:

  1. Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  2. Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case.
  3. Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association.
  4. Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction.
  5. Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field.
  6. Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation.
  7. Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  8. 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:

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid ID for verification purposes.
  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
  8. 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:

  • Fee Structures:
    • 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.
  • Factors Affecting Cost:
    • 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.
  • 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.
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