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11 Oct, 2023 by Paul breed
Enormously grateful for the role the local NLG has played in protecting my personal freedom of speech.
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26 Mar, 2022 by Mr t navarrette el
05 Dec, 2020 by Mike basa
18 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
I went through restraining order hearing, before , during and after the hearing, he gave the most honest and truthful and ethical advice to me what I should do , what I should expect without charging me a penny.I presented myself and I got fair result.
I never seen any attorney so ethical and generous like him so if someone has family law matters, I fully recommend to him for competency, reasonable price and everything.
Thank you so much for your help Mr Gurley.
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29 May, 2015 by Anonymous
After another Family Lawyer charged me $40K and didn't do anything but expensive discoveries, I ended up in Adam Gurley's Office begging for help. He his a kind-hearted lawyer with a deep knowledge of Family Law. He immediately put his associates to do re job. They did a supreme job without the exuberant partner fees. They are a team of caring professionals without the greed of most family law attorneys.
It was a bit inconvenient to drive to his office as I live in Daly City, but it was well worth it. They were available after regular work hours and the weekends.
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30 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Gurley after his initial consultation when he overstated his abilities and also asked me to write a favorable review (on another website) due to a competition he had going with another attorney. He started out pretty good but when push came to shove he pretty much sold me out. The real eye opener was in an all day negotiating session he arrived ahead of me and without waiting for me to arrive , began meeting with opposing counsel and did not respond to my phone calls. He went on to make numerous comments regarding the lack of value while negotiating personal property issues. Then after we had negotiated a settlement, and I requested that he NOT continue responding to opposing counsel's requests, which amounted to clerical functions while charging out at an attorney's hourly rate, Mr Gurley withdrew from my case as I was in the middle of packing and scrambling to lease an apartment, after my initial agreement fell through. I was shocked that he would pull such a unprofessional maneuver. I would not recommend him to a friend .
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09 Sep, 2016 by Dean
I had been struggling with my divorce for several years until Lilah stepped in. Lilah immediately put me at ease because I knew I was in the hands of a pro. What I liked most about Lilah is that she formulated a strategy for me. She gave me my options and explained the pros and cons of each so that I was still ultimately in control. She was straight forward not only with the strengths of my case but also equally blunt about my weaknesses. She refused to blow smoke up my skirt allowing me to have false confidence in the unlikely. I really respected that.
Lilah was also understanding of my financial situation by giving me advice to help me save money instead of cranking up the expenses as many attorneys do.
When it came time to put the case together, Lilah's expertise was obvious. She overwhelmed the other party with a clear and logical case that was supported with facts and legal precedence. It was unarguable. And it would've been an impossible feat by myself.
I am very happy with the results Lilah got for me.
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28 Aug, 2016 by Janell
I never planned on divorcing, so I had no clue how to even start the process and I felt quite overwhelmed. My first meeting with Lilah consisted of me learning a ton of complex details in words and explanations I could actually understand. Lilah took the time to explain the journey through divorce towards amiable co-existance and co-parenting. Lilah took my concerns seriously and respected my desire for harmonious dynamics between me and my ex. The forms and explanations she drafted and submitted were excellent in form and content- she really knows her business. The dialogue she gave me to use in court came in handy and helped me gain and maintain some agency in the courtroom. Lilah accepted and respected my priorities, so my divorce wasn't about money and acrimony, it was about learning the process and making the best decisions for my kids. Lilah always kept my kids in mind. She is an expert in her field and a true people person as well.
I would recommend her whole heartedly to family and friends and you.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney from a well-known law firm in San Francisco at the recommendation of a new friend. I was newly separated at a vulnerable time in my life. Lilah seemed confident and well spoken. However, she filed my case incorrectly with the court (which now has to be fixed), her firm over-billed, she did not provide any strategy or direction for my case (I came up with most of the strategy from the advice of friends) and she raised her voice to me several times, and was kinder to opposing counsel than she was to me -- and now I see why. She was looking for another job while her own firm dissolved. Beware this attorney. At the very least, she lacks the experience to handle a complicated family law case. Hire a certified family law specialist instead.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Elza
I highly recommend Mrs Purcell. I used her serviced in a highly complex court case in a paternal case and her delivery was exceptional. She was fast understanding the case and she put an extra effort finding our information that was highly relevant supporting my case. She delivered on time and was absolutely one of the best lawyers I have ever consulted. I highly recommend her.
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11 Jul, 2023 by George skaljac
Cliff Palefsky is a great attorney. You can't go wrong by using his services. If I could give him 10 stars I certainly would.
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20 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Was not pleased that I took advice she gave me during our consultation. Other attorneys who were more confident gave me the right advice but it was too late for me. Hopefully this review can save you from her apathy
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08 Mar, 2023 by Amelia bonilla
15 Jan, 2023 by Andrew semaan
06 Jul, 2022 by Derek ryan
27 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
We were having family troubles. We hired Natalia to help calm them down as a mediator. First day, she charged us nearly $1000 dollars. When we wanted her to send her letter, she wrote it way too aggressively. It made everything in our family worse. If you went an actual mediator, hire someone else.
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24 Mar, 2021 by Tiffany
I've worked with Natalia for over a year on my ongoing child custody case. She always knows a lot about the court system including family mediators and judges I've been assigned. She's also very responsive, so I've always felt prepared when going to hearings. Her prices are beyond reasonable and well worth the peace of mind that comes with hiring an attorney.
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05 Aug, 2020 by Kelly
I hired Natalia to help me with a custody case. She was excellent. She explained things to me and even helped calm down my nerves.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
The most disrespectful lawyer I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t let you speak and he doesn’t know how to do his job, he should retire. There are better options.
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05 May, 2017 by James
I was referred to Attorney Chinchilla when a former attorney let me know, after a year of handling my case, that the matter was out of his league. Hector quickly assessed the situation, got a handle on where the pitfalls were, and where the greatest potential exposure to all was. He litigated the case to the extent required and then structured a complicated settlement involving various parties and made sure my exposure was minimized. He did all this and resolved the case in less time than it took my former lawyer to figure out the case was beyond his level of expertise.
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23 Aug, 2014 by Rodrigo
Hector J. Chinchilla did a wonderful job in getting my green card in only 8 months from the first day I had my consultation with him. Throughout the whole process I was always advice and informed of each stage of my case and with excellent suggestions and instructions on how to to follow up my responsibilities to provide appropriate documentation. Also I was directed to accomplish specific tasks such medical examination, biometrics and he was very good in preparing us for our interview with the immigration officer. Last , he always informed me promptly of all decisions that were made by USCIS that affected my case. I am really happy to have put my case in his hands.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Mark b
Nixon Peabody were exceptional to work with, their team understood all the complexities of our case. There is always some anxiety when dealing with these things but they kept their hours low and cost within reason.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Nishit prajapati
25 May, 2019 by Yusef khan
11 Sep, 2024 by Mark b
Nixon Peabody were exceptional to work with, their team understood all the complexities of our case. There is always some anxiety when dealing with these things but they kept their hours low and cost within reason.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Nishit prajapati
25 May, 2019 by Yusef khan
06 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Graham's performance on my case was shocking. He repeatedly demonstrated a dangerous lack of attention to detail generating error ridden discovery documents and a frustrating inability to comprehend simple financial transactions. Despite enormous fees, Mr. Graham achieved little to nothing on my behalf.
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10 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
He’s a nice guy but he does not have a productive bone in his body. His paralegal and him would charge for opening emails and not respond to opposing counsel. You would do much better setting out of correct without Andrew representing you. He will collect $19k in two months without making any progress on your case.
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14 Jan, 2020 by Kimberly
Andrew is very honest, he calls it as he sees it. He is straight forward very professional. He seeks out the facts and is very quick to point out the points of the case. He's a husband and a father and knows family values. He doesn't let his ego get in the way when dealing with attorneys he sticks to what's best for the family. Andrew is confident and professional and handles himself remarkably well.
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17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
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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29 Sep, 2017 by Katie
Stefani was very warm and compassionate from the beginning. Our initial consult together made me feel very confident about my case and what to expect. As someone who has never needed a lawyer before, she answered all of my questions and concerns with ease. She and her staff were professional and prompt whenever I reached out. I was fortunate to have a great experience, with all things concerned. I would highly recommend her to anyone!
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17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
17 Aug, 2024 by B r iana fortson
So after 4 months of thinking my case involving a infestation of mice & rats(caught 15)was being worked on, I found out that my case was terminated almost immediately after accepting my case because I answered no to one of the criminal background questions that mentioned having any recent criminal activities etc which is true, over 6 years plus is not recent so I guess they don’t trust to represent us because of that I feel it’s discrimination because what does having a criminal record have to do with us needing the help?! It shouldn’t have even taking me reaching out to find this out. Very unprofessional for a law firm & they don’t have your best interest obviously.. like how you can’t sympathize with a family that obviously needs representation & justice from & very inhabitable situation if that’s your job?!
Read more
08 Aug, 2024 by Goodarz filsouf
I had a quick session with Julie Hartlé , first of all, she is an amazing person, very understanding, and also very professional and well-informed about the issues we were having. She has an extensive background with different housing departments and also knows disability law very well. She gave me sound advice and we set up a follow-up. I can say that I am very happy with the value they provided me in this session and highly recommend them.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mharco juliano
27 May, 2022 by Althea
I found myself very impressed by the compassion and thoughtfulness Mr. Schneider showed in dealing with all members of our family, including our two young children, when some of the more unpalatable and distressing aspects of the events that brought about the end of our marriage came to light in the media. We found Mr. Schneider to be of consummate professionalism and in possession of all the skills we could possibly desire such that he was able to bring about the most minimally damaging and financially advantageous end to our marriage possible.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Dustin ball
28 Aug, 2024 by Tommy bailey
15 Aug, 2024 by Ninad ghody
Bunch of shady ambulance chasers
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30 Aug, 2024 by Dustin ball
28 Aug, 2024 by Tommy bailey
15 Aug, 2024 by Ninad ghody
Bunch of shady ambulance chasers
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06 Aug, 2024 by Sheel mohnot
11 May, 2024 by Junyi shan
I contacted Dhillon Law Group about a defamation case that I would like to pursue in February 2024. Now three months have passed, and I never heard back from them.
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24 Mar, 2024 by Christopher bout
I would like to express sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the work of Jesse Franklin-Murdock and the Center for American Liberty's extraordinary support in my case. From the outset, when I had that initial call with Eric Sell, and with Josh Dixon – they immediately pulled in strong resources and subsequently Mr. Franklin-Murdock. All these actions and the associated conversations demonstrated dedication, professionalism, superior competency, knowledge, and application of relevant case law by everyone who touched my case but most of all you, Jesse, so thank you! You yourself Jesse, went well above expectation by fielding calls and executing on some key action items, even while on international vacation.
Jesse, to you and the entire Center for American Liberty and the entire Dhillon Law Group – THANK YOU for defending my rights with vigor, professionalism, superior application of law, a successful outcome, and for the intangibles like diligence, listening, empathy and that unique feeling that I, as a client, actually matter. Ten thousand kudos to you!
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04 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Terrible lawyer. Does not follow the law and is horribly sloppy. Contradict himself in legal filings and always looses in court. Can’t hit a deadline and misspelled clients name. Avoid at all costs
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16 May, 2024 by Jerry
Tried to Pro Bono for months in a divorce and was getting nothing accomplished in court, missing out on time with my children, and getting constantly harassed by the other parties attorney for this and that and slowly getting more and more in debt. From my first phone call with James he was upfront and came up with a game plan.
From then on he ended the constant emails from the other party, got me almost 50 50 with overnights that I hadn't had in almost a year, spousal and child support reduced dramatically and other huge factors that I had been dealing with.
He was the best decision I've ever made. He's professional and reliable weather it be phone calls, emails and even texts. He has a plan and any updates or other ideas he lets you know. YOU WILL NOT FIND ANYONE BETTER TO REPRESENT YOU.
I can't thank him enough.
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02 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Promises everything....delivers nothing! Does not respond to emails, text messages or phone calls. Tries to brush off major issues and has zero follow through.
Does not contact you until the day of the court hearing and comes ill prepared. Should NOT be hired in child custody situations!
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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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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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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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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 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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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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18 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I was desperate, paid this fraud at least $1000 to represent me to my creditors, and he never did. None of my credit card companies were contacted. I was trying to avoid filing bankruptcy and losing my house, yet this sleazy guy steals $1000 from me. Do not hire!
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25 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Kent cannot be trusted to have any of your interests in mind. He shamelessly inflated his timesheet on what, even her claimed to be, was a very simple case. He conveniently inflated his timesheet to complete his entire retainer. Once the case was dismissed in my favor, he took a call from the opposing party, charging me for that, and then setting up a meeting with her which he would further charge me for. There was no reason for him to take the call or create a meeting, it would extend a case that was over, essentially working against me. He also charged me for filling out paper work to pursue the prevailing party's clause which he never actually submitted. truly fraudulent.
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26 May, 2018 by Michael
I am an attorney, and have hired Kent to represent me on a number of occasions. He is competent, professional, and generous with his time. Because he accepts a limited number of cases, he is able to provide individual attention to each client.
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05 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Under no circumstances should you consider asking David Donner to help you. He will milk your case while trying to assert that he's discounting his billing, and he will leave your divorce, custodial matter, and relationships in far worse condition than he found them, after wasting years (more than you expect at the outset) and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hiring David is a guaranteed defeat for your family. The only winners will be him and his cronies that he will seek to bring in or refer you to. I know from over two years of experience working with him. The outcome could not have been worse. Relating to my divorce, retaining him was by far the worst decision I've made. He sounds like he's going to help in the beginning, but his work is poison and will leave a wake of discord. If you could buy him for what he's worth and sell him for what he thinks he's worth you'd be the richest person on the planet. He loves to hear himself speak. He thinks he's paid by the syllable. He could draft a one page memo in 40 pages at $600 an hour. Good luck to you. Seek help elsewhere.
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06 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Our case was a significant and complex case with the table filled with attorneys (for the county, for the foster boys, for the mother, for one of the fathers). Each ruling towards the appropriate termination of parental rights were appealed along the way. As the foster/adoptive parents, we were not represented until we hired David.
It was the longest parental rights termination case in California at the time (in part due to the multiple appeals). But David navigated our interests well and ensured that the termination process kept the focus on the readiness of the parents for reunification (and in our case, they were not ready/fit to be parents).
Thank you David for helping us and our boys!!
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22 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
David A Donner is an attorney who is well known for taking huge risks and huge payments and then losing bigtime due to his careless disregard for the truth. I trusted him and let him paint me into a corner which cost me my reputation with the judge. I would stay away from this attorney at all costs. Total scumbag, just ask around.
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
