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29 Jul, 2018 by Jack
My initial contact with Robert Friedman's Office was a result of an Internet Search in the hopes of finding a firm that would represent me in my Notice of Disagreement with the Veterans Administration. I received a call from a Case Worker in Mr. Friedman's office and later, from an attorney associated with the firm. I was directed by the firm to send my "C File" and any additional information that was relevant to the case for their review. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from one of the attorney's associated with the firm indicating that they felt a case was in place and they would accept me as a client.
Although a period of two (2) years elapsed, I was informed that this might be the case, "Up Front." When the adjudication did not come at the end of that period, the firm moved into action and within six (6) months the "Notice of Disagreement" was reviewed, resolved and a decision rendered.
A sizable settlement, retroactive eight (8) years was won by the firm and I was pleased with the relief that came as a result of their efforts.
I have since recommended Robert Friedman's Firm to other Veterans who have encountered similar resistance from the VA in processing their Claims, Notices of Disagreement and Appeals.
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17 Jan, 2017 by Catherine
After she was denied twice (unjustly) for Social Security Disability benefits, Robert Friedman was able to win our daughter's SSI Appeal in less than 20 minutes in front of the ALJ. We are deeply grateful to him. We feel he is an excellent attorney and found his office staff to be both kind and professional towards us.
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09 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
When I tried to contact this lawyer he never contacted me back and when I tried to call him he was not available and did not answer his phone this person is not a good person to contact for his disability claim my mother recommended him and he never got back in touch with me would not recommend to anyone.
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14 Jan, 2024 by Cody
Boys are back in town. Gentle,Understanding,Collaboration of intelligent Lawyers and remarkable Humans
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15 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
this lawyer refused to help me out with filing an ADA rights lawsuit and said I need to pay like 100k to hire her to do this.... don't hire her if you can't afford 100k for that.
one thing that name sounds familar.. she was a nun who helped a prisoner in the past... what a shame she can't help me out. Seems she turned into greedy lawyer.
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12 Mar, 2016 by Elvie
Professional is an understatement when describing my experience with this attorney. Jean Shiedler-Brown saved my life. Attorney Brown studied my case and worked on my behalf to obtain the desired legal outcome as well as using the law to keep me safe during the proceedings. I found her to be knowledgeable, professional, caring and compassionate.
In my opinion, this comes from a love of what she does and a love of law and of people. I was clearly in danger and the state gave the impression that I had no options. Ms. Shiedler-Brown showed me that I not only had options, but a right to be safe in my own home. She told me that she would handle everything and to not worry. She handled my case and I did not have to worry or appear from that day forward.
I felt my first relief in a very long time. Finally, I had someone who believed in justice and she got that for me. Thank You Ms. Shiedler-Brown
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10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
10 Sep, 2024 by River witch
Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing.
Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.
Read more
07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler
Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney
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06 Sep, 2024 by X x
26 Feb, 2013 by Planning director
I have worked with Mr. Olbrechts as a colleague for the past 8 years. Mr. Olbrechts is, foremost, an ethical and hard working attorney. He is very professional and is amongst the most knowledeable land use attorneys in the state of Washington. Mr. Olbrechts is fair and works hard to ensure that every party has an opportunity to be heard. His work is of high quality and defensible. His rates are reasoanble, particularly in light of his experience.
In working with Mr. Olbrechts both in the capacity of City Attorney and in his role as a Hearing Examiner for various cities, I have always been impressed with Mr. Olbrechts attention to detail, easily understandable and well written documents and decisions, and his accessible personality. Mr. Olbrechts truly cares about his clients - the staff, the electeds, the lay bodies and the citizens they represent. Smaller cities can often be difficult places to work because of entrenched idiologies or politics or simply because of a lack of experience with development. Despite the often persistent pressure to acquiesce to a large developer, a grandstander or an agenda, Mr. Olbrechts brings a personal commitment to providing fair, balanced, legally defensible decisions that meet both the intent and the spirit of the law.
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23 Jan, 2011 by Karen
Mr. Olbrechts would not return my phone calls, he would not perform the work as directected. He was very adept at billing, however. Absolutely incredible. He accomplished virtually nothing up until the time he left his position at Ogden Murphy Wallace Law Firm. He is not the type of lawyer I would ever use again. Clients beware.
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21 Dec, 2010 by K. carolyn
I am a current client of Phil Olbrechts, but I am also an attorney. Phil’s work on my case has been of the finest quality. Phil has generated thorough, well-researched and beautifully written briefs. I attended a motion hearing which Phil argued and as a litigator, I was impressed by Phil’s level of preparation and the quality of his presentation. I would unhesitatingly characterize Phil as “brilliant”.
The overall management of my case has been excellent. Phil has developed a long term strategy which he has clearly articulated to me, and as the case progresses, it is evident that his reasoning has been sound. He has also done a great job of keeping me apprised regarding the day-to-day details of my case.
I particularly appreciate the clarity of Phil’s vision and advice. Moreover, Phil has been available whenever I have had questions. Considering the quality of the representation I have received, Phil’s fees have been more than reasonable. Last, but not least, Phil has been kind and supportive throughout my case.
I would highly recommend Phil Olbrechts for any matter which he would be willing to undertake.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Allen lowery
There the bést añd tóók my case with no money down ór àny payments uñtil we wiñ wiçh they hàve çontacted Dódge experts to testify and everything very prompt and get down to all the right facs there's no way can loose when the other gúys don't have the éxperts
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15 Mar, 2024 by Andrew williams
27 Oct, 2023 by Lexi poborsky
17 Feb, 2022 by Whitney gardner
I am an attorney, and my son (15) has Down Syndrome. After two years of dealing with our district I was completely defeated. Lara and her team were recommended to my family through special ed networks, and I was overwhelmed when I asked for help. I felt like I had failed my child. Lara and her team, are quite remarkable, I feel like from the moment we met they knew where I was, where my son was, they were fully prepared with having reviewed all my sons IEP's, testing, and prior written notices. Lara and her team were able to write a pre litigation demand letter, and we achieved our goals so quickly. My son is thriving in a way that I felt was impossible last year at this time. I will not hesitate again to reach out and ask for help. Thank you over and over again!
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15 Feb, 2022 by Elisa
I am an attorney but an issue came up outside my area of expertise and I needed an urgent consult with an education attorney. Lara responded very quickly to my (rather panicked) voicemail and listened with kindness. She was able to quickly unpack the relevant issues and give me concise, helpful advice that resulted in a good outcome. I offered to pay but she waived the consult fee because we were able to keep it short. This was not a professional favor- she did not know me or that I was an attorney before we spoke- she was just genuinely being kind. I left the call with a clear plan of what I needed to do. Had her advice not worked out right away I would have hired her to assist us in carrying the issue forward. She is clearly knowledgable and I cannot say enough about how helpful even a little of her advice was.
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27 Jan, 2022 by Ian
Our experience with Lara was awful! She told us a bunch of things when we started working with her that turn out not to be true. When she started with us she said she would be with us, supporting us the whole time. But when we needed her she wouldn't return our phone calls.
She basically treated us like a piggy bank and tried to get the most money for the least amount of work. Basically every trope about ambulance chasing attorneys describe Lara.
In my professional career I have worked with many attorneys and Lara is hands down the worst I have had the unfortunate opportunity to work with.
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17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
17 Feb, 2023 by Anil cortez
I'd go with a firm more experienced
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16 Feb, 2023 by Ron ronron
Not a good experience.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Fifi nono
11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
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05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
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11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
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05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
Read more
11 Jul, 2024 by Kristopher lichtanski
I have had an excellent experience with CCL and Ms. Choi in the matter of a complicated easement / title situation. The office staff was super responsive, appointments were scheduled quickly and in collaboration with my schedule/availability, and the meetings I had with Ms. Choi were focused, organized, and super productive. I felt that Ms. Choi was prepared for the meetings, understood what I was dealing with, and discussed with me multiple options and potential outcomes regarding this legal matter, which is going to end up in Court. I could not have asked for a better attorney for my situation (and I have consulted with others prior to CCL) and I very much look forward to my ongoing work with CCL and Ms. Choi. I recommend CCL and Ms. Choi wholeheartedly!
Read more
05 May, 2024 by Ricardo saenz
I arranged a meeting with her to discuss immigration matters and seek professional validation of the process I had completed on my own. Unfortunately, during our reunion, she seemed more focused on protecting herself than genuinely assisting me. However, when I attended my USCIS appointment today, everything was in order, and the concerns she raised did not materialize. It was a stressful experience unnecessarily.
Read more
26 Apr, 2024 by Larry hu
I did not have a good experience with the law firm. My main issues is that Boyoon Choi would repeatedly interrupt me and cut me off before I could finish speaking and there were some mannerisms like scoffing (in a subtle but noticeable way) that came off as pretty condescending and I received a general negative feeling from the tone of voice she used with me. She was also 6 minutes late to our Zoom meeting but cut our 30 minute meeting short nonetheless so we really only had 24 minutes together. I'm sure she would probably bill the time for 30 minutes to my MetLife benefits and not the 24 minutes that I actually got. The way I see it, if a client does not have the correct understanding then inform them in a respectful way. Trying to be subtle with mannerisms like quietly scoffing or responding with a negative tone, one that felt a bit indignant towards me feels less like you're working with someone that's trying to advocate for you and more like you're talking to someone that's trying to take out whatever stress she may be having towards you. It seems that no wonder her staff seems to sound a bit on edge over the phone as I can imagine what it can be like to be subjected to that over time.
She also knew that my home is in Snohomish County but told me that she can't help with the eviction process in that area, but took my money through my MetLife benefit anyway. That's pretty messed up.
Lastly, I also felt it was problematic to be told that she did not know the RCW that covered why a 90 day notice to vacate due to sale is not enforceable unless it is specifically mentioned in the lease agreement. When I requested clarification for her to specify how is this the case, she could only tell me it's part of the general landlord tenant rights that a lease agreement has to specify that an early termination can take place due to sale and that this language would not be specifically mentioned due to it being covered under the general umbrella of tenant rights. However, RCW 59.18.650 clearly states it's permissible for a landlord to end a lease agreement early with cause for the purpose of selling a home.
Boyoon Choi should really be careful with giving advice that she clearly does not know the basis for. It is concerning when you ask for the RCW that she does not know it, and scoffs at you while mentioning it's part of the general rights for a tenant.
Anyways, here is what I was told by another source about the permissibility of ending a lease early to sell the home:
In Washington State, typically, if a landlord provides a 90-day notice to vacate for the purpose of selling the property, this is generally considered lawful. In Washington State, the enforceability of a 90-day notice to vacate due to the sale of a property typically does not require a specific clause in the lease agreement stating that sale of the home entails the tenant moving out. The standard process allows landlords to issue such a notice as part of the rights to dispose of their property, assuming other legal and procedural requirements are met (e.g., proper notice period and service).
Lastly, she was also incorrect about my MetLife legal benefit. She said I don't have benefits for litigation as part of my benefit but in my MetLife portal it clearly states: "This service covers the Participant as a landlord for matters involving leases, security deposits and disputes with a residential tenant. The service includes attorney services for the eviction of a tenant up to and including trial."
Read more
11 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Melissa handed over confidential medical records to the opposing party "by accident", and failed to provide even a basic defense for a protection order, that should have been trivial to contest.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
She mostly doesn’t reply emails or doesn’t care her clients’ questions. When she replied my email, she did not know the relevant context enough…
She is unprofessional and mostly unprepared.
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18 Jan, 2023 by Alec
Melissa defended me in a protection order hearing from my neighbors (which was based purely upon well documented, easily proven lies). Despite being out of the country and despite not having practiced law in Pierce Co. Courts, Melissa took on the case. The court granted not one, but TWO extensions so that Melissa could adequately prepare for the hearing.
My husband and I had multiple meetings with Melissa; each one it seemed like it was the first time Melissa had heard of the case, despite that she had been working on it for a month. I regularly had to repeat things we had already discussed multiple times and remind Melissa of things she had already asked about. Additionally, Melissa would regularly say "I don't know about X, I'll have to look into that...", but she never seemed to look into it.
During the trial, Melissa's performance was abysmal. She pretty much did absolutely nothing. When the opposing counsel blatantly misquoted what I had said (accusing me of threatening to murder my neighbor), it was ME who called an objection. The judge told me to mute my mic, and Melissa allowed the opposing counsel to proceed with misquoting me, despite that both parties had submitted video evidence to the contrary. Additionally, she failed to bring up any of our evidence/points such as the damage the neighbors have caused to our property (which they admitted doing to police, record of which was evidence), multiple false reports against us to the fire department, etc. Doing nothing was typical of Melissa though--my husband and I did 100% of the leg work for this case; submitting evidence (which I don't think Melissa fully reviewed), filing papers, etc.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Melissa had received a bunch of evidence from the opposing counsel per the rules of discovery. Melissa failed to notice these in her email and as such, none of us saw that evidence until during the actual hearing. This wasn't much of a surprise, as Melissa had failed to notice emails from me, despite that she was expecting them.
Ultimately, we lost the hearing. And with it we lost our right to bear arms.
After the hearing, Melissa--once again--said she was going to look into things that she didn't know and follow up with us, such as our right to bear arms. We also planned to proceed with a civil suit against our neighbors as they have continually damaged our property among other things. It has now been almost two months since our trial and Melissa has failed to follow up with us as she said she would.
On top of everything, to add insult to injury, Melissa's suggestion at the onset was that we just move.
Overall, I would have to say Melissa's behavior was just shy of completely incompetent. She was extremely unprepared, didn't know how Pierce Co Courts work, dropped the ball repeatedly, and has ultimately ghosted us. We have decided to move forward with other counsel, and I would not recommend Melissa to anyone under any circumstances based purely upon her performance (or lack thereof).
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22 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Carolyn Pinkett was the presiding ALJ at our DSHS hearings. We (my family) disagreed with the decisions that the dept. made in our case. At first she was objective but in the later hearings she
made biased comments against us which let us know that we were going to lose the case.
She was very nervous in the later hearings, and acted as though someone had placed a gun to her back. It is our belief that at some point she was spoken to by the administrators of our local DSHS office, and told that she was to vote against us no matter what, which she did.
It is because of how easily manipulated she was by the opposing party, that I must give her such a bad rating. She is untrustworthy for the fact that her ethical standards can be easily compromised.
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21 Jan, 2020 by Gary
During the last quarter of 2018 we were hit with sizable tariffs as a result of the China trade war. We hired Ms. Jacobson via Junker & Nakachi to help us. We were told that a) we could build a case to reclassify our products such that they would be in a non-tariff category and b) if successful we could use this to get a refund on the tariffs paid in 2018. Ms. Jacobson gave us a quote of $2,500 for her services and explained that this was an estimate. She then asked for a lot of information from us on our products which we were happy to supply. Using this information to submit our claim to Customs we then waited for a decision. About six months later we received an e-mail from Ms. Jacobson telling us that we indeed received a favorable ruling. We then waited another three or four months for a return of our $11k in tariff money. It never arrived. All the while we were told that it was just a question of time. After about a year we started asking again as to our refund. This time we were told that Customs actually ruled against us in this regard and no refund would be forth coming. Ms. Jacobson then informed us that we'd now need to file a protest. The price for this would be about the same as we had already paid her firm. In talking to her superior recently (Mr. Nakachi,) he assured us that Ms. Jacobson did her job in fine fashion and that any confusion was on our side. He further advised that his firm wanted nothing more to do with our case. So initially we were hit with $11K in tariffs. Junker & Nakachi's fee added another $3K. So in the end we're now out a total of $14K and the entire matter is a loser. Now Junker & Nakachi wants nothing more to do with us. Steer way clear of these folks if you have international trade issues.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Jean baptiste mendy
30 Nov, 2022 by Sharan
My case was given to Danika months ago and she never responded to any of my messages, calls or emails. Unfortunately I had to file the case myself!! She doesn't even have correct names of the defendents. What a complete waste of public tax dollar.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Andrew
Had great initial meeting. Discussed issues. Had been promised to have issues reviewed and get back with solutions. Didn't follow the deadline. It feels like she is getting things done at the last minute and as the result, suggests to just ignore issue instead of dealing with it.
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25 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Spent over $100k with this firm and a month after we finally send a demand letter. Our main counsel loses his license to practice law in WA. We were never communicated this is issue. To top off the money grab they charged us $5k for work never approved and to switch counsel to someone we never hired. They charged us to research how to switch counsel!! Like wtf! The firm is only about billable hours and zero accountability. I had a deadline on the same day I asked him about our next deadline and he gave me the wrong date. We missed 2 deadlines. Stay away unless you like to burn money.
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19 Oct, 2023 by Jean baptiste mendy
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What a Government Lawyer Can Do for You
A government lawyer specializes in legal issues related to government policies, regulations, and disputes involving public entities. Whether you are a private individual, business, or government agency, a government lawyer provides expert guidance on navigating the complexities of government law. These attorneys handle cases ranging from constitutional law, administrative law, regulatory compliance, and government contracts to defending or challenging government actions.
Government lawyers help individuals and organizations understand their rights and obligations under the law, represent them in disputes with government agencies, and assist in matters of government contracting, procurement, or public policy.
When Should I Hire a Government Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a government lawyer in several situations involving government regulations, compliance, or disputes. Common reasons to hire a government lawyer include:
- Government contracts and procurement: If you are bidding for or negotiating a contract with a government agency, a lawyer can help ensure compliance with federal, state, or local contracting rules.
- Regulatory compliance: Businesses operating in highly regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, environmental sectors) often need legal guidance to comply with government regulations and avoid penalties.
- Government investigations: If you're being investigated by a government agency such as the IRS, SEC, or EPA, a government lawyer can help defend you against allegations or negotiate settlements.
- Challenging government actions: If a government agency has denied a permit, license, or benefit, a lawyer can help you appeal or challenge the decision in court.
- Constitutional and civil rights issues: If you believe your constitutional rights have been violated by a government entity, such as in cases involving free speech or discrimination, a government lawyer can help you seek justice.
- Public policy or lobbying efforts: If you are involved in lobbying or advocating for policy changes at the local, state, or federal level, a government lawyer can provide legal advice on compliance with lobbying laws and strategies for effective advocacy.
Hiring a government lawyer early in the process can help you navigate complex legal frameworks and avoid costly mistakes when dealing with government-related legal issues.
What Does a Government Lawyer Do?
A government lawyer provides a wide range of services that cover interactions between individuals, businesses, and government entities. They can:
- Assist with government contracts: Helping clients navigate procurement laws, drafting contracts, and resolving disputes related to government contracting.
- Provide regulatory compliance advice: Offering guidance on meeting regulatory requirements for industries subject to federal, state, or local laws.
- Handle administrative law matters: Representing clients before government agencies, such as appealing administrative decisions, applying for permits, or defending against regulatory enforcement actions.
- Challenge or defend government actions: Representing clients in lawsuits involving government agencies, including constitutional challenges, civil rights violations, or disputes over government decisions.
- Negotiate settlements with government entities: If a government agency is pursuing legal action against you or your business, a lawyer can negotiate settlements to avoid costly litigation.
- Advocate for policy changes: Advising clients on legal strategies for influencing public policy, including lobbying and drafting legislation.
- Litigate constitutional issues: Handling cases related to the Constitution, such as First Amendment rights, due process violations, or unlawful government actions.
How Are Government Lawyers Paid?
Government lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the nature of the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: For ongoing legal matters, such as regulatory compliance or government contract disputes, lawyers may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific services, such as drafting a government contract or filing an administrative appeal, some lawyers charge a flat fee.
- Retainer: For clients who need ongoing legal support, such as businesses frequently interacting with government agencies, a lawyer may charge a retainer fee. This is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.
- Contingency fee: In some cases involving litigation, such as civil rights violations, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case.
It’s important to discuss fee structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Government Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a government lawyer depends on the complexity of the legal issue, the lawyer's experience, and their fee structure. Here are some general cost estimates:
- Hourly rates: Government lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For specific legal services, such as drafting a government contract, flat fees can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the nature of the service.
- Retainer fees: A retainer for ongoing legal work with government agencies can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the scope and frequency of the work.
- Contingency fees: In cases where a lawyer works on contingency, their fee is usually a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or damages awarded if the case is successful.
Be sure to get a clear estimate of costs during your consultation to ensure that you understand the fees associated with your case.
Top Questions to Ask a Government Lawyer
When hiring a government lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and skills needed for your specific situation. Key questions to ask include:
-
What is your experience with government law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has substantial experience in handling cases or issues involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, or constitutional law. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services - whether by the hour, flat fee, retainer, or contingency fee - and request an estimate of costs. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your legal options and the likelihood of success based on your specific situation. -
How do you handle interactions with government agencies?
Ask about their approach to dealing with government entities and their experience with specific agencies relevant to your case (e.g., IRS, EPA, SEC). -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Ask about their experience with similar cases and whether they have achieved favorable outcomes in the past. -
Who will handle my case?
Clarify whether the lawyer you are meeting with will personally handle your case or whether junior attorneys or paralegals will do most of the work.
How to Check the Credibility of a Government Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable government lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Review their professional experience: Look for specific experience in government-related legal issues, such as regulatory compliance, government contracts, or administrative law, on their website or professional profile.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews and ratings on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to get insight into the lawyer’s reputation and track record.
- Ask for references: Request references from previous clients who have worked with the lawyer on government-related matters to understand their experience and effectiveness.
- Check for membership in relevant organizations: Look for memberships in professional organizations such as the American Bar Association's Administrative Law Section or the National Institute of Government Procurement, which can indicate the lawyer’s focus on government law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first meeting with a government lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant information and documents. Here’s what you should bring:
- Detailed description of your legal issue: Be prepared to explain your situation, whether it’s a regulatory compliance question, a government contract issue, or a dispute with a government agency.
- Relevant documents: Bring any paperwork related to your case, such as contracts, permits, letters from government agencies, or notices of investigation.
- A list of questions: Write down any questions you have about your case, including the legal process, potential outcomes, and costs.
- Timeline of events: Provide a clear timeline of any relevant events, such as the issuance of government orders or interactions with government agencies.
- Goals for the outcome: Be ready to discuss what you hope to achieve, whether it’s a favorable settlement, regulatory compliance, or overturning a government decision.
By being organized and prepared, you can help your lawyer understand your situation more quickly and give you the best legal advice moving forward.
