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01 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Very expensive for the poor communication offered and was condescending in emails felt belittled when just seeking advice for an important issue
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23 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
A WASTED OF TIME AND MONEY
BY USING CAMACHO AS MY ATTORNEY
IN A DIVORCE WITH WIFE OF 27 YEARS
WAITS TO LONG TO COUNTER TO WIFE ATTORNEY
AGREES WITH WIFE ATTORNEY, WITHOUT GIVING
A CHANCE TO REVIEW YOUR OBTIONS
DOES NOT WANT TO ARGUE POINTS OF YOUR
BEST INTEREST IN YOUR CASE--SITES WITH
WIFE ATTORNEY. DOES NOT SHOW UP
TO COURT. HARD TO DEAL WITH.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Does not listen or even let you explain your issue. Should not be the person over family law matters
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I understand that she is using her mother's coat tail to establish her clients, but I was very disappointed that I could not get thru past the receptionist. I paid the consultation fee, only to find out what I already knew. Fees are extremely expensive. Comparing this to a really good pair of leather shoes. You know they are good, and will last a long time, but then you see the same pair with a label and you end up paying five times more. If you have the money upfront they will talk to you, but you might be stuck with a pair of over priced leather shoes that pinch more than just your pocket. I was ready to hire the team, but I could not talk to anybody without money. I wanted to pay another $1000, and even then I couldn't speak to anybody. I knew that I wasn't going to be guaranteed a win win case, but I needed answers to some of my painful needs. My desperate actions led me to a different attorney who did answer all my questions. I lost my $250.00 consulting fee.
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06 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
We hired Mrs. Tijerina and after getting paid half of the amount she asked she started going against me and criticizing every thing I asked her to do. She messes up my child custody case by pushing my daughter (age 6) to go with her biological father whom she didn't even know and just came out of drug rehab. The child was so scared to go with a stranger but she told her she had to go because of not I was gonna be out in jail. I had to switch lawyers because she kept giving the other party everything he was asking for.
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19 Mar, 2023 by Nancy
My experience with this attorney was nothing short of a nightmare. This was the second attorney assigned to me from the ambulance chasing Alex Hernandez law firm and he did nothing but lie and ghost, just as the first attorney assigned to me, Rene Zarazua did. Memorize these names and do not use them. Unless you want to just give them your hard earned money and have them do nothing but lie and ghost you. David Leffman was assigned to me after Rene Zarazua lied and ghosted me. I received a fake apology for my experience with Rene and was assigned David Leffman. The first thing he did was lie and say, “I get things done, I will have answers for you within 24 - 48 hours.” That was back in December. I had to write the firm and accuse them if handing me another do nothing ghosting attorney, to which he rapidly called me and lied saying that he had sent me an email with a demand letter. I said, no I received nothing. I am ready to have my computer forensically studied to prove that he is a liar, as I believe he never sent me a letter. So he said, I will resend it and change the supposed dates. Then another month goes by after this supposed letter was sent, to which I send him another email and ask if he has heard anything back from this supposed letter he had claimed to send a month earlier. Nothing but crickets, so I email him, and CC’d Alex Hernandez, and another attorney that had told me earlier, apologetically that my case was being escalated, Dale Slade (Don’t use this liar, Dale Slade either) to inquire why the ghosting again, only to find Alex Hernandez has blocked me, but Dale Slade and David Leffman got my emails, but chose to ghost me. This was not a terribly difficult case, could’ve been solved with a simple letter, but this firm is excellent at taking your money and disappearing and becoming impossible to reach by phone or email. They have a great PR firm that answers the phone sympathetically, but that is all they are as the attorney’s will never get back to you. Even when they say they have marked the message URGENT. I am reporting the Alex Hernandez firm, mr Zarazua and mr Leffman to the Texas bar association as well as the IRS, there is major misappropriations of funds here going on here. And judging by the yelp reviews where they have a generous 1 star rating, this is their MO, take your money, lie and ghost you. I want my money back from this attorney and the do nothing firm. Maybe it’s time for a class action law suit? At any rate, save your money, and don’t use them. The only time they do anything aggressively is relentlessly pursue you for your business, then lie and ghost you.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Maribel martinez
Be careful calling for information from this office. On my first call there, Mary Alice seemed slightly pestered, to say the least, by my need for information, stating that another person had already called to ask similar questions. I explained that this other person was somewhat confused, so I wanted to hear it straight "from the horses mouth". On my second call, I encountered a fully irritated Mary Alice, so I thanked her for putting up with me and for causing so much agitation. I do not plan on calling again, even if my loved ones life depends on it. Praying God softens these peoples hearts with compassion, sympathy and a better understanding for client's needs, in Jesus' name, AMEN.
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27 Jun, 2011 by Toni
This lawyer allowed my ex to be the winner by not explaining why i had to bring kids to him if i move out of the county...should be 1/2 point to meet is fair, my ex was charged with assault family violence for choking my son which he should of been in jail, plus adultery on him. She will keep you informed so she can bill you for all the emails and phone calls she receives from another lawyer, or myself. I had everything written out how i wanted it and changed for an agreement but she didnt fight for my kids safety and didnt fight for the things we agreed on. You have alot of money to spend on a lawyer get one that will fight for who is paying the bill...you!
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03 Dec, 2020 by Lauren
Jessica was an ad-litem attorney, selected by the court, to represent my daughter in an auto accident case. I had no contact with her until the final few months of the case. She was VERY unprofessional, borderline abusive. During the court hearing (Zoom-based because of COVID), the judge questioned my attorney’s (David Starnes) fee percentage of 35%, stating that the state approved fee maximum is 33.5%. This was a surprise to me, David stated, when I met with him originally, that his fee was less than ‘most’ attorneys. Jessica thought it was her place to speak up during the court proceeding, informing the judge that she believed David deserved the full 35% fee. The attorney, selected by the court, to fight for my daughters’ rights and she speaks up to support money being taken from my daughter and given to the attorney. I originally agreed to the 35% fee on behalf of my daughter. I didn’t try to back out of that arrangement because of what the judge stated, but I didn’t expect Jessica to advocate for my attorney. I expected she would advocate for my daughter. She was being paid to do so, and I thought she was legally obligated to do so.
As if that was not enough, in a final phone conversation with her after the court proceeding, I was asking her for specific information regarding my daughters’ settlement and copies of financial documents that I needed and should be entitled to, when Jessica started yelling at me on the phone, telling me that my attorney deserved the 35% and more for having to deal with me. I don’t believe that was professional.
There are other things that were off about her work, but I will keep with what I have stated here.
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27 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
In my case, my car was stolen. The thieves apparently went through a toll and racked up $20 in toll fees. After getting a bunch of letters from his firm, I called to ask what was going on. I quickly realized it was a zombie call center, not a real law firm... The call center staff (not lawyers, of course) were very difficult to deal with. All they wanted was their money. The required that I send a police report. I went to Office Max and faxed the report that the officer gave me. Couple days later I called, since I hadn't heard from James or his call-center zombie army. Apparently, that initial report wasn't good enough for ol' James -- the zombies steadfastly insisted that I send the actual FULL police report. I had to call the police department and get one sent to me ($10). I went back to Office Max and faxed the whole report ($7). Called James -- I mean his zombie call center -- today, and talked to a half-alive, nearly comatose "individual" who informed me that the charges had been erased. Thanks, but a little notice would have been appreciated, after all the headache and expense on my part. So, the total cost of the debt was $33, including late fees (remember, this was a stolen car). I paid $20 (and some headache time) to get the charges addressed, and corrected. James P Harris, I demand that you send me $20 now, or I will charge you a hefty late fee!
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17 Mar, 2015 by Don
I hired John Denholm on 11-11-2014 to represent me on a criminal matter. On the first court date he showed up 25 minutes late. On 2 seperate occasions, he set up scheduled meetings with me to view the scene and take pictures. John failed to show up for either meeting and did not call to inform me that he would not be there. I had to continually call John to ask if he had secured any evidence or interviewed any witnesses. Most of the time he would not return my call. I once asked for a meeting so he could show me what he had done on my case since i hired him. That was the week of 12-21-2014. I told him to make it A.S.A.P. He gave me a date of 1-9-2015 which was 2 weeks later. At that meeting he showed me an application for 4 subpoenas and a 2 line e-mail to the assistant district attorney. The application was filled out in court on a scheduled court date. We were in court a total of 45 minutes and thats only because he showed up late. This was all he had done on my case in 2 months. On 1-20-2015, I sent him a text telling him to set the case for trial and get prepared for trial. He didnt return the text until the next day. He stated that it would take 2-3 years to get a trial in that court. I knew that was a total lie so i sent him a text telling him to call me, no text. That was the last time I heard from him. I left messages at his office and on his cell everyday for 3 days. I fired him on 1-23-2015. John has only been an attorney since 11-2008. Thats 6 years 4 months. I see he is claiming 7 years on this web site. His fee was $5,000 more than my current attorney who has practiced law for over 22 years. Now I have to spend time pleading with the Texas Bar to do something about this guy. This guy Lied to me on many occasions, did not show up for scheduled meetings and did not call, showed up late for court, failed to schedule appointments as requested, failed to move forward and collect evidence, and failed to return phone calls.
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23 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
If care about the result of your case, please save your self the trouble and stay away. He's lazy and unproductive, the only thing he knows how to do is blame everybody else but work. Lost tons of money and my case because of lazy a lawyer that did not want to put in the work. He actually pretended like he completely lost his voice in court, while everyone knew it wasn't true, which made the judge very upset. Just don't!
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14 Nov, 2018 by Melissa
I was told that this attorney would be assisting me in my contested divorce from divorcepapers123.com All they did was take my $300 and NEVER RETURN MY CALLS! Both phone numbers were never answered again and the receptionist, Victoria.. told me that she could not disclose names or address!! What?! How unprofessional, I am fixing to dispute the charge and move on with my life. What a waste of time!
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15 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
After having Mr. Jett as a court appointed attorney for 2 misdemeanor cases. He was not very communicative. he just kind of rode the time out for the appearance dates, and after degrading, disrespecting me by using certain words to tell me that my chances of winning would not be "high" in a conservative county, nearly cornering me into accepting the plea.
I fired him at that hearing.
Lazy, Unpredictable, not a good council at all.
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03 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
This is the worst law attorney/ car accident attorney ever. After getting into a car accident almost two years ago. Nothing has been done , excuse after excuse. Never calls me back and the other attorney always comes up with excuse as to why this isn't over. I would call and Valencia and she would say oh your case is going to court, next few weeks they have gave my case to another law's office without me agreeing to letting another attorney taking my case. They knew after a few weeks of taking my case if this was going to be harder. I guess I can say Shaun Naidoo runs when things get hard , this was my first accident, and the experience with someone hitting me head on and the attorney running too as been frustrating. I will be talking to the bar Association because they gave my case to someone else without contacting me to even ask me if i wanted somone else. I've never even had a sit down with Shaun Naidoo. Run before he bells out on you.
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17 Apr, 2013 by Tim
Angela Lancelin ignored the written law. She attempted to hand documents, as evidence, to the judge- with filing the documents as an affidavit. The judge refused the documents ans said, don't hand that to me." Angela Lancelin is the worst lawyer I've ever seen.
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10 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I gave McBeth a $5000.00 Retainer and the rest on contingency for 2 employment law cases. He tried to immediately settle the cases and when that did not happen. The Retainer disappeared while not being accounted for and he demanded $18,000.00 in 48 hours to continue. Some of the charges he came up with were not accurate. I was a unemployed disabled veteran living on a fixed income. I was ripped off and left stranded in State Court.
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03 Jul, 2022 by Tom
This man is a risk management attorney for The University of Texas Physicians Healthcare System, and he was assigned to my case when my doctor, Michael Greaser, severely injured me.
As I begged Mr. Boughal for healthcare help, I was stunned to see how dishonest he was, and how neglectful he was. When I wrote him and my doctor a note letting them know of my desperation, fear and suicidal feelings, he got right back to me telling that my note was "embarrassing, annoying and a waste of time". I have found numerous other patients that have been injured by doctors with The University of Texas Physicians, whose case had been referred to Tim Boughal who had similar experiences as mine. As one of them told me, "in my darkest and most desperate hour, I felt that Mr Boughal treated me like I was a dead dog on the side of the interstate".
I just thought that, on behalf of many, it is time to point out how this man conducts his affairs. Because, to repeat, when I told him how injured I was - and that I was thinking of taking my own life - he felt it appropriate to tell me that I was "annoying" him. I will take that note with me to my grave.
Thank you for allowing me to get these facts out to the public so that, if somebody is forced to deal with Mr. Boughal, they are a bit more knowledgeable about exactly who they are dealing with than the rest of us have been.
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05 Nov, 2022 by James
This attorney can be explained very simply. He is an old
boomer that is set in his ways. He is only interested in
clearing your case as quickly as possible. He does not
take into consideration how this will affect you. He will
not try to help you at all if he is your court appointed
attorney. He also directly lied to me about why he has
not been an attorney recently. He said he took a break,
however when you look him up you learn that he was
disciplined by the state board and suspended. He never
told me any of these things. He is also a horrible
human being. While in court, my wife and I both heard
him telling another attorney about how he likes to
target practice using stray cats on his property. He
laughed about it so much it was disgusting. If you are
assigned this schmuck of a human as an attorney do
whatever you can to get a new one if you want
someone to actually care about your case.
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24 Jan, 2023 by L b
Attacking anyone isn't okay at all but attacking an elderly person is even more so not okay & for nothing to be done about it is just ridiculous!!!...#Sad😪
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18 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I was recommended Mr. Chandler by a therapist I had been seeing for several years. He ignored my emails and spoke mainly to my father when I was the accused. He blatenely ignored my points when my accusers story wasn’t even adding up ie the actual cost of damages compared to the evidence, the fact my accuser listed random addresses I’ve never lived at, and they put wrong phone numbers down repeatedly. Mr. Chandler had me defending my right to exist as a member of the LGBT+ community rather than defend myself. I spent $4k on his services to be told one of the cases was dropped but I’m facing parts of my probation in regards to the dropped case.
*disclaimer* Mr. Chandler states he has never lost a case ie his definition of losing if you are a member of the LGBT+ community is if you get off.
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29 Nov, 2010 by Lee
Travis took my case for a DWI in Febuary 2010 for a fee of $2000. After that He never returned my calls. Months went by with no communication. In June I received a notice from Travis county that I had failed to appear in court. My attorney did not appear, nor was I ever notified. A new date was set. Travis still would not respond to my frequent request to speak to him. In July I received a second notice of failure to appear and forfiture of my bond. I had to pay an additional fine of $300 for this and took care of it myself with the Travis county courts. The court appointed another lawyer and settled my case within two weeks. I am out $2300.
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22 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Ms. McLaughlin - was wretched she was the worst attorney I have ever encountered, she had her noise to stuck up in the air to pay attention. She was annoying and rude and I would never recommended her to anyone. I'm only sorry I had to give her 1 star because she didn't deserve it.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Amber vincent
This office doesn’t care about bringing charges against people that break the law. Not sure what they are doing in their offices, but it sure isn’t their jobs!
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04 Jun, 2021 by Jay dahlberg
In june 2019 my wallet was stollen. Video clearly shows it. Report filed same day.
Very next day the perpetrator was identified during a city p.d. stop. Was given the opportunity to get the wallet and contents returned. Only through my persistent inquiries about the case the detectives decided to go out and get him, charge him and lock him up.
Here it is 2yrs later. I phoned the DA office this morning to inquire about a trial date. Was informed that the perpetrator was no longer living!
When where you planning on informing the victom in this?
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15 May, 2020 by Damon dorroh
My daughter who was 1 yrs old at the time was punched in the head by her own mother. We were transported to the emergency room and treated for her injuries. The D.A. rejected the case after sitting on it for a year and a half. How can this be???
Jasper county D.A. is not doing the job and serving justice appropriately. Just because her daddy has money. Time to expose the county's corruption and protest these no good people out of office.
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08 Dec, 2022 by Sherry counts
Scam
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02 Mar, 2020 by Randall kennedy
Keep getting threatening letters sent to my address for someone that hasn’t lived at that address in over 10 years. Called the number multiple times to report that person hasn’t lived there in many years and got talked down to by a rude person. They still keep sending the letters. Poor system and poor internal communication.
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13 Oct, 2022 by William haynes
15 Dec, 2019 by Paul davis
You got me 40 years for a verbal threat
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21 Aug, 2024 by Levi
So the state appointed Mr Scott to me back in may it is now June and I have only talk to him once about my case . By the way this going I see he clearly don’t care about his clients ! I texted him on aug 6 got no response! I texted him on aug 20 to tell him I’ll be asking for another lawyer ! His exact words I been to busy to reply back to your text and calls ! I go to court next week and he only talk to me about my reset and that was July 23rd ! Not a good lawyer at all he haven’t even looked at my case .
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18 Oct, 2018 by Shawn bainum
Beware! HOA's (KPM) Enforcer. They send out threatening letters, charge ridiculous fees and threaten legal action to take you home or charge you 200.00 a day for non compliance. But when you call them to email a requested form in they can't give you an EMAIL address because their email is not "reliable"? What legitimate company doesn't have email or a website? But they have a 40 year old fax machine!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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.
