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07 Nov, 2024 by Pv 222
Super Rude Intake Manager
I’m writing this review in the hope that it reaches the attorneys at this firm, as I’m genuinely disappointed with how my case was handled by the intake manager, Julie Valdivia.
Back in July, I reached out to this office about potentially opening a case due to severe allergic reactions caused by a bedbug infestation in my apartment. I am a single mother and was on maternity leave at the time, and this issue ultimately led to me losing my job. Despite following up after not hearing back, I was met with dismissive and rude behavior. Julie mentioned she hadn’t responded because I didn’t provide a certain form, even though I had already sent numerous documents. When I questioned this, she abruptly closed my file.
Julie’s approach was unprofessional, as she even hung up on me during one of our calls. I believe this could have been a strong case, given my background working in an executive position for a Fortune 500 company and the hardship caused by this situation. Her handling of my case felt highly personal, as if she had made up her mind not to pursue it for reasons unrelated to the merits.
Worst customer experience.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Dejanai camacho
So grateful find and have been accepted by this law firm. The entire process from intake to payout was about a year and the entire staff was professional and empathetic. Brian Virag started to contact me later in the process and throughly explained the pros and cons of waiting for trial versus settling early so we were so confident in our decision. I can’t thank this office enough for their diligence in solving our case. Best of luck to anyone who utilizes this law firm, please know you’re in the best hands possible.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Pv 222
I had a very disappointing experience with this law firm specifically Julie Valdiva. I had to call three time to just confirm whether they received my documents. when I finally managed to speak with the research assistant, she was extremely condescending .. not exactly how you want to establish client/attorney relationship going forward, big waste of my time during an already stressful situation.
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11 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Summary evaluation of legal expertise: J. Gabriel, simply stated, is extremely knowledgeable regarding the law. He is also shrewd in his application of the law. An additional important perspective is his understanding of the intricacies of courtroom presentation to a judge versus the tactful, diplomatic maneuvering required for presentation to a jury ensuring the most positive outcome. We have trusted him to handle numerous, diverse affairs relating to our Bel Air property surrounded a complex mix of adversarial, irresponsible neighbors. In each case, he established his agenda requiring us to be flexible in our perspective. In several cases (two in court), he always prevailed in our favor. Cantankerous neighbors were succumbed to his skillful application of the law. All of our case results were successful. Be prepared: he utilizes his superior education placing knowledge, tenacity and perseverance on the line to win your case.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Jonathon Gabriel Is not what he professed to be! He promised me everything and delivered on nothing! All I heard were excuses from him and his assistant David! For instance "Jonathan can't take your calls because he's got dental problems and I was at the dentist last week!! "David who along with Jonathon have a condescending attitude, they both talk over you and quite frankly don't want to hear what you have to say when questioned!! They failed to get the information needed for the Bond and I had to get the information and Supply them with it at which point they still failed to act on it for another 4 months Never Keeping Me apprised of what was going on or how much money they were spending. After 9 months and exhausting the money that I had given them they have the audacity to ask for more money! Guess what my response was your fired!! I hired a new attorney who did more in one month than he, Jonathon did in nine and a half months my recommendation is don't hire him he's a blow heart!! Im filing a complaint with the board!
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09 Oct, 2018 by Alan
Mr. Gabriel doesn't understand the intricacies of law and fails to make up for his shortcomings by using condescending tones and downright rude comments to the court. He is great at billing his clients for using his time, so he gets 2-stars.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Pv 222
Super Rude Intake Manager
I’m writing this review in the hope that it reaches the attorneys at this firm, as I’m genuinely disappointed with how my case was handled by the intake manager, Julie Valdivia.
Back in July, I reached out to this office about potentially opening a case due to severe allergic reactions caused by a bedbug infestation in my apartment. I am a single mother and was on maternity leave at the time, and this issue ultimately led to me losing my job. Despite following up after not hearing back, I was met with dismissive and rude behavior. Julie mentioned she hadn’t responded because I didn’t provide a certain form, even though I had already sent numerous documents. When I questioned this, she abruptly closed my file.
Julie’s approach was unprofessional, as she even hung up on me during one of our calls. I believe this could have been a strong case, given my background working in an executive position for a Fortune 500 company and the hardship caused by this situation. Her handling of my case felt highly personal, as if she had made up her mind not to pursue it for reasons unrelated to the merits.
Worst customer experience.
Read more
10 Sep, 2024 by Dejanai camacho
So grateful find and have been accepted by this law firm. The entire process from intake to payout was about a year and the entire staff was professional and empathetic. Brian Virag started to contact me later in the process and throughly explained the pros and cons of waiting for trial versus settling early so we were so confident in our decision. I can’t thank this office enough for their diligence in solving our case. Best of luck to anyone who utilizes this law firm, please know you’re in the best hands possible.
Read more
18 Jul, 2024 by Pv 222
I had a very disappointing experience with this law firm specifically Julie Valdiva. I had to call three time to just confirm whether they received my documents. when I finally managed to speak with the research assistant, she was extremely condescending .. not exactly how you want to establish client/attorney relationship going forward, big waste of my time during an already stressful situation.
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21 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Cancelled Bench Warrant against Uncooperative Judgment Debtor against my permission. Took sides with opposing counsel over his own client !!! Not recommended.
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10 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Met with Mr. Earle Cohen last week regarding a few legal issues I had. Mr. Cohen was extremely helpful and also gave me the best advice on how to proceed further with my legal matters. He was a tremendous help and would definitely recommend him for any future legal matters I have and also refer all my friends and family to him.
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08 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired him, got overcharged for his own mistakes, his assistant is so rude she shouldn't be dealing with the public.
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25 Oct, 2014 by Erika
Stay far away from this guy, he is way over priced, breaks the rules of Professional Conduct. On many occasions he charged me $90.00 to answer some questions by e-mail with one liner answers saying basically " I m working on it" completely avoiding my questions. He is very arrogant, and even had the audacity, after I had informed him of something I had done, to say "Nope never happened". Unbelievable! I am sick about the amount of money he has been able to get from me to my detriment. If I could change things he would not have gotten 1 dime of my money.
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15 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Marshal is a nice guy but a terrible attorney. While representing me in a trust dispute he neglected to include stipulations for both the estate increasing or decreasing in value. As a result I was protected only for an estate that remained the same or increased in value. Unfortunately it decreased. My adversary was protected in either scenerio by a more experienced attorney. In addition, Marshal recommended using a conservator, without explaining the "true cost." I would have been better off accepting my adversary's initial offer and never hiring Marshal! This was a VERY expensive lesson. Don't make my mistake!!
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28 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, there are times when it is better to represent yourself (almost never), and if you must chose between self representation or Mr. Goodfriend I would recommend the former. As objectively, and fairly, as I am able these are the general concerns I had in my experience with Mr. Goodfriend's councel:
1) Non- responsive to calls
2) Did not pursue desired result
3) Lacked strategy
4) Very timid- easily intimidated by opposing attorney
5) Very aloof
6) I had to provide direction for edits in his correspondence with opposing council because his own lacked cohesion and provided many loopholes for ant semi competent lawyer to be able to exploit
7) Timliness was abysmal- took weeks to draft requests (1 pager)
Ultimately, I found new council who in a matter of weeks resolved the issues. There are times when one's job title, or institution from which one graduates doe not reflect the quality of service one would come to expect. This, certainly, was my experience in this matter.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Litigation Lawyer Can Do for You
A litigation lawyer specializes in representing individuals, businesses, or organizations involved in legal disputes. Whether you're the one filing a lawsuit or you're being sued, a litigation attorney will advocate on your behalf throughout the entire legal process. Their goal is to resolve disputes, either through negotiation, settlement, or trial. Litigation lawyers can help with a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, real estate issues, employment disputes, personal injury claims, and more.
Litigation lawyers provide strategic legal advice and manage all aspects of your case, from filing motions to representing you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
When Should I Hire a Litigation Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a litigation lawyer if you're involved in a legal dispute that you cannot resolve on your own. Common situations include:
- Breach of contract disputes: If a party to a contract fails to fulfill their obligations, a litigation lawyer can help you seek damages or enforce the agreement.
- Business disputes: Litigation lawyers can represent you in cases of partnership disagreements, intellectual property disputes, or business fraud.
- Employment disputes: If you're facing issues like wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or wage disputes, a litigation lawyer can help resolve these matters through negotiation or court action.
- Personal injury claims: If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence and are seeking compensation, a litigation attorney can help you pursue your case.
- Real estate or property disputes: When there are conflicts over property ownership, boundary issues, or lease agreements, a litigation lawyer can assist in resolving the dispute.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process is beneficial, especially if a lawsuit seems imminent or you have already been served with legal documents.
What Does a Litigation Lawyer Do?
A litigation lawyer handles all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation to the trial and even the appeals process, if necessary. Their role includes:
- Case assessment and investigation: Analyzing the facts of your case and advising whether it’s worth pursuing or defending.
- Pleadings and motions: Drafting and filing documents to initiate or respond to a lawsuit, including complaints, motions to dismiss, and answers.
- Discovery: Gathering evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, to build your case.
- Negotiations and settlement discussions: Attempting to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration, or settlement talks before going to trial.
- Trial representation: Presenting your case in court, examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and making legal arguments before a judge or jury.
- Appeals: If necessary, filing appeals to challenge or defend the outcome of the trial.
Litigation lawyers are also skilled negotiators and often work to resolve disputes outside of court to save time, money, and stress for their clients.
How Are Litigation Lawyers Paid?
Litigation lawyers typically use a variety of fee structures depending on the type of case, the complexity of the legal matter, and the financial circumstances of the client. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Many litigation attorneys charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and geographic location.
- Flat fees: For specific, predictable legal tasks (such as filing a motion), lawyers may offer a flat fee.
- Contingency fees: In personal injury or other cases where you seek damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency basis, taking a percentage of the settlement or award if you win.
- Retainer: Some clients pay a retainer fee upfront to secure ongoing legal services. The lawyer then bills against this retainer as work is done.
The exact structure should be discussed in the initial consultation to ensure you understand how and when you'll be charged.
How Much Does a Litigation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a litigation lawyer varies significantly depending on the nature of the dispute and the lawyer’s experience. Factors affecting the cost include:
- The complexity of the case: More complex litigation involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or multi-party suits typically costs more.
- Time spent: Litigation cases can be time-consuming, especially if they go to trial. The longer the case, the higher the legal fees.
- Type of fee arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $200 to over $1,000 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s reputation and location. Contingency fees generally range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or award.
- Stage of litigation: Cases that settle early in the process are often less expensive than those that proceed to trial or appeal.
It’s crucial to ask about cost estimates during your initial consultation to avoid surprises.
Top Questions to Ask a Litigation Lawyer
Before hiring a litigation lawyer, it's essential to ask key questions to ensure you're choosing the right representation:
-
What is your experience with cases like mine?
Ensure that the lawyer has experience handling your specific type of dispute, whether it's a contract issue, personal injury, or business matter. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case's strengths, weaknesses, and the likelihood of success. -
What is your fee structure?
Clarify how you'll be charged, whether by the hour, a flat fee, or on a contingency basis. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it's hard to predict, an experienced lawyer can give you a rough estimate based on similar cases. -
How often do you settle cases versus going to trial?
Some lawyers are more inclined to settle, while others may be more experienced in the courtroom. It’s important to understand their strategy. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Some lawyers prefer aggressive litigation, while others focus on settlement or mediation. Choose one whose approach aligns with your goals.
How to Check the Credibility of a Litigation Lawyer
To verify a litigation lawyer’s credibility, consider the following steps:
- Check bar association records: Ensure the lawyer is in good standing with the state bar and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and track record.
- Look for litigation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they have handled cases like yours and have a record of success.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer to provide references from past clients who can speak to their effectiveness and approach.
- Research their trial experience: If your case is likely to go to trial, ensure the lawyer has a history of courtroom success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first consultation with a litigation lawyer productive, you should prepare the following:
- A clear outline of the dispute: Provide a timeline and key details about the legal issue you're facing.
- Any relevant documents: Bring contracts, emails, letters, or any other documentation that pertains to the case.
- A list of key players: Provide the names of individuals or companies involved in the dispute.
- Questions about fees and the litigation process: Make sure you understand how the lawyer plans to approach your case and how you will be charged.
- Your goals and expectations: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, whether it's a settlement, compensation, or another resolution.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your initial meeting with the lawyer is both efficient and insightful, giving you a better sense of how to proceed with your case.
