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22 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
As somebody who worked in top law firms, I can say that Michelle is not a very good lawyer. She is not thorough and we later found out that she has a reputation of not being thorough, which is the worst quality for a lawyer. Needs some work on communication. Took her a while to get back to us and some messages were not answered. She could also stand to be more aggressive instead of nice. I would not recommend.
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16 Jan, 2014 by Amy
I was laid off 38 days after filing a hostile-work-environment sexual harrasment complaint at my organization. I knew this complaint was a key factor in my layoff.
I turned to Michelle, who had also instructed me in a course at Whitworth University, and she walked me through my options. Instead of going through a long lawsuit process, I was able to negotiate a larger severance pay. This enabled me to stand up for myself without damaging my professional reputation in a small community. This was a perfect solution for me and my family. If I have similar needs in the future, I'll absolutely use her again.
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05 Mar, 2013 by Josh
Michelle Fossum and her staff worked so hard and dilligently on our case. She always kept us in the loop and we had access to her and her staff anytime we needed them. I can't say enough good things about Michelle and my wife and myself couldn't be happier with the outcome of our case. Would recommend her to anyone!
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20 Jun, 2024 by Starseed
24 May, 2024 by Greg p
Leading international law firm. Best places to work award for decades
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22 May, 2024 by Jaz hindu
The views on the 48th floor is so breathtaking very peaceful work environment with the catering team♥️
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17 Sep, 2024 by Paula delgado
David Kazemba and Dusty helped me with my bankruptcy after I found myself in a financial hardship. Not only were they extremely helpful, they were patient and understanding while navigating me through the process. If I had questions or concerns, they were answered quickly. I highly recommend their services.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Josh rishel
Not to impressed with billing yet. I paid my bill. The other side paid legal a portion of my legal fees as well and yet we are getting billed more with interest but being told to hold off paying it until the billing lady gets a hold of us, and we've been calling for her and getting the run around for 3 months now... will give full review of services and change stars if billing issue resolves
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30 Jan, 2024 by Sam hilliard
Kera did an awesome job!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Rod merritt
19 Dec, 2023 by Brian raappana
I really don't understand how this guy gets good reviews.
Bots maybe?
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10 Dec, 2023 by Lisa broadway
Amazing! Every single receptionist that I have spoken to has been incredibly sweet. Sam Wilkens is my attorney and very knowledgeable, thorough and has given me great advice. I have absolute confidence in his ability.
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5.0
3 Reviews
2.9
10 Reviews
10 Jan, 2024 by Linda
Susan was very conscientious and guided us with detailed explanations on what each document was for and why it was needed and that our specific situation did not need the added expense of a Trust. And she was kind and caring and listened and paid attention to the stories shared.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Sally
Because of my move from Oregon to Washington, Susan was very helpful revising the Family Trust. We discussed various issues and options for the future. She was kind and thoughtful yet professional throughout the process. She will help you in whatever way she can.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Karl
Ms. Kirkpatrick helped us put together our family trust documents and get our assets into the family trust. She was able to explain the complex laws and system in simple terms that we could understand. She completed it all in a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost. We couldn't be more satisfied.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Amy egtvet
I have worked primarily with Dan Findley over the years. He is very responsive, thoughtful, pragmatic and explains legal matters in plain English. I recommend him regularly to people looking for sound legal advice.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Gale m
18 Aug, 2023 by Robin briggs
Molly Crouch was such a joy to work with! Thank you for everything!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Jason cooley
I have been working with Lukins & Annis now for two years, and I must say that all the staff I have interacted with are truly professional. David Webster and his team helped me navigate the probate arena, while Charles Hausberg and Zaine M. Yzaguirre have been stellar in helping me with my litigation. Their expertise and advice is well above the price they charge, and I cannot recommend this law firm enough; you will not be disappointed.
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18 Apr, 2024 by K
0 stars if I could. Go elsewhere
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael a. mckay
Excellent work. Very pleased with the outcome!
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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
06 Aug, 2023 by Am
We worked with Derek to set up a living family trust and found him to be an affable, knowledgable and very patient attorney. He explained various tax state and federal laws in a simple enough way for us to understand what the trust structure would be. He was able to set up a trust in such a way to protect our family from high state and federal taxes esp. around inheritance and estate taxes. Would strongly recommend him for tax and estate planning. He does appear to be quite busy, so it helps if you contact his PA/staff occasionally to make sure the planning meetings are arranged as discussed. But that was not a major hassle, given how nice our experience was with Derek.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Robert
My wife and I met with Derek for initial consolation for estate planning. The meeting was great and it seemed clear that Derek knows his stuff. We left that meeting with a plan that Derek would provide a quote and a timeline for the work that needed to be done. Unfortunately, that was the last productive contact that we had. It's been about 6 weeks since that meeting, and despite multiple requests, we have not received a quote or an estimate of when we would get one... Not sure what's going on.. Dereks Admin is Rosalie. She is nice, but keeps giving me non-commital run-around. I said that if Derek just does not want to do this work, just let us know, but all we get is "I'll check with Derek and get back to you" ?? Strange..... We are really disappointed because we have been searching for an estate lawyer that we felt good about... Thought we had found one.
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26 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr Jensen was able to help me sort out the details of my fathers convoluted Sestate and establish power of attorney services. The advise was accurate and extremely helpful.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Darrin odell
My mother used Foster Law for her will. Unfortunately, she never went in to have it signed. She is now in assisted living and not only wants to sign it, but make some updates. I contacted Foster before coming into town (I live in SoCal), and was told they would squeeze us in on a Tuesday or Friday. When I got into town, I was then told the next available meeting was 3 weeks out. I explained that wouldn't work - could we do something with a mobile notary, any solutions that didn't require a trip into the office, etc. I was offered a day two days earlier than the first, which again, would definitely not work. I told them I'd pursue other solutions on my own. I was then left a passive aggressive voice mail from Dorothy Foster chiding me for my obvious lack of understanding of WA law. Do yourself a favor - use legal zoom, line up 2 witnesses and a notary and save yourself the frustration of using an attorney who has zero empathy and zero customer service. Do not support these folks.
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10 Jun, 2022 by Elcin cetinkaya
26 Oct, 2019 by David miller
04 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
We were referred to Ms Redinger by a friend who had already used her services and was satisfied. We hired her to set up wills and estate planning. Things started quite well, but then she abruptly dropped us as clients when we asked a basic question she had difficulty answering.
We're not confident in an attorney who is unable to provide clear answers about something (in this case a Trust) they're supposedly very familiar with. And we're put off by an attorney who quits when the first snag comes up.
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02 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I spoke to Denise Redinger on the phone on a Friday afternoon about getting help with real estate-related paperwork that had to be completed before I could sell my house. She said she could help and told me she could prepare the forms over that weekend. I paid for the service then in good faith.
Two weeks passed, and I hadn't received the forms in the mail or heard from her (although I did receive an invoice for the charges to my credit card).
I called her office twice after that to request status and was told both times that she wasn't available but that she would be given the messages. She never returned my calls. The third time I called, I was told that Denise had said to this person that if I called, to tell me that she would have the forms done that day. I said that since she told me she would have them completed by a certain date and hadn’t, and I hadn't heard from her, I couldn't really believe what she said, and I requested a refund.
When I received a copy of the refund transaction from one of her employees via email (who had copied her on the email), I replied and relayed my disappointment. Denise replied and claimed there had been a series of misunderstandings (I don't know what they were; she didn't say), then lied and said that when I called the third time, I was actually told that the paperwork was done but that I said I didn't want it.
She also claimed she would email me the forms for free and never did. Instead, she mailed them, and they were incomplete. I had to wait three weeks to find out that the service I'd paid for wasn't performed, thus delaying a real estate transaction I needed to complete. This lawyer also lied and didn't think it was necessary to explain why she had given me a completion date but failed to meet it.
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17 Nov, 2015 by Robert
Things that are important to ones soul sometimes require legal representation and this can be problematic because law and the representation of the law do not always have the finesse, heart and honest purpose that are required to resolve difficult and familial issues, so I feel particularly blessed to have found such a capable and professional legal representative.
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14 May, 2019 by Nancy
Bruce McDermott is a brilliant and effective attorney. He took over my case and brought it to a conclusion with a more favorable outcome than I had imagined was possible. He fought doggedly for my interests and never failed to communicate directly and personally with me to keep me updated about my case. I cannot say enough about the level of expert personal service I received from Mr. McDermott.
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08 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Talks a good game. Has lots of experience. But from my experience as his client, he doesn't do much of the work himself and has the peons do the work. That's OK on some level, but when push comes to shove he doesn't know your case and all he really cares about is billable hours. For $400+ an hour I'm quite sure you can find somebody significantly better.
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26 Apr, 2023 by Gene
I had hired Mr. Kirkevold on retainer in Jan 2022 in an effort to prevent my siblings from stealing my inheritance. My siblings were successful, so lobg as the property remains unsold I am denied my inheritance and as long as my brothers continue to live their, the the property will degrade. They ignored him essentially.
My attorney did not stick up for me. I was charged well above market prices. In fact, because He charged so much and always unprepared for when I had conversations with him, half of my retainer was cobsumed with nothing really to show for it.
Mr Kirkevold FAILED to live up to his firms mission statement of,
"Our Mission
We provide trusted advice and formidable advocacy for our clients. Our core responsibilities include understanding our clients’ goals, aspirations, and challenges, and using those insights to deliver the highest standard of personalized services in a timely and efficient manner. " This did not happen for me and this experience has made me even less mistrustful of lawyer in general. I deplore the terrible service and lack of attention and comittment to me since I was paying top dollar for his service.
He is a nice enough person, but he failed me.
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17 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
If you want the best possible legal defense in the Seattle area and beyond, look no further. Kameron Kirkevold is your man. When Kameron represents you, he will deliver a world-class defense on your behalf, while establishing a strong rapport with you, ensuring you will not face a serious legal challenge alone.
Kameron fiercely defended me from start to finish, culminating in a settlement —at least ten times smaller than what was demanded by the opposing attorney. With great attention and expertise, Kameron analyzed my case to determine that my former attorney would need to serve as a witness on my behalf. Kameron contacted my former attorney and convinced him to provide a detailed declaration in support of my case. Kameron directed a member of his team—another attorney—to reach out to other key witnesses who agreed to provide additional critical declarations. These actions by Kameron and his team turned the case around 180 degrees in less than one month. Instead of facing the real possibility of being drug into court by the opposing party, Kameron pulled together a brilliant legal defense and negotiated a small settlement that was significantly reduced from the original demand. I was blown away by Kameron’s legal defense of me and his personal characteristics.
Based on my experience as his client, I believe Kameron’s illustrious legal career is built in no small measure on a foundation of extraordinary personal characteristics and professional competencies. Paramount among all others is that Kameron is TRUSTWORTHY. Kameron builds trust by standing by you steadfastly throughout the challenging legal process and its aftermath; patiently explaining the entire legal process ahead including the potential risks, exposure, and scenarios; and answering every question forthrightly without being dismissive or impatient.
Kameron has many other admirable qualities: fierceness, brilliance, authenticity, steadfastness, attentiveness, compassion, honorable, and humbleness; in addition, he possesses deep legal knowledge and acumen, phenomenal writing skills, and exquisite listening skills.
For the first time in my life, with Kameron’s representation, I felt the full force of a highly competent legal defense and witnessed what a truly talented attorney is capable of. I am deeply grateful to Kameron and his team for their stellar representation and life-changing outcome. Over the course of the last year and a half, I have come to know Kameron to be someone with the highest integrity who embraces his humanity. Kameron stood by me steadfastly during a very painful time in my life, and he continues to provide me with legal advice. I wholeheartedly recommend Kameron to others who need the absolute best possible legal advice and defense. Kameron Kirkevold is among the very best, as an attorney and human being.
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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."
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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.
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 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
30 Apr, 2024 by Tovin mcvay
Derek and Marissa are a great team. Very professional and personable. They are very thorough in their work. Glad to have been represented by them.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Brian ray
Derek at Gravis was very helpful with setting up our estate planning documents, and was easy to communicate with via email and phone whenever clarifications or adjustments were necessary. The initial phone consult and in-person signing were very easy and he explained things well to make it easy to understand.
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28 Feb, 2024 by Dane bramage
22 Mar, 2023 by Brad
I met with Rob in early 2020 , paid a $2000.00 retainer for his help with a legal matter. I received a letter when Covid started saying there would be delays for all clients. This was the last I ever heard from him or his office. I have since called dozens of times for a refund of the remainder of my retainer as the matter I hired him for has become irrelevant in the 3 years that have passed. I have never received a call back. I would just like the retainer returned. I cannot fathom taking money from someone and never providing the service or a return of the money paid. Looking at other reviews, I see I am not alone there are plenty of others who describe similar experiences.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Doing what's best for his pocketbook, not the client. Would not recommend this attorney.
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18 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
This man will take your money and disappear. Don't expect to ever hear from him again after you've paid his retainer. In any other line of work he'd be a criminal.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
On Nick's bio page of his law firms website the very first line states how he helps transition wealth to the next generation. This is plainly untrue.
I am one of those next gen individuals with an inheritance and an estate and Nick has done nothing but the exact opposite of what he claims. Other than sitting back and billing me out of my inheritance, he also isn't moving forward with an offer submitted to the home left to me and is forcing the house into foreclosure! Why would anyone do that?
Nick has been completely unhelpful in transition the inheritance to me, is purposely slowing the process to bill more, and has been deceitful to me throughout the entire process.
I used to believe in Nick too when he help my then alive grandmother with a guardianship case but after her passing it's like he stopped caring about anything or anyone else but himself and his bank account.
I do not recommend this lawyer. If you find yourself reading this, be warned!
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10 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Tanya to investigate and provide factual documentation pertaining to my estranged recently deceased father's estate (i.e. will, personal property, bank accounts). Tanya worked on it for 3 months and did not find anything more than what I had already found in the county court record. The only new info I received was a bill for over $1,100 . . . for every minute of time she spent reading my e-mails, responding to e-mails and taking my calls. Sadly, I thought I'd be safe with an attorney the bar assoc recommended . . . but I was wrong. Live and learn.
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13 Feb, 2015 by Dj
My personal experience with Mr. Friedman was terrible. I found him rude, demeaning, unhelpful, and extremely unprofessional. I believe he lacks customer service skills, and would absolutely not return to his practice, or recommend him to anyone else.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You
A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.
Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.
When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
- Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
- Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
- Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.
Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.
What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?
A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
- Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
- Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
- Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
- Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
- Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
- Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.
How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?
Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:
- Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
- Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
- Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.
Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer
Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
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What experience do you have with creating trusts?
Ensure the lawyer has experience drafting trusts and managing trust administration for clients with similar goals or asset structures. -
What types of trusts do you recommend for my situation?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different types of trusts available and which ones best suit your needs. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost. -
What are the tax implications of the trust?
Ensure the lawyer can explain how the trust will affect your taxes and strategies to minimize tax liability. -
How long will it take to set up the trust?
Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents. -
Will you handle the trust administration?
If ongoing management is required, inquire whether the lawyer will assist with trust administration or if you'll need a separate trustee. -
Can you help resolve disputes if they arise?
Ask about the lawyer's experience in resolving trust disputes.
How to Check the Credibility of a Trusts Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable trusts lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
- Look for trust law experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in estate planning and trusts.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications such as Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) or memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a trusts lawyer, bring the following:
- List of assets: Prepare a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
- List of beneficiaries: Provide names and contact information of individuals or organizations you want to name as beneficiaries.
- Existing estate planning documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
- Financial information: Bring financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant financial documentation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions about the trust creation process, fees, and how the trust will protect your assets and beneficiaries.
- Goals for the trust: Clearly outline your objectives, such as asset protection, tax minimization, or provisions for beneficiaries, so the lawyer can tailor the trust to your needs.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible legal advice for creating and managing your trust.
