Ryan Matthew Gardner, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Fort Wayne, IN with 99 reviews
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Ryan Matthew Gardner

110 W Berry St Ste 1100, Fort Wayne, IN

star star star star star
4.4 / 5
Avvo
2.3
info
Avvo rating
3 Reviews
Google Maps
4.4
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Google reviews rating
96 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.4 99 reviews
Avvo 2.3
Google Maps 4.4

Tresha dowdy

star star star star star
10 Dec, 2024
Very disappointed in them. They over $8000.00 for an eviction case.
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Jason rosko

star star star star star
04 Dec, 2024
SUMMARY: Our negative experience with Podlaski LLP forced us to retain the services of a completely different attorney just to get answers (and eventually a small refund). SHORT STORY: We hired Podlaski LLP in October 2022 to fight against a moving company that breached their contract and cost us thousands of dollars in damages. To their credit, Podlaski was able to successfully obtain a judgement in our favor approximately 7 months after we signed on. However, over the next 14 months their failure to execute asset searches, their frequent in-office turnover and their lack of communication cost us any opportunity to collect on our judgement. All the while, we were paying thousands of dollars in monthly invoices for nothing but inaction. After trying to get answers on the phone -- and being billed for it -- we finally decided as a last resort to throw the kids in the car and drive 400+ miles to their office in Ft. Wayne, IN, to get answers. Our visit with Kevin Podlaski confirmed our fears -- our case was now being handled by the third assistant attorney in less than two years, causing any forward progress to regress while the new attorney was brought up to speed. In turn, the asset search we were waiting for (and invoiced for) never happened. To top it all off, the very crucial advice that our case was a “dry hole” was given to us by Kevin Podlaski, and we left the meeting (and started our 7 hour drive home) feeling like that information would have completely changed our strategy had we known it sooner in the process. Kevin made it clear that our case had very little chance to collect damages, yet it took 2 years and an in-person visit for that information to get communicated. But that’s not really what this firm would have wanted; they would have been out our $15,000+. OUTCOME: I now understand why the Google reviews for Podlaski LLP are mostly positive. They offered us a $1,088 out of “empathy” for our situation, admitting no wrongdoing. In exchange, they asked us to sign a settlement agreement saying that we would not post ANYTHING to social media about our experience. If we violated the agreement, we would be subject to $10,000 in damages PER SOCIAL MEDIA POST. Obviously, our new attorney told us that this was insane and to throw the agreement in the garbage. We declined signing, and the refund check showed up a couple of weeks later. I also noticed that Podlaski responds to every bad review, typically blaming technological errors for lack of communication or calling the reviewer dishonest. This leads me to believe there will be a similar attempt to mischaracterize us and our situation. However, I have all invoices, emails, a 3rd party attorney's opinion and an audio recording of our in-person meeting with Kevin Podlaski that can backup anything in dispute. TL;DR: Podlaski was difficult to communicate with and dragged our case out as we kept paying them. If you need legal assistance in Indiana, look elsewhere.
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Tresha dowdy

star star star star star
30 Oct, 2024
I retained this law firm for a simple rental eviction. I have been charged almost $8000.00 for them to handle the eviction process. This does not include the damages hearing. I fired this firm before that hearing because I didn't want to get another $4000.00 bill just for that. I greatly regret using this firm. I spoke with other law firms in Fort Wayne, asking about their average cost for a standard eviction, and I was quoted in the $3000.00 to $4000.00 range. They charged me $800.00 in research hours for having a representative testify instead of the property owner. Property managers testify and represent the property owners on evictions every single day. Why is there so much time to research such a standard policy? They have charged me almost $1000.00 for them to compose questions for the eviction court date. Then, when we went to court, that lawyer told me I shouldn't testify and let the tenant have extra time to get out. They are charging a monthly fee for an open case—a monthly maintenance fee totaling around $1200.00. I thought I had asked all the proper questions when I spoke with them before retaining them. I guessed wrong.
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
The law firm is professional, knowledgeable, and efficient in handling legal matters
“Very professional, knowledgeable attorneys, attention to detail, and made me feel comfortable with handling my case.”
2
The attorneys provide personalized attention and care for their clients
“Nick and his staff were professional, communicative and courteous throughout the entire experience.”
3
The law firm achieves favorable outcomes for their clients
“Kevin was very efficient and told us exactly the steps to proceed with our claim. My husband and I always got good and sound advice from him every step of the way.”
Cons
1
There are concerns about the law firm's communication and responsiveness
“Communication was sporadic. Billing supposed to be done monthly but had to ask twice to have bills sent.”
2
The law firm's fees and billing practices may be excessive or unclear
“I have been charged almost $8000.00 for them to handle the eviction process. This does not include the damages hearing.”

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It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

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