Reviews

Mckinley Irvin really helped me out during the most crucial time of my life :- my divorce and child custody battle. They worked well as a team with me and looked out for me. They treated me like family and I don’t think any other team could have made me feel this way. I have high regard for the entire legal (my attorney, her para-legal) and the entire administrative team. They have shown generosity and professionalism which is a very rare combination in this business.

My name is Ryan, I hired Annelisa smith to represent me as I was battling with my ex over custody and I thought I deserved a better parenting plan with my child. My ex was withholding my child from me and needed help!! Before my first consultation, I was frustrated, hurt, overwhelmed, stressed, mad and confused! Annelisa changed all that in just one meeting with her! She made me feel like I was in control! She made me feel like I deserved more! She made things more clear! Annelisa communicated via phone, email and one on one and had incredible flexibility! She always responded quick via email! (unless she was in trial of course) We went to trial in May 2015. Her knowledge of the law is spectacular and she took over in trial! I got everything I wanted!! Even with a few battles we had fighting a few things, She gave good reasoning and we won!!!! Annelisa exceeded all my expectations!! Since Trial, my life with my daughter has been spectacular!! I see her double the amount of time and I couldn’t of done this without the help of Annelisa Smith!! I don’t just consider her a great attorney, I consider her friend!!  Trust me, you will not go wrong hiring Annelisa Smith! That’s a 100% guarantee!!

We liked Michael Hallas a lot until we went to trial, then we realized he had procrastinated on our case. 10pm the night before he was asking us questions and to send him pictures and documents. He failed to inform us that not only were we going to trial, but that it was decision day, until the day before. Afterwards, he failed to respond to they other party's attorney for several WEEKS. This made the other party angry because they thought we were intentionally stalling, who then refused to negotiate with us, when prior to that we were working together to come to the agreement. He waited so long in fact, that there other party filled for a default judgment, which would have really screwed us. There were details he failed to catch that a judge easily would have had removed from the agreement that hurt us. After he returned from vacation (evidently that was why he failed to respond, he is supposed to tell the court and have someone cover/file a continuation in that situation) he went back to court but told us it was just too finalize paperwork. Turns out we should have attended, they finalized our case and the he agreed to a bunch of stuff WE didn't agree too because the other party was there with their lawyer to be heard and we were not. He didn't even call. We did not get a copy of the judgment from him for a week. The other party and nice enough to email us a copy she received from her lawyer later that day. Bottom line? If he had continued the level of performance from the first 6 months leading to trial, I would be leaving 5 stars for him, regardless of outcome. He has knowledge and he is straightforward. I might have even left 3 stars had he apologized for the obvious disorganization the day before trial and the failure to notify in our case he was leaving town. Micheal told us however, that he had represented us to the best of his ability and admitted no wrong doing. For this I leave two stars. Mostly because of his work leading up to trial and the professional and always helpful office staff. It is frustrating to me that when we go back to court this summer to fix what was wrong with trial last summer that we must do so with a new attorney and start from scratch.

Michael Hallas of McKinley Irvin law firm is by far the best attorney I have ever had. I would highly recommend him to anyone facing divorce or that needs a family law attorney, and I suggest that you contact them as early in the process as possible. Had I been referred to them at the beginning of my divorce I would have had a substantially better and much less expensive outcome. Michael Hallas and the McKinley Irvin staff conduct business in a very professional, courteous and ethical manner. Michael is a genuinely nice person and he took a sincere interest in helping me solve the problems created by my ex wife. Michael is very experienced dealing with the courts and he worked diligently on my behalf, with integrity and honesty, offering his expert advice on how best to proceed. We would discuss the options and alternatives and he would give his suggestions, but always left the final decision to me. I couldn't have asked for a better arrangement. Having an attorney that I knew I could trust made the whole process of less painful.

I met Michael Hallas during a high stressed and confusing time in my life. His communication and integrity went past my expectations of a lawyer and of a human. He calmed me by helping me understand the system with his open and honest approach. Michael Hallas is a kind man with a lager heart. I'm proud to have him on my side as a lawyer and also as a friend. I couldn't have gone through my custody case without his support and I highly recommend him.

It is never easy to go through a divorce and family separation, but Michael Hallas was there for me! His expertise, knowledge of the law, and connections with the community provided me with a sense of empowerment over my divorce. Knowing Michael and his legal team were there for me and working towards the best possible outcome for me and my family was priceless. And in the end, Michael was able to negotiate far more than my expectations. I highly recommend Michael as an exceptional divorce and custody attorney in the Portland area. I made the right choice when retaining McKinley Irvin, and subsequently Michael and his legal team!

Working with McKinley & Irvin, and specifically Mindy, was an absolute pleasure. I never saw myself needing the services of a divorce lawyer, not that I think many people do. I started by trying to sort out the legal mess myself, but in the end found that I needed legal representation. Mindy and her crew were efficient, professional, easy to work with, and overall provided me with a fantastic experience (as fantastic as these things can go). They answered my emails promptly, even when I sent them outside regular business hours. They explained every step of the way to me, in ways that were easy to understand. And, last but certainly not least, the final bill was much less than I thought it was going to be. It's hard to beat that! You won't go wrong by picking these guys to stand up for you.

When my daughter needed an attorney for a custody issue, the first person I recommended was Mindy Stannard at McKinley Irvin. My faith was not misplaced. First off, Mindy was quick to respond to my daughter's questions and concerns. In addition, she did a wonderful job of explaining what my daughter could expect as she made her way through the often times frustrating Family Law court in Multnomah County. Thank you, Mindy!

I had the pleasure of working with Mindy Stannard to get custody of my son. She did a great job representing my family professionally and efficiently. She was extremely personable, knowledgeable and honest in all our interactions. She made sure to address all our questions and concerns. The care with which she handled the case showed in every step of the way.

Collin McKean is a professional attorney with an exceptional work ethic. His knowledge of the law is unsurpassed. His compassionate methods will put you at ease, and your needs and concerns will be fully addressed. His understanding of how the Courts view certain issues will give you the confidence you need to make solid decisions.

I recently hired Mindy Stannard at McKinley Irvin, and was nothing short of impressed with her work ethic, as well as her professionalism. Since this was my first time hiring a lawyer, she was able to explain everything in an understandable manor, which only made the process easier for me. I learned a lot about myself during the process from Mindy (both professionally, as well as personally). Although I hope to never have to hire a lawyer again, if I were she'd be my first call. Thanks again to Mindy and the Team at McKinley Irvin.

Annelisa at McKinley Irvin is a wonderful attorney who really loves what she does! She has compassion and understanding for her clients but is also the voice or reason in times of great stress. She is very realistic and honest about which direction you need to take and why. I couldn't have made it threw my divorce with out her! As a client the legal system can seem to be overwhelming, she helped me get threw all the proper steps!