Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
See more
Pros
1
Tenacious and effective defense that led to dismissal of charges
“Doug O'Connell's tenacious defense ultimately cause the federal prosecutors to buckle and dismiss the case.”
2
Expertise in navigating complex legal processes and achieving favorable outcomes
“Doug and Laurie did an amazing job. They steered us through the process, fought for my son and ultimately his case was dismissed.”
3
Dedication and personalized attention to clients' needs
“Doug has a calming presence and a perspective that allowed me to immediately trust him as a person as well as an attorney.”
4
Strong track record of winning jury trials, especially for law enforcement clients
“Their cumulative track record of winning jury trials, specifically for law enforcement made a huge difference.”
5
Professionalism, responsiveness, and clear communication throughout the legal process
“Doug kept me informed throughout the process and was able to successfully have all records of the event expunged.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

star star star star star
20 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Being charged with a criminal offense can be a life changing event and you will want to make sure you have the best people representing you. This great team of experienced lawyers listened to me, understood my situation entirely, and fought hard on my behalf. Ultimately, my case was dismissed.
star star star star star
03 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
When my son got in trouble with law enforcement, I turned to O’Connell West for help. Doug and Laurie did an amazing job. They steered us through the process, fought for my son and ultimately his case was dismissed. If you or someone you care about is in trouble, I highly recommend you hire O’Connell West.
star star star star star
29 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Doug and his partner Ken represented myself and a co-defendant in what can only be called a gross miscarriage of justice. After showing the government the light, prosecutors doubled down due to ignorance, incompetence and politics - and Doug and Ken kicked their efforts into high gear. The result? Acquitted of every trumped up charge the state could come up with. Intelligent. Savvy. Diligent.
star star star star star
28 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I was indicted for multiple felonious charges stemming from an on-duty shooting while employed as a police officer. Doug O'Connell & Ken Ervin fought aggressively to show the case had no grounds for prosecution. The case was ultimately dismissed and the charges expunged. Their cumulative track record of winning jury trials, specifically for law enforcement made a huge difference. I'll forever be thankful for their relentless defense and outstanding communication along the way. Thank you!
star star star star star
11 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
I have consulted with O'Connell West several times concerning legal matters. I have always received excellent counsel and rely heavily on their experience to provide the best options to navigate some of the most difficult situations in life,
See more

Best lawyers in Austin, TX

See more
star star star star star
05 Sep, 2024 by Samuel morris
I can't imagine going through the process of getting my wife's green card without Jason's help. Definitely the best decision I made throughout the process. Jason is super patient, informative, helpful, and kind. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for a high quality choice they can depend on.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
23 Aug, 2024 by Katie parks
Working with Jason on my immigration application was an exceptional experience, from start to finish. He was thoroughly educated in the process, provided in-depth and clear information at each stage, patiently answered every question I had (no matter how small or silly!), and was such a calming presence throughout the journey. His kindness, caring, and compassion were a huge comfort to me along the way. You can tell he loves his work and is committed to helping his clients succeed. I highly recommend him. Thank you, Jason!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
01 Aug, 2024 by Blair mcbride
We have had a wonderful experience working with Jason! What I have appreciated most about him is that he is very clear about exactly what needs to be done and when. He provides great context and additional information to understand why and potential issues / concerns that might arise (and we've had some VERY unique immigration issues).
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
04 May, 2020 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Saira Ukani for family law representation. The true mark of her legal skill is her ability to be professional and thorough, while also compassionate and understanding. She is never dismissive, and takes the client’s position as her own. She explained the process in simple terms I could understand, and always looked out for my best interest. Importantly, she has always provided positive results. If you need an attorney, I recommend having Saira Ukani in your corner, you won't be disappointed. It is with the highest esteem that I recommend Saira Ukani for representation, and with sincere gratitude that I thank her for the outstanding job she has done handling my case.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
23 Feb, 2015 by John
I've worked with him for many years now. I love his easy going style. You can talk to him and strategize and he's very understanding of clients. Kent does not browbeat or lecture like many attorneys I've met. I've found that it's very important that I work with someone who is easy to get along with and that's Kent. He's been very successful with the work that he's done for me with both my personal life and my businesses. Kent is also a highly qualified CPA. It's wonderful to have a single CPA and attorney because it's usually so hard and expensive to get two people on the same page with tax and financial issues.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Austin, Texas?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

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.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
Scroll to top