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John Russell Griffin
P.O. Box 1295, Culpeper, VA
Practices
4.2
Avvo rating
10 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.
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Last reviews
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Overall rating
4.2
10 reviews
4.2
4462girl
28 Feb, 2024
Mr. Griffin was very knowledegeable regarding the law and codes in my case which involved my dog being attacked. He was very articulate when arguing my case in court. I felt comfortable knowing that he would compentently represent me. His predictions in my case were true. I feel at ease going into the next phase of my case which is securing the judgement which was granted to me thanks to Ms. Griffin's expertise in my case.
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Anonymous
03 Jul, 2018
John did seem to provide information that related to the viability of a case we are looking to litigate, however, after we experienced a death in the family and turned back to him for actual representation in a wrongful-death case, he blew us off completely. Months later, out of sheer morbid curiosity did I ask if he was still in business and he replied that he had relocated a few miles away and thus "could not take any cases in the Falls Church area." He says he's still in business, but he will not take cases in northern Virginia or even speak with potential clients. What a waste. We really did need someone who could fight for his client in a very winnable case.
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Gereup
14 Nov, 2016
I was a former client of attorney John Griffin. However, I do not share the positive experience commented by other reviewers of this attorney. I hired Mr. Griffin to handle a consumer debt collection case in Montgomery County, Maryland this year. I was the plaintiff in the case. I brought him to assist me in my case after I pursued my case as a pro se for about six months. I thought it was beneficial to involve a counsel especially since the defendant was one of belligerent and uncooperative. In any case, I hired him about two months before trial of my case. So, I did not have time to do the required due diligence on the attorney’s legal caliber. In this regard, I solely and exclusively relied from Avvo.com reviews on the attorney. I was encouraged when I read other clients’ feedback about the attorney. Unfortunately, my experience turned out to be the contrary. Here are the main reasons why this is the case.
Mr. Griffin initially informed me about his “free initial consultation”. However, in a rush against time, I forgot what I learned in my Economics class years ago and that “there is no free lunch, after all!”. At the beginning of what appeared as initial consultation, he asked me to provide him all the documents that I worked on the case via email. After he thoroughly reviewed these documents, he drafted a retainer agreement to pursue the case. It is also after he assured me that I had a case. Be that as it may, a couple of days after this initial “free” consultation, I also mailed him the hardcopies of all the same materials provided to him earlier. Meanwhile, he sent me a bill statement incorporating the time he has purportedly spent to reviewing the documents that I provided him during the “free” initial consolation”. What kind of attorney would charge you back for the “free” initial consultation that he promised in the first place? My honest answer is simply: only an unscrupulous one! I come from a “buyer beware” state from across the river: VIRGINIA. However, I made a judgement mistake and ended up an inexperienced counsel. Regarding handling of my legal case, I am not sure if Mr. Griffin is as knowledgeable about the law as any average attorney, either. As to myself, I am educated, but not in the realm of legal matters. Still, I had to direct him to do things that he should have already known. Later, he kept charging me for duplicate line items and for things that I have asked him not to pursue, and other excessive fees to handling my case. On the day of the trial, among other things: the presiding judge was upset with him for not following up with the opposing counsel; he watched me being grilled by the opposing counsel and remained silent without raising any objection even if things call for such; failed to properly examine the defendant and his witness…etc. My experience with Mr. Griffin is that he not only overcharges for things he may/may not have worked for, but he was careless in handling my case. And, that is the reason I had asked him to withdraw from my case. I am not a happy camper about this experience at all. Consumer beware with this attorney!
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Top review highlights
Pros
1
Knowledgeable and articulate in representing the client's case in court
“Mr. Griffin was very knowledegeable regarding the law and codes in my case which involved my dog being attacked. He was very articulate when arguing my case in court.”
2
Effectively represented the client's interests and achieved a favorable outcome
“I feel at ease going into the next phase of my case which is securing the judgement which was granted to me thanks to Ms. Griffin's expertise in my case.”
3
Responsive and communicative with clients
“I have always found him to be approachable, professional, easy to reach and one of the few who return a call in a timely manner.”
4
Consistently provides excellent legal advice and guidance
“Mr. Griffin provided me with excellent legal information and direction. He responded back to me in a timely and friendly manner. His legal advice was invaluable and accurate and clearly explained to me.”
Cons
1
Questionable billing practices and overcharging for services
“What kind of attorney would charge you back for the "free" initial consultation that he promised in the first place? My honest answer is simply: only an unscrupulous one!”
2
Lack of diligence and attention to detail in handling the client's case
“On the day of the trial, among other things: the presiding judge was upset with him for not following up with the opposing counsel; he watched me being grilled by the opposing counsel and remained silent without raising any objection even if things call for such; failed to properly examine the defendant and his witness…etc.”
3
Unwillingness to take on certain cases or clients in certain geographical areas
“he had relocated a few miles away and thus "could not take any cases in the Falls Church area." He says he's still in business, but he will not take cases in northern Virginia or even speak with potential clients.”
Best lawyers in Culpeper, VA
17 Mar, 2017 by Linda
My husband and I purchased our first home this past winter. We could not be happier with our choice of attorneys. We had heard such horror stories about the homebuying process, but due to Mr. Will's level of skill, knowledge and professionalism and the services we received from a realtor and lender recommended by Mr. Will's paralegal, Dody, our experience was a wonderful experience, one that we will remember for a long, long time. Thanks, Mr. Will and Dody, for making the homebuying experience a pleasant one!
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10 Nov, 2023 by Virginia
I am a consumer from another State with property in Virginia. I contacted Elizabeth Thorne in reference to property in State of Virginia. Ms. Thorne resolved a 20 year problem quick and Top Notch. Because I am from another State, I had to trust Elizabeth Thorne to take care of the issue in the State of Virginia. Without the hiring of Ms. Thorne, the problem with the property in the State of Virginia, would not be solved as of today. I would highly recommend Ms. Elizabeth Thorne.
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17 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Used Elizabeth for a divorce. Always felt well represented, informed, and in very capable hands. Communication throughout were exceptional, and the entire staff are knowledgeable, friendly and easy to work with. I cannot overstate the exceptional communication, as this allowed me to be minimally involved, while being assured that everything was taken care of in a diligent and timely matter. Who knew divorce could be so easy?! Thanks Elizabeth... would recommend 1000x over.
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13 May, 2022 by Renee
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