Reviews

I am a 29-year-old single mother and new mom that has only been inside of a courtroom for a minor traffic stop, never have I sought out representation from an attorney before, and I until now have had any knowledge of the court system and its processes as it pertained to custody, visitation and child support. I never envisioned giving birth to my first child and spending my entire first year as a mother having a third party/judge dictate my parenting experiences and journey. I gave birth to my daughter in February of 2021, and shortly afterward the father of my child-filled for custody in Henrico. I remember receiving the notice on my door that I was to appear in court, and I panicked. My daughter's father recorded our phone calls, took screenshots of our text messages, had his mother chaperoned our drop-offs and pick-ups at the safe zone, and proceeded to make our experience stereotypical. Before John Karanian represented me, I fired two attorneys who were both referrals. The first filled documents on my behalf incorrectly and had no strategy. I felt that she generalized my circumstances. The second attorney was from a well-known law firm that advertised its services on billboards throughout Midlothian Turnpike. She was fresh out of law school and had zero litigation experience, which is how I ended up with a week-on-week off schedule for a 7-month-old with the father of my child living in Manassas, VA, joint physical custody, and little to no child support. I remember praying to God and asking him to be present inside the courtroom. I felt less than a human and hopeless as I sat and listened to someone take my dignity and joy away from me. I was a new mom, carried my baby for nine months, and had full psychical custody of her until that moment. I filed for an appeal immediately and began searching for a new attorney. I came across Barnes & Diehl and two other law firms. I read each attorney's profile and paid for consultations. At each consultation, I brought two folders with me that included samples of documents to provide a visualization of my scenario and about ten general questions that would provide me with information on their strategies to win the appeal. I say all of this to say that out of all the attorneys that I interviewed, John was the only attorney with a background in Psychology. John also answered my main concern: how will you manage my case and remember the facts about my case, especially being that he is representing me through an appeal? John advised me to provide him with a detailed written summary of the events that occurred over the past couple of months that I felt were important for him to know. John provided more information that would give out the strategy of my entire appeal (Thank you, John!). Every detail that John discussed during the consultation he performed in real life. I was allowed to see John in action. He represented me in the child support case after firing my previous attorney. John had no more than two weeks to prepare. He entered the courtroom; he was articulate, sharp, prepared, prompt, confident, assertive, and knowledgeable. Seeing John in the courtroom brought me peace. I had found the right representation for me, knowing that the wrong order can change the trajectory of my life but my child’s life. John communicated and kept me informed every step as he scheduled the trial date, during the discovery phase, and final negotiations and settlement. Every suggestion or strategy I discussed with my previous attorney that I felt would be beneficial for my case that was not considered. John outlined and executed those strategies and provided additional resources to ensure the presentation of the best case possible to place my child in the best predicament. John was brutally honest with me, kept my expectations reasonable and provided his professional opinion, which made a tremendous difference in my case. John was heaven sent, and I could not have asked for better representation.

If you have a high conflict divorce or custody don’t trust these guys, they don’t care to fight for, they will settle against your best interest and move on to the next case and still drain you out of money. That’s my 2cents take it or leave it.

Very informative, supportive, and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this firm to those requiring these services.

I have been trying to get in contact with some for a month. They talked to me on my intial call and said that they would call back. I never received a call back. I have contacted them 2 additional times within the last 3-4 weeks and each time the ask for my name and number but never called.

I was referred to Harris Leiner by a friend. When you're going through a difficult time, you want an attorney that will make the process as easy and seamless as possible, and Harris did just that. He and his staff were responsive and knowledgeable and made my experience as stress-free as it could be. I highly recommend Harris and his team. They're wonderful!

If you find yourself in need of a family law attorney, Harris Leiner is who you need in your corner. His extensive knowledge of the law along with his compassion and empathy to my situation is invaluable in navigating thru a very difficult time. He takes time to explain and offer options that are easily understood so you can make the best possible decision for you and your family.

Ed Barnes is honest, ethical, honorable, a fantastic Attorney and man. He keeps his word, period. It's no wonder why Barnes & Diehl, P.C. has such an excellent reputation it has, and has had for years. Leadership, ethics, honor and character starts from the top. Ed Barnes, hands down, commands and has earned my praise and respect. Ed and I negotiated a fair settlement on a matter when he didn't have to do so at all. I am not a lawyer and he had the upper hand. He showed me character, honor and good faith. High praise he earned and commanded. Greg Darlin

Ron Evans and his staff did an excellent job in handling my challenging divorce. He guided me through the entire process and always kept me informed. Ron took the time to explain to me all of my options moving forward, including options that involved the court system. Ron's mindset of "firm, yet fair" also proved to be very successful during tense negotiations. Lastly, I found Ron Evans via a verbal recommendation and I would gladly recommend Ron Evans to the next person that needs assistance in the arena of Family Law.

Harris has been a tremendously professional, compassionate and communicative legal counsel. Highly recommended.

Ed Barnes is one if a kind in the divorce arena because he genuinely cares about his clients. He will not rush you into decisions that will adversely affect the relationship with your ex and your family just to make a dollar. He thinks about the ramifications of every move so as not to make problems worse.

Harris Leiner did a wonderful job making this unpleasant experience go as easy as it could go. He and his staff were very attentive to my concerns and asks. I would recommend him to anyone that has to go through a divorce.

I can’t say enough good things about this firm and Harris Leiner! I am someone who does not like confrontation or to stand up for myself, and Mr. Leiner not only stood up for me but helped give me the confidence to do so as well. He fought for me and was strong for me during the times I felt I was at my weakest. For anyone who is looking for an attorney who will listen to you and work with you during a difficult process like this, I wouldn’t look anywhere further then Harris Leiner!!