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Steven Jeffrey Fields
18222 - 104th Avenue Northeast, Suite 101, Bothell, WA
Practices
4.4
Avvo rating
7 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
4.4
7 reviews
4.4
Jim
23 Sep, 2023
In September 2022, I hired Steven J Fields to represent me in a difficult divorce. His hourly rate was $600 per hour, and the consultation fee is $600 per hour.
I placed my trust in him and his paralegal. I began to wonder if I made a mistake in November 2022.
In our first hearing - Steve did not file for child support properly; The Commissioner pointed it out. Steve told me later that he had always done it that way. Implying the commissioner was wrong. So, I asked when he would file again. Keep in mind. He knew my wife had left the family, I was working and raising 3 kids by myself. She was providing zero help. His response? 'You can't just file a motion for child support, it takes time and money.' Later he told me that the reason he didn't file the initial motion correctly is that I was in a hurry, and he was trying to help me. So, our motion hearing March 2, 2023. Opposing counsel pointed out that Steve had not filed my financial declaration. Steve insisted that he had, that he had a receipt. But lo and behold, they were filled March 8th - 6 days after the hearing!!!! The hearing was continued to March 22, 2023, did lead to an order for child support by my wife.
There were several other mistakes. He did not like being called out on them. In fact, when I asked why he had a hearing with my wife's lawyer to reschedule the trial in May 2023, he told me I was a difficult client. That his paralegal had asked him several times to fire me because I caused too much stress. I found this out by looking at the King County court website!
When I was given my files - other client's information was mixed throughout. I am letting them know. When I asked for copies of emails Mr. Fields sent opposing counsel as I am now Pro Se (after Steve knew I was out of money he withdrew as my lawyer.) he told me he owns them - and would not provide them to me.
I was billed over $30,000 by Mr. Fields and we had not gotten to mediation! I had asked him how much he felt I would need to have available to get through trial. I asked his paralegal several times for him to call me. I never received a response.
Oh - my wife was directed to provide released of records. Steve and his paralegal decided to draft them. One big mistake - they listed an incorrect birthdate, so I was charged several hundred dollars for records that came back with nothing. He told me that the birthdate issue was my wife's lawyers. No Steve - you included the originals with the wrong birthdate sent by your paralegal. I have them with your paralegals handwriting!
There is so much more, and I am preparing a filing with the Washington State Bar Association. He knows. He didn't seem to care.
Someone wrote that anyone looking should look elsewhere. I wish now that I had.
Steve did not prepare me for what to expect - wife filed for reconsideration and Steve was indignant when I asked him that meant. Same when she filed a counter motion again - I should have known!
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T
06 Jul, 2022
Steve is the best, most knowledgeable attorney with whom I have ever worked and it's not even a close comparison.
His logical reasoning was on point and his answers to questions were concise and helpful. I appreciated his efficient and effective work after he carefully listened and then reviewed the thousands of pages/documents in my case. His talent to see what was happening amid the emotions, chaos and the storm of documents he received, is what quite literally "saved the day".
I could not have picked a better attorney and I was so thankful to have him and his paralegal Tasha assist me. I am in their debt forever.
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Rod j.
14 Dec, 2015
I hired Steven Fields after a friend (attorney) recommend him while I was contemplating which attorney to hire for my divorce case. I'm glad that I hired Mr. Fields and his firm to handle my case. Not only was he able to get what I wanted in the divorce, he exceeded my expectations by far. He is a true Attorney that cares about your needs as a human being and not necessarily after the money. If you are looking for a honest, hard working Attorney, give him a call.
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Top review highlights
Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and experienced in family law, with a strong understanding of legal details and procedures
“His knowledge of the legal details of divorce/alimony/child custody/childsupport is so great that in court I have several times been present when judges (who obviously respect him) have asked him to explain to them the details of some obscure section of family law.”
2
Effective in court, able to outmaneuver opposing counsel and achieve favorable outcomes for clients
“he runs circles around the opposition. One example: he studied my existing child support document, noticed that a good part of my monthly obligation over the previous 5 years was supposed to be for paid childcare; without telling the opposing party the reason he subpoena'd their financial documents, then got them to admit they had only used unpaid childcare - bingo! We recovered over $15,000 with that simple manoevre.”
3
Treats clients, opposing counsel, and the court with respect, while remaining a fierce advocate for his clients
“he himself treats everyone, including his clients and opposing lawyers and their clients, with respect, but he runs circles around the opposition.”
Cons
1
Potential for mistakes or oversights in case preparation and filing, which can negatively impact the client's case
“In our first hearing - Steve did not file for child support properly; The Commissioner pointed it out. Steve told me later that he had always done it that way. Implying the commissioner was wrong.”
2
Lack of communication and responsiveness to client's questions and concerns
“I had asked him how much he felt I would need to have available to get through trial. I asked his paralegal several times for him to call me. I never received a response.”
3
Billing practices and transparency around costs may not meet client's expectations
“I was billed over $30,000 by Mr. Fields and we had not gotten to mediation!”
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