I am a retired military officer and college professor and do not write this review lightly. I find Mr. Bickford to be dishonest, greedy, unprofessional, unethical and incompetent. This opinion is shared by the Arbitration Judge who awarded me everything I asked for in a Mandatory Fee Arbitration case, the Superior Court judge who Confirmed my Award and the second Superior Court Judge who has ordered Mr. Bickford to repay me the almost ten thousand dollars he misappropriated. He is a scofflaw in that he has ignored the Arbitration Judge order to pay me and he has ignored the Court order. He asked me to pay him "upfront" as he had difficulty collecting from past clients. Since he had such high ratings on the various sites AVVO and others, I trusted him... big mistake. After I paid him "upfront", I realized I was premature and did not require any legal assistance. He provided no significant legal assistance but did give me some bad council designed to gain for himself more fees. He ceased all communication with me, refused to repay any of the unearned monies and simply disappeared until a year later when he showed up at the Arbitration Hearing. My total involvement with him was less than 10 working days during the distracting Christmas season. He ran up a bogus bill for more than $ 19,000 !!!! The Arbitration Judge saw through this ruse as the billing was never seen or presented until 2 days before the Arbitration hearing ! Mr. Bickford has no office; he works out of a restaurant and PO Box ! Visit the SD Bar site and discover that he has been disciplined in the past and has had his license suspended twice. Go to Superior Court San Diego(Central) web site and discover that he has been sued several times in which he has been the defendant; including a recent eviction from his rental. All this is in the public record. I am a senior citizen self representing non-lawyer and won both the Arbitration Award and the Confirmation process. The highly paid 5 star attorney couldn't even defend himself against a senior citizen. I DO NOT recommend you hire him or work with him. He and his wife ( office manager ) have charming personalities...do not be fooled... they are a "flim-flam" team. His website claims "he went to VMI", implying he is a graduate with a military background. He is not a graduate and not a veteran. He is purposely misleading potential clients. QED read more

Well now he charges $4000. Great 1st interview. Says all the right things. But that's as far as it goes. He has an extensive form you fill out and send back to him but I don't know for sure he uses it. Or if he does, he doesn't explore anything on it. Basically you hand him over his 4K and you don't hear from him again about anything except the dates in court that you don't have to go to. I kick myself now for not going to watch this, I met with him at the end of this process in his office by appt, and he was dressed in a hawaiian shirt and shorts. In the 20 minutes I was there he answered 3 personal phone calls. He also had to look through his "paperwork" to answer my simple questions. I came away feeling like he spent 10-15 minutes before he went into each court date. Or he might have someone else do that for him for all I know. He does nothing but prolong the process. I think that's his game- so you think he's working for you. I was a 1st time offender and I got the exact sentence that a 1st time offender gets. A far cry from what he said when he took my check after that 1st interview, My advice, do not hire this guy to represent you. Don't be a fool like me. THIS IS MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH JAMES V. BICKFORD. read more

I made a horrible decision in 2004 to drive home after having a couple drinks with friends. Unfortunately, I was pulled over and arrested for DUI. James took my case and went above and beyond to help me in getting the minimum sentence of probation and a nominal fine. Here it is 12 years later and I currently live in Florida. I required the docket information concerning my case for a background investigation with my current employer, so I contact James and his wife Maty to seek their assistance. Unlike most attorney's who fail to take your calls or tell you they will see what they can do, James took my call immediately, and after finding out what I needed, told me that he would go down to the San Diego courthouse to retrieve the information that day. I then spoke with Maty at their offices and she volunteered to find my case information and send me everything I needed. I cannot say enough about the effort James put forth to fight for me 12 years ago, nor the help they continue to offer currently. You can find an attorney anywhere, but if you're looking for someone who actually cares about their clients, go to James and Maty. read more

When I was arrested for a DUI in 2013, I called James Bickford. I called his office after working hours and he returned my call that evening not too long after I left my message. He was incredibly helpful and worked with my situation. I had a family emergency and had to move home to Virginia. He went to court (as I had to be in VA) and had my charge lowered to a lesser charge. (wet reckless. NO DUI on my record.) He is truly the best. Fast forward 3 years later, I decided to join the Navy and they needed my records from San Diego. I called Mr. Bickford and asked him if he could help me. He not only went to the courthouse that day, and faxed me the papers, he also called and talked to my recruiter (he didn't have to do that for me.) He still has my best interest at heart! He is the best. I highly recommend hiring him to defend you! You will not be disappointed. In September I am eligible to have my reckless charge expunged. Mr. Bickford reminded me that he only needs the court cost to have it expunged. No other payment needed. I promise you won't find better in San Diego! read more

I felt compelled to write a testimonial about the superb experience I had dealing with James Bickford Law Firm. I was facing a 3rd DUI offense and was sure I would be doing jail time. I spoke with James Bickford and after I explained my history and circumstance, he explained how he would defend the case. I was immediately put at ease and understood I was dealing with a true expert and professional. I was initially hesitant at the fee, but as they say, you get what you pay for. I must say it was worth more than I paid. James Bickford Law Firm ultimately assumed my case and I couldn't have asked for better representation. With each of my inquiries, the entire team was responsive and informative. I will never need this service again, but I would strongly recommend to anyone in this unfortunate situation to go with the best. There simply is no better firm for DUI defense than James Bickford Law Firm. Sincerely, Jesse read more

I was fortunate to retain The Law Offices of James V. Bickford during a very difficult time in my life. James & Maty helped me in more ways than just legal council. From the first meeting, until the final outcome, they were available any time I needed them for support, advice, or guidance. They did not see my case as black and white; they analyzed every detail and circumstance within my case. They were able to secure an outcome for me that was fair, realistic, and reasonable for my case. I could not be more pleased with that outcome. If you have retained the Law Offices of James V. Bickford, rest easy, you are in the best hands you can be in. They will fight for the best results you can possibly have for whatever difficult situation you may be going through. I highly recommend this firm, and will be referring anyone I know to them that is in need of the help and services they provide. read more

Not quite sure what that guy from 3 years ago was whining about, but James was a lifesaver for me. In the middle of my training for the Border Patrol, I got a DUI. My whole life seemed like it was over. I knew that a DUI on my record would get me kicked out of the program. A friend of mine (his client too) referred me to him and I'm glad he did. Money was scarce, but I new that he would do good for me unlike the other attorneys I saw. He made feel confident in his knowledge about DUI'S than those "do everything lawyers". I knew I was in good hands and he was worth every dollar to save my career. Needless to say, James got the DUI dropped and I'll soon graduate!!!! Thanks you, James for all you've done for me. Seems to me like that guy was trying to sabotage James: 3 bad reviews in one week and then nothing for 3 years? Come on. read more

"the best decision you can make" Let me say this about James VanAllen Bickford, IV is the attorney consulted by the elite that you can afford because he understands todays economy James VanAllen Bickford, IV will help you, give you the time and attention you deserve and he is one of the best litigators you will find James VanAllen Bickford, IV knows his way thru the Law, in the Courts, with the Judges...you will feel like you are the most important case he has on his plate, he is honest, with great integrity, his staff reflects his values and concerns.... My recommendation is an overwhelming statement to urge you to look to James VanAllen Bickford, IV for your legal questions, concerns and needs. Randall Worthington read more

I have personally worked with James Bickford and can say with conviction that he is a top-notch and fearless trial lawyer who provides outstanding representation to his clients. He has the experience, dedication and backbone to take on the toughest cases and win. I have known James for more than 15 years. During that time, I have been impressed with his legal ability and success. I have always valued his advice. Recently, I reached out to him to assist our practice with marketing issues. I have been very impressed with his knowledge of the area and tips he has provided on building a practice. When seeking legal marketing. Joseph Behrendt, Esq read more

I chose Bickford Law Firm, LLC because I feel aligned with the philosophy of James VanAllen Bickford, IV and I liked what I read on his website. The professionalism in my initial consultation to bring him client referrals was impressive and honest. I will be recommending your office to my friends and co-workers because of your knowledge, experience, professionalism, and sensitivity to the issues they was face. We all make mistakes and the discretion Bickford Law firm handles each case offers the best outcome within the law, it also gives hope to improve others as a person. Keep the human element clear in your practice. Thanks James! read more

He is the best Attorney you can have! He cares about his clients, educates them and does not sugarcoat the reality of your situation. You can expect straight answers and over 15 years of experience that would be working for you. He worthy of every penny! He will motivate you during all the ups and downs and will fight for you in every single court appearance, DMV matters and he will get you the best deal possible for your case! Highly recommended! I'm not surprise he has over 41,000 followers on FB, Instagram and Twitter! Thank you James! read more

I've never been so down in my life when I was dealing with the worst legal issues. I was humiliated. James Bickford was recommended by a friend and I feel like I won the lottery. He had high hopes for my case when I didn't. He walked me through everything and never treated me like a criminal. He understands "innocent until proven guilty" which I felt that I was already guilty without a chance to explain myself. He got the judge to clear me. He is the kind of attorney that takes pride in his work. It works. He is the best of the best. read more

Attorney Bickford is one pitt bull of an attorney!! He is very professional and knows the law extremely well. He has that "go-getter" attitude and will fight for you. He recently helped me out with a DUI case and made it smooth as possible. He kept me in the loop with whats going on and always got back to me by the next business day. His office and staff are very professional and make you feel at ease no matter what your case maybe. He has made a loyal client out of me and I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Thank you! read more

I have had James help me with a couple of traffic violations over the years and on every occasion he was able to get them dismissed. The city and the collection company that handles the payment of bail are a bunch of scam artists and James got me all my money back. His fees to represent me were fair and I ended up getting almost $1000 dollars back from the city in bail money that I had to pay before I could even fight the ticket. He and his assistant were great. Thank you James! read more

This guy did nothing for me but to take my money not only that but he also really rude and dint care it all for my case Serah M. revie is right he is money hungry and yes I think a public defender would of done a much batter job the only reason I went with him is because my bail bond people recommend him as the best attorney... my case is still in process and I know and think he could of done allot batter DEFINITELY NOT THE BEST OR EVEN GOOD read more

I have had the pleasure of working with James on several projects and found his passion for law filled with integrity; James is a man of character and strength. Bickford Law firm will fight for you, educate you and protect you even if it means protecting you from yourself. I am so impressed by his excellence that we partnered Bickford Law firm with Lisa Christiansen Companies for mutual interests. ~Lisa Christiansen read more

Awesome lawyer and great guy!! After my second DUI and facing jail time, he was able to keep me out of jail so I could work and no community service. Almost the same punishment as a first one. He also went to the DMV and got my liscense back. Reasonable price. I didn't have to step one foot in court or jail. He knows everyone at the court. I would recommend him highly!! He saved my life!! read more

In all honesty, I couldn't be more grateful. I wrongfully was being charged of a crime that was literally ruining my life. To say the least, my defense attory James Bickford, saved my life. He made sure my charges were dismissed and fought hard to get all of the details sorted with me. I couldn't ask for a better representative. Your help was beyond helpful and forever appreciated! read more

EXCELLENT LAWYER I hired Lawyer James Bickford to represent me. He was thorough and did a great job of dealing with all the process. Excellent service from start to finish. Very knowledgeable and very kind. These qualities are great, also extremely hard to find, and on top of that he helped me to save a lot of money and time. Highly recommended! read more