Unless you're going for her services specifically indcated on her website, I wouldn't spend the $25 for general legal advice. First off, she has NPR on in the background through out the whole visit. Though I love me some NPR, it's distracting and unprofessional. There's a self-help desk at the Sacramento Law Library where you can make an appointment with one of their three paralegals (one might be a lawyer, but I'm not sure) who will take the time time with you to research your case, walk you through the process and help you prepare necessary documents--all for free! And lastly, I didn't get my java! I was promised java and justice and all I received was 15 minutes of NPR and some vague inklings of advice. But in all fairness, her visit did lead me (in a round-about way) to the self-help desk , where I would've much prefered to donate my $25. I would probably come back if I needed something notarized or a will to be drafted, but in any other circumstances, I'd reccomend giving the self-help desk a try first. read more

Following the advise from a respected friend of mine I ran my business plan by Java & Justice. The bureaucratic process of permits, insurance, and licensing can be a bit daunting when you're trying something new, so I wanted to double check that I did not miss anything. I did a 15 minute consult for $25. She had me explain my plan but did not want to see my notes or contacts. She asked about a few clauses from my contract, I answered the questions, and she reassured me that it was legal. The meeting felt awkward as I met her in a dimly lit cluttered living room of an old Victorian House, and the conversation was robotic. My goal was to double check that my business plan was legal, with the proper paperwork, which I achieved. So the service was good for a quick 15 minute legal consult for $25. NOTE: She only accepts cash or check. read more

I urgently needed a notary on a Sunday afternoon and remembered this little place on J Street. I called their number and spoke to the owner, Susan Garcia-Swain, herself. The office was closed but she told me she was going down there anyway and could meet me. They aren't on J Street anymore. They're in a cute little blue house on 30th between N & O. Susan also has an adorable black standard poodle, which is my favorite kind of poodle. I really appreciated her meeting me even though her office was closed. It saved me so much time and heaps of trouble. I'll definitely go back if I ever need legal advice or help again. Her prices are very reasonable too. I read an article about her recently and discovered that not only is Susan an attorney, but she is also an MD who practices complementary medicine. read more

I needed paper to be notarized and left my phone number on her voice mail. She never called me back and when I called to ask, she said I gave her the wrong number????!!! She was not accommodating/flexible at all with her schedule, I had a horrible experience. I went back to her later...she was really kind to me and completed my paperwork although it was the end of the day...my first experience must have been a bad day. read more

Went in to get a document notarized. Quick summary: Had no problems getting the doc notarized, though I couldn't pay with a credit card; this may change after today because she said she's in the middle of setting up Square so she can accept credit cards. Thankfully, I had cash on me at the time and she was able to break a hundred. She didn't offer a receipt for the notarization, so I had to ask for one, which was written on one of those restaurant Guest Check style pieces of receipt booklets and had no name or address or contact info on it at all, so I took a business card to make up for the difference. Other notes: I guess I'm used to professional looking offices, so when I stepped into the Victorian I was surprised to see a giant poodle barking at me and, once the poodle settled down, we sat at a simple small table with a chair on one side (hers) and a small bench on the other (mine). To be honest, it was a strange set-up for an office... stuff all over the place, the dog... the espresso looking machine toward the back (which must be reserved for people with legal matters as opposed to notary requests). Bottom line: The doc got notarized, which was my goal. read more

Great attorney. She will help you present your case. As they call it pro per. Lol She is very knowledgeable w reasonable rates. read more

Last year I decided to put my affairs in order, because I've always worried about what would happen to my dog if something should happen to me. Several of my friends were interested in having wills or living trusts drawn up as well, so I did some research for all of us. Based on the Yelp reviews, I called Susan Garcia-Swain at A La Carte. A 15-minute consultation was a very reasonable $25, so I made an appointment for myself and the one friend who decided to join me. (Another friend warned me that if I made a will, I would die within weeks. No will = immortality. That's logical, no? No.) Susan answered all our questions and explained the process, giving us plenty of information to think about and discuss. A few weeks later we returned to have our living trusts drawn up. She was thoroughly professional but there was nothing intimidating about the experience. Her "office" is a cluttered dining table in a midtown Victorian crammed with books and antique furniture. Her office assistant is a sweet, goofy, giant poodle who greets everyone at the door. It was a comfortable and casual experience and I can now sleep at night knowing my dog will be taken care of if anything happens to me. I recently used Susan's expertise again when I needed to settle an insurance claim. She told me exactly how to word my settlement demand and how to calculate the total I should ask for. My demand was accepted and I got every penny I requested. Before signing the release for the settlement check, I ran it by a different lawyer just to be sure it was all above-board. What a contrast. Susan had been laid-back, sensible and realistic. The other lawyer was a shark who tried to convince me I should fight for more and possibly file a lawsuit. No thanks. I was perfectly happy with the amount I obtained using Susan's advice. I highly recommend Susan for basic legal services. Be sure to take a notebook because she explains everything thoroughly and you'll want to take notes. Oh, and she really does serve coffee or tea with your consultation! read more

Susan did a wonderful and thorough job for me on my living trust. I had a number of complicated issues and she was timely and professional in helping me sort them out while providing a great product. And her prices are incredibly reasonable! read more

Dr. Garcia-Swain was extremely helpful in assisting me with two issues: an IRS situation and a legal dispute. She gave me EXCELLENT advice in a very relaxed manner. I am happy to say that I got my FULL IRS REFUND (in terms of the first-time homebuyer credit) and opted to forgo the landlord situation, as it would have cost me more to get my money back from this out-of-state situation than it was worth. Thank you so much, Dr. Garcia-Swain. You do so much for so many in terms of both your reasonably -priced legal and free medical practice. read more

Dr. Garcia-Swain has given me the best legal advice that I have ever had. Very practical and helpful. I have seen her on multiple occasions for a variety of issues. She is well-versed in many types of law. Her advice always has been spot-on. Of note, she is a bit unconventional, in that she operates out of her home with her dog in the main room. Don't let that fool you. Dr. Garcia-Swain is brilliant, fair, and compassionate. I cannot recommend her more highly!! read more