If anybody ever asked me what was the biggest lesson I learned in 2023, my answer (as of the first nine months) is "Listen to Mike." I am absolutely hard-headed, strong-minded and relentlessly detailed, but the first two get in the way of the last one. I was introduced to him via another attorney who does not handle cases like mine, and he ended up being a legal coach for me. (His legal fees would've drowned out the amount I was suing for, so legal advice instead of representation made far more financial sense.)
Without going into detail about my case, he was patient, flexible with time, an OUTSTANDING listener and genuinely cared about the turnout. As a matter of fact, the only other people who could've rivaled him in caring more about my lawsuit (than me) was my mother and two neighbors. And, depending on the day, he rivaled my mom!
Our social justice and cultural views match up about as well as a skunk and a dog, but I am pleasantly surprised by how much of a delight he is to talk to regardless of that. He is probably the ONLY person I can calmly discuss a social justice issue with one minute, and cackle and crack a joke with 60 seconds later. I usually stew for hours over these kinds of topics, but we can agree to disagree. (And if/when he reads this review, I already know he's going to want to know which one of us is the skunk.)
But the reason I'm giving him this 5-star review is not based on personality nor activism. Technically, he is an activist for the groups he defends, especially debt defense and condo owners. (Read his Substack blog for the former topic.)
However, this 5-star review is focused on the fact that he emphasized that I include one very specific document within my case. As strongly as I felt about NOT including it for reasons that were brought up during the case (and two days later, I am still VERY VERY VERY passionate about why I should not have had to include this doc that was always at my fingertips), I could hear his voice while giving my closing argument and listening to the opposition.
Even while I talked to the judge, I was thinking, "Mike was right." For potential clients, if he gives you a piece of advice you don't agree with, take it from me. Listen anyway and follow through. Even if you grumble, complain and feel like you are justified in doing the EXACT OPPOSITE, understand that his legal coaching/advice is 100% because he knows the ropes and how to win ... even if you are convinced you have a winning chance without it. Make a list. Make sure his advice is in alignment with your list. And good luck with your case (whether he represents you or coaches you). read more