My Reflections on Transparency and Client Guidance…read more ADVICE: Ask for an example of an inventory before you begin. This was one of the most challenging items that ended up costing additional money because it was not explained in detail and every change I made, was an additional expense. If I had known, I would not have sent it to them until it was completed. My rating would have given them a 5 but they cost me a great deal of money so I am giving them a 3. Based on my experience with two probate cases, I can share insights into how these cases are managed, particularly in terms of communication, transparency, and billing practices by this firm. At the outset, I was informed that certain details might not be communicated proactively, as the attorneys handle these matters routinely and may inadvertently omit information. In practice, however, I found that the information provided was often sufficient only for the immediate next step. This incremental approach meant that I frequently needed to ask additional questions to fully understand my responsibilities and the process as a whole. One of my primary concerns was the billing structure. Every inquiry or clarification I sought resulted in additional charges. Had I been better informed from the beginning about my duties as well as the specifics of the fee arrangement, I believe I could have saved both time and money. A more comprehensive briefing at the outset would have improved my ability to anticipate tasks and associated costs. While it is possible that this approach is common among attorneys, the experience left me feeling that my lack of familiarity with probate proceedings was not fully addressed. I felt that greater transparency and client education would have been beneficial, not only to foster trust but also to empower clients to make informed decisions. In summary, my experience managing probate cases highlighted the importance of clear communication and upfront disclosure from legal professionals. Prospective clients may wish to ask detailed questions early on and seek explicit explanations regarding their responsibilities and all potential fees to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smoother process.

I hired Colby for what should have been a straightforward child support modification case. From…read moreearly on, communication with his office was a problem. His paralegal was not aware of the current child support net resources cap that Texas had recently raised, despite that figure being central to my case. She also called me repeatedly regarding routine matters, even after I gave clear written instructions in email that I preferred communication in writing due to my work schedule. In addition to these calls, the firm scheduled multiple intrafirm conferences, each of which generated additional billable time. Colby told me that opposing counsel was unwilling to negotiate or engage in settlement discussions throughout this process. Despite this, I was billed over $7,000 in under four months, including time billed for researching mediation venues and identifying a potential mediator. Mediation never actually occurred -- the case went straight to a preliminary hearing instead. The firm's communication practices also created unnecessary billing. It wasn't limited to discovery documents -- even routine communications, such as requests for dates or questions relayed from opposing counsel, followed the same pattern. The paralegal would send a request and not wait for my response before following up with a phone call, and then again with a follow-up email -- generating multiple separate billable communications for what should have been one exchange. On several occasions, I received three billable communications within a period of less than 16 hours, despite the firm being fully aware that I work shift work with long hours and had asked them, more than once, to reduce this pattern of communication. After I repeatedly asked the firm to stop over-communicating in this manner, Colby filed a motion to withdraw from my case, citing 'lack of communication' as the reason -- this occurred a little over a month before my scheduled hearing date. After withdrawing, Colby refused to send me the settlement negotiation history or documents from opposing counsel, stating he had 30 days to transfer my file, which would place the transfer after my hearing date had already passed. As a result, I went to my hearing representing myself, without knowledge of any prior settlement discussions or offers. At the hearing, opposing counsel and I negotiated and reached an agreement within the first five minutes. During that conversation, she stated that she had never actually been presented with the settlement offer that Colby claimed he had extended to her on my behalf.

How an attorney treats the opposing side speaks greatly to their ethics…read more After a confidential settlement agreement, attorney, Cartwright published personal private information about my past to a third-party. I don't think the specifics matter so much as the fact that he does not care about confidentiality agreements. The attorney should be bound to a higher level of Responsibility and confidentiality because of their licensing. Attorney Cartwright sees no issue publishing private information to third parties after a confidential settlement agreement. So if you thought your business would remain private, you're in for a shock when he in fact will publish your business to third parties. If you're the kind of person who wants the opposing side to be treated with dignity and respect, even though they are the opposing side, you should know that this is the type of attorney who will sling as much mud as he can in order to get the result he wants. He does not care about breaking or bending the law.

This is a great law firm and I highly recommend them for any type of civil issue in the DFW area!read more

After my wife was involved in an accident, Sawko & Burroughs represented her in a liability claim…read more They were very professional and compassionate throughout the process. In addition, they kept us informed at each stage. With the help of Sawko & Burroughs, we were able to reach a settlement that was far beyond our expectations. I highly recommend them for legal issues including liability claims.

Greg Sawko is a wiener. Thought I was hiring a Rottweiler. My wife was involved in an auto/semi…read moretruck accident and she and my daughter were severely injured. We hired Greg and later moved before the settlement. Drove 500 miles one way for the mediation meeting. He was completely unprepared, kept asking his assistant for whatever and she would say it is back at the office. Didn't agree on the offer and asked Greg about taking it to court. He agreed. 6 months later Greg called and said they had an offer. It was for less than that of the offer we had turned down at the mediation meeting. I again asked about taken them to court and he denied ever agreeing to that. I think he felt he was up against to big of opposition and didn't want to take the time to fight t because it just wasn't worth his time. When I mentioned getting another attorney he said if I did that he would still get a third of the settlement. Our settlement barely covered the loss of our vehicle and immediate medical bills. My wife still suffers from chronic pain and uses a walker.

We had a tenant landlord dispute and they were very helpful. They know the Texas property code…read moreand were great at helping us navigate the legal issues. Would highly recommend.

I would not use the law firm. The lawyers were very poor when it came to timely communication help…read morewith communication of the law itself. Once the initial consultation was completed and payment was made I felt I was treated very poorly and as if I was just another number, they just wanted to get paid and move on. I felt like I felt that they were extremely rude that they truly did not care at all about your situation. They were happy to take their payment And cut you off. I would absolutely not recommend using this firm, especially if you are a tenant. I don't wanna say anymore, but I think I've said enough I would not use this for.