I rarely give negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience because it may help someone who is in a vulnerable or desperate situation, as I was, and is considering hiring this attorney based on the positive reviews.
My case took much longer than I expected and became increasingly frustrating. I initially spoke with Deborah R. only once. After that, Rebekka T. began communicating with me and repeatedly requested additional paperwork and information.
I called the office and spoke with Maria V., who was very kind and helpful. I explained that I thought I was working directly with Deborah, and Maria told me that was no longer the case. Unfortunately, when I later tried to contact Maria again, I was told that she no longer worked there.
Throughout my case, I was repeatedly asked for more and more paperwork and information, resulting in additional billable time. I found myself spending a significant amount of time going back and forth providing personal information and answering questions that I felt had already been addressed. Ultimately, I incurred a large legal bill, which I paid, but I felt that I had very little to show for the amount of time and money spent.
Then I began receiving communication from Andrea L., who said she was assisting Rebekka. She called me and asked many of the same questions I had already answered for Deborah and Rebekka.
This was particularly difficult because, at the time, I was dealing with serious health issues and undergoing chemotherapy. I was exhausted and not feeling well, and repeatedly having to revisit sensitive personal information was extremely stressful.
I also received a bill listing Andrea L. as a senior attorney and charging me for one hour. I had documented the telephone conversation, and my records showed that the call lasted approximately 22 minutes. I became concerned when I noticed that the phone number associated with Andrea had a Georgia area code. I researched her credentials because I wanted to understand why I was being charged a senior attorney rate. At the time, I was unable to find a California license for her and found information indicating that she was an attorney based in Georgia. I questioned Rebekka about why I was being charged a senior attorney fee for this time and asked for clarification. She offered to discount the bill, which she did.
I also copied Deborah R. on my email because she was the attorney I originally believed I was working with. Rebekka responded that I was her client and did not need to discuss the matter with anyone else. I found that response concerning, particularly given my questions about who was handling my case and how I was being billed.
Eventually, I decided I needed to find another attorney. Finding a real estate attorney who was willing and able to take on my complicated case was not easy. Fortunately, I found a different real estate attorney who was compassionate, responsive, and communicated directly with me. He immediately reviewed my situation and explained that we could resolve the matter without going to court and unnecessarily increasing attorney fees.
The difference in my experience was remarkable. He was determined, honest, considerate, and gave me peace of mind knowing that my case was being handled properly. He ultimately helped bring the matter to a successful conclusion.
I am sharing my experience not to discourage anyone from making their own decision, but to encourage people to ask questions before hiring an attorney: Who will actually be handling your case? Who will be communicating with you? What billing rates will apply? And who exactly is being billed for the work?
When you are already dealing with a difficult legal situation and especially when you are dealing with serious personal circumstances. You need an attorney who communicates clearly, treats you with compassion, and gives you confidence that your case is being handled carefully.
Based on my experience, I would not hire this firm again. read more
