1 /5 Kip Bowes: Was in a position over the weekend to assist my Partner with speaking to an attorney about her “in flight” divorce. Received a referral from an attorney friend for a lawyer at this firm (Zachary Townsend). Reviews were just OK, but I trusted the referral.
Reached out via email over the weekend asking to setup a consultation (my partner was working over the weekend). On the Pro side, someone from the office left me a voicemail on Sunday touching base and asking me to call back on Monday AM. On Monday AM I called, thanked the person for reaching out on a Sunday. She asked what the consultation was about, and I shared that it was a divorce that is about a year into the process. We made an appointment for several days in the future. I was asked to fill out an “intake sheet” and paid for the consultation in advance.
This is where things got bizarre.
I completed the intake form right after the call. Added my Partners info (name, phone, address, etc) and case number. Submitted. Within minutes I get a VERY upset call from the office. I’m asked why I “misrepresented” that this was MY divorce and why my Partner didn’t setup this consultation herself.
I was trying to help my Partner. And I figured discussing her case with the attorney is what happens in the consultation, NOT on the phone with an office staffer. I calmly explained that there was nothing fishy going on here, and handed the phone to my Partner, who was sitting nearby. The office person continued to complain about our “sketchy” behavior, and told my Partner that “if I keep this consultation under NO circumstances can THAT MAN be on the phone, nor can you discuss your case with him”. My Partner said “What are you talking about - he’s with me through this process”.
Bam - office staff cancelled consultation, refunded my payment, and let me know that they had cancelled everything due to “misrepresentation”. Mind you - we literally spoke on the phone for 60 secs total.
Very strange - just be aware that this is the kind of bizarre, accusatory treatment you will likely receive if you choose to work with this firm. Feels like I dodged a bullet, especially in light of the other reviews.
And yes, I did call the staff member disturbed, as her behavior was unhinged both to me and my Partner separately. Never realized setting up a call appt for a Partner was going to set your staff off so badly. Very unprofessional and others should understand what they are going to have to deal with if they reach out to you.