It was the single worse telephone conversation that I have had in my life when seeking information,…read moreand I am 66 yo, and have been a lot of places and interfaced with a lot of different systems. In my history I worked in the field of Long Term Care Ombudsmanship, I was a trained mediator through Kenneth Cloke, I was an internationally recognized Ombuds Scholar mentored by Stanley V. Anderson and was a published author and conference presenter. My last paper was accepted into the Harvard Law Negotiation Journal (I was shifting careers, and moved on). I am neurodivergent on a "gifted" spectrum, and what I experienced, for me personally, I experienced as assaultive I had a stress reaction and my body went into shock, and it began to shake... etc. He asked inappropriately who my attorney had been, after I was destabilized. He used a process of not answering the two questions I was attempting to ask directly, and went back and forth, and told me I was all over the place, which, in abuse terminology is called DARVO. It was a projection of his behavior. For anyone who is a survivor of domestic violence, I would suggest, steer clear. My first goal was simple, advisement on whether or not moving forward with a DOJ administrative hearing would be beneficial or not. He expressed clearly he isn't interested in this type of case. I said, well, maybe I'll just have to do it myself, hung up, and sent a note to my treating doctor about the experience who is helping me as I process leaving 33 years of Domestic Violence and Coercive Control. Additionally, I worked in a receptionist capacity for 14 years with a firm that specialized in Litigation, Real Estate Formation, Estate Planning, and Corporate Formation. NEVER EVER EVER was a client treated in this fashion. NEVER! I was responsible for juggling calls, did some transcription work, client relations going in and out of the office, many things, and NEVER in a thousand years would those 8 attorneys and of counsel attorneys act in such an assaultive way to a prospective client. I was working multiple vocations, and this was juggling my community service to the local arts community, national, and international arts community. I volunteered my work to the foundation I created and was of service to my own work, and to artists from Israel, Turkey, Austria, Slovenia, other countries producing festivals on the West Coast, the East Coast, in Europe. My first art award was as a student, I was a soloist in a dance film, that won a CINE Golden Eagle Award, associated with the likes of Spielberg and Oprah. My first professional review working for a professional local dance company coined my work, "astonishingly gifted". Publication in Conflict Management Higher Education Report: https://www.creducation.net/resources/cmher_vol_4_1_kelly.pdf United States Ombudsman Association: Listed as Creator of Stanley V. Anderson Library Collection: https://www.usombudsman.org/ombudsman-library/stanley-v-anderson-collection/ Publications about the Creative Work (which paired with the law firm receptionist work) https://stanceondance.com/tag/misa-kelly/ One of 10 "Kliping" from a 7 year process with artists working in different countries/cities with national and international news including National Slovenian Television. https://www.mladina.si/167298/plesno-gledaliski-projekt-o-almi-karlin/ Article Written by Former Speech Writer For Harry Truman Commending Spearheading founding a foundation (I had support from local WEV and one good friend to help) https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-barbara-news-press-santa-barbara-n/184394257/ This individual made it seem like my ideas were flighty and idealistic, and that other clients were happy with the outcome, charges dismissed, and that I should just accept that there is not turning back time, when actually there is, called equitable tolling I believe for the one possible path. He did nothave the intellectual capacity to grasp the situation effectively in a short period of time. He did not have the capacity to hear and understand that I wanted to focus on one thing, an administrative hearing, assessing if it was worth it go. It was not what I was expecting, I had used my "giftedness" to create a possible possible paths forward for my primary goal. I had simply wanted to make an appointment to come in and show the two legal briefs I had prepared based on my own research. It was the same research modality that led to an invitation from Stanford University to apply for a phd track in economics, the same modality for the Ombuds research, etc., etc, It seemed like some weird showmanship with him saying he'd tried a case this way and that way, which wasn't what I was looking for. He digressed, and I was so off guard by the approach, I was not able to bring him back what my primary goal was. I am tracking how long it took my nervous system to become regulated. We spoke at 10:30 am and it is now 4:37 and slowly, things are settling.

I have used Appel and Morse for a variety of matters over the years including business, Canadian…read moreimmigration and DMV issues. Both Molly Appel and Ian Morse are incredibly professional, honest and empathetic. There's no fancy office or roster of assistants. You will generally be dealing directly with one of the principals (and I like that). They'll be straight with you (they can't perform miracles) and their fee structure is very fair.

Dugan Kelley Is the best and most reliable attorney ever…read moreseen He treat his clients like family He is very knowledgeable and well experienced in the court and knows his job very good I have been using him for several years for different matters I recommend him very much

I got nothing but bad lawyering from Matthew Clarke. He took my money and moved offices without…read moreeven telling me. He also withdrew from my case without informing me or allowing me to appear to defend against negative claims. I originally wanted my consultation with a different attorney, but the firm recommended Matthew Clarke...worst decision ever.

Jennifer Drury is the most unfriendly, (a huge Debbie Downer) I have ever worked with. I don't know…read morehow her law firm stays in business with such lack of people skills. Plus she is unprofessional and lacks the knowledge to even deal with my case. Unfortunately, I found this out AFTER I sent her $5,150 dollars. She rarely got back to me, and had the temerity to say "I am sure you understand that you are not my only client." I've never in my life (nor any people I know who dealt with an attorney,) been told that. It's not only disrespectful, but completely unacceptable. And when I didn't understand something she was telling me, (I'm an RN not a legal scholar,) she got defensive and said she had already explained it to me. Then she had the audacity to send me an email saying "Please see my comments below in ALL CAPS." Is that professional? Is that kind, is that what an attorney I paid $5,150 to retain would email to a client? Oh yes, her assistant Elizabeth, was very friendly to me before I sent the retainer, and never heard from her again. I am making a complaint to the California State Bar because Jennifer Drury doesn't have any right to represent the people of the State of California.

If I could give 10 stars about this law firm, I would…read more Ms. Pullen is a top law professional who is highly educated about the subject matter and guides her clients along the process. She also shows an intense passion for her work. She works within the framework of strict ethical guidelines and that makes her highly respectable and trustworthy when delivering advice. No, she's not going to tell you what you want to hear every time you speak, but her advice is impeccable. That's what makes her a truly great attorney. Read more reviews here: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/93101-ca-susanna-pullen-78544.html

Honest, down to earth and top-notch skills. He will always advocate mediation and settlement but…read moreis undaunted when the opposing side wants to ratchet up litigation and excessive discovery. You will not be left in the dark....he returns calls and responds to emails promptly. His advice is honest and candid. He will not churn your case simply to generate fees.

Words cannot begin to express how grateful and appreciative I am of attorney Glenn Robertson…read more He represented me in a complex custody case. I won full custody, child support payments and - most importantly - my children's safety. Anyone who is going through a custody battle knows that it is a very scary and stressful time. When I was searching for an attorney, I called the most well connected client I had and asked for a referral. His attorney recommended Glenn as the 'Best in Santa Barbara.' I am very happy to report that Glenn absolutely lived up to this title. Throughout the custody process, I learned a lot about the legal system. I also learned how important it is to have an excellent attorney. There were several instances where I felt that I understood the conversation in court, only to find out later that I'd completely misunderstood. Now, I would never even consider walking into court without having Glenn beside me. I trust him completely. I highly recommend Glenn Robertson. He is a phenomenal attorney and I am very lucky that he agreed to represent me.

Glenn represented me in my divorce years ago and thanks to him everything went very smooth. He…read morehelped me navigate through such a difficult period of my life and I'm glad I followed his advices.

I had the worst accident happen to me. On October 26th, 2022.. A horrible. freak incident occurred…read morewhere I was forced to push off an intimate partner/attacker, and she fell back and cracked her head on the corner of the wall, WTF!?!? ....FROM THAT MOMENT ON..I was facing major prison time with my priors, and it was a shock to the system because I was doing so good in life.. and nothing like this was expected!! I contacted William Makler, and after everything was said and done and the work was put in by him and his awesome team .... I had the most incredible thing happen to me..... I didn't go to mfkn PRISON.!!It's a mfn miracle! Listen, THIS WAS MY 4th FELONY CONVICTION FOR DV & I AVOIDED PRISON BECAUSE OF HIM.... PERIOD END OF STORY. THE WHOLE SITUATION WELL .. I MEAN, IT'S EPIC!! IT'S MFN EPIC. AND THE $PRICE FOR MY FREEDOM WAS SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE! . ...so for him to be able to do that, and talk to the DA and work it out where I 5 time felon, 4 time ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASS PARTICIPANT, I was really able to avoid prison.. and just had to wear an Ankle Monitor for two months.. thats it plus probation,, sht, I would have to say he's the most amazing lawyer that's ever walked this EARTH, I don't mean to lay it on thick, but I would be BACK in prison right now watching a fking 15 inch TV on a fucking metal bunk with some dirtbag- Jcat farting on me if it wasn't for William Makler! God bless his heart! Don't fear.. put your faith in him. God bless him.

Mr. Makler helped me with a traffic related issue. He was available for a consultation when I…read moreplaced the initial call. I appreciated being able to speak to him directly and discuss the issue. He went over how he could represent me and I appreciated how direct yet empathetic he was with how the situation transpired. During the long process, I was able to reach out to Mr. Makler and his staff when I had questions and they always got back to me in a timely matter. I would recommend Mr. Makler to others who need representation in traffic related stops with law enforcement. My case was dismissed and I appreciate all the work that was done. I thought his rates were reasonable and the case management system they use made it easy to keep track of everything. Thank you!

AWFUL! I wish I had never hired him. I had a terrible experience with morales: I wasted over…read more$100,000 for a simple divorce. Stay away if you have limited funds. I discovered too late Morales is not trustworthy and is a poor communicator of vital info. He is greedy and without compassion. He would not answer my questions nor give sound advice. His smooth and calm demeanor may work in the courtroom but don't be swayed. A friend warned me to stay away from an attorney who advertises on TV. A good lawyer, especially one who has been in business as long as he has, shouldn't need to advertise. AND WATCH OUT: he might quit on you in the middle of your case. I will be filling a complaint with the California Bar Association. STAY AWAY!

Marcus Morales did a phenomenal job at representing me and winning my case. He is very professional…read more& knowledgeable. From the very beginning I felt comfort in knowing my case would be handled well. I highly recommend recommend Marcus Morales as your attorney

Daniel Simon and Carolyn Layfield have been one of the most helpful law firms that I have ever…read moreworked with! I came to Dr.Simons office after being terribly desperate with absolutely no idea how to proceed with a very complicated workers comp injury claim. Dr.Simon and Ms.Layfield not only gave me hope that everything would be figured out and after a couple FREE consultations they helped me understand the probable outcome and process of exactly what will happen and the resources and alternatives I could take to set my case in motion. I would like to reiterate that it did not cost me a dime for their initial consultations which educated and encouraged me to do whats right for the claim that I had. Words can't express the weight and frustration that was lifted off my shoulders after their office took my case. Furthermore, the settlement reached was nothing short of a miracle and was ONLY reached due to the fact that Daniel K. Simon is one of the best lawyers in California. I have always thought that insurance companies are always trying to make things right and do whatever is best for the victim but that is just simply not true. You must have representation that is on YOUR SIDE and fight for YOU! Going to Daniel K. Simon's office was one of the best decisions of my life and I highly encourage anyone in southern California to have him represent you in order to receive the thousands of dollars that you are entitled to.

Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am to Daniel K. Simon, Carolyn Layfield, and their…read moreentire staff. Originally, I injured my lower back lifting a bag of money. My employer refused to accommodate my injury. I became stressed so bad that I couldn't explain what had happened to me. Somehow, Carolyn understood what I was saying and explained my legal position so I could understand it. "Cumulative Trauma Injury." Carolyn made sure that I got the best Medical and Psychiatric care. She prepared me for both the Medical and Psychiatric Qualified Medical Examinations, as well as, my Deposition. Workers' Compensation was fighting pretty hard to deny my benefits, but they were "NO MATCH" for Carolyn Layfield. Carolyn made sure I have a future. I worked as an American Bar Association Accredited Paralegal for over 30 years prior to becoming a Delivery Driver during the pandemic. I know what constitutes a "Great Attorney." Carolyn is an "Exceptional Attorney." I am fortunate that she represented me, and I would not hesitate to have her represent me in the future. Thank you...