I recently consulted with Alex Cuda regarding a child support enforcement matter -- a…read moremagistrate-level proceeding, not a complex litigation case, with a relatively limited procedural framework. I came prepared with documentation and ensured his office received my materials the day before the consultation. Throughout the meeting, he did not appear to refer to anything I had submitted, and based on the questions he asked, it did not seem that he had reviewed my materials or even looked up the docket number I had provided in advance. For someone billing $800 per hour, the lack of preparation was difficult to reconcile with the certainty with which he spoke. When discussing the case, he would isolate a single detail from its broader context and dwell on it at length despite having access to the full documentation. That isolated point would then become the basis for a sweeping and dismissive conclusion delivered with great confidence, though the actual record did not appear to support it. When I asked direct questions -- what does that mean, how does that fit into the case -- the responses often became more legal terminology rather than clearer explanation. The effect was less analytical than evasive. What was especially striking was the level of authority and detail he brought to describing the opposing party's supposed strengths while not appearing to have meaningfully reviewed the materials I had provided. The confidence with which he characterized a case he had not actually examined was itself notable. Throughout the consultation, his $20,000 retainer surfaced repeatedly and often unprompted -- not as a routine disclosure or in response to specific questions, but almost as a refrain. In the context of a child support enforcement matter in magistrate court, the repetition felt less informational than performative. There was also a persistent dismissiveness to his manner -- at times less like professional detachment and more like open condescension -- unlike anything I experienced with any other attorney I consulted. Most tellingly, after nearly an hour, I had to ask him myself whether I should request a continuance -- one of the most basic procedural considerations available under the circumstances. That it never arose independently during the consultation says a great deal about what the meeting actually produced. I left without a strategy, without a coherent framework, and without the level of guidance that should be the minimum expectation of a paid legal consultation.

I contacted Needle & Cuda seeking legal help for a serious and urgent matter specifically because…read morethe firm handles domestic violence cases. I was honestly appalled by how I was treated, particularly by an intake staff member named Allison. I was initially told twice that someone would call me back, and no one ever did. When I called a third time, I spoke with Allison and she told me the reason she didn't return either call was because their "system was messed up because of the snow." I explained my situation and, toward the end of the call, mentioned that my prior attorney was requiring me to sign an appearance form before returning my retainer. I told her I was seeking legal advice about how to handle this because I didn't know whether I should sign the form or whether new counsel would file their own appearance. I made it clear that this was something I intended to discuss during the paid consultation, which I understood would cost between $650 and $1,300. Allison responded in a rude and dismissive tone: "We don't do that. Get your retainer back and then we'll schedule a consultation." I explained that I did not need my previous retainer returned in order to retain the firm and that I was prepared to pay their $25,000 retainer if I decided to move forward after the consultation. She then said she would call or email me to schedule it. I waited a couple of days and never heard back. Because I urgently needed legal assistance, I called Needle & Cuda again. During that call, I was told the firm likely could not take me as a client "because of the retainer issue," even though I had already clarified that I was prepared to pay their retainer. Despite reiterating that, I was told to call back later to schedule the consultation instead of simply scheduling it while I was already on the phone. When I followed those instructions and called back later that day, someone answered the phone and immediately hung up on me. I waited to see if it was a mistake and called back a few minutes later, but the phone just rang with no answer. The entire interaction was extremely disrespectful and unprofessional, especially given the seriousness of a domestic violence-related custody matter. Respectful communication during intake should be the bare minimum, and I do not understand why I was given the runaround instead of a clear answer. I cannot speak for the attorneys themselves, but based on my experience with the intake staff, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere if you are seeking responsiveness, professionalism, or even basic courtesy. If this experience does not reflect how Needle & Cuda intends to treat potential clients in serious legal situations, I hope the partners review how intake calls are being handled.

My husband and I recently had to make the tough decision of filing bankruptcy…read more We own a small business which got hit hard from the hurricanes and winter storms like everyone else in our area. I spent years fighting with Bank of America trying to modify our mortgage. They refused to help us because we paid our mortgage every month. So we decided to short sell. But after 2 yrs of attempting to short sell (got 4 offers, but Bank of America did nothing for months and each buyer eventually moved on), we had enough and went to Attorney Pletter for help. We spent our adult life getting our credit scores over 750 and now we were opting to foreclose on our first home. We walked into Attorney Tim Pletter's office for the first time last year feeling ashamed, embarrassed, depressed, nervous and were probably at the worst point our marriage could get. When we left his office we felt HOPEFUL for the first time in YEARS. Tim was very straightforward. He didn't sugarcoat the situation and got us to focus on what was most important and showed us how to handle each issue. He made sure our choices didn't force us to lose our business. He was patient with our own marital misunderstandings and communication faults. And he helped us get our life back. We foreclosed on our home in November and are already experiencing an entirely new life-including a stronger marriage and positive relationship with money. There is no way we could possibly be where we are today if it wasn't for Tim, Samantha and Donna. I obviously recommend Attorney Pletter 100%.

I was very hesitant about contacting Atty Pletter as I come from a family of attorneys and was very…read moreembarrassed about my situation. I was overwhelmed and really did not know where to start. Atty Pletter is an incredible attorney. He is knowledgable, patient, and truly looks out for the best interests of his clients. He continues to counsel me and guide me and I will forever be indebted to him for his kindness and counsel. Donna in his office is also wonderful and on top of things. If you are reading this and are considering whether or not to hire Atty Pletter- use this as your sign to do it. Whatever weight you are carrying in your financial life- Atty Pletter can help you.

I never expected I'd need legal representation, but when I needed a lawyer's help (as a result of…read morepoor judgement on my part, with respect to motor vehicle offenses), I turned to Michael, and I'm very glad that I did. His wisdom and fierce representation of my interests led to the best possible outcome, and I am very grateful. I've been telling my friends about Michael's excellent work, and I'm happy to share my story here in this Yelp review. Michael handled himself with great compassion -- as well as wisdom and strength -- in my situation. I'm glad that I have this opportunity to set the record straight.)

Great experience start to finish. Managed my expectations accordingly, were diligent, completely…read moreprofessional, and responsive throughout the process. Their efforts resulted in a successful result of my case.

Very Disappointing…read more I'm an unsatisfied client of Tom Drew who I hired for Estate Planning. He didn't invest the time or have patience to properly educate us about his estate plans and was intolerant to accommodate and address our concerns. His estate plan could have been better formatted with articles headings, an index, more definitions and key words notations to easily reference subjects and to facilitate comprehension. We couldn't go forward with the estate plans he submitted. The relationship was terminated and not in a pleasant manner. We lost our $2,215 advance. -Rick

First, I found that hiring the right attorney who specializes in elder care law is no easy task…read more My usual general practitioners in CT, who I have dealt with for over a decade, would not touch my mother's elder care legal issues and recommended an attorney who specializes in elder care law. My one attorney recommended elder care attorneys more than an hour's drive away and my other attorneys could not recommend anyone in Fairfield County. After my mother executed the elder law documents Atty Drew drafted recently, he explained that over 90 % of his work today is in elder care law. Second, from being a senior executive in global business with a graduate degree in accounting, I can tell you that a JD with a CPA is a pretty rare find and those that do have both degrees focus on tax law, not elder care law. Atty Drew said that he has done tax and business law in the past as well. I worked with Atty Drew in establishing a living will and life estate for my mother. He was a first-rate professional, who communicated with my mother and I about every possible detail throughout the process. If you need an elder care attorney, this is the one to hire.

I recently had the pleasure to work with Mark Sank and his service exceeded every expectation. He…read morefully understood both the legal issues and the practical realities of being a landlord. Mark reviewed every detail and helped us build a strong case. In court, his preparation and professionalism were obvious, and the outcome reflected that. I felt genuinely supported and well‑represented. I'm extremely grateful for the outcome and would absolutely recommend Mark to anyone needing an attorney.

Mark was fantastic. He was honest and very efficient on my eviction case. He helped walk us through…read morethe steps and saved us alot of heart ache. If you have a tenant that needs evicting go to Mark, he has tons of experience and will get great results.

In what was my first encounter with the justice system, I was lost and scared. For someone used to…read morethe pace of the corporate world, it was quite frustrating in addition to being completely unfamiliar. After speaking with two other larger firms and being made to feel like just another small and insignificant case, I selected Mr. Saraceni from an online search and gave him a call. He listened carefully to my explanations and questions, and gave me honest, realistic feedback. I immediately felt like I had reached someone who understood my situation and was knowledgeable and qualified to guide me through it. At each step of the way he explained what was happening and what would most likely happen next. His prior experience as a police officer gave him insight that others might not have had. His knowledge of the law and of others involved in law enforcement and the court system allowed him to paint a complete picture of the proceeding for me. I came away from each conversation with him feeling calmer and more confident. In the end I believe he achieved the best possible result for me, one I am quite satisfied with. If I ever find myself in a similar situation (which I sincerely hope I do not), he will be the first person I call. I'm thankful I connected with James and would highly recommend him to anyone needing legal advice or representation.

He recently helped my father with case, and successfully helped us win. Very respectful, very…read morepatient, and made sure we didn't settle for any low numbers. Would highly recommend for anyone with high stress cases.

Brian and his team were excellent. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and diligent ensuring a…read moreseamless and stress-free closing. I would recommend them (Brian Silvestro is who I worked with) to anyone in need of a real estate attorney.

**Caution Advised Before Retaining This Firm**…read more Based on my experience with Maya Murphy, LLP, I cannot recommend their services. My full story is below if you care to read on, but here are alternative firms to engage in CT and NY: **Connecticut** * Lucas and Varga, LLC: [https://lucasvargalaw.com](https://lucasvargalaw.com) * Richard L. Pate Law Offices: [https://www.richardlpateconnecticutemploymentlawyer.com](https://www.richardlpateconnecticutemploymentlawyer.com) **New York** * Granovsky & Sundaresh PLLC: [https://g-s-law.com](https://g-s-law.com) * Phillips & Associates: [https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com](https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com) While initial consultations were promising and the firm appeared engaged after I paid a \$5,000 retainer, the quality of service quickly declined. Communication became sporadic, and billing lacked transparency--there were long stretches with no updates, followed by a sudden, substantial bill. After partial payment, they indicated they would no longer negotiate on my behalf unless the outstanding amount was paid in full. At several points, it appeared the firm prioritized their fees over my case. Promises of strong representation and an optimistic outcome did not materialize. In fact, the handling of the matter ultimately weakened my position, and the final settlement amount covered mostly legal fees--with little benefit to me as a client. Key issues I experienced include: * Long periods with no attorney contact * Last-minute reassignment to a different lawyer with little context * Missed or delayed meetings * Poor communication and apparent lack of case familiarity * Settlement pressure with little room for discussion These concerns mirror those raised in other negative reviews. I urge potential clients to research thoroughly and consider alternative firms before proceeding. This review reflects my personal experience and is intended to help others make informed decisions.

Despite the glowing reviews, Lauren Jacobson's legal representation was a huge disappointment. For…read morealmost a year, all we saw was a huge number of "filings" and no results. What should have been a straightforward lawsuit became a maze of questionable legal maneuvers which appeared to have no purpose but to extend the litigation and charge us for it. She once even increased her hourly fee and never bothered to even mention it to us. No rapport with us, only legal bills. Would not recommend her legal help.