Don was the one bright light in my divorce. He was resourceful, skillful and able to mediate a very…read morecomplicated relationship to settle all matters between me and my ex-husband. His calm demeanor and unequivocal skill-set saved us from incurring heavy lawyer fees from start to finish. He was available for questions and calls; also incredibly responsive. Highly Recommend!

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.

Excellent service! I was not sure where to go and Janis was prompt and professional! Everything was…read moresorted out without worries. This has be the best peace of mind anyone could ask for. Janis knows her stuff! THANK YOU!

Accu-counting has been apart of our business for over a decade. I consider Janis and her staff to…read morebe like family. They excel at communication and making sure that they meet our needs. They have no problem going the extra mile. From taxes to booking keeping, the level of service is far superior to that of a "large firm". They actually know your business and how they can create a system that works for you. Janis also can refer you to local vendors that can help your business grow as well. Our small business would not be the same without them! If you are looking for personal or business call Janis! They have saved me thousands of dollars of the years which is an understatement. For one small business owner to another, use Accu-counting! They care about your business being successful and more importantly they care about you!

10 years ago I've made the worst decision of my life listening to Jean Hickson HRA from Mavis…read moreDiscount Tires,,, she sent me to see this firm Rella & Associates and told me to keep quite that she sent me to them cuase she can get in serious trouble,,,how I know she told me so,,, 10 years with this firm and no settlement and still suffering,,,I wouldn't recommend my worst enemy to this firm,,, please choose wisely who to represent you in any case.

In a departure from my restaurant reviews, I feel compelled to discuss Rella & Associates…read more As a NYC employee over the past 15 years, Rella & Associates has represented me on multiple worker's comp. Injury cases with overwhelming success! Beyond just winning cases ( Which they are well known for ) the team at this Firm has treated me like Family!! I HIGHLY recommend them for any Worker's Comp.,Disability, Social security, or disability retirement Cases. Reviewing food on here is one thing, but this is very serious and effects the livelihood and wellbeing of fellow blue collar works, I do not make this review / recommendation lighty. Anyone with questions can contact me on this platform. In closing, Rella & Associates has represented and fought for me and my family since 2012 and because of them, I have financial stability and a comfortable retirement coming in the very near future. NYC employees especially! You know the city plays their little games with our lives, Rella & Associates understands the City and knows how to Win!!

I used Susan Caplin for my divorce and I have nothing but good things to say about my experience…read more She was professional, responsive and did not drag out the process. Her rates were extremely reasonable and fair. I would highly recommend Susan without reservation.

Natalia is a wonderful family law attorney. She practically saved me after another incompetent…read moreattorney mishandled my case. She got me a joint custody of my son and she also worked out all the payment arrangements between me and my ex. She has tremendous experience in the family law field and has been practicing for over 20 years. I recommend her highly

Absolutely the most incompetent lawyer. She doesn't do the most basic things and embarrasses…read moreherself (therefore me as well) in front of the judge. She doesn't even comply with her own retainer agreement. If you want to create the worst nightmare situation for yourself then hire Ms Gourari. You will not only be worse off in your case but you will likely be suing her for inadequate counsel. I am sure she will lose her law license because of the way she mishandled my case. Unfortunately she doesn't even deserve a 1 star but the system does not allow me to give her the zero that she deserves.

I highly recommend this company! I have worked with them for more than 18 years and the…read moreprofessionalism and knowledge they provide is worth its weight in gold. These skills combined with the human touch are really what makes them stand out. When you call, you always get a friendly person, and emails are answered promptly. They do my business and personal taxes... don't hesitate, call them.

Kristen Browde is the best lawyer money can buy. I had a contentious divorce mainly because I had…read morean ex spouse that lied most of the time .she saw through every lie and kept me on the straight . Ii won everything I could possibly want to win. I got the house , child support and I would've gotten a lot more if it hadn't been for my deadbeat wife that kept calling me a deadbeat husband. This did a lot for my self-esteem. Work with Kristen Brown she'll get the job done and she'll get it done fast and for divorce time it took me just over a year to get divorced.

In my divorce case (2008-2012) he completely failed to protect me from an aggressive and abusive ex…read morein court proceedings and the final documents in which he shaded me and protected my abuser. Because of this my children would grow up in a constant state of fear and harassment and this would go on to my living room window being shot. Fast forward to 2021, I still receive regular phone calls as his point of contact, junk mail, email signups and continually have to deal with removing him, his wife, and his grown children from my consumer reports which NO ONE should have to deal with. I hold David responsible for his failure in handling the case in the seriousness that it should have that has mitigated the continuance of this harassment/situation. My message to you is think twice before you hire him and IF you do make sure that he does his job competently so that you don't get screwed in the end with few options.