DO NOT RETAIN. This attorney protects the corrupt status quo, not the community.
As a long-term homeowner and former board member in an HOA community that retained Mr. Wolf, I have observed his counsel first-hand. His services have consistently enabled dysfunction, wasted funds, and violated homeowner rights. He is not a neutral arbiter; he is a key player in maintaining a toxic status quo.
Documented Evidence of Failure:
A History of Silencing Homeowners: Mr. Wolf has a proven track record of helping boards intimidate and silence homeowners. During a previous board's tenure, he participated in tactics that included using the threat of police presence and procedural intimidation to stifle legitimate questions and concerns during open meetings. His goal was to suppress dissent, not facilitate transparent governance.
Sham Investigations That Protect Abusers: When a board member sent a threatening email to a homeowner stating, "I'm asking you first and last time do not interfere... do not ask the lawyers do not bother the office," Mr. Wolf's "investigation" concluded this was merely "inartful" and not a threat. Crucially, he deliberately omitted the board member's documented history of harassing other homeowners and work crews. His investigation was designed to whitewash misconduct, not uncover the truth.
Gross Fiscal Irresponsibility: Mr. Wolf advised the board to spend association funds on this so-called investigation, only to later claim the board was "powerless to act" on its findings--a fact he could have established without a costly process. He knowingly orchestrated a legal charade that consumed homeowner money solely to create a paper trail that insulated the board from liability.
Inventing Authority to Intimidate Homeowners: In his official response, Mr. Wolf asserted that "there are circumstances under which a Board can constrain unit owner communications." However, a review of our community's governing documents reveals no such provision granting the board this power. He provided no citation because none exists. This was a baseless, veiled threat intended to intimidate a homeowner from exercising their rights, demonstrating a willingness to invent legal authority to suit his clients' needs.
Conclusion:
Mr. Wolf's primary function is not to uphold the law or the governing documents, but to protect boards and management from the consequences of their own negligence and misconduct. He is an expert in providing "legal" cover for violations of homeowner rights, waste of funds, and the intimidation of residents.
He is a profound liability to any community that seeks transparent, lawful, and responsible governance. Retaining him will ensure that corruption is protected, and homeowner voices are silenced.
Look elsewhere if you value accountability and the rule of law. read more