Brotman Law

Michael Raff and Lindsay Pyfrom were successful in their efforts on my behalf. It took longer and cost a bit more than Michael had estimated, but the final outcome was very good. Michael and Lindsay always replied promptly and were professional in every regard.

I was defrauded by a person who claimed was an Expert with IRS Code pertaining to the Agent / Principal Relationship. He used GOD and the Bible as his way of getting me to trust him. After facing a Federal Magistrate, I was found not guilty to Criminal Charges, yet civilly, the IRS said I owed in the Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars, which also went to the perpetrator. Sam, assessed my situation and the payback to the IRS. Now after 10 years, the Collection Status Expiration Date (CSED) has wiped away the debt and a renewal of my life. Sam and his Team took it over setting me free from it all. Thank you, Sam, and Thank you GOD! Sam, I am forever in your debt of Gratitude for giving me my life back...Thank you Blessings Dave C. Blessings Dave

I'm glad some reviewers report good experiences with Brotman Law, but they were a disaster for me. The quick summary is that they suggested a $10k flat fee arrangement, dithered around ineffectively for months (failing to respond to emails or show up to calls they scheduled) and then they demanded more money to continue (despite the "flat fee" I'd already paid). My tax issue was that California (where I haven't lived since 2015) charged me about $40k in 2022 for a 2017 property sale that had nothing to do with California, but that the CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB) apparently learned about from the IRS. I was very busy running my business and decided it would be better to hire an attorney in California with FTB experience to help clear this up. I set up a call with Mr. Brotman ($500) and he agreed that CA was obviously in the wrong. Instead of charging hourly, he suggested a $2,500 per month "flat fee" capped at 4 months and expressed optimism that it would only take 1 or 2 of those months. I agreed and they very quickly sent me the contract and bank draft forms. I noticed that the contract itself omitted the 4-month cap so I'm glad I got them to fix that. Sam Brotman did seem competent and knowledgeable, but that $500 intake call was my only chance to speak with him. My case was passed to less experienced associates (Sahar and Trevor) who didn't seem interested. We only had two calls in the first two months. They were an hour late to the first one, and Trevor never even showed up to the second (Sahar did join 30 minutes late). I sent requests for an update every couple weeks but usually didn't hear back. That was the first $5k down the drain. They eventually asked me to prepare a 2017 CA return to show more clearly that this income didn't relate to California at all. I prepared it myself and sent it. Trevor wrote on Feb 22 that "We'll contact the FTB". That was February's $2,500. By March 16 I hadn't heard anything in nearly a month and so I wrote back to ask "whether you were able to contact the FTB about my case and if they responded?" Trevor responded that they did mail in the return I prepared and "We are calling them to confirm receipt and ensure they can process the refund. We will have an update on that latter point next week." I didn't hear back from them for another month and a half. But at least March was the final $2,500 to reach the $10k "cap". In late May, the FTB responded to the return saying that they still planned to treat the sale as CA income. Trevor wrote a couple weeks later that "I’m pleased because it was a response and recognition. That is the first and biggest step for us to take. I am talking to our new FTB contact early next week and will let you know next steps after that point." He requested some documentation, which I quickly sent. In late September I hadn't heard from Brotman in almost two months when I suddenly got an email from Trevor that "it looks like a waste of time to continue dealing with the assigned auditor, we think it best to pursue the appeal." Then he said they would no longer honor the flat fee and wanted me to start paying additional hourly fees! He said filling out the appeal form would cost about $2,000. So basically my original $10,000 "flat fee" only covered the return (which I prepared). After the first minor CA pushback they already want more money. I also found out that Trevor was leaving the firm in 4 days. I feel like this sudden request for more cash to continue was more about clearing his plate than anything intrinsic to my case. I asked them to reconsider and honor the flat fee, but they refused. Given Brotman Law's abysmal failure in the first stage of this case, I certainly won't pay more to continue this lackluster representation. I'll either hire a different firm or just move on. I already paid the $40k in dispute last year and am just seeking a refund of that wrongfully assessed amount. I understand that no firm can win every case, but I feel like Brotman barely tried.

I highly recommend Sam Brotman, Michael Raff and the entire team at Brotman Law for any tax issues. Their professionalism and ability to explain the best course of action for a trying situation made the process easier. Michael was particularly emphatic to me and was very patient and kind. Their hard word was much appreciated.

Sam Brotman has a magical way of making his clients instantly feel calm and at ease especially during high pressure times and times of crisis. Not only is Sam a brilliant tax attorney with extraordinary leadership and unending entrepreneur spirit, we share many mutual clients and my team thoroughly enjoy working with Sam and his exceptional team who is known for their trustworthiness and knowledge. He will quickly and accurately help identify your issues and provide you with solution-driven action items. I refer my clients to him with 100% confidence. You will feel well taken care of and put your mind at ease knowing that he will prioritize your needs first.