Padilla Smith Tolbert

I’m not one to review, however, the distress that was caused by trying to work with Paul Smith was very upsetting. After being referred by a friend who was currently working with him, we used him for damages in our home due to insurance. He stressed how time sensitive everything was, however would not respond to correspondence in a timely manner (weeks would pass after asking for updates). Eventually, after our home continued to have problems, I sent updated pictures of the damage and asked for an update, also stating if he was unavailable to help, I was very understanding, but I needed to know since our health was deteriorating living in a home with mold. His immediate response was to tell me obviously we lost faith in him as our attorney and that he was closing the case and sending all of our paperwork back. However, he did not send our paperwork for over a month, and after another request (my 3rd or 4th) for our home documents, I told him I would be reporting him to the bar association… our paperwork was on our doorstep the next day, and that was our last communication. He is very reactive, so anything you say or do could be your last interaction. Right after we were fired as clients for simply asking for an update, my friend who referred us asked for an update on their case, and they were fired as well. So, please be aware that if you hire him, you will have to chase him for answers and responses, and then you run the risk of being belittled. It was a very upsetting experience, and has hurt my trust in lawyers. Joey was very nice and professional and seemed he cared, and helped us at the beginning of our nightmare, but Paul took over during our first meeting. There were many other things that transpired, but I’m mainly trying to be brief (as brief as I can) for those needing a reliable lawyer. All things will be thrown back at you, and I’m sure there will be excuses to why we were treated so poorly, but when you say you’re going to have answers within a couple days and go missing for a couple weeks, it’s absolutely unacceptable, no matter what the excuse. I’ve gone through our situation so many times in my head to see if I was to blame or said anything that would justify how I was treated, but I cannot figure out why we were treated this way. I guess the universe was looking out for us and protecting us from harms way. I wish everyone well at that office, and hope that this review can help him have personal insight to the emotional roller coaster he can put people through. Regardless, peace to all.

They will tell you exactly what you WANT to hear absolutely. However, they won't do anything for you that you NEED. No helpful tips, guidance, Words of wisdom, plans, or even remotely existent conversations were had. First day and then court. Just don't. Don't go here.

Best lawyer around. Competitive fees. He's a bulldog in the courtroom. Definitely want him on your side.

Caring, understanding, good lawyer. Hire him!!!!

Did a great job. I had serious charges against me and managed to get a good negotiated plea bargen in the end. Victor was polite and on point. Very many thanks to this group for all the hard work they do. Keep it up!