Howell & Mchugh

**FIRED** No call backs (even when I left I message with answering service that I'm getting nervous since I haven't heard from him). No email confirmation. NEVER get anyone but answering service. Took my retainer and did NOTHING. ALSO charges half an hr for any unscheduled visits or calls. Go figure. 5 star reviews have no info so don't trust them. asked for proof of work and any files he acquired. As of now I was told by the secretary I will get a voice mail when it's ready. One week later: I got an envelope with letter explaining how they're allowed to take a portion of the retainer. No proof of work done or files related to the case which I specifically asked for. Was given partial refund with a check hand written in green pen on a green check. Bank refused it and laughed that a law office didn't print the check or write in back/blue ink. When I had the check replaced I confirmed no work was done in almost 6 weeks.

I hired Martin McHugh as a lawyer to defend me during a custody case and a domestic violence restraining order. He didn't do much work at all. He had me get all the paper work for him. I ended up settling the battle myself. I was to get my custody papers from him and never received them. I have contacted him many times to get those papers and never succeeded. I just recently asked for my documentation AGAIN (a year later) and was told by the receptionist that she would email them to me. I urged that it was important for me to get them ASAP as I needed them another court date. She took my email down and said she was getting them to me. I waited for quite some time and never received them. I called back to double check that they had the right email, she said yes and she was going to email them. Over 24 hours later and still no email. I've contacted them 2 more times since then and Martin wasn't in the office. Each lady has taken a message but have told me the chances of getting ahold of him on the weekends are rare. I don't recommend him as you will end up representing yourself and waste your money.

Mr. McHugh has been my lawyer since November of 2017. Mr. McHugh is honest and direct in a profession that rarely has either. Mr. McHugh is well respected by his peers and the judges in the Chico area. He doesn’t waste anyone’s time. If you need a child custody lawyer with a moral compass and a willingness to help guide you through the process of doing what is best for your children, then look no further.

Very professional firm.