Michael Tierney

I contacted Michael after seeing in public records that he had previously represented someone in a civil case involving the same debt buyer suing me. I wish I had read the reviews about his rude behavior beforehand, because they would have saved me a lot of frustration. Our initial call went well, an...d I hired him. After paying $1,200, he filed a generic, copy‑and‑paste answer filled with statements that didn’t even apply to my case, and then I heard nothing for more than three months. After 3 months I emailed him for the first time asking him for an update, he called me and immediately began berating me for “acting like he wasn’t doing anything.” He repeatedly talked over me and wouldn’t let me finish a sentence. Once I was able to speak, I explained that I wasn’t accusing him of doing nothing, I simply hadn’t seen any docket activity and wondered whether the case had stalled or could be dismissed due to the plaintiff’s lack of action. This was only my second time speaking with in the months since I retained him. I didn't call, I didn't email, I didn't bother him at all for over 3 months. I just asked a question and he called me upset and berated me. Less than three days later, he emailed me the first settlement offer, despite having filed no motions and no discovery requests. He pushed me to accept their initial offer without verifying even the basics of a debt‑buyer case, such as chain of title or standing. I’ve handled debt‑buyer cases before, so I questioned this approach. His response was again rude, dismissive, and condescending. Both in calls and in emails. At one point, after I suggested a counteroffer, he replied, “Is that now your highest and best offer?” His tone throughout the case was worse than dealing directly with the debt buyer’s collectors. After several unpleasant interactions, I even asked him to return part of my retainer if he didn’t want to work with me. Eventually, after continued pressure, the settlement amount was lowered to something I was comfortable with, and I accepted. I’m relieved this experience is over. Working with Michael Tierney was extremely unpleasant, and I would not recommend him to anyone seeking professional, communicative, or client‑focused representation.