Catherine Gallagher

Catherine Gallagher charged me a flat fee that was supposed to cover up to 3 court visits. After the first court appearance she was already hinting for more money, after the second she asked for more money. Catherine often referred to how much the opposing council was getting paid when suggesting t...he need for an increase fee. Before the deposition on me was done I did pay another flat fee, in my opinion. I hadn’t exceeded the terms of the first agreement (3 court visits). My conversations were often defensive from Catherine when asking questions or presenting possible suggestions, a comment to note when asking about strategy and possible case leverage was “haven’t you ever watched Judge Judy”. When negotiations never really happened between council, it appeared it was going to trial. Based on the following reasons I had to act quickly and inform the judge I would no longer be moving forward with present council. 1. Catherine was poorly prepared every time we went to court, her attire and professionalism was less than desirable. 2. I felt Catherine did not provide proper review or council on my financials, there was little question or review of my wife’s financial which later was proven to be grossly overstated. 3. There was panicked phone interruptions during court in front of the judge and Catherine couldn’t turn her phone off. 4. The Judge asked for her pre-trial memorandum and her excuses was she left at her office, and informed me it doesn’t matter, that it has no effect on the case. (This document states your position and lays out your arguments so that the court may provide guidance). 5. My updated financials never got to apposing council or the court and my deposition was conducted on outdated financials. Catherine was an hour and a half late for my deposition and not prepared at all, she had no current financial in hand, and had no redirection for me at end of deposition. There were many excuses, stuck on a plane, not able to read or access submissions/documents from opposing council, she complained the type of media provided wasn’t sufficient or didn’t receive document or information pertaining to my case in time.