Michele G. Bergevin

I hired Michelle because I wanted an aggressive attorney for my custody/visitation suit. WHAT. A. MISTAKE. She is completely disorganized and doesn't care - she didn't even show up for one of my court appearances and last minute (apparently she was on vacation?!) sent one of her junior attorneys - w...ho was totally unprepared - in her place. 30 minutes late! She ignored outreach attempts by the other side to reach a settlement - I found this out AFTER from the other attorney - and instead, gouged me for even more (undeserved) fees. And her written work product was late, and full of mistakes! Learn fro my mistake - DO NOT hire this woman.

I can't see why people would write terrible reviews for this woman!? Michele is a wonderful attorney who fights like a pit bull in a skirt for her clients.. she also is a very professional, busy, business woman. Maybe that is why some have negative comments, it maybe hard to relate. She calls back wi...th every call made for telephone consuel, handles things completely and entirely while at the court house, speaks to the judges with great knowledge of child custody issues. She fights for her clients 100%. This is my second time hiring Michele within an 8 year period and let me tell you I feel so at ease and comfortable just knowing she's there in my corner to defend not only myself but my daughter. She does it for the children! I feel truly and honestly if you have a washed opinion about her you must have lost your case due to the judgment from the JUDGE going to to "right" parent, and with all do respect can you really blame anyone but yourself?

I hired Michele Bergevin for my custody case and she was the worst. First and foremost, she is a gouger. She'll overcharge and run up hours against her retainer and then come back for more. She is terrible at returning phone calls, doesn't respond to basic questions, and she is awful in the Courtroom.... In my case, she lost miserably to my ex husband who was representing himself pro se during a custody trial, and I lost physical custody of my 4 kids. Don't waste a dime on her legal services. She's a hack and does not belong in the profession. She should be disbarred for being unethical and unprofessional.

I retained Michele to handle a contentious and extremely complicated relocation trial (I was the one attempting to stop the relocation). This was a “direct to trial” case. I am a seasoned law enforcement professional. In that capacity, I have worked closely with an array of both prosecutors and de...fense attorneys. Many were/are quite skilled; some were great negotiators; only a handful were excellent trial attorneys. Michele falls into the latter. From the EBT (deposition) to the actual trial Michele performed admirably. She had complete command of the pertinent issues, (including case law) and her performance in both realms were simply outstanding. By the third day of trial, the petitioner (my ex) decided it was prudent to settle (before her cross-examination) and withdrew the relocation petition. As a father who loves his children, I could not be more appreciative of this final result. I firmly believe the concession was a result of a hesitancy to be crossed examined by Michele. The writing was on proverbial wall. As for her billing, she is extremely fair; some would say she was too fair. She charged me for “exactly” the work she did and clearly did not “pad” the bill – trust me I examine bills closely anytime I am involved with an attorney, and with my ex that is often. If you are seeking an experienced and seasoned “trial attorney,” look no farther. If you are seeking an attorney who can play “hard ball” when necessary to ensure there is no trial, look no farther.

I was Michele's 1st client upon her cessation from Toohey & Dowd. She was recommended to me by an best friend/MD who just happened to be in court to support a mutual friend.Michele was, at that time, defending a drug defendant who was acquitted. My friend was quick to point out Ms Bergevin 's excelle...nt legal prowess. The law has always fascinated me. Had it not been for two (2) felony drug possession convictions at an early (age: 21& 25) age; it would have been my chosen career. I hired Michele, the 1st time, to take over an acrimonious divorce proceeding... note the "took over" part! She was amazing! She accomplished more in 6 weeks than my former lawyer didin 1.5 yrs. I pride myself in having an above average knowledge in NYS criminal law. NOT so much in family/matrimony law. Michele encouraged me, as any GOOD attorney would, to learn and become ACTIVELY involved in my personal case. I did. To this day it was/is perhaps the best piece of legal advise I ever received. Michele weathered through a lengthy divorce/custody case with and for me. This even included a "divorce trial." Trial? Divorce?...and NOT over money? Oh yes....and WE won! There is no sense in disclosing all the "gory" details. What counts is that the outcome was far better than anticipated. When it comes to the law: criminal or civil....obtaining that type (better than thought) of result is a HUGE victory! Unfortunately for me, it was not the last time I hired the services of Ms Bergevin. To dater....I have NEVER been disappointed with outcomes. If Michele is "guilty" of anything short of excellence, I would suggest a couple of reasons. None of which are remotely connected to "outcomes." Response times/immediate case knowledge: yes, at times not as quick as one might like...BUT...along with Michele's expertise and track record comes clients...a lot of them!!! be patient and stay focused on the big picture is my advise to any/all complainers...AND...MOST IMPORTANT!!! goes back to the late 90's and a piece of "legal advise" given to me by Ms Bergevin: Learn about and be ACTIVE IN YOUR OWN CASE!!! I don't care if Clarence Darrow was resurrected and argued on your behalf....if you don't know the general legal specifics of your own case....you have already lost because EVEN favorable outcomes may NOT sem so favorable when applied with the context of NYS law.///