James David Hartt

I hired James Hartt to represent me against a government agency for violating my human rights as a female with a disability. I hired him for a second case against my employer for retaliation. Both cases were dismissed as NPC. I have a third retaliation case pending with the NYSDHR and will not ha...ve Mr. Hartt represent me again. He did very little in either case; albeit the minimum required which was basically copying and pasting my written complaint into legal format. He added very little to the fact finding conference that took place failing to point out anything relevant or pertinent to my case. He was inconsistent with his information yet consistent with making excuses each time I had a question or need. Several thousand dollars wasted only to be failed in both cases.

I paid Mr. Hartt with Cashiers Checks. Not only did I NOT obtain a written contract or ITEMIZED BILL. As far as I know, almost at the six year point, after I called Mr. Hartt. HE DID NOTHING! NO ITEMIZED BILL, NO WRITTEN CONTRACT. I complained to the attorney grievance committee & their respo...nse wasn’t commensurate considering his misconduct according to the NYS Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct. What made it worse? I consulted with a female attorney at the Cohen & Lombardo Firm, (ironically the same firm that served process for my landlord’s eviction proceeding where I had affirmative defenses against the eviction,) they lied & said Mr. Hartt did “nothing wrong.” My file was “mysteriously” missing. Mr. Hartt...what did you do to “earn” what I paid you?

I saw the reviews for this attorney and felt empowered. Let’s put it out there. I lost my case. I can say I am bitter. But that’s not why I don’t recommend him. I don’t recommend him because he took calls without our information in front of him, I had to write my briefings myself and he forward my cr...eated briefings and his responses based only on my efforts. Literally with the FWD still on it. Weird I lost. (Sarcasm). Look, if you are going to spend the money, don’t spend it on someone who will literally scold YOU for asking him to take effort in your case. He didn’t respond timely, took only my created words(I’m not a lawyer) and was not prepared. Bummer considering it couldn’t have been more cut and dry. Humiliated to lose because it was such a slam dunk but when your attorney isn’t invested why would the judge be. Hire literally anybody else. It’s like I literally threw 3k that I borrowed during Covid out a window. To be mistreated at work and then by someone you PAID is truly disheartening when he KNEW this was the last of your money. Instead of saying “I am overwhelmed I cannot do you justice” he took it so he could pay for his vacation! Bummer.

Age Discrimination - I filled out the many forms, summitted and wrote up everything with supporting voice recordings. Just pay my $3000 fee and answer their questions, he said. Did anyone answer my many questions? No. I don't how the process works, don't worry he said. We will talk prior to the call,... nope! Oh, wait... he texted, "You hit it out of the ballpark." Really? The employer didn't provide any of my requested items. You see, I'm not employed so no access to employer evidence. Mr. Hartt states (afterward), discovery doesn't exist at the State level. This seemed important to know. I had lots of questions, most with no response. Mr Hartt doesn't do appeals. "I cannot represent you in an appeal because I’m not in a public lawyer." Later, Mr Hartt states "...if you want a second kick at the can, federal court is nice..." "My retainer is $5500 which includes $400 filing fee and $100 Service of process fee but it could be a nice second chance. Oh, wait... we can't go Federal. If ANY lawyer asks for a fee and NOT an hourly rate.... don't walk, RUN!!! I have every email and text from this professional. What a huge mistake!