F. Douglas Hartnett

I retained F. Douglas Hartnett to represent me in an EEO hearing. I delivered my EEO investigation report and he participated in vetting of an arbitrator. Several months later (approximately two to three) he informed me I needed to pay his retainer. I delivered it while in intense physical pain and i...n an orthopedic boot. That's when things started going downhill. When I would call to check in with him, I either got a receptionist or his machine. I would leave messages, but did not get a call back. It finally came down to me having to "catch" him in his office. I expressed my disappointment that did not return my calls, and he claimed he had "nothing to report." I then requested, as long lapses of time were going by, to at least let me know. It got worse when he repeatedly asked the name of the attorney representing my employer. Although he admitted he "should be more responsive" the non-return of phone calls continued. Finally, things began to move, and we had a pre-hearing scheduling phone conference with the attorney and selected arbitrator. At that time, I requested to meet with him prior as I was uncomfortable with his lack of familiarity with the issues of my case. At that phone conference, which I came to 1/2 an hour earlier, but waited an additional 15 minutes in the waiting room, when he announced that he had to "pee." Noting how unprofessional this pronouncement was to the receptionist, I awaited his return. He then began asking me questions such as "what is the statute of limitations," and "who are their witnesses." At this point, I had paid a hefty retainer and consultation fee. As the conversation went on, it became evident he was completely unfamiliar with the issues of my case, despite having had the report for at least 7 months. I am sure he sensed my discomfort, and as I left, he called me back to the conference room to inform me that the retainer and consultation fee "would not be sufficient" to cover a one-day hearing of 8 hours or less. I immediately left with the intention of discontinuing his services. I also inquired if he really thought he had done sufficient work to request additional fees as I didn't see what he had done for the money already paid. He agreed, and when I reviewed his contract, it mentioned that regardless of the status of the case, he would stop working until additional funds were paid. I terminated him via email, and then as his agreement stated, by certified mail. I only received half of the retainer back, although I do not think his work warranted keeping the other half. I then had to seek new counsel. His work was shoddy at best, and I received better advice and counsel for a fraction of his consultation fee, resulting in a satisfactory resolution from alternate counsel.

Mr. Hartnett’s advice and support were critical to getting me through an unwanted employment separation, and the results were well beyond my expectations. Things happened very quickly, and he was always available if I needed to talk. He went out of his way to explain the law and my options, as I kn...ow nothing about employment law. I was struck by how accurately he predicted my employer’s actions and reactions as the situation unfolded. He was honest and realistic, and fought hard for what we determined we could achieve - and we did! Mr. Hartnett is a very kind, approachable, and low-key guy. If you are looking for a shark in a sharp suit, I would not recommend him. But if you want an attorney who will take time with you, not condescend, and stand by you in a crisis, you can’t do better.

Mr. Hartnett is an excellent EEO/CR lawyer. He helped me through a very difficult time. If it was not for his kindness, expertise, and the respect he garnered from my employer I would not have received the nice settlement agreement that I got. The settlement agreement has helped me to not only sur...vive but start to thrive in my job with the same employer. He was also very generous in letting me keep more than my fair share of the settlement agreement, which helped us through that difficult time. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is experiencing discrimination from their employer and needs a friendly, generous, and knowledgable attorney to navigate them through the EEO complaint process.