Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

140 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(110)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(30 )

 See client reviews from Lawyers.com
Filter Avvo Reviews (110) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 109
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 1
Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (56) Family (35) Child Custody (31) Lawsuits & Disputes (20) Litigation (12) Alimony (4) Domestic Violence (4) Mediation (4) Child Support (3) Business (2) Uncontested Divorce (2) Appeals (1) Arbitration (1) Contracts & Agreements (1) Criminal Defense (1) Employment & Labor (1) Immigration (1) Marriage & Prenuptials (1) Probate (1)
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (61) Professionalism (57) Practice Area Knowledge (51) Case Results (50) Recommendation (49) General Knowledge (44) Communication Style (29) Character & Conduct (28) Compassion (22) Trustworthiness (21) Cost of Services (16) Responsiveness (14) Staff & Support (4) Free Consultations (1) Payment Plans (1) Punctuality (1)

Showing 21 - 25 of 35 reviews | Family

Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Extremely Satisfied Client

Carlos Lastra is a member of Paley Rothman’s Family Law and Litigation practice group. He represented me throughout my divorce and child custody arrangements. I had never had to go through this before, and a situation such as this can be very emotional at times. I was very nervous, but Carlos was abl...e to reassure me that everything would be OK and put my mind at ease, which is not easy to do if you knew my personality. He has always been straightforward, honest, presented me with every option possibly available, has been very creative in his legal strategy by thinking outside the box as opposed to taking a cookie cutter approach as most lawyers do, and has always provided me with confidence that I was in good hands and everything would work out. He was always very thorough with his legal preparation and prepared for every possible outcome. Additionally, he made sure that I was fully prepared and that I knew what to expect during each phase of the process so there were no surprises. Through his representation and strategic tactics I was able to negotiate a great settlement to my fullest satisfaction. Even when it looked like things were not going my way, Carlos was able to negotiate and strategize creative ways of making sure I was protected as his client, reassure me and give me confidence, and eventually everything worked out in my favor. His legal strategy was impeccable as was his presentation in front of the court, and I can truly state that his knowledge of law and legal strategy is only surpassed by his skill, professionalism, and presentation in the courtroom. I hope to never be in this situation again; however, if I ever am, Carlos will be the first person I call. I enthusiastically recommend him to anyone who ever has to go through this ordeal and can personally let you know from experience that you would be in the best hands possible with Carlos Lastra.

Carlos Lastra

Replied last January 13, 2019

Thank you so much for your recommendations and for leaving this review. I appreciate your thoughts on my courtroom presentations, as well as preparations for them and for settlement negotiations as well. Preparation of all elements, including my client, is how to secure good results. I am pleased I was able to do so for you.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2019

Excellent Attorney

If you're reading this, it's because you are, unfortunately, in need of an attorney for a family matter, most likely divorce. Therefore, I'll try to be a little more comprehensive than, "He's great, blah blah blah, got me what I wanted, blah blah blah, I would recommend him." Mr. Lastra helped me... through my divorce case, and will be helping me with my custody case. My case became complex and unpredictable as my spouse spiraled out of control. Although her attorney did his best to harass, insult, threaten, double crosss and play underhanded tricks on myself and Mr. Lastra, Mr. Lastra represented the pinnacle of professionalism, even when the opposing counsel actually stooped to name-calling during a deposition. I was duly impressed. Mr. Lastra maintained his composure and continued his line of questioning until as much of the contradictory information and outright fabrications were drawn out of my spouse as could be expected - even as she alternately feigned haughtiness, tiredness and crying until she finally (and genuinely) cracked. He never presented an aggressive manner or confrontational tone, although in this particular case the plot is thicker than "War and Peace" and more confusing and bizarre than "Naked Lunch." The only time Mr. Lastra showed any signs of aggression was when my spouse's attorney threatened me with physical violence in the lobby of the court. Mr. Lastra immediately jumped in and shut the other attorney down with a few choice (yet still appropriate) words. Mr. Lastra is an ideal attorney for those genuinely wronged in a family matter. If you're looking for someone to cover up your indiscretions or twist your own wrong-doings, then he's not the attorney for you (I would rtecommend my spouse's attorney for that - and then I would respectfully request that you simply take responsibility for your actions and not attempt to wreak any further emotional or financial damage - you've done enough, now go away); however, if you need an intelligent, honest and ruthlessly professional attorney, I would highly recommend Mr. Lastra.

Carlos Lastra

Replied last January 12, 2019

I remember having to step in-between my client and the opposing party's lawyer as he approached my client in an aggressive manner and firmly, but professionally, reminded the other lawyer of the impropriety of his conduct. I also wanted to prevent my client from feeling afraid and/or being compelled to retaliate. The situation deescalated quickly. This incident further reinforced what I learned a long time ago, which is keep your team focused on the ultimate goal, not side distractions, and that I am both figuratively, and in this case was literally, my client's champion. Thank you for sharing your story.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2019

I highly recommend Mr. Lastra

Mr. Lastra joined my team of attorneys in the middle of my divorce because of his extensive knowledge and experience with domestic violence and protective orders as they relate to divorce. He was extremely responsive to my needs and exceeded my expectations in both his work and the outcome. Once we g...ot to court, it was obvious to everyone he was the smartest guy in the room. My spouse, opposing counsel and the judge quickly realized he was on top of everything, and their dirty tricks were not going to succeed. The outcome was favorable even beyond my attorneys' expectations. Even after we won and avoided further litigation, Mr. Lastra went the extra yards to gather more evidence to use in the future to prove my spouse has no credibility and help prove our side of the story. Mr. Lastra is a member of the best family law firm in Montgomery County because he is one of the best family law attorneys in the county.

Carlos Lastra

Replied last January 12, 2019

Thank you for your review. I was glad I was able to implement my extensive criminal defense trial background in assisting you in defending against these false domestic violence allegations. Its always important to preserve evidence when you can to not only win a potential future fight, but perhaps avoid it altogether. As the old saying goes every battle is won or lost before its ever fought. Best of luck to you.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2019

Excellent Family Law Attorney

Mr. Lastra developed an early stratedy for summary disposition of the litigation and then carried it out with a clear understanding of the issues and the applicable law. He kept me well informed as to the plan and his court room presentation was clear and concise resulting in an early disposition in ...my favor. I highly recommend him as a family lawyer attorney.

Carlos Lastra

Replied last January 12, 2019

The earlier I can see a client the better because its better to be proactive then reactive. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to implement the right plan for you for the right result. All the best.

Posted by Jennifer | January 12, 2019

saved our familys christmas

My husband and I retained Mr. Lastra to help us keep our family together. He was very informative about what rights we had and helped me make a very tough legal decision that resulted so far in our favor. His fees were reasonable and well worth my son celebrating his first Christmas with both his par...ents. We are very thankful to his kindness and dedication to our family and would recommend his service to anyone.

Carlos Lastra

Replied last January 12, 2019

Thank you Jennifer for this review and your courage. Because you and your Husband were brave, despite the high stakes involved, you gave me the ability to be aggressive and fight for the outcome you described here. I hope you will have many many wonderful Christmases for many years to come.

See All Client Reviews