Scott Willis Shaw

In March, 2016 I went to two attorneys in the same office near where I lived. I had been served with a restraining order and, as you might expect, wanted it lifted. Each of the two lawyers, both he and she, said twice, that they were “100% sure” that the DeKalb county judge would make the order per...manent when we went to court. That’s where Scott Shaw came in. I told my best friend about my situation and he directed me to Scott since my friend had employed Scott a few years prior in his family law matter. My case involved my former wife and my 17-year-old daughter. Scott met me on a chilly Sunday morning, which I appreciated since time was of the essence. He said he couldn’t guarantee anything but that if the judge went by the law, the order would not be made permanent. It would come down to what the law requires and an attorney making clear that those requirements had NOT been met in my case. I liked his hopeful but realistic assessment and signed on with him. Before court, we met and communicated a few times. He “outlined” the case and when court came, he arranged the documents he had assembled neatly before him at our desk. He was fully prepared. But the question in legal matters always comes down to one, which is, “but what was the actual outcome” of the case which two attorneys had arrogantly asserted would not be in my favor? The restraining order, after Scott finished questioning me on the stand and cross-examining my accusers, was immediately and completely dismissed, essentially laughed out of court. Afterwards, other people in the court, having observed Scott’s masterful performance, asked him on the spot for his business card - right there in court! Scott saved the day for me and my relief and gratitude continue to be immense. You may want a “nice” attorney (which Scott is) or an attorney to make you feel good or an attorney to whine to or to sympathize with you. Whatever you are looking for in an attorney, one of that variety can be found. On the other hand, if you are looking for an attorney who can win, contact Scott Shaw since winning is what he is all about.

Scott comes across as ambitious, a "go getter", and knowledgable when you first sit down with him. However, after seeing all these 5 star reviews, I just couldn't keep silent anymore about my own experience. All contentious divorces can get expensive but most lawyers try not to blow through your re...tainer. I just felt that Scott either didn't seem sure of certain things and it ended up costing more money because he was working- or - well- I won't go there because I don't want to think of anyone as being completely unethical. Like was mentioned in one other review noted- I think if I had been a guy maybe things could have been different. Maybe I just caught him at a bad time in life and had it been maybe a year later things could have been different- don't know. He had little patience with me when I asked questions about his process and it ended up that I now wish I had pushed it further. I really think that the end result could have been different and in my favor had he been a bit more thorough- I just felt like he kind of gave in to the other side. Final paperwork had some issues with it and he just didn't seem to really look it over. It spoke volumes to me when I had another lawyer look at my case after it was all said and done- and they were stunned at the things that could have been different. I think he means well- but maybe does better with male clients? Not sure. If you hire him- just stand your ground and don't allow him to bully you.

Mr. Shaw was creative without being underhanded and we never felt as though we were being baited into protracted litigation. To his credit, he was effective in steering us away from arguments of lesser merit in favor of those that would have the greatest likelihood of success. That ability in turn l...ed to greater speed and accuracy in fulfilling our wishes and for a speedy outcome. I would, however, give anyone who finds themselves in need of legal representation the following advice: Mind your minutes and learn to be patient. Litigation isn't like the internet, it isn't facebook. Once you've settled on a course of action with your lawyer, let him or her handle the legalities. Constantly requesting a status update is the quickest way to deplete a retainer. Moreover, this can bog down your lawyer, keeping them off point. Limit your exchanges to only when there is a significant discrepancy or change in the circumstances of the case. Courts are slow. Learn to accept that and more of your money will go toward representation instead of responses.

Scott Shaw gives each case personal attention and makes your desires and goals of the divorce/custody/visitation come true. He keeps you straight so you don’t go into the process with unrealistic expectations. Mr. Shaw works hard to get the best possible result. My case has a number of extenuating... circumstances, and Mr. Shaw and Julie have smoothed out every bump that has come along. They fought for me without me even having to ask. Mr. Shaw takes a vested interest in his clients and getting the best outcome from the divorce/custody. I couldn’t imagine working with anyone else for my case. It is complex, there are communication difficulties, my ex has tried to limit visitation during the process – at each step Mr. Shaw and Julie worked to make my dreams a reality. When it comes to children – Mr. Shaw and Julie truly shine and come out swinging. There hasn’t been a single moment of question if I made the right choice in attorneys since I started working with Mr. Shaw. Mr. Shaw has the book knowledge and, just as important, the case knowledge to fight for your rights and win!