Walter John Mathews

Hired Walter for a securities case against a brokerage firm. Walter asked for both a retainer and a contingency fee. When soliciting the business he made it very clear he wanted the case, and would pursue it to the end even if it meant no recovery and a lot of time. As soon as the retainer agree...ment was signed and the check cashed, Walter's disposition changed entirely. He spent minimal time on the case and the only action taken was a demand letter to opposing counsel that was so boiler plate and devoid of facts their response was literally "the complaint is simply too vague and is virtually fact barren – lacking in specific facts for us to make a decision." Sending the demand letter was the only action Walter took during the entire 9 months of representation, besides resigning from the case. In addition to this lackluster advocacy, Walter did a very poor job of communication. Once the retainer was signed he did not proactively call once during the entire 9 months to provide an update (though he usually returned my periodic calls within a few days time). I cannot comment on Walter's knowledge of the law because we never got to the point where it was demonstrated. I can say his advocacy skills leave a lot to be desired. Opposing counsel constantly ignored agreed to deadlines and Walter's general response was to send feeble emails. I can understand why opposing counsel did not take us seriously, I would not have either if I were in their position. It is impossible for me not to arrive at the conclusion that Walter was eager to sign up the case in order to place a risk free bet. If his demand letter led opposition to the negotiating table, he received a big contingency % for minimal work. If (as was the case) opposition did not immediately roll over and told him instead to file a complaint (which is what he had stated to us he would do in such an event), his time was already compensated for and he resigned. It was a win-win for him with little regard for us. I take no pleasure in writing this review. My complaint is not about the outcome of the case, but about the caliber of the representation. I would strongly caution anyone against hiring this firm.