Jodi Ann Zakaria

I just read the two reviews below, and pondered the question how could I have had the most amazing experience with Ms. Jodi Zacaria, and then actually felt saddened to read two “not favorable” reviews? Yes, my heart actually dropped. Here it is in a nutshell. If you win your case, you have amazing th...ings to say about your lawyer. If not, well you feel compelled to bash them. People be disappointed with the “system”, not this lawyer. I found her to be exact, prompt in her responses to me, and a beast with the judge. (Beast is a positive btw) As soon as the judge asked his first question, I heard her defend me. I literally sat back took a deep breath, and knew if I won my case, it wasn’t going to be on my own merit. Her skill was abrupt! The judge even said after she (Ms. Zakaria) questioned me “Iv heard enough”. Another words, you don’t need to go on, I can see this women’s suffering. Do you know how that makes you feel after fighting an unmovable beast, to finally see that light at the end of a very dark tunnel?! Yes, if your reading this, I know you do know how that feels. Please know ever lawyer learns from “the system” the longer they’ve been in it. Ms. Zakarias skill has been refined. Maybe a few years back, she still had something to learn? But today? Today shes got it about as ‘down pat’ as it gets. I adored everything about her. I wish I could thank her more honestly. Ms. Zakaria if your reading this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

As a client I found Jodi Zakaria to be untrustworthy, not totally true in her responses to questions asked by me the client. Her paralegal, Amy, joined my case in the last 3 months and did not provide a professional or courteous attitude but, she provided red tape. They made NO attempts to contact ...me to provide updates. They sold me on the fact that "Jodi Zakaria" would be there through the whole process but, after an unfavorable decision by the ALJ, Deborah A. Arnold, her paralegal told me that they could NOT handle the appeal after being assured by Michelle, which was the first point of contact when my case began! Jodi did NOT even tell me this in my follow-up after I received my denial letter. I guess she was too afraid to talk to her client. Under the guise of hearing preparation and attorney client privilege I was involved in preparation 2 months before my hearing she asked questions but, somehow the questions and answers were recorded verbatim under the facts of the unfavorable decision. Jodi and her paralegal did not even request required records to support claim but, she did request records to show me in a negative light instead for a positive decision. When asked why? Jodi gave no answers but, her paralegal said we are limited to the amount of records we can request. So, if your evidence is from more than 2 yrs. back they won't retrieve it eventhough it supports your claim. On top of that, one date of the records they did request was for a date in which I wasn't even being seen by my doctor but, she used those records which were inconsistent. They were friendly until confronted with their errors and lack of knowledge then they didn't want to answer or come up with excuses or red tape. For the amount that any attorney charges for a disability case which is usually 25% the services are NOT equivalent to what you are paying for. When an attorney doesn't want to answer questions, beware......they aren't on your side. I failed to recognize this sign and other signs along this 2 1/2 year journey for a case that has been ongoing for 5 yrs. Jodi Zakaria even had the nerve to have her paralegal hand me a letter declining her involvement with an appeal with two attorney's listed who may handle my appeal. Why would this attorney think I would choose one of her referred attorney's for my appeal when I don't trust or recommend her services? Would I recommend this attorney? NO! My overall rating in review of this attorney is exactly what I got ZERO. Had to give her 1 star in order to post this review but, ZERO is the recommend stars. Sorry, when I cannot trust an attorney who is providing services for me on my behalf seriously jeopardizes her crediblilty!