Michael G Prestia

My experience with Michael Prestia was extremely disappointing, particularly given his website's emphasis on providing cost-effective legal services. From my first conversation with his office, I was completely transparent about our circumstances. My husband had an upcoming civil court hearing, ou...r household was experiencing financial hardship, and we were seeking representation for that specific hearing, with any further representation to be discussed afterward. I made it clear that we expected to pay for legal services but needed to find an arrangement within our means. After approximately a week of trying to follow up, I contacted his office again and was informed that his assistant had spoken with Mr. Prestia. She relayed that he was very enthusiastic about helping us, provided the financial arrangements could be worked out. She also discussed coordinating with my employer's Employee Assistance Program, which offers discounted legal services. I independently confirmed that the program could add him to its attorney network. His office then requested our summons, active court filings, and supporting evidence, which I sent directly for his review. Receipt was confirmed. Based on these conversations, I reasonably believed we had likely found counsel and were simply waiting to finalize the financial arrangements. Another week passed without follow-up. Once again, I had to initiate contact. When I finally spoke with Mr. Prestia, I spent approximately ten minutes explaining the basic circumstances of the lawsuit, including clarifying that my husband was the defendant rather than the plaintiff. This left me with the impression that the documents his office specifically requested had not been meaningfully reviewed. He ultimately informed me that he could not help us. When I asked whether the case was outside his practice area, he said it was not, but that he "needed to get paid." At no point had I suggested otherwise. I attempted to explain that another attorney had previously offered representation for $2,500 and that, although financially difficult, we were prepared to find a way to pay for the help we needed. Rather than asking what we could afford or exploring whether representation for the immediate hearing was feasible, he suggested the cost could range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. I fully understand that attorneys must be compensated and that litigation expenses can be unpredictable. My frustration is not that he declined our case. He had every right to do so. My frustration is the disconnect between his firm's advertising and my actual experience. Our financial limitations and requested scope of representation were disclosed from the beginning. His assistant communicated his willingness to help, discussed potential financial arrangements, and requested our case materials. Yet after approximately two weeks of delays and repeated follow-up attempts on my part, we were turned away over financial circumstances his office had known about all along. Meanwhile, our court hearing was rapidly approaching. Those were two weeks I could have spent seeking other representation rather than waiting under the impression that we had likely secured an attorney. I would have respected an immediate, straightforward refusal. What I cannot overlook is the unnecessary loss of valuable time, the lack of follow-through, and the expectations created by his office. Unfortunately, my experience did not reflect the responsive, cost-effective legal services advertised by this practice.

This is the 5th or 6th time I have had need of Mr Prestia's services. I would highly recommend him as your lawyer. Right from the start he gives you a feeling of confidence that you have a legal person on your side. He is upfront and truthful about the legal aspects of the case. He does not just te...ll you what you want to hear. He lays out the case, tells you what he plans to do and works hard to resolve the case with the best possible outcome for you as a client. I have not just given him slam dunk cases. He had to work hard for me and continue to pursue every legal avenue under the law. All of the cases he handled for me have ended with a positive result. Mr Prestia kept me informed at all times. He never left me wondering if things were being handled. Defiantly give Michael Prestia a chance to help you with your legal needs. You will not be sorry you put yourself in his hands.