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David James Steele

4.5
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 22 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Indianapolis, IN
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody, Child Support

3021 East 98th Street, Suite 105, Indianapolis, IN

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2015
See Details

About David

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 25%

For the past decade, I have handled some 1,500 cases, including everything from divorce to child custody matters, child support, post dissolution matters and anything else related to family law. Please see my profile for a complete listing of reviews from former clients. That will aways be the best way to judge an attorney. I return every phone call, I push every case aggressively and I will never overbill a client. Period.

23 years | 1,500 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Indiana for 22 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 2003

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2015

Location

Steele Legal Group

3021 East 98th Street, Suite 105, Indianapolis, IN, 46280

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The Avvo Rating explained

David James Steele's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

47 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 47 reviews

Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2015 | Child Custody

Don't trust him!!!!!!!!!!!! no joke pls read!!

I lost physical custody of my daughter because this attorney told me to withhold parenting time twice & i was found in contempt for it..He also made me miss 2 of my court dates & then I had to end up paying my ex's attorney fees twice..He also had me running & getting all the paprework he needed for ...court & things for evidence ..I am now seeing my daughter every other week ... he charges outrageous amount 5000.00 for nothing!!!

David Steele

Replied last July 12, 2015

Logging on with different email accounts to write twice in a row seems petty. But, out of curiosity - how did I "make you miss two court hearings?" That didn't help your case when I was there twice and you weren't. Just as an example of why your case wasn't optimal. The ones who do well generally show up for court.

Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Terrible experience

I really got the wrong first impression. I felt like this attorney was working for my ex. I left feeling like I was bullied into agreeing to things I was not comfortable with. I can't take those decisions back and I spent a significant amount of money and got NOTHING accomplished. I'm sure my ex... loved having 2 attorneys on his side. In the end before I fired Steele, it had been weeks since I had even heard a word from him regarding my case. My case was important to me, not this guy.

David Steele

Replied last July 12, 2015

I'm sorry about your issues with my associates. I wish you the best of luck in all future legal endeavors. Your experience at Steele Legal Group was far from typical.

Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2015 | Child Custody

WOW!

In January 2015, I went on the search for the best child custody lawyer. I was lead to David Steele. At the initial consultation, I explained my situation and the situation I was trying to get my daughter out of. My wife was a stay at home mother and she developed a substance abuse problem. I was sc...ared that if I filed for a divorce, my wife would get custody of my daughter. I needed help. David listened. He told me he would be willing to take me on as a client. He told me he was confident he could get me full custody. I hired David and was amazed. The communication throughout the process was amazing. He is upfront and straightforward. During the process of the divorce my wife stepped up and said she would seek treatment and counseling. David was so happy for me. He put a stop on the process and stayed in contact with me, answering all questions that came up. He even billed me just for the work that was done and refunded me the rest of my money. That's when I was truly amazed. Its rare to come across people or a business who actually care about you. I am just blown away and still in shock. Thank you David for everything! My wife and I are working through things.

David Steele

Replied last July 12, 2015

I'm so glad to hear you two are working through things. Despite being a divorce lawyer, I'm always more than happy to see people not require my services. I'll go practice tax law - those clients are richer than your kind anyway. Listen, it is incredibly nice to try and give me some credit for how things worked out, but I didn't do anything at all; that was all you guys. But, I very much appreciate the fact that you would think to write a review thanking me for simply doing the right thing and making sure your divorce was withdrawn and your money refunded - that should never be an issue with lawyers but sadly, usually is. You might be the first person in history to write a review to discuss money and not be complaining about money. Thank you again. I and my staff sincerely thank you. Good luck to you and your wife and take no offense if I say I hope I never see you again!

Posted by Jackie | March 29, 2015 | Child Custody

Will NEVER use anyone else again - DAVID'S THE BEST

Truly - i will never hire another lawyer. The experience i had with David, as well as the team he takes such pride in, was better than any experience I've ever had with a lawyer and I've had more than anyone should because i have a jerk for an ex husband. Who always put our kids in the middle and alw...ays won. Until he got into a court room with David. And since that day, my life has been better and better. He doesn't try to bully me anymore because he learned the hard way that he was way way outmatched against David Steele (and my God was it a beautiful sight to see that lesson administered) that he couldn't even begin to bully David. It was very clear that we were not in his world that day, we were in David's. And he is an expert at what he does. You'll never know how much i owe you David. Thank you. My children thank you and my parents thank you. God bless you and yours. Also - i know full well that should have cost more no matter what you tell me. Remember how many lawyers I've had? I know pricing and i know full well you took it easy on me because you know my husband had practically bankrupted me with court proceedings, always getting the better of whatever cheap attorney i brought with me. Until a friend gave David SUCH a glowing reference that, even though i didn't think he could possibly live up to what she was saying, i called him, liked him immediately and he got me into his office the very next day. Now I'm the one writing a review i don't expect anyone to believe. Because all you hear about lawyers is bad stuff. But all you hear about David is good. Which is why I read the couple bad reviews posted on here just bc i couldn't understand how anyone had a bad experience with David, not th David we came to know and trust with our lives. Turns out both reviews were written by the same guy with a grudge. And of course the two people out of 45 who gave less that an A+ were their own worst problems. The one guy who pretended to be two didn't EVEN SHOW UP TO HIS FINAL HEARING and OF course blames David! Tells you about all you need to know. Hire David Steele and don't look back.

Posted by Jessica | March 19, 2015

Caring & Motivated

David and his team have been so helpful, responsive, and caring. He takes the time to respond and give important information, even before he's hired. It's hard going through something this emotional, yet he and his team make me feel protected.

See All Client Reviews

David James Steele's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Justin Thane Bowen headshot
Justin Bowen

Litigation lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Having worked with Dave Steele on several matters, I can attest to his intellect and legal accumen. Although I have not personally observed him in the court room, he is without question one of the most outgoing and approachable people I have ever met, and I am certain this translates into great results with both his clients and in front of the court. I am certain Dave would be a fine choice as a litigator on any matter. Congratulations on your success Dave!"

Kristin E. Hobbs headshot
Kristin Hobbs

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David J. Steele is a top notch attorney. His responses in public forums such as AVVO showcase his experience, expertise, and a deep understanding and knowledge of the law. Any person in need of an attorney will be greatly served by this superior attorney."

Carol A. Lawson headshot
Carol Lawson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is a true and passionate advocate for his clients."

Peter Joseph Lamont headshot
Peter Lamont

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has earned the respect and trust of fellow lawyers and clients."

Jacob Shad Mason headshot
Jacob Mason

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ronna L. DeLoe headshot
Ronna DeLoe

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent attorney in the matrimonial/family law field."

Florian Eqrem Tabaku headshot
Florian Tabaku

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Steele provides clear and helpful advice. He is knowledgeable and cares about his clients."

William Thomas Schemmel headshot
William Schemmel

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His AVVO answers demonstrate significant experience and expertise in family law."

Gilbert Richard Hoy Jr headshot
Gilbert Hoy

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Steele is a superb divorce lawyer. Excellent reputation and results."

Joseph Franklin Pippen Jr. headshot
Joseph Pippen

Family lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Steele has a superb rating on AVVO and is a credit to AVVO and the legal community for his volunteer efforts helping the community understand legal issues."

Jeremy Judson Cobb headshot
Jeremy Cobb

Unknown lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Other

"I've carefully reviewed Mr. Steele's qualifications and answers. He breathes insight and compassion into a profession that badly needs both."

Matthew Thomas Majeski headshot
Matthew Majeski

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Counsel Steele. He provides valuable and helpful advice to the Avvo community and would make a great choice for family law situations."

Tolulope O. Kuteyi headshot
Tolulope Kuteyi

Unknown lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Benjamin I. Hirsch headshot
Benjamin Hirsch

Unknown lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David Steele's advice on this site has been spot on. It is to the point, easy to understand and he clearly grasps the issues."

Chong Hae Ye headshot
Chong Ye

Unknown lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tatiana Kadetskaya headshot
Tatiana Kadetskaya

Unknown lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent lawyer. Well respected."

Matthew Erik Johnson headshot
Matthew Johnson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Outstanding lawyer in the community."

Brian Brenn headshot
Brian Brenn

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is a wonderful attorney, very talented and client-driven. I would highly endorse him."

James P. Frederick headshot
James Frederick

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Steele and I do not practice in ANY of the same areas of law. We somehow crossed paths on a particular Avvo question and have communicated a couple of times, since. What I have noticed in my interactions with David is he is not your typical lawyer. That is a good thing, because people often despise "typical lawyers." If you review David's profile, his philosophy and his client reviews, you get a sense that not only is David not typical, but he is exceptional, in who he is and what he does. The kind of work that he does is difficult. He is often meeting with people who are at their very worst. You can tell from the reviews that David not only helps them through that, but that he also gives them a whole new outlook on lawyers and the law. How many lawyers can you say that about? For these reasons and because I really admire the man's philosophy and his bio, I am very happy to endorse David and his services. James Frederick"

View All Endorsements
Peter Joseph Lamont headshot
Peter Lamont

Unknown lawyer

Jacob Shad Mason headshot
Jacob Mason

Unknown lawyer

Ronna L. DeLoe headshot
Ronna DeLoe

Unknown lawyer

Florian Eqrem Tabaku headshot
Florian Tabaku

Unknown lawyer

William Thomas Schemmel headshot
William Schemmel

Unknown lawyer

Matthew Thomas Majeski headshot
Matthew Majeski

Unknown lawyer

Jeremy Judson Cobb headshot
Jeremy Cobb

Unknown lawyer

Joseph Franklin Pippen Jr. headshot
Joseph Pippen

Unknown lawyer

Gilbert Richard Hoy Jr headshot
Gilbert Hoy

Unknown lawyer

Tolulope O. Kuteyi headshot
Tolulope Kuteyi

Unknown lawyer

Benjamin I. Hirsch headshot
Benjamin Hirsch

Unknown lawyer

Kristin E. Hobbs headshot
Kristin Hobbs

Unknown lawyer

Carol A. Lawson headshot
Carol Lawson

Litigation lawyer

James P. Frederick headshot
James Frederick

General practice lawyer

Burton A. Padove headshot
Burton Padove

Car accident lawyer

Matthew Erik Johnson headshot
Matthew Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Brenn headshot
Brian Brenn

Discrimination lawyer

Justin Thane Bowen headshot
Justin Bowen

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2015.

Disbarment issued in IN, 2015

updated on 12/01/2015

This is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the the Indiana State Bar to understand the reasons for this disbarment.

Interim suspension issued in IN, 2015

updated on 11/19/2015

This means the attorney temporarily lost his or her license to practice law while the State investigates whether the attorney should be disciplined. The suspension typically expires when the investigation is resolved.

Honors

2006

President, Howard County Bar Association

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Owner, Steele Legal Group, LLC

2009 - 2010

Attorney, Nice & Steffey, LLP

2005 - 2009

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Howard County Prosecutor's Office

2005 - 2009

Owner, Steele Law Office

2003 - 2005

Attorney, Russell, McIntyre, Hilligoss and Welke

Associations

2006 - Present

Indianapolis Bar Association

2003 - Present

Indiana State Bar Association

2003 - Present

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association

2009 - 2011

Indiana State Bar Association, Legal Ethics Committee

2003 - 2007

Howard County Bar Association

Past President

Sample of Legal Cases

David Steele

Receiving $1.2 million settlement in January

David Steele

$350,000 settlement

Dental Malpractice

Received $235,000 settlement

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

University of Denver Sturm College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Ball State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2015
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution