Douglas L. Leppanen

I hired Doug Leppanen to represent me and my son in a family/custody matter. I paid him a large retainer, and a large hourly fee. I was initially being accused of contempt of a custody order when I transferred my son from a school in his mothers district, to one in mine. I am the better parent, and t...he move was for my sons well being. I contacted my sons mother countless times to try make the move work together, despite a hostile relationship. She refused my calls, and would not return messages. I transferred my son, he has been succeeding off the charts. 10 MONTHS LATER, she tries to claim I never let her know, and made the move alone. An absolute joke, and a slam dunk of a case. But with this attorney, no efforts were made to find facts, or understand the process. There was only a brief meeting before the hearing. Bottom line, somehow, despite all facts and evidence, I lost! Attorney Leppanen's examination during court was weak, scattered, and seemingly uncertain of anything. He buckles under pressure of court, and wants more than anything to keep a good working relationship with the judges and other attorneys. he cares far more about that, than any client. After the judge read his ruling, I expressed surprise at his opinion. Attorney Leppanen mentioned in court, before the judge, that perhaps he doesn't charge enough for his fees!! The worst fact of all, I have known this man for over 25 years. As a younger attorney, he was aggressive, focused, and committed to his client. Now, as a man in his 50's, he is a more than content paper pusher. When you meet with him, you will become instantly aware of how little he is listening to you, and how disinterested he is in your personal situation. He offers no assurances, and will NEVER take an aggressive stand for you. His only interest is in protecting his less than sterling reputation. When you visit him, you will instantly notice the cheap and run down office, and he spares a space with a bankruptcy attorney! He is quiet, and uninterested in your case. He will push you papers, and only if it does not require too much leg work. He will not look into other witnesses, or work to uncover a particular path to help with your matter. At best, he is a cookie cutter that will prepare your paperwork. In the end, I fired him, and he refunded my money. It cost me 700 to be found in contempt of something I didn't do! Today, I have custody of my son, a state appointed GAL has found that I am the best option for my son, yet, the contempt charge hangs there like a noose. Terrible service, will not listen to personal needs, and will not rock any boats in his county. Save yourself the frustration, and costly mistakes. Look elsewhere!

Failed to represent the best interest of a child while acting as an adolescent child’s attorney. He ignored business documents such as police reports, court records and his client’s own words. The weak support offered for this and limiting travel was ADHD. A knowledgeable professional would have a...t least consulted with a physician to obtain support for statements regarding a common medical diagnosis and its potential impact. A final recommendation letter submitted did not use the best words "best interest of the child" even once. Letters drafted offered several reminders about the interests of the Respondent. The client being represented expressed frustration frequently about not being listened to or having contact returned. Also that despite frequent requests that he speak with her witnesses (teachers, etc.), no follow up was ever initiated. Others on the witness list submitted to this attorney were never contacted. Instead these individuals left voice mails for this attorney until he contacted them. This was done with knowledge that the client was looking for consistent follow through and promises kept due to trust issues. I had to vigorously pursue case updates through frequent, sometimes daily calls and emails to obtain even a very brief case update. I had to offer frequent reminders about follow through steps the attorney stated he would take, some of which were never completed even though I did some of the leg work for him. All in all, expect poor communication, scattered focus, poor organization, and very poor follow through.