Michael A. Forella III

I consulted with Mr. Forella on a case. He was up front and honest. He laid out all of the facts and even though he wanted to help me, (had empathy for my case) he had the integrity to let me know that it wasn’t worth the legal fight. He could have taken my money but instead he gave me sound advice o...n how to handle the situation without going to court and he did it without charging me a dime. If I ever need legal representation, he would be the first person I would contact.

Worst ever! Retained him after he ASSURED ME we could sue for $10K in small claims. He knew I spoke with 2 other attorneys who said $5k was the max so he lied to get my case. Within 2 min. the judge said “You know you can’t ask for $10k” & he said “we accept that”. WE?! I never had prior knowledge re...garding this or the fact that “they can appeal a decision”, except right before trial began.The judge gave us 1 hour & he took the entire time with pointless questions for me that only annoyed the judge more. I requested he shorten up the questions but he refused. Trial was continued & couldn’t be rescheduled for 2 mths! I sent him my documents for the phone trial & witness list 6 weeks beforehand & got NO response as to witnesses I needed. I had to beg daily for answers. I asked to subpoena 1 witness & he never did. 5 days before my trial and I have NO witnesses ready because he didn’t tell me who was good from the list I gave him. Then 4 days before trial he responds saying he has to reschedule trial due to “a cousin in NJ dying”. It was a PHONE trial! He will be reported to the State Bar & needs to be held accountable.

EXTREME lack of experience! BEWARE! This "lawyer" made up his very own story about my case when we showed up (late on his behalf) to Zoom court. On top of SEVERE lack of communication. It was an absolute nightmare dealing with him. Why he made up his own story, I'll never understand...but I assu...me my case was too complex for him to portray correctly, which was very contradictive of promises made otherwise. I have 10k in fees to other attorney's just trying to fix his wrong doings. To the date of this review, he hasn't even turned over my files to my new attorney, as requested several times. This review is being posted 6 months after the first hire date and 5 months after withdrawing him from my counsel. This "lawyer" should find another day job. He's a "yes" man. He will say he can, and you won't know he CAN'T until it's too late! BEWARE! Don't be another case like mine!