David N. Schaffer

David was a needed ally during what was undoubtedly the most difficult experience of my life. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined that, along with the breakdown of my marriage, I would be forced to navigate being a party in a Hague Convention case. David artfully navigated the complexities ...of my case, using his extensive experience and expertise in this and international family law to make clear the key issues, direct the needed actions, and ultimately, helped me settle what I would call an “unsettle-able” case. He’s relentless when it comes to championing his client, but equally important, he treats his clients with kindness and respect while never losing sight of the end goal.

Mr. Schaffer presents himself as an expert in international child custody issues. However, the Hague petition he filed on my behalf was immediately rejected as inadequate by the U.S. Department of State. Elementary issues including translation to the appropriate language and adequate evidence of habi...tual residence - central to the case - were lacking. Getting David to correct these errors took way too long given the time sensitivity of the case. The delay proved costly in other ways, requiring my own time, that of other attorneys, and additional international travel relative to the plan that he outlined. He had some useful advice for me during a difficult time, but his execution of the legal processes - his primary responsibility - proved disappointing.

We hired and paid money upfront believing his every word and assuming he would be professional and live up to his word. But immediately after we paid he failed in following up with every single action item he promised. I called and multiple times left voice messages and my calls weren't returned nor ...were my emails answered. When I was able to get hold of them - they would ask me send another baseless document and from lawyer side nothing was done at all. Completely frustrated we started looking for other lawyers and they asked me to ask for refund and the lawyer never responded to refund and again wouldnt call or email reply back. And from lawyer side literally no action was taken and issue got resolved on its own. When he promised to provide a service he didnt and but wanted payment for it? Absoluetly unprofessional and I contacted the BAR association and left complaint as well. Dont trust this lawyer and dont make poayment upfront and once he gets paid he just disappears you cant even catch hold of him in office. Beware and stay away from this lawyer

I called Mr Schaffer for a consult on an existing case and filled out his background paperwork prior to the call and agreed to pay his consult fee. For that charge I had a 15min call only to be told repeatedly that it was not possible for him to comment. Other lawyers I called provided very good advi...se and even looked up the case notes so they could offer helpful feedback and suggestions on how to move forward.