Harold Mark Garfinkel

I cannot believe in lack of professionalism Mr. Garfinkel has shown in the case he was hired to represent, by me for a dear family member! He is only good at making deals with DA, scares the client with jail time without any grounds, bragging about his experience and powerful connections.... Once hir...ed he handed the client over to the prosecution on "a silver platter", even though a different outcome has been promised. What a shame! He has ruined not only the life of the defendant, but also the lives of his disabled family members!!! We lost everything because of him! He has incorrectly advised the client (the only provider for a disabled wife and his autistic children) that the unconstitutionally high bail amount cannot be reduced! We were later advised by another experienced attorney, who looked into the case, that wrong advice was given on purpose, to secure his payment! Do not hire this attorney! You will trust him with your life, pay a lot of money and the result will not be in your favor. He only does what benefits his own connections and career. We fired Mr. Garfinkel once realized he did not do a number of important things that were imperative and he has promised to do. Instead he has stated: "It is a mood point now..." What a horrible mess we are in because of him! He has also demonstrated an unprofessional conduct by harassing us once we refused his services! Disappointed beyond belief and determined to go above and beyond to report this incident.

This review had to be entered anonymously because my name can't be attached to a Criminal Defense Lawyer. In the world I live in, if someone saw this, they would immediately start a background check. I was arrested on a misdemeanor, not a serious one, Thank G-d, but, bad enough. This had to be han...dled very discreetly and quickly. I spoke with several attorneys, went thought secretaries, some lawyers took days to call back. When I spoke to the lawyers they were cold and distant, almost rough, didn't feel there was a human on the other end. After 4 days Hal was my last call, he answers the phone himself, I really liked that, the less people know the better off it is. My first, few contacts with him wasn't really that great, he is just different, didn't have a clear understanding of who he is, at first. Was very nervous about what I was getting myself into. So we chatted a bit, he was very patient with me, it took about 4 phone calls, he answered all my questions, so I agreed to meet. Upon meeting, he immediately put me at ease, he was the 1st lawyer whom made me feel like I did nothing wrong. It was like, I had a problem that needed to be solved and he had every solution there was. I went to the office nervous and left with almost no worries. He is an intense listener and a quick thinker. Very seldom in life do you meet a person whom is born to do their job, Hal definitely is, he is an extraordinary gifted lawyer. I know a lot of attorneys, just not criminal defense ones, most don't take a personal interest in their clients, this one truly does. Not only is he approachable, his results are FANTASTIC. You cannot put a price on the amount of connections this guy has, he even knew the arresting officer, a few calls were made & I had no more problems. Between the treatment and making the problem go away so quickly, Hal is worth every penny. If you need someone to bring peace into your world, give him a call, I would highly recommend him.

MAGNIFICENT ATTORNEY Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel has one magnificent obsession: to relentlessly advocate for his client’s legal rights, and to achieve the best possible outcome on their behalf. I most highly recommend Attorney Garfinkel for legal representation. Mr. Garfinkel possesses an impressive ...knowledge of the law, while exemplifying the maximum standards of professionalism and ethics in his field. Mr. Garfinkel’s professional skills are nothing short of superb! He combines cognitive brilliance with a keenly sensitive nature and a remarkable ability to empathically engage clients at a deeper level of communication, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of their presenting issues and concerns. He is compassionate, humanistic, honest and unremittingly committed to his clients’ best interests. He is authentically caring, respectful and supportive, and implacable in fighting for his clients’ rights and welfare. Yet Mr. Garfinkel is warm, personable, and very approachable. He is readily available by telephone and promptly returns messages. His initial consultation is offered free of charge to prospective clients and his fees are reasonable. My husband recently received a speeding ticket, which we thought could be resolved without legal counsel. Subsequently, we learned that given significant changes in Illinois Traffic Law which took effect on 1/2014, certain speeding tickets are no longer classified as traffic violations, but rather as Class A or B misdemeanors, which could remain on a person’s record permanently as a criminal offense. Class A misdemeanors could result in a fine of up to $2,500.00, possible suspension of driver’s license privileges, and a jail sentence of up to 364 days. My husband had a clean driving record and absolutely no criminal antecedents of any type. The prospect of being charged with a misdemeanor was highly disconcerting, as this could have had a marked negative impact on his professional work and license, as well as on our personal lives. Before hiring an attorney, we conducted extensive research on Illinois Traffic Law and interviewed several attorneys. Notwithstanding the fact that they were all excellent, Attorney Garfinkel was the only one who spoke with absolute conviction and certainty that a positive resolution could, and would be achieved. He communicated a sense of confidence and calm that is invaluable. Mr. Garfinkel assessed the situation and proposed that through a mitigation package, the speeding violation could be reduced to a petty offense, with no further ramifications. Mr. Garfinkel successfully achieved this goal and my husband’s driver’s license was returned on the day of court. He received four months supervision, which is insignificant compared to the possible alternate consequences. Through a striking combination of outstanding legal skills, and knowledge of and connections within the court system, Attorney Garfinkel achieves the best possible results for his clients! Bravo, Mr. Garfinkel! You have exceeded our expectations! You are a gifted attorney and a veritable credit to your profession!

Hal Garfinkel was extremely professional and knowledgeable in regards to a successful defense. He made me feel very comfortable and was vary compassionate about our situation from the initial consultation. Hal is very reasonable with his legal fees and made himself available around the clock. I appre...ciate the service he provided and would most definitely be looking for him if any other situations come up.