Ethan G. Zelizer

I am going to take a minute to review this attorney because he really impressed me. Allow me to explain the situation. I am 65 and I work for the state. My job was eliminated but there was also some acrimony regarding how I was treated these last few months so the state offered me a severance pack...age. It was 10 pages long, worth $12,000 and I couldn't understand a word of it. It scared me. There was language about my benefits and retirement plan and I couldn't make heads or tails of it. I looked for an attorney. I called two before Ethan and both of them wanted to set up a consultation for about $500 and then would quote me on an hourly rate. I was ready to do it because it seemed like I needed to spend to get the peace of mind. But that is a lot of money for me. I called Ethan next as my last of the three that I planned to talk to. I got his receptionist and he ended up calling me from his car on the way back from court about two hours later. He was returning his calls for the morning. He had more after me. I was surprised because he asked me a lot of questions. I explained that I didn't want to start the "clock" and that I just wanted to see what it would cost. However, he didn't want to start the clock either. He wanted to know the situation. He explained that whether it was a layoff, a termination or something else would help him understand what type of agreement they gave me. He then asked me to describe the sections that worried me. He then spent 30 minutes describing what the document was doing, what the sections that bothered me meant and concluded that the agreement was fairly standard. After explaining the sections that worried me, I felt so much better. I then offered to meet with him to pay him his consultation fee. He asked, "why?" "Do you still have issues with the agreement?" I explained that I felt good about the agreement and that he was tremendous for helping me. He then said that it was his pleasure to help me out and that he didn't feel the need to charge me because it was an unexpected situation in my life and that every penny probably matters right now. He suggested I pass on the good will in some other way to someone who may need it. This is an ATTORNEY telling me this. He told me to basically practice Karma. He then asked how many days I had to sign and offered to take a quick pass on the agreement if I emailed it to him for additional peace of mind. He coughed it up to a quick "pro bono" job. However, I didn't need it. He had already gone through the parts that worried me and explained them in a manner that was crystal clear. I am not reviewing Ethan so that the world may think he works for free. He doesn't. He represents executives and employees making much more money than me. I am a very small fish and not his usual client type. He just wanted to help because he had the time and opportunity. He made me feel like a client from the start. I've read his reviews -- every one of them. I am not sure if there is any other attorney out there as smart, kind, respectful and decent as Ethan Zelizer. I kind of wish that I had something to fight about so he could represent me. For all of you who need an employment attorney, stop now. Hire Ethan Zelizer. He is on the side of the angels.

I had never hired a Lawyer in my entire life until a little over 8 months ago. I personally interviewed four law firms all who wanted me as their client, but only Ethan Zelizer stood head and shoulders above everyone else. The legal process can be very intimidating, especially, if you are a novic...e to the whole affair. Ethan Zelizer and his team at HR Law Counsel were outstanding. I never felt left in the dark. They explained everything to me in a professional manner, advised me and consulted with me when necessary. I was the most impressed with my case results. I ended up with a very reasonable settlement. We were ready to go to court but this was a better choice. At no time, did I feel that my Lawyer gave me a pie in the sky expectation regarding my personal case. Instead, I was given the truth and realistic advice. You would be lucky to have Ethan as your Attorney. There is no one else that I would want to represent me in my legal affairs.

Ethan recently helped me negotiate my employment agreement at a startup that I was joining. In particular, he helped me think about what really mattered to me, and then helped me negotiate for key provisions such as watering down the non-compete, putting in place a severance agreement, and accelerate...d vesting of my options in the event of a change in control. Ethan's particular strength is presenting his client's side in such a way that it appears the obvious and most fair way something should be done, and not like a tough ask or stretch. He's really is looking for the win-win, and not just trying to maximize a position at all costs in such a way that it might poison the long-term relationship. He understands business and the way executives want and need to be treated. If I ever need to leave this job, Ethan will be the first person I call to negotiate the exit.