Cecily Patterson Skarda

Cecily is the attorney you absolutely want on your side when facing a tough divorce. She stood by me every step of the way and fought strategically against every angle the other party tried. Her knowledge of the law is impressive, and she is not afraid to stand firm when it comes to doing what is rig...ht. Beyond divorce cases, Cecily is also incredibly compassionate and skilled when helping families with powers of attorney, living wills, and court orders for loved ones in need. She takes the time to explain everything clearly and truly cares about her clients and their families. She is an all-around outstanding attorney — knowledgeable, determined, and dedicated. She also handles criminal cases, so if you need strong representation, I highly recommend giving her a call.

Doesn’t stay in communication with her clients. Refuses to provide an engagement agreement that she has been officially reprimanded for by the Arkansas Supreme Court. https://attorneyinfo.aoc.arkansas.gov/info/attorney/Attorney_Search_Detail.aspx?ID=b581cff6-1ab4-4423-b2a9-171d796c94ba Tells you to... “Stop!” when you email her information that is pertinent to your case. (screenshots available) Yells and curses at you on the phone (phone recordings available). Ignores numerous requests to meet with her. Refuses to keep you posted on the status of your case and acts like it’s an imposition when you ask for updates that she should be giving regularly. So much more to say, but not enough room here. If you’re looking for an attorney who will ignore your calls and emails, not provide you with an engagement agreement outlining what they are doing for you and for how much, will curse and yell at you when they actually do call you back, will keep you in the dark, will refuse to provide you case documents they have received from the other party, etc., then Cecily is your girl. A grievance is going to be filed with the Supreme  Court Office of Professional Conduct. This abhorred behavior is NOT okay.

Not every case needs a GUNSLINGER, but sometimes you just do. I have more than 30 years experience in the criminal justice system and generally do not like lawyers, probably like most people. That changes when you need one. She is an excellent litigator and I recommend her hands down ten out of te...n times. She won't answer the phone when you need a lawyer hug, but when it comes down to the heart of the matter and needing someone on your side and in your corner that can get it done, she's your Huckleberry. If you need a chihuahua, I know a guy in Conway. If you need a real deal lawyer, her number is attached to this review. Call her.

Cecily Skarda is a phenomenal family lawyer. I consulted Cecily in Feb 2012, for a custody case. After reviewing the divorce decree she was very straight forward, it would be an expensive uphill battle, and she could not promise me anything would change. She suggested I think about it a couple of day...s and get back to her. Her honesty impressed me, she did not want to make any promises that she couldn't keep. Cecily works alone, which can be a double edged sword. She does all her own work and meticulously prepares for her cases. However, that means she is not always able to answer the phone, or return a call as soon as you might like. The first go around I was a little nervous. I had friends who had been through similar litigation and spoke to their lawyer, or secretary often. I really was not sure how things would go, and legal representation is not cheap. All my fears were put behind me once we stepped in the court room. She is incredible on her feet, knows the law, and is passionate about her cases. I realized just because I didn't know what she was doing, didn't mean she didn't have a plan. I learned to trust her and realized I paid her to worry so I didn't have to. About a year later I had to hire her again. This time it was much easier. I still didn't know every detail of what was going on, but I knew it didn't matter. She had it covered. In all I have been in the court room 4 times, and seen her go head to head with 3 different lawyers. ( The opposing party changed counsel 3 times) I was more impressed every time. There were bumps along the way, procedural things that didn't go our way. However at the end of the day when it mattered, we prevailed. I ended up with more than I originally was going to ask for, and that is because she did not quit or give in. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to prevail in the court room. She will not caudle you and reassure you every step of the way, but that's what friends are for. She however knows how to litigate and win a case, and that is all that really matters anyway. She did an outstanding job, and I can not say enough good things about her. I have had friends that hired her and she did just as good of a job for them. My advice to anyone that chooses Cecily to represent them. 1. Be honest, brutally honest, when your lawyer is surprised that is never a good thing. 2. TRUST HER. Do your job and give her any information that might be of assistance, and she will put it to good use.