David Payne Housel Jr.

I hired David Housel after realizing I needed a stronger, more experienced attorney to navigate a complex SAPCR. With my prior attorney, I encountered significant pushback from the other side over what should have been a straightforward agreement. I needed an attorney with the experience and support ...to move things forward efficiently and decisively. ONDA is a large firm with deep resources, and David is sharp, strategic, and not afraid of legal battle. While our initial consultation felt a bit rushed, I ultimately chose David based on referrals and reputation — and I’m glad I did. David listens carefully and acts with purpose. He keeps momentum going without unnecessary delay, and when it’s time to move, he and his team execute with precision. He doesn’t sugarcoat things — and that’s exactly what you want in high-stakes litigation. He’s not a yes-man. He’s a tactician who takes your input, processes it, and implements a plan. I liken him to the family law version of Dr. House — brilliant, blunt, and always working. He’s kept me informed at every stage — I’ve received every filing, motion, and development promptly. I’ve seen some reviews suggesting cases are dragged out — that has not been my experience. David has moved swiftly, while ensuring every step is thoughtful and effective. He also explained his billing philosophy to me: he'd rather ten clients pay him $100 than one pay him $1,000. That mindset is reflected in both his responsiveness and his respect for client costs. He’s even communicated with opposing counsel about ways to streamline and reduce unnecessary costs — unfortunately, that courtesy wasn’t reciprocated. His team — especially paralegals Emma and Ashley — have been phenomenal. They’ve worked hard behind the scenes, from identifying witnesses and preparing subpoenas to reviewing discovery and helping shape the case narrative. Communication has been seamless and professional. At this point, I feel fully prepared — based on the facts and evidence so far — to resolve this case through final negotiations or, if necessary, trial. I’ll update this review at the conclusion of my SAPCR, but for now, I’m confident in the representation I have moving forward.

I have so much respect for David Housel and would highly recommend him to anyone. I hired him thinking I was going in to a high conflict custody modification and he went out of his was to calm me down and talk me through my problems. Luckily my ex and I were able to come to an agreement outside of co...urt, but we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for David’s advice. If I ever have any problems in the future he will be my first call. Great guy!!!

David represented me in a divorce case that involved a child. I am a very detailed person and I like to be educated and informed of all of my options before moving forward. I had a consultation with David once and he was very upfront about how getting what I wanted with my child was highly unlikely g...iven the circumstances. As time went on and circumstances changed, he was quick to act and assured me that me and my child would be safe. He is a licensed counselor and knows what he's talking about. He has been forward thinking and educates me on potential outcomes in the future. My divorce was finalized in fall of 2019, and he has still been very supportive and informative of my options when I've had concerns about mine and my son's safety physically, mentally, and emotionally. I feel he truly wants to protect his clients and has their best interest in mind.

I recently went through divorce and had David recommended to me by an attorney with whom I trust implicitly. The recommending attorney is not easily impressed with anything, and she had no reservations about sending me his way, saying “He’s about the only family law guy I would recommend.” High prais...e, indeed. David did nothing but reaffirm her faith, as he was terrific to deal with in every way. He was collaborative, honest, open, forthright and helpful through every phase of my proceeding. And as anyone going through this process could appreciate, he was very respectful of my time and the retainer dynamic. There was no wasted time, feet dragging or any of the nightmarish stuff you hear about happening. I had prepared myself for a long process, but David was able to land the plane in short order, which was greatly appreciated. I would tell all my friends who have the misfortune of dealing with a divorce to trust David to get them through a tough emotional situation quickly and with a minimum of hassle.

David was recommended to me after months of attempting to navigate a divorce by myself. Immediately after the first consultation, I was reminded why we leave some things to professionals. He got a temperature on my situation, then gave me a solid and honest perspective and high-level plan of action. ...Without David, I would have been stuck in an endless back-and-forth of a manipulative and abusive relationship. He's clear, knowledgeable, and experienced. In addition, he may come off as soft-spoken and sweet at first, but he focuses on the FACTS of the LAW and that's where his "bite" exists. Knowledge truly IS power. Several months after my divorce was final, David is still personable and checks in to see how me and my kids are doing. As long as David Housel is practicing, I will be trusting him with my Family Law needs.