Doris Ann Sipes

Attorneys are hard to judge on the basis of just a single consultation. One the first visit, most of them seem amazing -- energetic -- optimistic -- motivated. I was referred to Doris Sipes by another attorney and I found her to be intelligent, soft-spoken, confident and reserved. At the consu...ltation, we discussed the details of my case and I tried to listen as much as I talked. It seemed to me that we had similar expectations regarding the outcome of my case. I had heard that Ms. Sipes has a reputation for being a tough attorney and I interpreted the low-energy consultation to be a sign that she was being forthright and honest with me. What a relief to be dealt with in such a respectful way. What a relief to have avoided the typical over-promised sales pitch that I've experienced with other attorneys -- or so I thought. As the case progressed, I found it hard to get Ms. Sipes attention in any meaningful way. My case wasn't rocket-science but I had some important details that needed to be considered. The question of how to present the relevant details to the court in a way that would make sense was an important issue for me. How do we present a defense for a convoluted case in a way that the court will understand? How do we win? My attempts to get Ms. Sipes to discuss the nuts and bolts of my case only seemed to make her annoyed. She wouldn't discuss strategy with me and didn't ask me for any evidence to support my defense. All of the evidence presented in court was the evidence that I rushed to have her review in the minutes before the trial. I even asked her to call one witness in my defense and it seems like my request was ignored without the benefit of thoughtful consideration. Doris seems to be intelligent, articulate and capable. Maybe all of her best effort goes to bigger, better clients -- I don't know. The irony is this: The low-key consultation that made me think that Ms. Sipes was the right choice for my case was more like an over-promised sales pitch because that's the only time she engaged me regarding the details of my case. I'm very disappointed because I lost my case and I wonder how the results would have been different if Ms. Sipes had worked closer with me to present a better defense.