Trista McElhaney

“AWESOME Attorney!!!!” Yes, having been a client of Ms. McElhaney this is how I rate her and this is why: I was recently involved in a Modification to Spousal Maintenance which had turned rather nasty. To further complicate matters, I was living and working abroad and had just became unemployed. For months, I worked with an Attorney from a law firm which shall remain nameless, and had never been so stressed as I saw my life, both emotionally and financially, going down the tubes. In an act of desperation, I searched AVVO for another firm to handle my case and ended up hiring the Burnham Law Firm. Enter Ms. Trista McElhaney, Associate Attorney, and almost immediately my situation changed. Working with her on my case, I soon found her to be extremely competent, exceptionally responsive, as well as very personable, direct and informative, in other words everything I had hoped for in an attorney. Along with Mr Charlie Shisler, Senior Paralegal, they soon earned my trust and respect to the point that, even though the relationship was always professional, both Ms. McElhanney and Mr. Shisler made me feel as if I was dealing with friends after each correspondence. As for me, well my stress levels dropped to the point where I no longer worried about how my case was being handled, they were that good. And in the end, having never met in person, an 8-hour time difference, dealing only through emails and telephone calls, to include having me attend mediation and trial telephonically from 8000 miles away, they won my case, with an outcome better than I could ever have imagined. So, if you want the best, someone with an unmatched work ethic, someone who will aggressively represent you, then I highly recommend Trista McElhaney.

Like so many people, I found myself in a divorce and custody battle. I found Bloch and Chapleau online in a search for firms specializing in fathers rights. I was in the unusual position of having my two daughters already living with me full time, and having to fight to keep them. It was the most terrifying process I've been through, and hiring an attorney was almost as unsettling. I interviewed three attorneys in person, and a number of others over the phone. I knew Trista was the one within 5 minutes. She doesn't come across as a lawyer, but rather a person that cares and wants to help. I almost immediately felt as though everything was going to be ok. I explained my situation, what I was trying to accomplish, and asked if that was legally feasible. Trista didn't lie to me, she didn't tell me what I wanted to hear, just very honest and kind straight forward legal advise. She told me what the law stated about my particular set of circumstances, and thought we had an extremely good chance of achieving my desired outcome. One of the biggest things I was impressed with was the communication. Every phone call or email I made was either answered or returned shortly after by Trista herself. I never spoke to an assistant or secretary. Near the end of my case Trista actually gave me her personal cell phone number, which I'm not sure if everyone gets, but I was certainly appreciative. Not only did we get the outcome we had hoped for at the outset, I actually got more than I had asked. I know it's easy to say how amazing your attorney is when you win, however, the entire process was pretty easy and a lot less intimidating. Trista talked me through every step, gave me spot on advise, flawless communication, and proactive planning made this a great experience under the circumstances. Thank you Trista for everything you did for my girls and I.

I like to conduct all business in a fair manner without much emotion. This is the second time I have used Ms McElhaney for family legal matters which can be very emotional. I appreciated the way that she is matter of fact, represents both sides fairly and conducts business quickly. Both myself and my ex-wife feel like everything was fair - that doesn't happen very often - and my ex-wife and are dislike each other intensely - so any negotiation is always difficult. The old saying that a negotiation is only successful when both parties feel cheated is not true when you work with Trista. I think Trista has a good way of holding all parties to a high level of integrity which makes the outcome easier to accept and not second-guess. If I ever need further family legal services - I will use Trista again.

Trista was so very helpful in a very tough situation in my life. She offered sound solutions and was always by the phone waiting to help with questions or advice. It has been tough for me to find someone like Trista that is not only willing to help but will also look after your best interest financially in giving advice. She negotiated a quick deal for me regarding a divorce/child visitation issue. No court necessary! If you are a father needing help, please use Trista! Thank You Trista!

I personally hired lawyer Trista McElhaney on a divorce case and the legal service experience I received was horrible and I experienced unethical behavior! My financial disclosures were submitted without my approval and in addition with my explicit instructions not to do so in writing. My signature was used without my permission as well and placed on the same documents. This firm dropped my case and used excuse after excuse not to meet with me to discuss the issue despite my pleas for help as a client that had spent thousands of dollars on the case at that point. Please take your business anywhere but here to avoid a bad service experience like this, negative financial impact and an owner that could care less when an error is committed on your case and will drop it and you like a hot potato. I would expect better service from a fast food restaurant. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of this review I encourage you to contact me directly and I will be happy to provide further details.