Paula Brown Sinclair

Paula Brown Sinclair

4.3
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 44 years

Probate Lawyer at Twin Falls, ID
Practice Areas: Probate, Family, Social Security

P.O. Box 2322, Twin Falls, ID

About Paula

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Probate 75%

Cost-effective representation for modest estates under Idaho's Uniform Probate Code.

44 years | 200 cases

75%
Family 20%

Caring and sensitive advice and representation in all civil family matters including divorce, custody, support, guardianships, adoptions, estate and incapacity planning .

47 years | 1,000 cases

20%
Social Security & Disability 5%

Appeal of the denial of Social Security disability cases.

42 years | 600 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-300 per hour

Contingency

25%-33%

Pro bono

5 %

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Idaho for 44 years

State: Idaho

Acquired: 1981

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Sinclair Law Offices

P.O. Box 2322, Twin Falls, ID, 83301

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Paula Brown Sinclair's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

When you want advice you can understand

Thought I wanted a bankruptcy. She spent nearly an hour reviewing my case with the 6-page questionnaire she had me fill out. Now I understand that it won't work well for me. I wish it would, but I now know exactly why it won't. Valuable information, and it was free.

Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Not a good choice at all

DO NOT choose Paula for anything. She is very rude and will tell you one thing and then a completely different thing the next. She had instructed me to not file bankruptcy and then when I called again needing assistance she was no help at all to me or my significant other

Paula Sinclair

Replied last May 7, 2025

This is a classic revenge review by a person who has never been a client. This person did contact me for a consultation wanting a quick no-issues Chapter 7 bankruptcy. But after a full case review at no charge, some inconvenient truth did come out and the issues were identified. I did not recommend bankruptcy and politely explained the reasons why. This person nevertheless continued to call me expecting further free assistance. Then the phone calls from collection agents started, saying she had claimed that I represent her. I contacted her to ask her to not do that. Today the call from Bonneville Collections came on my personal cell phone asking me to fax proof of representation. The caller had my name and that of the woman that wrote this review. There is no way the collection agent could have had my name and my cell number except from this reviewer. I contacted her and asked her again to not falsely claim I represent her. That is when the revenge reviews started, first Yelp, now Avvo. I understand that she became angry back when I told her a bankruptcy would bring unwelcome consequences. I stand by my advice. That does not give her permission to libel me on social media.

Posted by Mike | July 9, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Very prompt and high quality response.

I had a very specific divorce question and got an equally specific response and citation of the law that applied. Wish I had Paula for the divorce itself.

Posted by Jj | January 3, 2019 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Possessory liens on a vehicle repairs were done on

Miss Sinclair made a suggestion and I diligently tried to find someone to take the case where to find the right avenue where to file and forms to file her secretary became very hostile when I called and asked if they would consider taking the case even though they were out of the area I knew it would... cost extra for that but was very rudely told go away Miss Sinclair text herself saying I was abusing a bow and attorneys that were volunteering their time needless to say I have not been able to remedy my problem yet... I don't recommend her office or her ... I don't know how to answer this next question because it says consultation or hired attorney I didn't get either but I have to pick one to submit this so consultation I guess a week one at that they took no responsibility...

Paula Sinclair

Replied last January 4, 2019

Most respectfully, this person is not and has never been a client, and apparently does have unreasonable expectations of the Avvo Q&A forum. I did provide very accurate general information about foreclosing a possessory lien (for which there is no "form" but rather requires a particular kind of legal action) and this person responded by calling my office and demanding a free detailed phone consultation to teach him how to foreclose his lien. I responded by reiterating that nothing short of retaining local counsel would meet his needs and also suggested contacting the Lawyer Referral Service of the Idaho State Bar to locate such an attorney. Then he called again yesterday to report that he has been accused of "grand larceny" and demanded that I undertake representation in his case. He seems to believe I have some obligation to do so. In fact I do not accept cases outside the Twin Falls area, and he is 120 miles away. I did reiterate that he needs local counsel including experienced criminal defense counsel if contacted by law enforcement or charged with a crime. I do understand he is frustrated about accessing legal services and regret that he finds my direct approach "rude," but I am confident that there are attorneys in his area who know how to foreclose a lien and are available to do so.

Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Gaining user friendly information

Firstly she very abruptly answered another attorney on my timeline vs just answering the question which came across a bit rash. Non the less I asked specifically what papers to bring to modify, to self help but was not answered after I commented back to her. Thanks anyway Avvo.

Paula Sinclair

Replied last January 30, 2018

Most respectfully, this person has never been a client. I responded publicly to this Avvo Asker by providing the general information that responded to her public question. Apparently she expected individualized advice as to strategy in a specific case, which is not possible-- or professionally ethical-- to provide on the basis of the limited information disclosed.

See All Client Reviews

Paula Brown Sinclair's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Paula
Stephanie Reyes headshot
Stephanie Reyes

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Sinclair provides a much-needed service on Avvo and donates time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers."

Steven Neil Perrigo headshot
Steven Perrigo

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Channika Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Ms. Sinclair is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With her extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, she is bound to invest her time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity."

Gregory A Cade headshot
Gregory Cade

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Paula Sinclair is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered her primary area of practice over the course of her professional experience. Her sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of her cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for her services."

Lauren E. McConnell headshot
Lauren McConnell

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Sinclair provides consistently solid advice, promptly and clearly."

H Drew Romanovitz headshot
H Romanovitz

Family lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Respected Attorney in the community. Gives top of the line service."

Lowrance Fisher headshot
Lowrance Fisher

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great contributor to avvo."

Michael Paul LeMond headshot
Michael LeMond

Unknown lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Paula. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."

Jacob Shad Mason headshot
Jacob Mason

Unknown lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Werner von Dohlen headshot
Robert von Dohlen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Dec 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Other

"I not only endorse this lawyer. I give this lawyer 5 stars!"

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gina M. Famularo headshot
Gina Famularo

Family lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Sinclair provides her clients with solid legal advice."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Sinclair is one of the most giving lawyers in Avvo history. Her record of providing help to people is beyond elite. Kudos. I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Tam headshot
Daniel Tam

Unknown lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."

Jefferson Ragnar Griffeath headshot
Jefferson Griffeath

Family lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As an Idaho attorney who also practices family law, I regularly read the Q&A forums here just to seek out Ms. Sinclair's answers simply to become better educated at my own practice. The fact that I would do so speaks volumes for Ms. Sinclair's knowledge and experience. Her answers are clear and accurate. She's helped make me a better lawyer without even knowing it. I would absolutely make her the first lawyer I'd refer someone to in and around Twin Falls."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

David Herman Hirsch headshot
David Hirsch

Unknown lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"For some time now I have had the privilege of reading Ms. Sinclair's answers to questions posted on Avvo. Her answers are thorough, insightful, and especially well reasoned. Ms. Sinclair is a valued member of the Avvo community who is generous in sharing her time and expertise by spending considerable time participating on this site. It is my pleasure to endorse her."

Ashley Dawn Marks headshot
Ashley Marks

Social Security & Disability lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Henry J. Sommer headshot
Henry Sommer

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Jill A Michaux headshot
Jill Michaux

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Daniel Mark Press headshot
Daniel Press

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Anerio Ventura Altman headshot
Anerio Altman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Karen M Oakes headshot
Karen Oakes

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Brian S Wayson headshot
Brian Wayson

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Marvin Wolf headshot
Marvin Wolf

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Kurt A. O'Keefe headshot
Kurt O'Keefe

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Kirk Rowley Brennan headshot
Kirk Brennan

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Malcolm Ruthven headshot
Malcolm Ruthven

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Jay Jump headshot
Jay Jump

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Gary Alan Armstrong headshot
Gary Armstrong

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Top Contributor, Avvo

2013

Pro Bono Award, Idaho State Bar

2012

Top Contributor, Avvo

1991

Pro Bono Award, Idaho State Bar

Work Experience

1980 - Present

Attorney, Sinclair Law Offices

Associations

2010 - Present

Twin Falls Community Foundation

Founding member

1982 - Present

Magic Valley Symphony

Publicist/principal horn

1981 - Present

Idaho State Bar

member

Sample of Legal Cases

Doe v. Doe, 149 Idaho 669 (2010)

Client's objectives achieved in full.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law

JD

1971

San Jose State University

MA

1968

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BS

Speaking Engagements

2013

5th District Famiy Law CLE

Case Law Update

2012

5th District Family Law CLE

Case Law Update

2011

5th District Family Law CLE

Case Law Update

Publications

1979

Journal of Air Law and Commerce (SMU) Case Note: Airline Deregulation

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution