Daniel Joseph Katz

I hired Daniel Katz and DJK Counsel to help me reach a settlement in a real estate dispute. I was initially quoted $550/hour verbally, but later billed $750/hour — and when I questioned it, I was told the lower rate wasn’t remembered. After I sticked to the facts, they offered to lower the rate to $6...25/hour. His retainer agreement as well only mentioning 10K retainer, which Daniel said it will cost less to get to a resolution with them without getting into litigation. The retainer agreement mentions nothing about what we will be billed hourly which we felt secured since Daniel mentioned it will only be $550 verbally when we spoke. We trusted him, and did not question the agreement. Despite paying nearly $19,000, we never received a signed settlement or any investigation into the opposing parties’ assets, which was part of the original scope. I had to repeatedly follow up for updates, and most communication with the other side happened without our knowledge unless we asked. Eventually, after full payment was made, DJK Counsel suddenly withdrew from the case without completing it. I had to finish the process on my own and am now seeking a new attorney. So basically we paid nearly 19K for no resolution. This experience was disappointing, especially given the cost and expectations discussed at the start. I recommend asking for all terms and strategy in writing, and clarifying how billing and communication will be handled in advance.