Debra A Opri's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by Dan | May 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Over charged me once I fired her

Deborah was an absolute disaster to work with. She was busy on two trials and said as much and apologized when I told her that I could never get a hold of her and she never responded to calls. She charged me $14,000 for one month of horrible work product. She has line items like text message .75 hour...s. She said she was giving me a discounted rate which should’ve been a red flag but then just was merciless on that hourly. More importantly, when she was preparing my response, I would tell her the details, and she would write it up with blatant lies that I could never defend in court. I had to rewrite everything she did. I am in shock. As I was calling around to replace her numerous lawyers had things to say about her that I wish I knew before I hired her. Buyer beware.

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Posted by SN | March 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Best LA attorney

Highly recommended! Debra Opri is excellent at any stage in your process .. If you hire her first you have no worries .. Hiring her as your attorney is like having a all time champion in your ring! Ms. Opri can step in anytime and correct or revise a broken case as well and turn it around to your a...dvantage ..or like in my case she can makes miracles happen!

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Posted by Lynn | August 28, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

A VERY SATISFIED CLIENT

I'm LH, founder and director of an international non-profit wellness business. I had a close family member who became very unruly and non-cooperative in my personal and business life. This family member, who worked within the company, believed he should have had control over not only the business b...ut me as well. Over time, as things escalated, it became necessary to contact an attorney. I was referred to Debra Opri who turned out to be a God send! She handled herself in a very professional way with integrity, care and sincerity. She always told me the truth of the matter even if it wasn't comfortable to hear. She handled my case and the family member with a type of dignity and legal knowledge that caused him to not only back away from his threatening position but to give it up completely, allowing me to live and conduct my business more freely. I cannot thank Ms. Opri enough for the great way she handled my case. Her fees were reasonable and she was always available to me. I have subsequently referred her to others and they are as pleased with her as I am. What makes Debra Opri stand out from other attorney's is that she knows her job, she does her job and we, her clients, know she always has our backs.

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Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

A NIGHTMARE AS AN ATTORNEY

I retained Debra Opri some years ago for my daughter. In the beginning she came across as a professional and capable attorney. However, once I signed up my daughter, she was no longer available to answer questions. When we finally went to arbitration she never spoke up once on behave of my daughter. ...Once the meeting was over, she informed me that she would be a warrior in the court room. I asked why she did not speak up, and she stated she wanted to go to court because we would have a better out come. Well, the court day finally came up and she does not show up. She calls the court and tells the Judge that she sprung her leg. The judge told Debra if she did not get to court in the next 45 minutes, he was going to drop the case. She told the judge she was in pain and the judge said you have 45 minutes to get to court. It was extremely embarrassing because every one in the court was laughing including the judge. I decided I did not want to proceed with the case and told my daughter to just settle the case. The judge was informed of our decision and we resolved the matter for a very little amount. Now, we had a difficult time getting the modest amount from Debra. Finally, she called and said the check was ready. My daughter was in school and I picked up the paper work. I read the paper work and was appalled at what I saw. We retained her on contingency and she had all these deductions. She included checks of things she had paid. One check was to the Beverly Hills Police Department and there were four additional checks of individuals she had paid. I asked her about this and she said she had spent her money for the case. I informed Debra that she could not do this ,and she started laughing. In addition she said take it or leave it. Mind you, the checks she said she had previously paid had never been process though the bank. There is more, she had a long letter glorifying her as an attorney and she wanted my daughter to sign it. I have all of these documents in the original envelope and I can prove what I am saying. I did not know at the time I could have reported her to the Bar Association. Yes, she kept all of the modest funds. DEBRA OPRI WAS A NIGHTMARE AND SHE LACKS PROFESSIONALISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Debra Opri

Replied last August 12, 2013

The above client review is FALSE. The information provided is not related to any case I have ever handled. The person who has written these recent negative client reviews is being identified and action taken to handle their actions. To all potential clients, I ask that you review ALL my client and attorney reviews to best decide and to verify my true credentials and integrity in handling client matters.

Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

What a relief!

I had the good fortune of being recommended to Debra Opri for my personal injury case. What a relief it was to retain Ms. Opri after the sub-par attorney I had previously. I must say not only did she secure me a great settlement, but she was also a strong shoulder to lean on during the case. When it ...came time to settle, Ms. Opri was adamant that I not accept below the value of my case, even though the insurance company had drawn a 'line in the sand' and wasn't offering me very much. Very clearly, Ms. Opri was representing my interests from the very beginning through the end of my case. Not only did she file a lawsuit on my behalf but she fought until she got the money I wanted. You know, we live in times when everyone is for themselves, including lawyers. Not Debra Opri. She puts the client first. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her because she is the best attorney I have ever had. Ms. Opri is smart, a fighter, and she knows how to win. Most important, is that she always made herself available, and was always happy to hear from me. What more can you ask for?

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Debra A Opri's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Debra

Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer and all the work she does to get the best results for clients."

Jeffrey Steinberger

Family lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I worked with Debra on a high profile divorce case!! She did exceptionally well! She is intelligent and professional! In over 25 years of practice, I have worked with hundreds of divorce lawyers and Debra is one of the top lawyers! She is very knowledgeable and experienced in Family Law. Her fees were extremely reasonable! A pleasure to work with!"

Sanford Jossen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Maria Vesagas

Family lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Debra on a number of cases, and I have seen her in action. She is thorough in her preparation and analysis of her cases, she fights hard for her clients' best interest, and is not intimidated by any of her opposing counsel. She does what is right for her clients and gets them what they deserve. I definitely endorse Debra for any family law matter where a client needs a fighter."

Roxanne Paige

Litigation lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Debra was my opposing counsel on a litigation matter. I found her to be a formidible opponent and an excellent advocate for her client. I was impressed with her legal knowledge. She fought hard but was professional throughout and we eventually reached a fair and reasonable settlement. I would hightly endorse Debra for any litigation matters."

Randi Klein

Family lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Debra for about five years. I have observed her in court and I have seen her in action. Debra is a tough negotiator and a skilled trial lawyer. She won't roll over for anyone and she never stops until she gets the best result possible for her clients. Her clients can rest assured that they are in good hands. I endorse this lawyer's work and recommend her without reservation."

Ruth Estep

Family lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Debra Opri is a highly skilled, knowledgeable lawyer. I found her to be extremely well prepared and confident. Debra is one of the most articulate lawyers I have ever come across, an attribute vital to her client's success! I would send my sister to her!"

Laura Ruvolo Lipp

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Debra possesses the most important qualities in a family law attorney. She is a zealous advocate in the courtroom, but she also cares about the person and the affect the legal matter is having on them mentally, emotionally and psychologically. What also impresses me about Debra is that no matter how long she has been practicing law, she never stops learning. Whether it is case law, legal procedures or trial techniques, Debra has a neverending intrinsic desire to get better and better and stay at the top of her game."

Joan Lewis-Heard

Family lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Seeing Debra Opri in action never ceases to amaze me. She is sharp, and will fight hard to do whatever it takes to get the best results."

Robert Merlin

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Other

"I had the pleasure of working with Debra as an expert in one of her cases. I found her to be very prepared, intelligent and hard working. Throughout my experience with Debra, she always kept her client's best interests at heart and vigorously pursued those interests. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Debra again."

David Gray

Litigation lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am honored to endorse this lawyer. Having known Ms. Opri since 1997, having worked with her on a number of cases and even having her handle legal matters on my behalf, I do not hesitate to refer to her in the most highly respected regard. She is ethical and one of the most hard working attorneys I know. Debra Opri lives for her clients.I have had the good foturne to learn from her personally,"

Robert Mellinger

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer and her work. I have known Debra Opri for over thirty years, worked with her on several cases, including the internationally televised Anna Nicole Smith case triology(i.e., Probate, Family & Appellate levels) ,in Broward County, Florida in 2007. I have seen her in action in and out of the courtroom. She is a dedicated, passionate and media savvy attorney, always giving 110% for her clients as well as always willing to share hier expertise with a colleague. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a top notch, experienced attorney. She is an aggressive and zealous advocate for her clients dealing with the highest ethical standards and preeminent legal skill. She is also media savvy and uses it to the best advantage of her clients and their cases. She is not afraid to litigate a "high profile" case, and she gets great results for her clients. She is well known and well respected by her fellow attorneys in California and nationwide."

Frann Setzer

Family lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Debra is a highly knowledgeable and competent attorney who is experienced in handling complex family law cases. She is a strong advocate for her clients and vigorously pursues their interests and goals. I would not hesitate to refer a client to Debra, with the knowledge that they will be well represented and cared for."

Colleen Warren

Family lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Debra is a strong and smart attorney, who ensures she is fighting for her client's rights, without losing sight of the overall needs of a former family in divorce and custody cases. I trust that the clients I refer to her will be very well taken care of by her and her staff."

Meredith Lewis

Family lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ms. Opri for several years, and I consider her to be one of the absolute best attorneys in Southern California. She has handled numerous complex cases, and is a fierce advocate for her clients. I do not hesitate to fully endorse her as a great attorney."

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Jeffrey Steinberger

Litigation lawyer

Randi Klein

Family lawyer

Ruth Estep

Family lawyer

Laura Ruvolo Lipp

Family lawyer

David Gray

Workers compensation lawyer

Robert Merlin

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating: 9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Women Leaders in the Law, LAT Women Leaders in the Law

2013

Client Choice Award, Avvo

2013

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Orchard Award, CARRY [Coalition for At Risk Youth]

2010

Women Leaders in the Law, LAT Women Leaders in the Law

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Work Experience

1989 - Present

Partner, Opri & Associates

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Associations

2013 - Present

Santa Monica Bar Association, Family Law Section

Affiliate Member

2013 - Present

National Association of Professional Women

Member

1991 - Present

Beverly Hills Bar Association

Member

1989 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

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Sample of Legal Cases

Anna Nicole Smith paternity case, et al

resolved

Michael Jackson's parents' Katharine & Joe

Michael Jackson was acquitted

David & Pamela Hasselhoff divorce

case resolved

David Caruso paternity/palimony cases

palimony settled; paternity resolved

Jermaine Jackson divorce

resolved

James Brown [adv Agbalaya]

jury verdict in favor of James Brown

Kevin Hart divorce

settled

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Education

1987

Whittier College School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

New York University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

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Speaking Engagements

2012

tbp Debra Opri Shares Her Inspirational Story

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Publications

2013

www.debraopri.com The Opri Opinion

2013

yahoo.com Dan Marino's Biggest Fumble? Dropping the Ball on his Secret Paternity Deal

2013

The Opri Opinion When Your Valentine Files for Divorce

2013

The Opri Opinion How to Use a Divorce

2013

The Opri Opinion In the Matter of Paternity Cases

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Languages

English

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Debra A Opri

About Debra

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 28 years

Licensed in New Jersey for 34 years

Licensed in California for 36 years

Licensed in District of Columbia for 34 years

Location

Law Offices of Debra A Opri

Gallery

Debra A Opri's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

Debra Opri

Debra A Opri's Lawyer Endorsements

Experience

Honors

Work Experience

Associations

Sample of Legal Cases

Education

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Languages

Activity

Legal Answers