Michael Caling Yu

The mediation I attended with Michael was very confusing. He was not prepared nor did we go over the case in person prior for preparation. I only spoke with with him three times about the case in a one year period. During the Mediation process I felt that there was lot concern for the attorney fees t...han the award for me. I had to speak for myself every time the mediator would walk in and michael would just sit there listening to me pleading my case. He never spoke up for me in support. The only time he would speak up was to make a statement about the attorney fees. During this four hour process there were also many private meetings between michael and the Mediator (which to me was very suspicious). These actions made me feel uncomfortable and intimidated. It also made me feel that I was there alone and not represented by anyone. At the end of the mediation the dollar amount was very satisfying and I just verbally agreed to the dollar amount. When the Mediator arrived with the paper work I was blind sided and informed by Michael that the split was a 50/50. Which my take was only a small fraction difference from initial offer. The final amount I was satisfied with was not accommodate me but to accommodate my attorneys fees. Now those private conversations between the mediator and my attorney were making sense. The negotiations were not in my benefit but for their benefit. So phase two of the negotiations started. Not only did I have have to speak for myself to the mediator while michael just sat in his chair and watched and didn't say anything in support except mentioning attorney fees. But now I had to debate my own attorney behind closed doors on the percentage take for both of us. This was a very bad experience for me. I do not recommend Consumer Legal Services to anyone and definitely advise to everyone not to get stuck with a young inexperienced attorney. I don't know if this is a typical action of attorneys but this is immoral and it should be regulated some how. Attorneys shouldn't take advantage of clients in this way. I feel violated by my representing firm and taken advantage and at sometimes felt intimidated that I don't know my rights against my attorney which I should trust from the beginning.