Anthony Wen Lai

I am writing to express my positive feedback and appreciation for the representation and advocacy by Anthony Lai in a family law matter over the past two years. Anthony’s approach was to listen and lead me through the case as he saw it. He deftly and gently explained when there were legal and leve...rage deficiencies on my side - and when my argument was more favorable - and when, why, and how settlement was in my best interest through the different stages of the overall dispute. He guided me through every step, taking my many questions, hearing my concerns when I had them, and collaborating with me in his advocacy for my positions, even when I had to accept delay or challenges along the way. He helped me gather a factual record and the details necessary to support the progress of my case and his filings, with professionalism. He took the time to describe his strategy clearly and often, so I had an understanding of his approach and handling of the matter. He led on the law, but didn’t cause me to feel isolated from the legal process - which can oftentimes seem opaque, confusing and overwhelming. He was precise and comprehensive in his representation, preparing me for an appearance in court, and the associated procedures. Through it all, his advocacy on my behalf was consistent. And in the end, he helped settle the whole matter out of court to my satisfaction. My experience tells me Anthony balances a human relationship with his clients - alongside his legal insights, strategy, and the reality of his cases. No outcome in the law is guaranteed, so he does an exemplary job of preparing and piloting his clients through the process, beginning-to-end. In my case, while it was at times a frustrating and painful journey, he confidently led me to an ultimately positive outcome, and I’m grateful for his representation.

From our initial consultation Anthony was laser focused on exactly the support I needed and letting me dictate the course that we took through the process. As I'm sure you could guess, the divorce process was ever-changing, and Anthony was there every step of the way to support both my legal needs wh...ile also respecting my fiscal constraints. I cannot imagine anyone doing a better job than Anthony did guiding me through every phase of the journey on my terms. He embodies the principle of client-centered law and perfectly navigated the balance between personal compassion and professional conduct. I will be sending anyone I know who needs family law support directly to Anthony. He represents both the legal expertise and human touch that you need during challenging times.

Anthony presented as strong and proactive at the initial meeting but he’s not shown those characteristics since. The divorce is now at ‘years’ with no end in sight. It’s been months since he’s communicated to me what’s going on or what the next move is. He has left the case on the back burner and w...hen he’s questioned as to what’s going on, he gets defensive and has now created an environment where there’s a fear of getting dropped if too many concerns are brought up:’ if you’re not happy then find someone else.’ How about ‘just do your job and don’t get offended when you’re asked what’s going on and why is getting a response to discovery taking months instead of weeks?’ It’s a terrible situation: if he feels you are questioning him, he’ll just send a substitution of attorney form instead of listening to your concerns and actually addressing the issues. I am afraid to speak freely and do not feel as though he is in my corner. At times, Anthony has rationalized the bad behavior of my spouse and the poor behavior of his attorney, too. Anthony knows the law but it seems he picks and chooses what cases he will devote time to. He’s been weak in proactively setting deadlines and getting the opposing counsel to adhere to them; he has no empathy or understanding of the emotional impact of a divorce; he is a poor communicator and doesn’t follow through as to what’s going on and what the next step is; he allows months to go by without actively doing anything; he doesn’t do what he says he’s going to do but he’ll definitely take your money and lots of it. He needs to take an honest and non-reactive/defensive look at his case load and recognize where he’s letting his clients down and where he needs to dedicate his time-some self-reflection: what cases have I not made any progress on? Who have I not emailed to let them know what we’re doing to wrap this up? What am I going to do to move this forward? There’s a new year coming up-maybe I need to put the heat on this as I’ve let it sit forever, I’ve had this case for years now, so maybe I need to work hard at this and get this done so people can move on…. If you are okay with your divorce taking forever, having an attorney who treats you like you’re bothering them, not being pro-active, not listening to you, not answering emails, not honoring deadlines, having limited availability for zoom conferences, not communicating (at least once a month), setting you up to fail, etc., then Anthony is the lawyer for you. This firm should take a hard look at who they are employing.