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.

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.

Anthony Lai helped me navigate what seemed like an impossible situation with my ex-wife, who is an attorney. Thanks to him, I am in LA this weekend visiting my daughter. I am particularly grateful for his efforts to uphold my divorce decree and prevent it from going before a judge. He advised against... my ex-wife’s attempt to seek an increase in child support. While I would have been content to drive to LA twice a month just to see my daughter, Anthony and the mediator (whom he knows well) recommended that we insist on upholding the divorce decree, allowing my daughter to visit Las Vegas once a month. We are now planning her visit in two weeks and preparing to celebrate her birthday. If there was ever a victory in this unnecessary hearing, Anthony certainly achieved it. I am relieved knowing I can reach out to him in the future should my ex-wife become difficult again. Thanks again, and I wish Anthony his firm much success!

Anthony Lai represented me with an issue I had collecting my full pension. My ex wife filed an inappropriate joiner on my pension. The pension attorneys were assisting my ex wife in filing a QDRO . I already had a court judgment giving me my full pension. The pension attorneys continued to assist my ...ex wife until Mr. Lai mentioned that by assisting her they were in contempt of court. They chose to give me my full pension . Thanks to the knowledge Mr. Lai had in this matter it ended correctly. Thank you Mr. Lai. George Kallimanis