Dinh Thuan Luu

Please read this review in its entirety if you are considering this firm to handle any estate planning documents or advocate for you in court. I consider this review to serve as public service announcement because I was introduced to this firm through a seminar with a nationally recognized public se...rvice, non-profit organization. My mother retained the services of this firm after hearing Rebecca’s (Dinh's partner in Goldfarb LUU). We had one meeting with Rebecca to get the ball rolling & was introduced to Dinh because an internal meeting resulted in new options to advocate in court. After those initial meetings we never spoke with Rebecca or Dinh again. Care for Client: A few days later I get an email from a new attorney Sarah. NO warm-hand off from Dinh, or a summary of Sarah’s background. From the same firm that says you are a part of a “family”. I think we deserved an explanation on why Dinh passed us off on Sarah when she proactively reached out to us to handle the court piece. Legal Documents: Legal agreement constructed by Sarah, contained instructions, I am assuming from a publisher,  was sent to us. It read: “[It may be desirable to be more detailed in identifying the arbitration mechanism, or it may be preferable to preserve the option of jury or court trial for the client.]” I’m the client.  I am paying for legal expertise and you are sending me attorney instructions on how to complete the agreement. And, it was sent without a strategy meeting to discuss the pros and cons of using it. We mentioned it as a plan B option depending on the outcome in court. Dinh's name was on all of the court filings although we never heard from her. Billing Issues: Multiple payments were made to Dinh’s business email address. Yet, two different employees who handled billing in the office did not credit them on the invoices. I emailed Dinh and she resolved the first issue. I requested a full accounting of the retainer funds 2x. Amelie in their office stated that we left their firm “because were unhappy with the court outcome” and the fees were earned because we had a draft of the trust. The trust could not be drafted until after the court modification. Services were terminated almost immediately after court & receipt of publisher instructions on a legal document. Court Representation: Dinh and Sarah names were on the court filings. This gave me the impression Dinh was supervising her. The court filings were redundant. Judge called that out in the hearing. On more than one occasion they were rushed. For example, Sarah would call around 1pm to notify me of an email for my mother to sign with the expectation to send it back within a few hours. I served as tech-support for my 82-year old mother. Lastly, Sarah mentioned our judge was new to probate and unpredictable. Well, I looked her up. She went to Harvard Law, practiced in the area for 7+ years, Duke Undergrad,  been on the bench for 7 years, served as expert witness, and was accepted into ACTEC. Please google ACTEC. Distinguished organization for top practicing attorneys, with skill, writings, teachings, with aim to improve and reform probate tax trust laws procedures etc. Does any of that read “new” to you? In my opinion, Sarah told us that to lower our expectations and deflect from the fact that our case did not meet the burden for probate. How do I know this? The judge told us in the hearing.   Timing of Notices: Hearing Notices to our “enemy” were sent out 6 months prior to the hearing when 30 days is required. In my opinion, this gave them advance time to prepare a fight. There is so much more to say but these sites do not allow for the room. But, it will be in other complaints. I felt compelled to write this factual review and speak up because they work with seniors. Dinh was emailed to discuss the issues and it's been 30+ days and there was no return call. A client of one year and no care to understand.

Goldfarb & Luu is a worthy law firm, After being recommended to them and hiring them to do my trust work, I was startled to learn how truly fine and caring this law firm is. The law firm is extremely helpful. Any and all questions are answered promptly, honestly and earnestly. A high point is th...eir taking the time to make sure one understands all aspects of any procedure. Neither “pushy” nor abrupt the firm always offers helpful suggestions. One feels as if the firm is “family” and truly interested in the welfare of each client. Their work is exemplary. Aside from being very personable, kind and helpful, Rebecca Goldfarb and Dinh Luu are excellent administrators. Each and every person with the Goldfarb and Luu Law Firm are wonderful people. The entire team reflects this spirit.

Dinh has been expertly guiding me through the resolution of my aunt's complex estate. Although I'm an attorney, I was completely out of my depth when it comes to navigating California estate and trust law. Dinh has been extremely responsive and attentive. Her expertise and guidance has been invaluabl...e. I highly recommend her services.