Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
49 Client Reviews
PRO
also known as Willem Galen Gentry
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
My firm represents individuals in divorce, family law and criminal matters. I have over 30 years of legal experience. I have been awarded the highest possible rating for legal skill and ethical conduct by Martindale Hubbell, the oldest attorney rating company in the United States.
The four most important characteristics of our firm are the accessibility of the attorney, a focus on 'flat rate' billing where possible, a unique approach to case preparation, and a great deal of trial experience.
How is my firm different from our competition and why shoud you hire us?
Accessibility: Most law firms have a layer of personnel between the attorney and the clients. Clients who have switched to our firm from another have told us that attorney inaccessibility was their major problem (with expense and performance being numbers two and three). At our firm when clients have substantive questions, they speak directly with attorney responsible.
Unique Approach: With respect to many matters our experience allows us to perform them for a flat rate within a predictable and short period of time. When a person knows the cost up front and knows how long it will take to accomplish the task it simplifies their decision making.
We prepare every litigation matter as if it will be presented to for trial. Since most cases settle, average lawyers never think about trial until it is almost upon them. We start every case by looking at the law that will govern the trial and we use the law to help draft our pleadings. Everything we do is geared toward convincing the fact finder to find in favor of our client. By preparing for trial, we help ensure the best possible settlements in those matters that are resolved outside of court.
Winning Trial Experience: At trial, we present an understandable, plausible theme of the case. We use audio/visual presentations that help the fact finder understand the facts and relevant law and reinforce our client’s theme. We show the judge or jury why he or they should return a verdict for our client. Sounds simple, but it takes years of experience to perfect. Many lawyers have never taken a single case to trial. I have 30 years of trial experience with my most recent trial taking place on July 16, 2025.
In 2020 I was disciplined by the State Bar for conduct unrelated to the practice of law (I got in a fight with a male stranger in a restaurant parking lot). I regret my behavior.
7
Practice Areas
35 years | 356 cases
35 years | 388 cases
35 years | 367 cases
35 years | 314 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: California
Acquired: 1990
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021
Fax
Mobile
21300 Victory Blvd, Suite 300, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
la-divorce-lawyer.com
Other places you can find Galen online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 43 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Romana | March 14, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
So I have not personally hired Mr. Gentry but I have communicated with him through Avvo. If he is this helpful on Avvo, I can only imagine how huge of a help he would be if I hired him personally. I appreciate all your feedback Mr Gentry.
Thank you, Romana. I really appreciate it.
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
I found Galen on this website, and decided to give him a call despite the disciplinary action placed on his license. I am so glad that I did because my experience was the best amongst the other top rated options AVVO recommended. He didn’t cut me off, he didn’t try to dismiss me and talk about mo...
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to write your review. I try to provide all the information I can to help people make informed decisions! I appreciate you giving me your trust. For the record, I was disciplined by the Bar for engaging in a fight with a stranger in a restaurant parking lot. My actions that day had nothing to do with my practice of law. I have never been dishonest or unethical. The discipline was deserved. Lawyers should not get in physical fights. I am remorseful.
Posted by Frank | October 8, 2021 | Hired Attorney
I had a lengthy divorce case, I had three different lawyers before Mr. Gentry. All of them were mediocre at best. I spent almost 30k with my previous lawyers with zero outcome whatsoever. Mr. Gentry got my case to trial and I am very happy with the result. During the process Mr Gentry was always resp...
Posted by Mayra | August 24, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
Mr. Gentry explained my Rights and obligations in my legal situation in a clear and easy way for myself to understand. Although Mr. Gentry isn’t in my area (BUMMER) I was ready to hire this man on the spot. I truly did appreciate him taking the time out of his busy schedule to explain things to me.
Posted by Gustavo | August 4, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
Mr. Gentry explained my situation and my rights and obligations very well. Very helpful.
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Gentry goes above and beyond for his clients. He has always been and will allways be a mentor to me. I would not hesitate to refer any family law matter to Mr. Gentry."
"I endorse this lawyerAn extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. Galen has my utmost respect as a lawyer in the community. He has many years of experience and great trial experience. I do not hesitate referring a matter to Galen because he makes sure to do an outstanding job for all his clients."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Galen for many years and find him to be kind, honest, ethical, and hard-working, and I would highly recommend him for your legal needs."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Gentry is a very knowledgeable litigation attorney with extensive trial experience and is highly regarded in the legal community. I have worked with Mr. Gentry in matters in the past. He is trustworthy and fully committed to his clients."
Personal injury lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2021
updated on 11/22/2022This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
“I was disciplined by the State Bar for conduct unrelated to my obligations as a lawyer. I was involved in a fight with a stranger in a restaurant parking lot. I pled guilty to assault which resulted in Bar discipline. I am very sorry for my actions which were wrong. The discipline resulted in Avvo reducing my rating of 10 which I had for over 20 years to 7.3. I do not feel that it is appropriate to reduce a rating based on conduct unrelated to the practice of law, but I guess avvo knows best.”
Interim suspension after conviction issued in CA, 2020
updated on 07/16/2021This means the attorney temporarily lost his or her license to practice law while the State investigates whether the attorney should be disciplined. The suspension typically expires when the investigation is resolved.
“I was disciplined by the State Bar for conduct unrelated to my obligations as a lawyer. I was involved in a fight with a stranger in a restaurant parking lot. I pled guilty to assault which resulted in Bar discipline. I am very sorry for my actions which were wrong.”
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Multi-Million Dollar Advocate, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2011
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
CEB Civil Litigation Advisory e-Panel, State Bar of California
2009
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
A-V Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1992 - Present
Principal, The Law Offices of Galen Gentry And Associates
2010 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Litigation SectionExecutive Committee
2001 - Present
Beverly Hills Bars Association Intellectual Property and New Media SectionExecutive Committee
2000 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2000 - Present
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesMember
1998 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law SectionMember
1998 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Labor and Employment, Litigation and Business Law SectionsMember
1995 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law SectionMember
1993 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association Litigation SectionMember
1990 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2009 - 2013
Beverly Hills Bar Association IP SectionChairman
2008 - 2010
Los Angeles County Bar Trial Practice Inn of CourtMember
My client prevailed on all issues in the trial of the divorce.
After trial the court awarded the plaintiff $438,000 in damages.
After a thirty day trial the jury returned a verdict for the City against the defendants for over 3 million dollars.
$380,000 total judgment against defendants.
1990
Juris Doctorate
1984
Bachelor of Arts
N/A
2010
2009
The Legal Implications of Social Networks for Business
2008
Privacy Issues At Work and School After 9/11
2008
How Copyright Laws Apply to Web Pages, Blogs, and Postings
2012
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Afrikaans
Tigringa
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Galen earned significant contribution points in 2012.
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06 Aug 2025
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23 Jul 2025
Response to divorce
20 Jul 2025
4 steps to improve your chances of getting what you want in family law hearings
21 Sep 2012
Entreprenuers Are Often Sued For Fraud Because Of Misleading Investment Offerings--How To Avoid It
25 Jan 2012
15 Questions to Ask a Prospective Divorce Lawyer Before You Hire
11 Mar 2011