Debra R Schoenberg

I retained Debra after realizing that my initial attorney was too inexperienced and had done nothing but lose give me bad advice for almost two years of litigation. I had gone from primary custody with over 90% custody to 50% to get agreement to a move-away and my lawyer had later advised me to agree... to a custody evaluation that was going poorly. My ex had married and had virtually unlimited funds for litigation while I was a full-time student. Debra evaluated the situation and told me what my options were. She was clear on what the possible outcomes would be and that my case was in a bad position due to all concessions I had given initially based on the previous lawyer's advice. I didn't like everything she had to say but she was brutally honest with what I could expect from the court. At our first court appearance, I was impressed with her preparation and her command during the appearance. It was obvious to me that this woman knew what she was talking about and that the other professionals at court knew and respected her, including our judge. When the custody evaluation came back against me, Debra gave me invaluable advice, which I took. She told me what she thought was the best course of action but said that the choice was mine and she would take the case forward however I chose. After reflection, I agreed that her assessment was accurate. In court, I watched as Debra argued the judge into ordering a second custody evaluation, possible because I followed Debra's advice and agreed to relocate back to the county where my ex lived. This was at great personal cost, both financially and professionally. But it was worth it in the end. Because Debra got me back to 50% custody, which was critical to my child's emotional well-being, and I do not believe that would have happened without her advice or her skills in the courtroom. Debra was always honest and upfront about the slim chance I had at success in my case but delivered a successful outcome. She remained focused on the best interest of my child at all times. When I became frustrated with my ex over a minor issue involving a vacation dispute, she bluntly set me straight, telling me that she didn't play tit for tat and helping me focus on my child's experience rather than my own annoyance. I was kept informed about her availability and her staff was helpful, caring, and above all, competent. I joked with friends that I was Debra's poorest client. As a student, I borrowed every penny that I paid Debra with and she was careful with it. Did it go faster than I hoped? Of course. But she changed procedures in her practice to save clients money while I was a client when she found a way to have lower billing staff perform tasks. I appreciated that. Debra has great knowledge, experience and integrity. I do not exaggerate when I say that she saved me and my child. Without her, I would have ended up with three weekends a month, simply because my ex had more money and a lawyer who would tell any story to win. For the first time in the court process, I felt defended. I highly recommend Debra Schoenberg.

I found Deborah through a lawyer friend who is an estate planning attorney, and has a great deal of experience working with family law firms. She gave me the names of several family law firms, but once I met Deborah, I knew this was the place to be at this very difficult time of my life. At my first... meeting with Deborah, I knew that she would protect my interests. It was obvious to me that she was not to be trifled with, and in fact, I would not have wanted to encounter her on the other side of my divorce. Rachel Leff-Kiff did much of the day to day work under Deborah's supervision. Rachel was extremely competent, calm and patient. Throughout, I was kept informed, my phone calls were returned promptly, and at each stage of the proceedings I was given options and the advise necessary to make the best decisions for my benefit. Deborah and her team were always very respectful and mindful of my financial situation and handled my divorce in a cost effective and caring manner. Deborah and Rachel did everything possible, and succeeded in fostering an uncontentious, amicable environment at the least possible expense, while absolutely protecting my interests. The staff was helpful, welcoming and uniformly kind both in person and on the phone. This made a big difference at a time when I was undergoing a lot of stress. I feel profoundly grateful for the way I was treated and my marriage resolved. As I move forward with my new life I would wish that anyone who is going through a divorce have as good an experience as I have. I would recommend the Schoenberg Family Law Group to anyone who is going through a divorce.

I found Debra during an extremely difficult time in my life. She was both sympathetic and also focused. She is efficient and some may see her mannerism as brusque, but I always felt like she was fighting for me, and continually looking out for my best interests. I worked with both her and an associ...ate, who was always available and extremely knowledgeable, but I could tell that Debra and her 25 years of experience were guiding the work. The paralegal I worked with was efficient and friendly. I wouldn't wish a custody battle on anyone, but I was pleased with the outcome and feel like the professional services I received were absolutely worth the high financial cost.

Dear Ms. Schoenberg, please stop collecting retainers and charging clients for future services that are ambiguous and vague in nature and without any proof of delivering them other than your associates claiming they've spent the time researching something with nothing to show for it. Most of us in ou...r lines of work need to have evidence of completing our work. After 8-10 months on my case and switching me between several associates (one left amid case), AND raising hourly rates, Schoenberg firm failed to close my case. The firm charges bizarre file maintenance fees in the 100s of dollars. What file maintenance? Aren't we in a digital age? Are you rereading old email threads and charging me for your lack of retention? After receiving a referral and high recommendations for this firm, I am extremely disappointed at how nonchalantly they handled and drained out my funds without much to show for it other than occasional consultation hours and a single court appearance on my behalf. We are talking over $30K to do that, and most of the work was actually done before the firm was retained, by a different attorney. Rather than getting me out of the waters, S. firm coasted along and slowly drained me out, collecting hefty retainers. Not a single discussion went without some mention of additional funds to be supplied. That's how much they care in your down moments. Finally they pulled out of the case citing inability to work without another retainer despite the case being on hold for other reasons. In addition, the staff can be rather rude, and it doesn't appear to be as highly qualified as Debra's good name would suggest. I feel ripped off and misled. Debra has only spoken to me twice, first to entice me to retain the firm, and one other time to demand a payment.