Yolanda Simmons Bachtell

I know this will be a little long, but this is important…. We used Ms. Bachtell for my husband divorce we had trust in her. That is now totally gone. Long story short…4.5 years ago we were in a pretty bad accident. Fortunately, everyone was not injured seriously. With that said…. Ms. Bachtell IS NOT ...AN INJURY LAWYER note to self. We called to get advice only. She said she could handle it….well she did kinda NOT. There are things we did not know. Subrogation, the fact that we were not hurt bad was only a “soft tissue” injury. Blah blah blah….turns out if we had been told these two things it probably wouldn’t have taken 4.5 years and a mediator to settle it. OH and after that it literally took 6 months for her to finally settle it. The worse part she would have one excuse after another why she wasn’t on our case, out of state, at Lowes for a pipe that broke etc. etc. I am so angry it’s not funny. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE HER BUSINESS. Lawyers work on referrals. She is not a professional lawyer

Over the past three years, I have seen, heard, and learned a lot in the Contra Costa Family Courthouse. One of the highest recommendations an attorney can receive is when the Court staff speaks highly of her or him. It is analogous to a hospital environment when the nurses give the thumbs up ab...out a doctor. Yolanda Bachtell has the respect and proverbial ‘thumbs up’ in the Family Law Courthouse. I hired Attorney Bachtell three years ago after interviewing several other attorneys, some of whom were on the Super Lawyer* list. What impressed me about Ms. Bachtell were her calm unequivocal demeanor and perceptive questions and responses about my divorce case and financial situation. I believe the main objective of family law is receiving an even-handed outcome; and the way to achieve this is to have an attorney who thoroughly knows the law, skillfully uses that knowledge during the entire legal process, has integrity and is professional and honest. Ms. Bachtell has unsurmountable integrity, she is honest and SMART. I have watched her diligently craft motions, declarations, responses, financial spreadsheets, prepare trial binders and propetizers with multiple exhibits for my case. She interacts with Judges confidently and with composure. She is so organized that Judge Joyce Cram would often refer to her for the documents needed by both sides while in our hearing. I agree with another reviewer that it is important for a petitioner to feel involved with his or her case. Ms. Bachtell respects the investment I have in my case and empowers me to be as involved as is appropriate. As with any attorney, there is typically a 1-day delay in responding to clients. There have been times when I left a frantic voice mail for Ms. Bachtell, and she responded immediately or let me know when she would be able to discuss the matter. My experience with Attorney Bachtell as my family law attorney has been as positive as possible considering I am getting a divorce. The confidence I feel having her in my corner, advocating for me, has kept me sane through this long arduous process. ____________________________________________________________________ *NOTE: To be listed as a “Super Lawyer” only requires votes by their peers. Usually, these attorneys are members of numerous associations within the county. After some research, I have learned that the Super Lawyer list is based on popularity--not credibility.

This attorney was ineffectual. Charged for services at attorney rates when the tasks could have been completed by a clerk or paralegal. Did not respond to phone calls or emails (was always too busy with her personal affairs). Did NOT represent my best interest. It was like she was in support of m...y ex's attorney, and she did not try to resolve the issues. Dragged the case on for way longer than needed and then she never finished the job that I paid for. She moved her office two hours away and then complained that she had to drive back to go to court. Yolanda just wanted to add more billable hours to her invoice, and she does not CARE about you or doing a good job for you. I paid her a total of $50,000 and lost just about everything because of her lack of representation. When I questioned her she became hostile and wanted to withdraw in the middle of the case. Please do not hire her...she will just take your money and not look out for getting you the best settlement.

I have been a client of Yolanda for many years through a VERY difficult child custody. She is AWESOME. Not only did she get my children back I have one who wanted to live with me now is living with me. This did not happen overnight. Many court hearings and declarations but she got it done. Still ...dealing with the other party and she is still around. She has a very calming nature,

Ms. Bachtell gives extremely great service in the area of Family Law. Of course, inform her about your issues and be involved in your case. You do not have to worry about having Ms. Bachtell advocate for your case. She is informed about what the other party may attempt to do, and will inform you o...f that. Otherwise, she will do her best to advocate for you the best she can. I went through many attorneys before I found Ms. Bachtell and wish I had hired her sooner.