Andrea Rene Mah

Former client warning: this attorney’s firm sued me for disputed fees and obtained a default judgment without my actual knowledge that the judgment was being pursued. Andrea Mah represented me for more than two years. During the representation, she and her office regularly communicated with me by ...email. She also told me, “We usually don’t represent men, but in your case, I will make an exception.” That statement concerned me and affected my confidence in how I was being viewed as a male client. I was extremely dissatisfied with the firm’s billing practices. In my experience, the attorneys and staff repeatedly encouraged telephone conversations. These conversations often became lengthy and included personal stories unrelated to my legal matter, including discussions about their lives and neighbors, while the billing clock continued running. From administrative personnel to attorneys, almost every interaction appeared to generate another charge. I felt that the calls were not managed efficiently and that unnecessary conversation contributed substantially to my bill. Prospective clients should insist upon written billing guidelines and carefully review the time recorded for every call. The firm eventually sued me. I acknowledge receiving the original summons and complaint in 2023. However, I categorically deny receiving the later Request for Entry of Default, Request for Court Judgment, or judgment. The firm claims that these critical documents were mailed through ordinary mail. Despite its established practice of communicating with me by email for more than two years, it never emailed these filings to me, never called me, and never informed me that it was actively pursuing a default judgment. I learned of the judgment after enforcement reached my bank account. I am challenging the judgment and asking the court to examine the disputed mailing declarations and the parties’ complete communication history. I also intend to submit the matter to the State Bar of California. Prospective clients should carefully review the fee agreement, monitor every telephone call and invoice, preserve every communication, and understand that a billing dispute may result in the firm suing its own former client.