Elizabeth Durbin Bales

BE AWARE!!! If it were possible to give less than a one-star review, that's exactly what Elizabeth Bales would receive from me. Assigned by the court for a CPS case in Amador county, California, she has utterly failed to advocate effectively for her client. Despite being a court-appointed lawyer p...rovided at no cost, the quality and effort in her representation were profoundly lacking. Ms. Bales seemed to have an uncomfortably close relationship with CPS personnel, leading to a conflict of interest that appeared to affect her dedication to genuinely representing the child's best interests. She missed critical deadlines, such as failing to file important documents necessary for the case. Furthermore, she neglected to present crucial evidence including timelines of abuse and therapist reports that were vital for the judge’s decision-making process. Compounding these issues, Ms. Bales did not challenge any misleading statements made by the CPS social worker, despite clear evidence to the contrary that could be proven. Numerous documented incidents that should have been brought to the judge’s attention to protect the children were overlooked or ignored under her representation. The negligence demonstrated by Elizabeth Bales has not only failed the family she was supposed to serve but, most importantly, failed the children involved in this case. This is a serious accusation, but it is based on a series of unprofessional actions that had significant consequences. If you are considering her for legal representation, especially in sensitive family or CPS-related matters, I strongly urge you to reconsider. It is tragic to think that the outcome for these children could have been different had their interests been more vigorously defended.