J. Porter DeVries

I hired Porter DeVries to negotiate with an insurance company and recover my losses from incompetent property managers. He never called the insurance company or wrote a letter to advocate for a fair reimbursement for my losses. After more than 2 years my losses were greater than when he was hired due... to excessive legal fees and delays caused by revolving associate attorneys. I was never advised when the attorney working on my case suddenly disappeared and a different attorney unfamiliar with the case was assigned.

Our association is quite large. Our condominium consists of 134 units. Based on our size, we have experienced every kind of problem an association can experience. While we have dealt with many Honolulu law firms during my tenure as a Board Member, we have chosen Big Island-based DeVries and Associate...s as our general counsel. We wanted an attorney and law firm that tries to resolves problems first rather than rush to litigation. We wanted a law firm that returns calls right away. We wanted a law firm that does not just practice law, but also looks out for what is in the best interests of our residents and community. Those are the qualities that we found in DeVries and Associates attorneys and staff.

I hired J. Porter DeVries after doing my diligence to find the right attorney to represent me in my case. We agreed on the approach and strategy up front and I felt good with his confidence in being able to help me. So I paid him $21,000 of his very expensive $25,000 retainer that he required up fron...t, and then he completely failed to honor our agreement and follow our strategy. Instead of advocating for my best interests as he was hired to do, he withdrew his representation without fair warning when I needed him the most through this process. His withdrawal caused me a serious injustice and completely compromised my case at a crucial time that he agreed would be his responsibility. I may not be able to recover from his actions and I am so devastated with this injustice when he seemed to be the right attorney to wrap this case up for me. After paying a whopping $21,000, he only contributed a minimal effort worth about $5000 based on his rates. After this very negative outcome, I asked him to refund me the majority of the retainer or to perform the work as we had agreed, but he refused to do either and he proceeded to withdraw from the case. I really needed that money back to try and find another lawyer and I'm not sure what to do now. I cannot believe this turned out to be so negative when he was so confident he could help me before taking my money. J. Porter DeVries does not appear to be who he claims, he talks a good story up front but then doesn't follow through on the agreement. If you are looking for justice in our legal system, I would find someone else to represent you.

For a maritime business owner like myself, litigation is a distraction, a headache, and a great source of anxiety. My general counsel attorneys at DeVries & Associates stay on top of my business. We have monthly "check in calls," where they dive into what my current issues are and how we can solve th...em effectively and proactively. With D & A on my side, I am well defended, well protected, and I know that I will always have a zealous advocate for my interests. D & A is an invaluable and indispensable part of my team.