Shelby Thomas

Generally I do not do reviews. This one was costly so I need to. I feel Shelby was a VERY new attorney (Research later provided this was accurate). I called a listing from a previous attorney and I was rerouted to Law Firm “Ward, Grover and Ash” and should have done much better research. I was repres...ented by Jon Springer 10 years ago and he was phenomenal, so when Ward, Grover, Ash turned me over to their DUI non-partner, but “Associate” I felt they would only direct me to someone they felt worthy of matching my previous representation. Shelby is nice and she is pretty, but when you go to hire (and pay) looks do not win your case or give you a sense your time or money are important. I feel Shelby needs to do her homework when taking on a case. She needs to learn communication, as well as case law if she is demanding upfront payment and a flat fee. I would have been better asking a “by the hour fee schedule” with this one. If you hire (and pay) you expect they are using due diligence and you are hoping they are actually working round the clock to get you the best counsel. I felt that I had to request progression as well as demand “Who do I need to talk to personally” to get my case attention before Shelby put in her own efforts. She stated she was unable to get the DA to respond-and this took weeks. Once I asked if we could have a sit down, and requested to see copies of her communications to the DA I finally felt movement, she did not produce those emails, but she then started providing information slowly thereafter. She lacked in confidence, complete or accurate information, and timeliness. I believe if you have personal commitments going on in your life you should not accept new clients. If you take on more pay, provide more work. It is simple work ethics. (Research later provided she had personal commitments going on that aligned with my case). If you are new in the world of attorneys then you should adjust your fee schedule to match your abilities and what amount of time you plan to commit. I will not put down Ward Grover and Ash, but I hope they will think further before recommending a newbie, maybe ask the person on the other end of the line what type of representation they are willing to pay for. I would have paid for the best-to get the best. Not everyone is looking to save 2 pennies. I was looking for best representation. Rant over. I personally would not hire, not refer Shelby to anyone. The lady seen 30 minutes after me in the same courtroom with the exact (literally exact case) received the same fine, same 3 day sentence and she had a free public defender... go with that! The judge even noted they were identical cases to her and the DA. We both checked into the Deschutes county jail at the same time to serve our weekend.

I was charged with criminal mischief in the second degree , recklessly endangering another person, and failure to perform duties of a driver-property damage. When I met with her for my consultation she laid everything out for me. I've never been in trouble with the law before. She did a fantastic ...job walking me through this process. In the end I ended up doing 40 hours of community service and only charged with criminal mischief in the second degree ( count 1) I'm very happy with the out come. I have my drivers license which is most important when you're self employed. I'm very thankful and grateful to have had Shelby on my side. I will always recommend her! She's awesome! Thank you!