Steven Jeffrey Fields

In September 2022, I hired Steven J Fields to represent me in a difficult divorce. His hourly rate was $600 per hour, and the consultation fee is $600 per hour. I placed my trust in him and his paralegal. I began to wonder if I made a mistake in November 2022. In our first hearing - Steve did n...ot file for child support properly; The Commissioner pointed it out. Steve told me later that he had always done it that way. Implying the commissioner was wrong. So, I asked when he would file again. Keep in mind. He knew my wife had left the family, I was working and raising 3 kids by myself. She was providing zero help. His response? 'You can't just file a motion for child support, it takes time and money.' Later he told me that the reason he didn't file the initial motion correctly is that I was in a hurry, and he was trying to help me. So, our motion hearing March 2, 2023. Opposing counsel pointed out that Steve had not filed my financial declaration. Steve insisted that he had, that he had a receipt. But lo and behold, they were filled March 8th - 6 days after the hearing!!!! The hearing was continued to March 22, 2023, did lead to an order for child support by my wife. There were several other mistakes. He did not like being called out on them. In fact, when I asked why he had a hearing with my wife's lawyer to reschedule the trial in May 2023, he told me I was a difficult client. That his paralegal had asked him several times to fire me because I caused too much stress. I found this out by looking at the King County court website! When I was given my files - other client's information was mixed throughout. I am letting them know. When I asked for copies of emails Mr. Fields sent opposing counsel as I am now Pro Se (after Steve knew I was out of money he withdrew as my lawyer.) he told me he owns them - and would not provide them to me. I was billed over $30,000 by Mr. Fields and we had not gotten to mediation! I had asked him how much he felt I would need to have available to get through trial. I asked his paralegal several times for him to call me. I never received a response. Oh - my wife was directed to provide released of records. Steve and his paralegal decided to draft them. One big mistake - they listed an incorrect birthdate, so I was charged several hundred dollars for records that came back with nothing. He told me that the birthdate issue was my wife's lawyers. No Steve - you included the originals with the wrong birthdate sent by your paralegal. I have them with your paralegals handwriting! There is so much more, and I am preparing a filing with the Washington State Bar Association. He knows. He didn't seem to care. Someone wrote that anyone looking should look elsewhere. I wish now that I had. Steve did not prepare me for what to expect - wife filed for reconsideration and Steve was indignant when I asked him that meant. Same when she filed a counter motion again - I should have known!

Divorce is an emotional roller-coaster, especially when kids are involved. Steve Fields was referred to me when mediation failed in my divorce and I could not be happier with his work. He knows the law, he is a strong advocate, he is comfortable in court, he is familiar with most of the other family... lawyers in the area, and he understands that the outcome affects peoples' lives so he takes his work very seriously. I had a very high conflict divorce and there were times that I would panic and Steve was always reassuring and calm. Steve encourages conflict resolution, yet prepares you for the long-haul and very much looks out for his client's best interests. He is courteous, professional, and very reasonable in his fees. Litigation can be very expensive, and I always felt that Steve was being fair with the billings. I would recommend Steve in a minute to anyone who needs a skilled lawyer, a caring professional, and a strong ally in the long road of divorce or child custody. He also has a really nice and quick-witted paralegal who can talk anyone off the ledge. I always felt better after our meetings at his office, and I always felt like I was in good hands. I think Steve is top-notch, one of the best lawyers in Seattle, and I'd choose him again (but I hope I never need him again)!