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Amir John Showrai

Family Attorney at Seattle, WA

3.4   18 reviews
  • Licensed for 19 years
    State WA
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Amir John

Learn Amir John’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas

Amir John Showrai joined Wechsler Becker in 2017, but is by no means new to family law. Working since 2003, he is a seasoned attorney who brings a wealth of experience to cases in family law and real property law, which he also practices at Wechsler Becker. With a 12 year background in immigration law, focused on family based immigration and asylum, Amir John is also well versed in unique problems many immigrants face in both divorce and child custody related issues. Amir John is one of the few attorneys in Washington who handles cases involving international child abduction, which are litigated under The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, also known as the Hague Convention on Child Abduction.

Since coming to Wechsler Becker, Amir John limits his practice to family law and real property law, including landlord tenant law, which dovetails with family law, given how many of his clients have real property issues that survive the family law case itself.

When representing parents in family law litigation, particularly those involving a child custody dispute, Amir John takes the disciplined and long view, focused on results that ensure his clients have life long relationships with their children. Too many attorneys focus only on the initial temporary orders or “winning” at trial, without consideration of the lifelong impacts on their clients and their children. Sophisticated clients appreciate the difference.

Amir John’s negotiating skills set him apart. He approaches every case differently, but with few exceptions, the same goals apply to most family law matters. Work things out by agreement that can be worked out first, to minimize litigation costs and relieve client stress over the unknown. If hearings or a trial are still needed for unresolved issues, Amir John plans a litigation strategy that takes into account a client’s financial position, goals of the litigation, and proceeds from there. That translates into lower fees and happier clients.

Sometimes, negotiating skills, no matter how good, are meaningless if the opposing party or their lawyer refuses to work on a solution. That’s when Amir John’s years of experience taking cases to trial come into play. If Amir John can’t negotiate a settlement of a case, then he will take it to trial. “Sometimes, despite wanting to settle, we really have no choice but to go to trial. The trick is to know when to modify our posture from one of negotiation to a trial posture, and when to simultaneously maintain both postures. With so much on the line for my clients, knowing how to approach each case is where I am of most help to them.”

Amir John further uses this skill set and experience when acting as a neutral mediator or arbitrator. He was appointed to be a King County family court commissioner pro tem in July 2018. Trained on all facets of mediation and arbitration at JAMS during a judicial externship while in law school, Amir John is known among colleagues who hire him time and again to help their clients resolve their cases, as someone with outside the box thinking, knowledge of how to structure complex financial and real property settlements, complex parenting plans (a/k/a/ custody orders), including those that deal with international custody disputes, and his ability to bring cases to a negotiated settlement.

Although most of his cases involve complex, high asset, or high income cases, including those involving real property disputes, business valuations, and the distribution of multi-million dollar estates, he also takes on cases with little financial complexity, but with difficult domestic violence or child custody issues. He represents a wide range of clients, including small business owners, executives, financial professionals, and business people.

Stylistically, Amir John counsels clients with compassionate but non-sugar coated advice. “With so much at stake, I do all I can to apprise clients of the need to have realistic expectations, given the unique facts we work with in each case. If we settle, before doing so, clients know I have exhausted every option in pursuit of their goals. That is the foundation of my style and method of practice.”

Among the traits clients and colleagues admire in Amir John, most appreciate his cordial demeanor especially in the most hotly contested cases. Clients appreciate his attention to detail, knowledge of court rules and procedure, and good faith dealing, all of which reduce costs and avoid unnecessary litigation.

Background

In what seems like another lifetime and before becoming a lawyer, Amir John was a commercial truck driver. “At the time, I needed an adventure, and I ended up getting some solid life lessons in what hard work really comes down to. I am forever grateful for the experience.” Outside of work, Amir John’s a lifelong avid auto enthusiast, with a “small” collection of eclectic classic cars, and hobby races with five friends, most of whom he’s known since high school.

Above all, Amir John is a proud husband and father of a wife and two children whom he adores and enjoys spending as much time with as possible.

Contact Amir John

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Wechsler Becker, LLP
701 Fifth Avenue
Suite 4550
Seattle, WA, 98104-7088

Reviews

3.4 / 5.0
  18 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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39%
Posted by Nicole | August 19, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Protection Order Consultation
Amir John consulted me with an anti-harassment protection order and a stalking protection order. He responded very quickly on a Friday night and was able to help me right away. He consulted me about the process, my submitted materials, and hearing preparations, as well as answered all my questions. If he did not know the answer to a question he looked into it and followed up with the information in a timely manner. I highly recommend Amir John Showrai.
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Posted by Michael | December 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He has your best interests in mind
He responded quickly to our emergent situation and was able to get right on the ball on very short notice. The entire time he was extremely professional and always looked out for our long term best interests rather than just a short-term satisfaction. This is someone who will help you weigh your pros and cons and make the best choice for your future.
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Posted by Amy | November 17, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
This is the attorney you want in your corner.
Amir John Showrai earned my trust when he advocated for me in a real estate dispute. I was very apprehensive about hiring an attorney, but Mr. Showrai showed me what a great thing it is to have an excellent attourney in my corner. Mr. Showrai was honest, effective and efficient, and won a favorable outcome with the least possible expense and stress to me. I cannot recommend Mr. Showrai highly enough.
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Posted by Ben | December 20, 2014
Outstanding Lawyer!
If you have legal problems, it's going to cost money to fix them. 8 years ago I had no understanding of how to choose an attorney and I've made mistakes, that cost me more money that it should have. I hired attorney's that really had their act together. Pretended to care and pretended to work hard on my problems. But now looking back on it all they were doing was just enough to bill me for their time, so they could earn their living and move on to the next client. And whether they helped me or not really didn't matter to them. As long as I paid them they were happy to keep taking my money. Then I met Amir John Showrai, an attorney who really does care about his clients problems and is willing to do whatever he can do to help solve those problems. Over the years I've seen him pull all nighter marathon sessions both for me and for his other clients. This is a sign of an attorney who is really on your side, when they are dedicated enough to sacrifice their own time to work on your legal problems. Amir John Showrai will work as hard as he can to solve your legal issues. Not all attorneys are the same in the court room in front of the judge either. Some attorney's stand in front of the judge and just ready text they prepared the day before. Amir John Showrai will have your case prepared and be able to think on his feet when presenting it to the judge, because he's not reading your case to the judge he's fighting for legal position as if it was his own that he was defending. No one can make a judge or the legal system decide in your favor. The best you can hope for is that your attorney does the best job possible fighting to make the best outcome in your favor. Over the last 8 years Amir John Showrai has done that for me as well as for his many other clients.
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Posted by Rose | December 14, 2014
Efficient and effective!
Mr. Showrai was very helpful in guidingme through my legal issue. I found him very patient with me when I had a lot of questions to get answers for. He was knowledgeable and able to explain the process and results at the level I was comfortable understanding. I found him to be professional and efficient. I was able to have access to talk to him when I called. If he wasn't able to talk to me at the time I called, he returned my call in a timely fashion. I would definitely use Mr. Showrai again!
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Posted by Alana | April 25, 2013
He is professional, understanding and helped me throughout difficult times that I would have rather not gone through
I have worked with Mr. Amir John Showrai off and on for two years. He has helped me through the process of my divorce as well helped me through a move relocation case. He is professional, understanding and helped me throughout difficult times that I would have rather not gone through. I completely recommend him to anyone that is going through a divorce. Throughout the process and many emails he educated me on how to deal with an ex-husband and how to communicate properly. When working with him he treated me with respect and I truly believe he put himself in my shoes which allowed him to be sensitive to what I was going through. I am forever appreciative for all that he has done for me. Thank you.
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Posted by Brian | April 19, 2013
Strongly Recommended!!!
Amir John Showrai handled my divorce case with expediency, accuracy and confidence. His handling of sensitive matters was professional and decisive. Amir John is honest, caring and very upfront with expectations which helped immeasurably in dealing with the stress of my case. He was able to navigate the troubled waters and help settle the case with sensible conclusions and amicable agreements. I fully recommend Amir John Showrai for his outstanding skill as a lawyer and genuine care as a compassionate human being. He is one person I would want in my corner, at all times!
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Posted by Arti | June 5, 2012
Lawyer who walks the difficult path with you.
Mr. Showrai is a very thorough, diligent lawyer. He is a very nice human being to the core. Yes, I know I am talking about a divorce lawyer. He is honest and upfront. He does not try to make a show or give you false hopes. He sincerely will work for you. He will work crazy hours to get the job done. His idea of being a divorce attorney is to help his clients and impact their lives to have a better living. If only he can get more responsive there would be no negative points. But you don't get everything right! He is very professional and knows exactly what his job is. When going through divorce one can get really difficult to work with. Mr. Showrai knows how to walk this path with you. He knows when he can help and knows very well when he needs to step aside. :) He is great! I think he is very bold and will speak up for his client very skillfully. I have talked to a few other lawyers and they all unanimously have the same compliments for Mr. Showrai’s slightly delayed but thorough responses. 
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Posted by Maddy | April 1, 2010
The Best!!
Amir John Showrai has represented me on three cases over the last three years, one that has gone to court, regarding family law and landlord / tenant law primarily. He has also provided numerous consultations regarding minor law-related questions. This is what I have to say about Amir John: Amir John is not only very understanding and compassionate, he takes the time necessary to communicate effectively with you. His time is invaluable and yet - he offers it freely to build his client relationships. It tugs at my heart strings to know there are people out there who operate on the level that he does. I can also say about Amir John, that he will get behind you with the power of a thousand horses and really shake down the other guy. He cares AND at the same time, he is like a dog with a bone! Absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt, yes - If I hear of anyone needing legal assistance I will certainly refer them to Amir John Showrai.
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Posted by Yves | March 23, 2010
Highly Recommended!
Falling in love is usually unplanned and often times what follows is unplanned also. While traveling through the USA, I met a great guy who at the end of a multi month road trip together, pre-posed to me, and I boldly accepted - without thinking too much of the complexities involved, such as living on the opposite sides of the globe from each other. Where this is a will there is a way they say, and for my husband and I much of it was love and will, but we owe a huge show of gratitude to a wonderful man we were lucky enough to cross paths with, the lawyer who walked us through the complex process of USA Immigration laws, Amir John Showrai. As I was struggling with the paperwork for immigration, reading the fine print on so many forms that it soon came clear to me that I was going to require some assistance from someone who was well versed in USA Immigration law. I was already online trying to work through what Immigration required when I came across a page that could connect me with a lawyer who could help me and as fate would have it I left my details with 2 of these sites and within a couple of hours, Amir John Showrai had contacted me and was such an immediate welcome relief. As I spoke with him, I already felt less stressed. We discussed our situation and Amir John gave me a general idea of costs involved and basic timelines and possible hiccups that could come up and how to handle them including managing the costs involved, (although very reasonable), over time for those of us struggling a little more than others. Thankfully we decided to go ahead and work with Amir John Showrai and believe it was one of the best decisions we could ever have made. He helped walk us through the process from working visas to permanent residency cards, joined us for our appointments with immigration and even when we had to move out of state, twice through the process, Amir John continued to be a professional yet friendly assistance throughout the process. I am now a permanent resident and would have no absolutely no hesitation in recommending Amir John Showrai to assist in the Immigration Processes.
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Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2010
Highly Recommended!!!
When custody of your children are on the line. You want someone you can count on. For me and my wife, we had the amazing good fortune to retain Amir John Showrai. He has come through for us on several big family legal issues over the last 4 years. I could not have hoped for a better attorney and friend to help us during our families most difficult times. Not to mention how he has bent over backwards to help us manage the costs of all the legal battles we were forced to fight. I’ve worked with more than a few attorneys, but Amir has hit so many homeruns for our family, I know I’ll never need to look for another attorney again.
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Posted by anonymous | February 1, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thinking of hiring him?
HIre him for sure if you want to: - spend 3x of what you should normally spend - have a lawyer who is unreachable, unresponsive, sometimes for weeks - work with a lawyer who has only HIS OWN interests in mind. This man will happily delay things, obfuscate matters, resort to tricks, just to push things out and make an extra buck. At your expense of course - in general, if you are in no hurry, or have unlimited time - hire this man. He'll make sure things take forever and cost you the moon. A bloviating, pompous, narcissistic fool who makes you wonder how he became an attorney. Plus, a disaster of a human being.
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Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worst I have encountered, fails paperwork, absent for weeks, not your advocate!
Compared to other attorneys, I found this person to be on the far end of the opposite spectrum of what I would even consider a good attorney. Here are just a few reasons. 1.) My expectation of an attorney I hire is for them to be my advocate. This attorney did not serve as one. My expectation of an attorney I hire is that they are reachable. 2.) This attorney was difficult to reach, and would take days and WEEKS before returning a call, of which, the phone calls were always without warning and VERY LATE into the night! 3.) When I hire an attorney, I do not expect them to bait and switch and SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE an already out of proportion high fee. 4.) When I hire an attorney, I expect timely filing of my court documents and for them to meet ALL court deadlines, or at minimum file an extension. This attorney showed up to court without my files and filed my documents LATE, regularly! WOW! 5.) When I hire an attorney, I expect them to hold the other party accountable. I laugh when I say this, but it is true- this attorney might as well have been the other party’s attorney! What a joke, the other party pretty much got away with murder multiple times due to the lack of ability for this attorney to hold the other party accountable all the many, many times they were in contempt. Not once did my attorney hold the other party accountable or in contempt, and in fact, helped them get away with serious and harmful acts. 6.) When I hire an attorney, I expect them to use my money wisely. This attorney was inefficient, wrote very long emails to me that were totally irrelevant about how smart he is, charging up the clock. If you are like me and already on board with this attorney and are reading the reviews wondering- is it just me or are other people experiencing this? Should I fire him? Well, no, it is not just you, and yes, you should fire him. I am so glad I fired him. If you are reading these reviews and have not yet hired him, buyer beware. Maybe he is “okay” for non-divorce cases, but why accept SUBPAR, especially for the inordinate amount of money he charges. Ineffective and incompetent man who talks himself up while charging you the only money you have. I waited a long time to write this review. Hiring him was a mistake. Firing him was great. Avoid your grief by not hiring him. Or if it is too late, and you are hemming and hawing, fire him now. Know that he used to not be connected to this law firm and there used to be more bad reviews of him. Not sure what happened to those, but just read the current one-star and you get an in idea...I find it curious that the 5 star reviews do not list the reviewer as having "hired" this person. All the one-star reviews shows that he was a hired by the reviewer. Interesting. All I can say is why take chances? Before you make a decision, just read the headlines of the other 1 star reviews. They say it all!
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Posted by Rob | December 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worst Lawyer I have Worked With
His mistake benefited my exes' position. He did not even offer an apology. He happily charged me for his mistake. If you want someone you have to follow up with dozens of times, charges you for his mistakes or charges a kings ransom for long indeed emails that don't answer the question hire him. I suggest you look other places.
Posted by anonymous | August 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I absolutely do not recommend Mr. Amir John
I never write reviews more so unfavorable reviews, but I feel that if I don't then I am doing a disservice to the people who do plan to use Mr. Amir in the future. I do not recommend Mr. Amir John. When he first started working on my case he was active but after a while he became unreachable. There is no visibility as of what is happening with my case, where we are in the process nor how much he charged me so far. I asked him on numerous occasions to please send me a status of how much he charged me so far, and he never did. Still not sure what's happening, because he never contacted me back.
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Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I hired this attorney for my divorce and he failed to perform even the basics of his job.
I lost my case due to Lawyer incompetency errors and lack of Trial preparation by him, goes through the motions well but he failed to file anything on time or properly for the court, so I got no consideration in divorce, stress, anxiety, depression. At 53 my own Lawyer financially wiped me out, I lost custody too, how often does that happen to a good mother? Due to Mr. Showrai's actions or lack of action I have no trust in him as a divorce attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | July 8, 2014
incapable of handling divorce cases
Misrepresented my case, not prepared, did not meet court deadlines, did not care, no week end work done, not available even when deadlines demand extra work, does not mediate, stretches out family cases, mis-represents his billings and charges, does not provide monthly billing, does not counter in court, does not object in court, speaking for my self would have been better in my case. Gets distracted and losses focus in court easily. Speaks well out of court, then you will be disappointed with his effort when you finally get to see a judge. I believe he through my case intentionally, incompetent or unethical? Unethical.
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Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2013
Poor Represenation, Unresponsive, Unprepared
You should not hire him even if he pays you. He came completely unprepared and late to court. He made all these bogus statements that he will put the opposing party on stand and would question them and trap them. He will make all these bogus pompous statements about his ability as a lawyer. You are better off fighting your own case if you can't find anyone else. He will estimate X and charge you 10X. He will take weeks to respond to your emails or phone calls. Mind you, he has no support in his office no paralegal and it is frustrating experience. He will leave in the dark and you expect a lot as his conversations may be good but he is extremely nervous in court his brain freezes and many a times the judges will tell him too late you should have objected sooner or you should know better how things are done if you have any experience. He will make you work hard on providing honest information to opposing but he is completely incapable in getting anything from the other side. Late/fails on filing subpoenas, documents etc. Will not keep you informed. STAY AWAY
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 425-425 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Wechsler Becker, LLP
  • 2017 - Present
  • Owner
  • The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC
  • 2007 - 2017
  • Judicial Extern
  • Jams, The Resolution Experts
  • 2003 - 2003
  • Managing Partner
  • Diamond, Burt & Akhkashian, LLP
  • 2003 - 2007
View all work experience

Education

  • Western State University, Fullerton
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2003
  • University of California - Los Angeles
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1997

Associations

  • United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • Attorney Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • Attorney Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Domestic Relations Attorneys of Washington
  • President
  • 2019 - 2021
  • Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Executive Committee Member
  • 2017 - 2018
  • Domestic Relations Attorneys of Washington
  • Co-Founder and President
  • 2017 - 2018
  • Washington State Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Attorney Member
  • 2005 - 2006
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • French

Speaking Engagements

  • 2017 McKinley Irvin Lunchtime CLE Series
  • Customizing Parenting Plans to Go Beyond Cookie Cutter Terms
  • 2017
  • Family Law From Start to Finish
  • Discovery in Divorce: Tax Returns, Social Media and More
  • 2017
  • Family Law From Start to Finish
  • The Mechanics of Valuing and Dividing Marital Property
  • 2017
  • Practical Aspects of International and Interstate Family Law Issues
  • The Hague Convention on Service of Process
  • 2013
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (14)
Endorse Amir John
Family Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known Amir John Showrai for five years now. Initially, we met as opposing counsel on a case. Over the years, he has both been my opposing counsel and he has successfully mediated several matters for my clients. I have found him to be cordial, professional, and always well-prepared. I enthusiastically recommend him to any potential client whom I cannot help, as well as to any attorney in need of a truly unbiased, neutral, mediator or arbitrator."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Amir John is a kind, caring and compassionate advocate for his clients. He is a highly skilled attorney and I would highly recommend him to anyone with a family law issue."
Family Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Amir John is a caring, detailed, knowledgeable advocate and colleague. He has a wide breadth of experience both advocating and mediating for clients in family law matters, and I believe he does whatever is needed to ensure his clients are in the best position they can be in. He is a great colleague in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Showrai is an outstanding attorney and successful advocate for his clients. He is also well respected by court commissioners and judges for his candor and professionalism. I fully endorse Mr. Showrai."
Family Attorney | Dec 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I've worked with Mr. Showrai as opposing counsel and as a mediator. In both instances Mr. Showrai was a pleasure to work with, responsive reasonable, working toward the best options for parties."
Family Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Showrai has mediated several high conflict cases I have been involved with and has done an outstanding job. He works hard, is extremely reasonable and has a great understanding of the law. He is well respected within the legal community and would be a valuable asset to any prospective client. I am perfectly comfortable endorsing Mr. Showrai as an excellent attorney and a terrific mediator."
Family Attorney | Jan 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Mr Showrai who has mediated several very challenging cases for my clients. He is an outstanding attorney and mediator. He has a unique ability to problem solve complex legal matters fairly and to achieve resolution in even the most contentious cases, He is diligent, prepared and highly ethical. Mr Showrai is able to see both sides clearly in the mediation process thereby ensuring that every mediation he does is meaningful. In addition to having a deep understanding of the law, he has a true gift for approaching clients with calm, understanding, and compassion. There is no question that Mr. Showrai is a consummate professional who serves as a positive example to his fellow attorneys. Mr Showrai has experience as a litigator and is clearly dedicated to his clients who are most fortunate indeed to have him in their corner. I highly recommend Mr Showrai as an attorney and a mediator."
Family Attorney | Nov 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I was involved in a case with Mr. Showrai. He consistently demonstrated strong professionalism and advocacy on behalf of his client. He has a great personality and a fine trial lawyer."
Family Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have worked with Amir John as opposing counsel, co-counsel and as a mediator. Amir John was diligent in his representation of his client as opposing counsel but still professional and respectful on a difficult case. I thought so highly of him that when I was retained on an extremely challenging case that required outside co-counsel Amir John was the first person I called. He was wonderful to work with as co-counsel and his expertise helped our client end with a favorable result. I have recently used Amir John as a family law mediator. He was extremely prepared which my client and I truly appreciated. When your client is paying for your time and the mediators time it is frustrating to have to spend an hour giving the back story. Amir John was focused and got right to the heart of the issues. He used the time effectively and was willing to be blunt with the client when the situation called for it. This is invaluable as an attorney in mediation. I highly recommend Amir John!"
Family Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Amir John is an excellent family law attorney (and given the quality of his work, I assume he is also stellar in the other areas in which he practices). If for some reason I am unable to help a potential client, I have no hesitation in directing them to Mr. Showrai, knowing that if he is available, they will be in very good hands."
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