James Michael Gallagher

I believe that divorce is a always tragedy, even if its for the right reasons. J. Michael Gallagher is a brilliant lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the legal system. He is clear, direct and objective focused. He maintains excellent client control to achieve the most desirable outcomes possiable. ...As a prospective client it is important to fully understand that you as his client must cooperate with him, and then keep out of your own way and allow him to do the job you have hired him to do. Mr. Gallagher can be pretty gruff, but he truely values positive co-parenting strategies and what is in the best interest of children...and he expertly holds people accountable. J. Michael Gallagher as a law firm has a unique, but very reasonable fee system. The flat fee for two months covers ALL his, and his legal aid Sharon's, hours. Typically, a firm will both charge a large retainer and a high hourly rate. I am completely satisfied with the value and level of service he and Sharon have provided to my case. I cannot imagine going through any of this without them in my corner. Michael and Sharon, thank you so much for all your remarkable work on our behalf! I thank God for you both.

Mr. Gallagher couldn't seem to stay focused on anything. He was late by 10-15 minutes for every meeting I had with him and would often eat lunch or play on his laptop while I was trying to discuss my case with him. I would meet with him once a week and would have to repeat everything we had discuss...ed at the previous meeting because he had either not paid attention to or had forgotten the facts of my case. After filing my paperwork, he realized the day before the hearing that he had not filed all of the necessary paperwork and we had to ask for a continuance. I did not feel like Mr. Gallagher cared about my case or the outcome of our motions that were filed. All he cared about was how much money he could get out of my wallet.

I hired Mr Gallagher to represent me in my divorce and I would most definitely recommend him. He is very effective and genuinely cares about the kids. The reason I hired him in the first place was because a close friend of my mine hired him to represent her in a really ugly divorce and Mike very ...much delivered and she was able to keep full custody of her kids even though the circumstances were not at all in her favor. Truth be told, the first visit was really hard on me because he warned me about what was to come (and it came) and I wasn't ready to hear it or believe it. And we wasted precious time because i didn't listen to him initially. The realities of divorce are ugly and he didn't sugarcoat it, mostly because time is of the essence and the sooner you come to terms with it, the sooner you can do the right things to start with upper-hand and save money too. Mike shines during deposition and it is a service he provides that few lawyers do as part of the initial fee. A good deposition of the other spouse is priceless to have when things go south later on (and they do) and Mike is great at it, asking the right questions, being very creative to get to the important piece of information we need and he can be darn right intimidating if he needs to be. He did a great job for mine. Again, it was hard, but it was the right thing to do. Mike also gave me a great reference for a home appraiser and the mediator he hired was as good as it gets. The mediation process went extremely well thanks to those two. It was shorter than planned and it was fair for both parties. Last but not least, Mike's Legal Assistant Sharon is as responsive as it gets. She was helpful and patient and just real all around.

With many years of experience, an excellent knowledge of the laws, and a witty and positive attitude to help keep me at ease during the stressful times while dealing with my ex, I recommend J. Michael Gallagher to my friends, family, and anyone having to suffer through a divorce. Without knowing m...y rights, I would have really lost out on time with my three kids. Mike and his staff have been reliable, helpful, steadfast and very understanding each time I've used Mike as my attorney. I am always very thankful to have Mike on my side.

I am a Dad, I have " Engaged" Mike on a few occasions since I originally filed ( and was eventually granted) FULL custody regarding my Son, this was a lengthy and complex " Custody Battle" , involving several states, Restraining Orders ,i multiple issues and false allegations, ie: psychopathic and an...ti-social behavior on the mothers behalf. I have had to re-visit this case a few times since it was originally filed in 2003 and I can say Mike has exceeded all my expectations in every possible regard! He is ethical, trustworthy, fair & honest. One thing that truly stands out is that he is truly concerned abut the children, in the case of my Son, his life would have been completely destroyed had he NOT been the case Mike removed ALL his mothers parental rights! Throughout the case, everyone wanted to believe the mother, the evidence spoke otherwise and he got to the bottom of it quicker than you can imagine. If your case requires an expert , as mine required many, or is even less complex, Mike has an aptitude for finding the smartest and most professional experts if needed to call on in their field. Last count there were 13 ( Thirteen) 4 inch binders for my case, I had used several attorneys before him and wasted $ because these attorneys were more out for there own best interest ( I was a bit naïve), I gave my full Faith & Confidence in Mike and his performed excellently in every regard. His staff is efficient, very professional and pleasant to deal with! It might seem like you will pay a bit more for MIke's services , but trust me, I wish I'd hired him the first time, I'd saved a lot of $ from incompetent attorney's and Guardian ad Litem's Thanks So Much Mike!!!