Eric William Johnson

I scheduled a consultation with Attorney Eric Johnson with intent of hiring him to assist with a tax matter. On paper and on his web site Mr. Johnson's credentials and prior history as an IRS attorney appeared impressive and to be exactly what I needed to expeditiously and cost effective manner reso...lve my tax issues. When I called to schedule my consultation, I was advised by Mr. Johnson's assistant, Katherine, that a $300 fee was required for the consultation. When I arrived the $300 fee was immediately requested by Katherine before I would be "allowed" to speak with Mr. Johnson. After paying the $300 consultation fee I was ushered into a conference room. Mr. Johnson came in and was not very interested in my issues or actually listening to me. He repeatedly made suggestions about "possible" reasons why the IRS had acted in the manner they did in my situation before I could even fully explain my concerns, issues, the history or go over the facts and documentation that I brought to the consultation. Mr. Johnson's suggested numerous "possible" reasons for the issues I experienced, and he l continually changed the "possible" reasons as I gave more of the history, background and facts and after I was finally able to get him to review only some of the supporting documents I brought in for review. Mr. Johnson claimed that fighting the IRS really only made sense if the amount at issue was $50,000 or more. My one hour, $300 consultation was done in about 25 minutes with nothing of substance nor any reasonable guidance provided! Mr. Johnson did say it would cost me at least $1,000 more to have him look into my matter further. Even though Mr. Johnson repeatedly stated that the IRS actions were confusing and made no sense based on the history, background and documentation that I brought in to the consultation, he stated that the IRS "is usually very accurate in their actions and very competent" (even though my information and documentation for my issues contradicted this statement) and thus he stated that the outcome of his providing help with the matter would probably not be positive for me. All in all a huge waste of money and time and a very, very disappointing, and costly 25 minute meeting! I STRONGLY caution anyone considering meeting with Mr. Johnson to do their homework before engaging him for either a consultation or before actually retaining him as their attorney! Also, Mr. Johnson's communications, empathy, listening and interpersonal skills are severely lacking! As I left, I felt like I'd just been robbed of $300!!!