Ralph Thomas Santoro Jr.

Ralph did a great job. He didn't mess around. Didn't pull any punches...with me and definitely not with the other side. Enjoyed his representation. I had a different attorney to start with (different firm). That guy was more interested in getting the case continued (probably for billing hours) and fl...irting with the courthouse staff than my case. Ralph prepped me for what to expect and told me what he would do and why so I wasn't surprised in court. Great staff at the firm to deal with too. Everyone was professional and polite.

I went to Schanks and Associates with a difficult custody case and a short timeframe. Mr. Schank who was very professional and proactive represented me at the first hearing gaining leverage. Mr. Santoro took over my case from that point. Mr. Santoro really strategized and made the effort to explai...n his approach which made me more comfortable for trial. He was thorough in his information gathering by doing a disposition of the social worker that provided critically information to my case. He also prepared me well for cross examination and tactfully controlled the witnesses in trial. We were able to get a favorable outcome with many obstacles against us and I couldn’t be more happy that these guys worked so hard for me.

Ralph helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. He was easy to get in touch with and always available when I needed his advice. He is extremely professional, highly knowledgeable and was able to effectively communicate at all times. His tenaciousness qualities are quite impressive... and I highly recommend him.

I hired Ralph for my divorce back in 2009/2010. He talked confidently in the beginning but I must agree with other reviews on here that Ralph is only in it for himself and his reputation. The case got dragged out in Court due to a cluster B type personality counter-party and he lost interest in the c...ase and started complaining on several occasions about "hating Family law because it's too emotional" to me, his client. At some point he scheduled a meeting with the other party and his attorney without me, and then just called while three men made deals about me and my children. I'm still enraged about this disrespect. He ended up counseling and meeting with the other party again on court day forcing me out of the talks, and I ended up being advised to cut a bad deal. Eventually, Ralph was let go of his firm unexpectedly at Steven M. Bishop in San Diego, and I received a letter from them notifying me of his departure and apologizing about the struggles. He did not keep what he promised and he acted unethical. He destroyed the trust I had in lawyers and the system. If you want an attorney on your side, hire someone else. This one is no good.