Complaint Review: Chavez Gallagher & Valko LLP

I hired the law firm of Chavez, Gallagher & Valko to file my green card back in February of 2008 at a cost of $3000 flat legal fee. I agreed to pay a retainer fee of $1000 to have the procedure started and the balance to be paid over the next two months, and $250 of this would be non refundable.

I initially spoke with Martin Valko and over the months corresponded with Anya Schendeler, the paralegal. There were items required and forms to be filled out, which were requested all at once, but at separate intervals during the following months.

I felt the process was moving slowly and after repeated calls to have the paperwork filed with immigration and more documents sent, in July of 2008 I called and canceled the contract with them and requested that all documents and monies be returned to me minus the $250 of the $3000 which I had paid in full.

Two weeks later I received my documents and a check for $1165. Martin Valko informed me that they had earned the balance of $1775, although within 5 months they had not submitted a single document to immigration services.

I asked Mr Valko to please send me the findings of the research he had done, and since I paid for it, it was mine. He refused.

I hired another attorney who charged $1800, and within 3 months I had an immigration interview and received my green card.

I believe that the law firm of Chavez, Gallagher & Valko ripped me off and can provide no evidence of any work done because maybe ...

Gary g
Lancaster, Texas
U.S.A.