Complaint Review: Michael Apicella

There's something to be concluded from meeting with an attorney who is so desperate for cash, he waits until you've returned from the ATM. Sure times are tough, especially for lawyers, especially for Family Lawyers. They all hate their jobs. Even the good ones who are making bank. Michael Apicella? He's not making bank. In fact, he moves from location to location because he can barely make his rent. Check out his reviews on AVVO and then google or ask around about his clients. You will  discover that all of his reviews sound strangely alike...because they're written by one person. Michael Apicella. I retained this sad excuse for a lawyer years ago. Fortunately, it was not the biggest mistake of my life because I cut him loose early. Others with whom I've conversed were not so lucky. Curiously, they all (five actually) came to the same conclusion. Said one: "Why does Michael always talk money whenever you meet with him? It's like he's really desperate."  Anyone can give themselves five stars on Yelp or AVVO, the lawyer rating/referral site. But the true test of a professional is his success stories. Michael, contrary to what he says on his web site, has few. Want to find out for yourself? Corner any family lawyer in Sonoma County. Corner any judge or judicial assistant. Whether or not they've gone up against him, they seem to know about him. What they share sounds a lot like the handful of people he has represented in Divorce and Custody cases: he's hurting for money.  Maybe that's why he retains his real estate license. If you can't make it before the bench, maybe you can make it by installing one in someone's backyard to spruce up the place before you attempt to unload their home.  Don't waste your time with this money hungry lawyer. Best to let him wither on the vine from lack of food.