Complaint Review: PHILLIPS AND ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM

I believe this report highlights the customer's frustration which I completely agree with.

I have recently made a consultation appointment with Phillips and Associates in the central Phoenix office. I was greeted by a sales person, who calls himself "Legal Administrator" - non attorney. I saw this later on his business card. As I was discussing my case with him and asking questions, everything to my questions - was "no problem" with a big grin on his face. They can do it, they can do it all! No problem whatsoever! Now, I was inquiring about a bankruptcy, and mind you I'm an intelligent person, and had questions about what I saw were red flags in my case. No problem - he kept replying! He tried to charm me by getting off the topic and continuing with his sales pitch. He wanted me to sign a contract charging me $1900 for my case. Already nauseated by this dirty sales experience, I was trying to get out of the door and told him i would have to do more research.

I went to see 2 different lawyers about my case. Both of which were actual lawyers and who gave me sound advice and who were not ready to take my case due to the red flags i was concerned about. Also, the fees with others were much less. What angers me most about the above complaint, is how lawyers can bargain prices. Bargaining legal fees is low.

Here's what i find disgusting. When I think about lawyers, I think of highly respected educated individuals. When I think of Phillips and Associates, I think of the worst car dealership service with disastrous results. To top off my pleasant experience, this individual called to follow up with me. I told him I was not going to sign with him, and he hung up the phone without saying good bye.

I'm glad this person did not end up hiring this firm. I hope that more people see their dirty ways and avoid them and hopefully put them out of business.

Get some ethics!!!

After leaving your offices the next 3 attorney's i went to, after telling my story to all asked, right off the bat, if the complaintant would be attending. No need for any other bs, just straight forward to the point, and after responding no, as I did in your office. they all responded saying that it would be dismissed, but if i still wanted someone to file for dismissal w/ prejudice that they would be happy to do it for me for a small fee.

You see, they knew that thats the only thing that mattered, and they told me that up front. why keep that a secret? Why leave the "choice to retain Phillips and Associates as my lawyer.." up to me if you knew I didn't need one? So you could afford more ads? or perhaps so they could afford to create a position dedicated only to respond to web page posts. what honest practice would need such a spin doctor?

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Wesley's report of July 7, 2007. As the Assistant Supervising Attorney of the Criminal Division at Phillips & Associates, I felt obligated to clarify some misconceptions reported by Wesley.

Phillips & Associates is one of Arizona's largest consumer law firms focusing on criminal defense, personal injury, and bankruptcy cases. In the Criminal Division we have a team of more than 20 attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of those accused of crimes throughout Arizona.

These attorneys include several board certified criminal law specialists, and several others who have previously worked as prosecutors or with other firms. Each attorney brings a unique skill set and prior experience to the table enabling the Firm to provide diligent and competent representation for those accused of a crime - whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony.

Presumably, Wesley approached our Firm because of its solid representation for providing quality criminal defense.

Curiously, however, Wesley complains that when we offered him one of our best attorneys he "was kinda puzzled at first as I didn't do anything wrong..." Is Wesley "puzzled" because the Firm suggested a top attorney? It seems to me that is a good thing. Why would an individual walking into a law firm, presumably to seek the assistance of an attorney, be "puzzled" when that Firm suggests one of its best lawyers? This makes no sense.

Wesley also seemed upset by the fee he was quoted. However, as is evident by Wesley's ultimate decision not to retain the Firm, people have choices. He chose not to retain and we absolutely respect his decision in this regard. No one forced him to sign an agreement or pushed him in that direction.

Further, Wesley seems upset that the Firm would inform him of the sentencing range attached to his charge. It is our duty to provide clients and potential clients an accurate and thorough picture of the legal landscape unique to their matter. Our attorneys and non-attorney administrators are trained to provide the full range of sentencing possibilities to clients. The sentencing range does not change, or the exposure to possible jail time diminish, simply because those in Wesley's position assert their innocence. Being innocent is one thing; being charged is another.

When charged, a person -- even an innocent person -- faces exposure to punitive sanctions. That is why those charged like Wesley seek representation. Why Wesley would be upset because he was told that an attorney could provide him assistance is beyond me. Clearly, he thought he needed an attorney as well. Anyone charged with a crime should seek the assistance of counsel.

Finally, it was a fortunate development that the victim in Wesley's case did not appear for court. However, no attorney could ever guarantee the victim's absence. No attorney should ever guarantee anything other than to represent a client to his or her best ability. As a result, being upset with the Firm because the victim did not show is illogical.

We at Phillips & Associates understand that often times anxiety and confusion runs hand-in-hand with being accused of a crime. We regret Wesley's apparent dissatisfaction with his experience at the Firm. However, the Firm did nothing wrong and always had his best interests in mind. We wish Wesley well and hope that this encounter with law enforcement will be his only such experience as a criminal defendant.

Thank you,

Julio Laboy
Assistant Supervising Attorney
Criminal Division