Smith Staggs LLP Tuscaloosa Al review signals at a glance

Best and most responsive attorney I have ever worked with!

I typically avoid leaving negative reviews; however, I truly feel the need to speak up about my experience with Amanda Mulkey. Ms. Mulkey was court appointed as a defense attorney for one of my loved ones. I was advised by someone in the court system to reach out to Ms. Mulkey prior to court so that we could all be on the same page & hopefully find a solution that might actually help my loved one. I haven’t had any experience with the legal system, so I reached out as advised. I’ve been calling Ms. Mulkey for at least 4-6 weeks now. I’ve left multiple messages with her receptionist, Dana. I also called after hours & left a message on her personal voicemail requesting a returned call. Ms. Mulkey has yet to call me back. She also has not talked with my loved one (her client) at all. She did have her receptionist, Dana, reach out to me on Monday at 4:26pm to ask if I could bring her client in the following day at 3:30pm (less than 48hrs before the scheduled court date). This would be her 1st time speaking with the client. I let her know I couldn’t bring the client last minute due to scheduling conflicts but informed Dana that Amanda could call both myself & the client so that we could talk before court. Dana called back the following day (24 hrs before court) and asked for the client’s number. I gave it to her and asked AGAIN for a returned call. She never called me OR her client. Court was scheduled for TODAY, however, it was canceled last minute yesterday. Had it not been canceled, her client would have gone to court without having ever talked to her attorney. I went by Ms. Mulkey’s office earlier today in another attempt to talk with her; however, Ms. Mulkey didn’t attempt to listen to anything I had to say. She was very rude, condescending, and insulting. Each time I tried to speak to her to explain my reason for reaching out and get a better understanding of the legal process, she would cut me off or over-talk me. She eventually said that she cannot speak with me due to legal reasons. Once she said that, I understood and could actually see how it could be a cause for concern; however, this should have been explained to me when I first reached out to her - over 4-6 weeks ago! I told her that. I wouldn’t have continued to bombard her with messages and could’ve tried finding someone who might be able to help. As I was leaving her office, she continued to yell out that she cannot talk to me - even after I had stopped talking and was actually walking out the door. This entire incident took place in the lobby of her office - in front of another client! Additionally, I have been informed that although she refused to speak with me (and still has not reached out to her client), she did speak with another lawyer (who has no involvement in this matter) about this case and made unsubstantiated allegations that her client (my loved one) had been abused by another family member. I am disappointed, hurt, and humiliated. I do not harbor any ill-will toward Ms. Mulkey; however, I sincerely hope she will read this review and consider the feedback. I also hope she will humble herself & take the time to learn the actual facts of her cases so that she can provide the support her clients and their families deserve.

I chose this law office as my divorce lawyer was HIGHLY regarded by my coworkers. My lawyer and her assistant were wonderful to speak to each time, and were excellent listeners to my concerns. However, the quality of follow up information was lacking. I was never told about the building bridges class (a mandatory class for divorced parents) until I heard about it from my now ex-husband which delayed the divorce. I was only sent an email with the information after I called to ask about it. When it came time to sign the paperwork in office, my lawyer was busy, so I sat alone to sign everything. Had I known I would be by myself at this emotional time, I would have had a family member come with me. I was also not told that my divorce was final until 2 weeks after the fact when I called to ask for a status update.