EDIT: I've spoken with Joe Piatchek and he was very sincere in addressing my concerns. Speaking with him was night and day. He reassured me that the experience I had was not his vision for his firm and because of these types of experiences by customers my attorney has been separated from Piatchek Law Firm. Joe was sincere and I restored my faith in the firm, and I would go back and give them a chance again after speaking with him. I appreciated him reaching out.
Unfortunately I had a very difficult experience here. My case was seemingly very simple, so maybe it wasn't getting full attention, but I repeatedly had to email people and ask for updates and beg for information about my case. Several times my case seemed to change hands at the paralegal level leading to confusion. Of course all of these emails and phone calls were billable hours.
I eventually subscribed to my case on CaseNet to get updates faster. At one point I had to email them to get information because the courts had ordered mediation and no one told me anything until I emailed them the day before the appointment.
A week after my case was finally settled, my attorney left the firm. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but I can't in good faith recommend this firm unfortunately.
I had a consultation with one of the attorneys at Piatchek - I'll leave his name out of it. The young lady at the front desk was lovely, very sweet & efficient. The attorney? Not so much. He didn't offer a hand shake or a hint of a smile. In his office, he didn't bother with any niceties, either. He was curt, some might even say 'rude' at a couple of points. I was very uncomfortable. He didn't let me describe my own situation, cutting me off multiple times. He was dismissive of what I did say. I finally just sat there in silence, feeling like a high school freshman called down to the principal's office. I was ready to bolt, frankly. But it was unnecessary, as he abruptly told me what he could/would do and that he needed a $2000.00 retainer. He seemed to assume I'd hire him. Uh, no. First, I didn't have two grand to fork over. I told him that. It was awkward, and no alternatives were offered - which was okay. It's a business, after all. Attorneys in private practice don't have to help anyone. However, even if I'd had $5000 in my pocket no way I would have hired this man. The situation for which I need a lawyer scares the daylights out of me. I don't need a lawyer to hold my hand - but then again, I don't need a paternalistic, impatient, cold, semi-rude one, either. It's all good, though: I have an attorney! She's wonderful. Called on her way to St. Louis and we chatted for 3 HOURS about all kinds of stuff - not only my case. No charge, just getting to know each other. * WHEW! * Feels like I dodged a bullet at Piatchek!
Criminal Defense
