Duran and McDonald

Nearby Lawyers New Mexico Bernalillo County Albuquerque Albuquerque Original Townsite Central Avenue Northwest

(32 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 219 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
Phone +1 505-924-2121
Website https://duranmcdonald.com/

Reviews

Working with Duran and McDonald was not the best experience and I feel like my case could have been given more attention. To begin with, the staff are shockingly rude. At one point in our case they did not file paperwork appropriately which led to confusion between my attorney and I. I called to see what had led to the error and I was told that I would not be given any information because I was not the "client." Despite the fact that I paid half the GAL's fees the woman at the front desk told me that they view my daughter as the client (she was two years old at the time) and as such did not have to answer to me. John Duran uses odd language and will send a schedule and then change it if you point out any inconsistencies. At one point he sent me a schedule that he said was to begin "immediately". After making arrangements to adapt to the schedule with my family I asked him a question about the schedule he had sent me and not only did he tell me it would not begin "immediately", as he had told me initially, but he also changed it, resulting in less time with my child. I did not view this as retaliatory, just an oversight that led to frustration and disappointment when I was told the correction would give me less time than I had initially been told. I also question how much Mr. Duran knows about the classes he is assigning. After taking one of his assigned classes, Mr. Duran gave my co-parent and I more classes to take (all of which required a fee to enroll). I quickly noticed that the content was word for word identical to the other class he had assigned us and contacted the company. It turns out that it is in fact word-for-word the same class because it is the same company providing them. I feel like if classes are going to be assigned than the person assigning them should at least be aware of their content. My co-parent did not notice that the classes were repeated content either, which leads me to wonder if they even paid attention to the classes. One way to check would be to see how they answered the questions (the classes specifically mentioned that professionals could have access to the answers), but I do not believe that was done. Edit: attached is the photo where you can see a representative from the company administering the classes saying that they are word for word the same.
I was absolutely thrilled to know that my cases would be outsourced from the public defenders office to this law office, due to "conflict of interest" in my case. I have been ecstatic about how informative and attentive they are (I mean after the previous representation) my case is almost 10 yrs old and the previous representation did not seem to be handling it adequately and I was afraid I was going to end up in jail for an old misdemeanor case! So far so good no complaints about anything and I'm actually excited to get this stuff that's been haunting me TAKEN CARE OF! I am ready to put it behind me! Thank you guys so very much for your help you've been absolutely wonderful!!!!!
I had a great experience with Duran and McDonald! John helped me with several Real Estate contracts. They helped protect my interests and patiently explained everything I needed to know. This is my go-to firm .
Phenomenal attorneys and human beings. Duran and McDonald have built their stellar reputations, based on years and years of exemplary legal knowledge and representation of their clients. I highly recommend their firm.
Very unprofessional law firm. Had McDonald take a case for one of my relatives, long story short he right away had a very rude and unprofessional attitude and he right away co sided with the other attorney that he didn’t know anything about and took their side for everything with out showing any of US evidence regarding the person we were going against. He just wanted to be done with us as if we were a waste of time to him don’t ever go to this law firm! The disciplinary board will even stick of for these lawyers even when they know what they did was wrong. Dont even bother because they won’t believe you

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About Duran and McDonald

Introduction / Overview

Navigating the legal system can often be a daunting and complex journey for residents of New Mexico. When seeking legal representation, individuals look for a firm that is not only knowledgeable but also attentive and committed to their specific needs. Duran and McDonald is a law office located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that provides legal services to clients within the state. While some experiences may vary, the firm aims to assist clients through various legal challenges. Understanding a firm's approach, communication style, and client care is crucial in making an informed decision about legal representation. For New Mexicans considering legal assistance, gathering comprehensive information about firms like Duran and McDonald is an essential step in finding suitable counsel for their unique situations.

Location and Accessibility

Duran and McDonald is centrally located at 219 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA. This accessible address places the firm in a well-known area of downtown Albuquerque, making it convenient for clients from various parts of the city and surrounding communities. Central Avenue NW is a major thoroughfare, offering straightforward access whether you're traveling from the north, south, east, or west sides of Albuquerque. The location benefits from its proximity to major intersections and public transportation routes, ensuring that clients can easily find parking and arrive for their appointments. This central and accessible location aims to provide convenience for individuals seeking legal services within New Mexico.

Services Offered

Based on client reviews, Duran and McDonald appears to offer legal services primarily in areas that include:

Criminal Defense (Outsourced Public Defender Cases): The firm has experience with cases outsourced from the public defender's office, indicating their involvement in criminal defense. This suggests they handle various misdemeanor and potentially felony cases, working to resolve legal issues that have been pending for extended periods. One client specifically mentioned being "absolutely thrilled to know that my cases would be outsourced from the public defenders office to this law office," highlighting their role in providing representation for individuals when a conflict of interest arises with the public defender.
Family Law (Child Custody/GAL Fees): Reviews suggest involvement in family law matters, specifically concerning child custody and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) fees. This indicates that the firm assists with sensitive issues related to parental rights, visitation schedules, and the best interests of the child in legal proceedings. The mention of "GAL's fees" and "schedule" related to child time implies engagement in complex family court processes.
Legal Guidance and Strategy: The firm works with clients to advise on legal strategies, including discussions about potential outcomes, such as plea agreements versus proceeding to trial, as implied by a client's decision not to "plea out."

It is important for potential clients to directly contact the firm to confirm their current range of services and to determine if their specific legal needs align with the firm's practice areas.

Features / Highlights

Duran and McDonald has garnered varied feedback, highlighting several aspects of their operations:

Dedication to Case Resolution: One client expressed excitement about their case being "TAKEN CARE OF" after years of being "haunting me," indicating the firm's ability to bring long-standing legal issues to a conclusion. The firm's efforts led to a "better sentence then what was expected" in a high-profile case from 1996, showing a historical commitment to striving for favorable outcomes.
Informative and Attentive (for some cases): A client noted being "ecstatic about how informative and attentive they are," particularly in contrast to previous representation. This suggests that for some clients, the firm provides clear communication and regular updates.
Experience with Outsourced Public Defender Cases: The firm's role in handling cases outsourced from the public defender's office due to "conflict of interest" demonstrates a specific niche and trust within the legal system to take on complex, and often long-standing, criminal defense matters.
Client Belief and Professionalism (historical context): A review from 1996 speaks to attorney John Duran's professional and intellectual approach, and his ability to instill confidence in his clients, stating he "believes in his clients, and will stand at nothing to win or get u the best results possible." This highlights a historical dedication to client advocacy.
Mixed Client Experiences: It is notable that while some clients report positive experiences, others have expressed concerns regarding communication, perceived lack of attention to their case, and issues with staff responsiveness and rudeness. The experience with assigned classes being repetitive also points to a need for consistent oversight in certain processes.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions are not detailed in the provided information for Duran and McDonald, many legal firms in New Mexico offer initial consultations for prospective clients. This allows individuals to discuss their legal needs, understand the firm's potential approach to their case, and determine if it's a suitable match, often without an upfront fee. It is highly recommended to contact Duran and McDonald directly to inquire about any current promotions, specific consultation arrangements, or initial case evaluations. This direct communication is the most reliable way for New Mexicans to ascertain what introductory offers, if any, are available and to discuss their particular legal situation with the firm.

Contact Information

To connect with Duran and McDonald and inquire about their legal services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 219 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA

Phone: (505) 924-2121

Mobile Phone: +1 505-924-2121

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of New Mexico, particularly those in Albuquerque seeking legal representation, Duran and McDonald offers services in areas such as criminal defense and family law. The firm's experience with cases outsourced from the public defender's office suggests a capability to handle complex and potentially long-standing legal issues, which can be beneficial for locals needing resolution for difficult past matters. Historical client feedback highlights a dedication to fighting for the best possible outcomes and an ability to instill confidence in clients, which is a valuable trait in a legal advocate. While some experiences may vary, the firm's central location in Albuquerque enhances its accessibility for many New Mexicans. For individuals looking for a legal team that takes on challenging cases and works towards bringing them to a conclusion, Duran and McDonald could be a consideration, and direct contact with the firm is advised to discuss current services and client experiences.