Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C.

Nearby Lawyers California San Francisco County San Francisco Financial District Montgomery Street

(4 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 456 Montgomery St 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
Phone +1 415-788-2200
Website http://www.hflp.com/

Reviews

If you must use this firm, I'd avoid Patricia Purcell. I received a letter from the State Bar of CA dismissing my complaint against her after a lengthy investigation due to the fact that she simply lied to escape discipline. They seem to have a stringent burden of proof to protect shady lawyers. I've escalated it to the OCTC. But, that's not why you should avoid her, it's bc she makes countless errors then wastes her own clients' money & time to correct them. My divorce was meant to be finalized 06/2021 -she ensured a divorce w no kids or debt dragged on for 2yrs to personally benefit by billing my ex-husband for those years while blaming me for delays she caused with her consistent failures to represent his best interest. Lacks regard for human decency yet expects people to bend over backwards for her inability to take care of her personal affairs which bleeds into her performance as a lawyer. I really wanted to end my marriage on good terms & would have accepted so much less when I was without representation - I didn't understand my rights. Thanks to her ineffective representation, her client paid significantly more spousal support than I would have settled for (I was clueless & scared-my priority was peace). I called Patricia when she was operating as Purcell Family Law in 2019 & asked her for advice about my immigration status. She advised me about COBRA. Then, she represented my ex & lied to the Bar about speaking to me despite phone records. She was unpleasant & gave me incorrect information. She asked for a $8000 retainer & told me her inflated fee. By representing my husband afterwards, she put him at risk of having to switch lawyers, but he was a good mark for her given his emotional state. I believe she took advantage of him. Initially, I was represented by R. Rathmell, another lawyer at Hersh who should have pursued the conflict of interest. In fact, most lawyers told me that it was better for me not to bc it would cost me & I'd risk getting a competent lawyer. They said Patricia was inept & would throw hissy fits/ cry in court. I offered to sign the papers for free. Patricia decided to charge my ex thousands of dollars to draft paperwork & hire a process server so she could lie to the court & claim I was evading service which didn't even end up helping her case as it was irrelevant. The judge saw through her. Ms. Purcell then began working for Lerner Poole in 2020. I wonder whether she was recently fired from this firm due to her exposing them to potential discipline because of her unethical actions? She couldn't manage on her own & couldn't stay at the last firm for a meaningful length of time /potentially caused issues for the other lawyers by not disclosing the consultation. Another lawyer didn't want to work with Lerner Poole bc she said they hire the type of lawyers who create conflict between clients to pad their billable hours. I asked her to clarify: she said that if she asked for docs they'd claim they couldn't get them, & if you were cooperative, they'd still disparage you to make it seem like you were being difficult to increase tension. Divorce is hard & the end of a relationship is such a fragile thing - you don't need a lawyer who delights in profiting from your pain. Patricia Purcell would create make work projects for my ex like forcing him to come and drop off $ instead of just leaving it in our account. She later claimed I was standing outside waiting for him, which I wasn't so, I suspect it was an attempt to create a situation where she could disparage my character & when that didn't work she simply lied. We negotiated the division of assets & she FORGOT multiple assets. She refused to take responsibility then didn't even draft the dissolution on time & my lawyer had to harass her. When I was without representation she initiated & sent me 100 unprofessional emails in the first 3mths of '22 Her client paid for emails that had nothing to do with the divorce, just complaining about her inability to do her work and adequately take care of her child. I could go on. Hire at your own risk
Rude and ignorant. Had a consultation about drafting a prenup. Accused my fiancé of not understanding what marriage is. Made her cry. Gave rude and inaccurate answers when asked questions about the law and what we need. Huge waste of time. Significantly increased my headaches around the process.
One of the most prestigious family law firms in the bay area.

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Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. Photos

About Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C.

For individuals and families across California, navigating the emotional and legal complexities of family law can be one of the most challenging experiences life presents. From the difficult process of divorce to sensitive matters involving child custody, support, or prenuptial agreements, having an understanding and effective legal advocate is not just beneficial, but often essential. In the heart of San Francisco, Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. aims to provide legal guidance and representation for a wide array of family law matters.

Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. is a firm dedicated to addressing the personal and legal needs that arise within family relationships. They understand that these cases often come with significant emotional weight, and the firm's goal is to help clients navigate these transitions with as much clarity and support as possible. While the legal field is inherently about advocacy, finding a firm that balances strong representation with a professional and ethical approach is paramount. This article will provide general information about the types of services typically offered by family law firms, details about the firm's location and contact information, and a conclusion on why a local, specialized family law practice is suitable for Californians.

Location and Accessibility

Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. is centrally located in San Francisco’s financial district, offering convenient access for clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The firm’s office is situated at:

456 Montgomery St 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA

This prime address on Montgomery Street ensures excellent accessibility via various transportation options. For those utilizing public transit, the office is just a short walk from major BART stations like Montgomery Street and Embarcadero, providing seamless connections from various parts of San Francisco, the East Bay, and the Peninsula. Numerous Muni bus lines also serve the immediate vicinity, making it a convenient destination from within the city. For clients traveling by car, several parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks, offering practical options for visits. The central location in a prominent urban center underscores the firm's commitment to being easily reachable for individuals and families who require their family law services across California.

Services Offered

A family law practice like Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. typically offers a comprehensive range of legal services designed to address the diverse needs of individuals and families navigating sensitive legal transitions. While specific details on the firm's full service list are not provided, common services in family law generally include:

Divorce and Marital Dissolution: Guiding clients through the entire divorce process, including filing petitions, negotiating settlements, and litigating when necessary. This can involve complex issues like property division, debt allocation, and business valuations in high-net-worth cases.
Child Custody and Visitation: Representing parents in disputes concerning legal and physical custody of children, establishing visitation schedules, and modifying existing orders to ensure the child's best interests are met.
Child Support: Assisting with the calculation, establishment, and modification of child support orders in accordance with California guidelines.
Spousal Support (Alimony): Advising on and negotiating spousal support agreements, including temporary and permanent alimony, considering factors such as length of marriage, earning capacity, and standard of living.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements before or during marriage to protect individual assets and define financial rights and responsibilities.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: Providing legal representation for individuals seeking or responding to domestic violence restraining orders, ensuring safety and legal protection.
Paternity Actions: Establishing legal parentage for children born outside of marriage, which can impact custody, visitation, and child support.
Mediation and Collaborative Law: Exploring alternative dispute resolution methods to help clients reach amicable agreements outside of court, promoting less adversarial and more cost-effective solutions when appropriate.

Features / Highlights

While the provided customer reviews indicate significant issues and negative experiences with one specific attorney, Patricia Purcell, and raise concerns about the firm's practices (as of the review date), a family law practice generally aims to offer several features and highlights. It is important for potential clients to conduct their own thorough due diligence, including checking attorney standing with the State Bar and reviewing multiple, recent testimonials.

Generally, positive features of a family law firm that clients look for include:

Specialized Expertise: A firm dedicated to family law should possess deep knowledge of California family codes and court procedures, offering specialized advice tailored to sensitive and complex cases.
Compassionate Approach: Family law matters are often emotionally charged. A firm that demonstrates empathy, understanding, and sensitivity to clients' personal situations is highly valued.
Strong Advocacy: Clients seek attorneys who can vigorously advocate for their rights and interests, whether through negotiation, settlement, or courtroom litigation.
Clear Communication: Providing transparent and regular updates, explaining legal processes clearly, and being accessible to answer client questions are crucial for building trust.
Strategic Problem-Solving: Effective family law attorneys develop creative and practical solutions to complex issues, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.
Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity is fundamental to legal practice and critical for client trust.

Given the specific negative review provided, it highlights the paramount importance of thorough research, checking attorney disciplinary records, and potentially seeking consultations with multiple attorneys to ensure alignment with your needs and expectations. The issues raised regarding conflict of interest, billing practices, and professional conduct are serious and should be fully investigated by any prospective client.

Promotions or Special Offers

As is standard practice in the legal profession, Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. does not typically advertise specific promotions or discounts. However, like many law firms, they would likely offer an initial consultation service. This first meeting is designed to allow prospective clients to discuss their family law matters, receive an initial assessment of their situation, and understand the potential legal pathways available. This consultation serves as a crucial opportunity for clients to evaluate the firm’s approach and expertise before committing to a full legal engagement. It is always recommended to contact Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. directly to inquire about their consultation process and any specific arrangements for new clients, keeping in mind the importance of thorough vetting due to the nature of the provided review.

Contact Information

For individuals and families in California seeking legal assistance with family law matters, you can reach Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C. at their San Francisco office using the following contact details:

Address: 456 Montgomery St 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 91404, USA

Phone: (415) 788-2200

Mobile Phone: +1 415-788-2200

When contacting, it is advisable to prepare your questions and concerns thoroughly, particularly in light of the detailed feedback provided in the customer review, to ensure you receive comprehensive information relevant to your decision-making process.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians facing the emotionally charged and legally complex landscape of family law, finding a suitable local legal partner is crucial. A firm specializing in family law, such as Hersh FamilyLaw Practice, P.C., in San Francisco, aims to address the specific needs of individuals within the state. California's family law statutes are intricate and constantly evolving, necessitating an attorney with deep, localized expertise. The geographic presence in a major hub like San Francisco offers convenient access for clients across the Bay Area and potentially wider regions of California, leveraging strong public transportation links.

However, suitability in legal representation extends beyond location and practice area; it critically involves trust, ethical conduct, and effective client advocacy. While a local firm can offer convenience and a presumed understanding of the local court system, it is paramount for any Californian considering legal services to conduct thorough personal research. This includes verifying attorney standing with the State Bar, seeking multiple consultations, and diligently reviewing all available information, including detailed customer feedback, to ensure the chosen firm and attorney align with their expectations for professionalism, communication, and ethical representation. For those navigating challenging family legal issues, the right local attorney can provide indispensable guidance and support, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making in selecting legal counsel.