Law Offices of David H. Sussman

When seeking legal assistance, especially for sensitive matters like family law, the choice of an attorney can profoundly impact the outcome and your overall experience. For residents of San Jose and the wider California region, identifying a local law office that can provide knowledgeable and effective representation is a crucial step. This article aims to provide an overview of the Law Offices of David H. Sussman, a legal practice situated in the vibrant downtown area of San Jose, California, intended to serve the legal needs of the local community.

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be a challenging endeavor, requiring not only a deep understanding of California law but also a skilled approach to client interaction and case management. While the provided information includes specific customer feedback that raises concerns, it is essential for prospective clients to consider all aspects of a firm's offerings, location, and the importance of an initial consultation to form their own judgment. A local attorney often offers the benefit of familiarity with regional court procedures, legal communities, and the unique challenges faced by residents in the Bay Area.

The process of choosing legal representation is highly personal and demands careful consideration. This overview will detail the Law Offices of David H. Sussman's location, accessibility, typical services offered by a firm of this nature, and the features highlighted by client feedback, both positive and negative, to assist you in making an informed decision for your legal needs in California.

Location and Accessibility

The accessibility of a law firm is a practical consideration for clients, particularly when frequent visits or urgent matters arise. The Law Offices of David H. Sussman are conveniently located in the bustling downtown area of San Jose, making them an easily reachable option for individuals and families across Santa Clara County and the broader Bay Area.

The office address is: 95 S Market St suite 410, San Jose, CA 95113, USA.

This central location places the firm in close proximity to key judicial and governmental buildings, which can be advantageous for legal proceedings. For those traveling by car, downtown San Jose is well-connected by major highways, offering relatively straightforward access from various parts of the city and neighboring communities such as Santa Clara, Campbell, Milpitas, and Cupertino. While downtown areas typically offer various parking options, including street parking and garages, it is always advisable for clients to confirm availability and potential costs beforehand. For individuals relying on public transportation, the location is highly accessible. It is within comfortable walking distance of several VTA light rail and bus stops, and a short distance from the Diridon Station, a major transit hub serving Caltrain, Amtrak, and future High-Speed Rail services. This central and well-connected position aims to ensure that clients can easily attend consultations, meetings, and court appearances, minimizing travel time and logistical challenges. The ease of access underscores the firm's presence in a vibrant urban environment where convenience for clients is often a priority.

Services Offered

While a comprehensive list of specific practice areas for the Law Offices of David H. Sussman is not explicitly provided in the available information, the client review prominently mentions "losing custody of my kid." This strongly indicates that the firm handles family law matters, particularly those involving child custody. Based on typical offerings of a law firm with a focus on family law in a metropolitan area like San Jose, it is reasonable to infer that their services may include:

• Child Custody and Visitation: This is a primary area, as suggested by the client review. Services would likely involve establishing, modifying, and enforcing child custody orders and visitation schedules, always aiming to represent the client's interests concerning their children.
• Divorce and Legal Separation: As child custody is often an integral part of divorce proceedings, it is highly probable that the firm provides comprehensive representation for clients navigating divorce or legal separation, including contested and uncontested cases.
• Child Support: Determining, establishing, and modifying child support orders in accordance with California guidelines would typically fall under their purview, given their work in child custody.
• Spousal Support (Alimony): Assisting clients with issues related to spousal support, including its determination, enforcement, and modification, is another common service in family law practices.
• Property Division: In the context of divorce, the firm would likely handle the complex process of dividing community and separate property, assets, and debts.
• Other Family Law Matters: This could extend to paternity actions, domestic violence restraining orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.
• General Civil Litigation (Potential): While the specific review points to family law, some firms may also handle broader civil litigation depending on their expertise and attorney's background. It is advisable to directly inquire about their full scope of services.

Prospective clients with family law needs, especially those involving child custody, would find it beneficial to directly contact the Law Offices of David H. Sussman to discuss their specific circumstances and confirm the firm’s ability to assist.

Features / Highlights

The provided customer reviews offer significant, albeit challenging, insights into the perceived features and highlights of the Law Offices of David H. Sussman. It is crucial to address these candidly for a factual and balanced perspective for potential clients.

• Focus on Family Law: The direct mention of a "child custody" case indicates that the firm handles critical family law matters, a specialized and often sensitive area of legal practice.
• Concerns Regarding Attorney Availability and Delegation: One review highlights a significant issue where "Mr. Sussman was instrumental in my losing custody of my kid when he subbed out two days before an important court date." This points to potential concerns regarding attorney availability, case management, and the delegation of critical responsibilities, which could have serious implications for case outcomes.
• Highly Negative Receptionist Interaction: The review explicitly states, "Kali, the receptionist is the most vile human being I have ever spoken to in my professional career." This is a severe concern regarding the client's initial and ongoing experience with office staff, which can significantly impact the overall perception of the firm's professionalism and client service.
• Office Environment: The comment about "A mangy mutt will jump all over you the second you step foot in the office" indicates an unconventional office environment. While some clients might appreciate a pet-friendly office, others might find it unprofessional or distracting, especially in a professional legal setting.
• Strong Negative Recommendation: The concluding remark, "Go anywhere but here!" serves as a direct and strong warning from a former client, reflecting profound dissatisfaction with the services received and the overall experience.

These points of feedback are critical for any potential client to consider when evaluating the Law Offices of David H. Sussman. They highlight areas of significant concern regarding case handling, client support, and the overall professional environment.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the legal services industry, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense are generally not commonplace. This is primarily due to the professional ethics governing attorneys and the highly personalized nature of legal services, where fees are typically based on the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the time required.

However, it is a common practice for many law firms, including those in local markets, to provide initial consultations for prospective clients. These consultations can vary:

• Free Initial Consultations: Some firms offer a brief, no-cost meeting or phone call to assess a potential client's legal situation and determine if the firm is suitable to take on the case.
• Reduced-Fee Consultations: Other firms may charge a nominal fee for a more in-depth initial consultation where specific documents can be reviewed and more detailed advice provided.

To ascertain the specific policy regarding initial consultations or any other arrangements for new clients at the Law Offices of David H. Sussman, it is highly recommended to contact their office directly using the provided contact information. This direct communication will allow you to discuss your legal needs, inquire about their fee structure, and understand how they handle initial client engagements.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries, consultations, or to learn more about the legal services offered by the Law Offices of David H. Sussman, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 95 S Market St suite 410, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
• Phone: (408) 298-4000
• Mobile Phone: +1 408-298-4000

Utilizing these contact methods will enable you to speak directly with the firm's representatives and gather information specific to your legal circumstances.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of San Jose and the wider California region, evaluating legal representation requires careful consideration of various factors. The Law Offices of David H. Sussman, with its central location in downtown San Jose, offers geographical convenience for locals. This easy accessibility can be beneficial for scheduling meetings and managing the logistics often associated with legal proceedings, making it a physically convenient option for those in the Bay Area.

However, it is imperative for potential clients to acknowledge the very strong and concerning feedback provided in the customer reviews. The issues raised, particularly concerning case handling in critical matters like child custody, the described interactions with office staff, and the overall professional environment, suggest that the client experience may not align with expectations for professional legal services. While the convenience of a local office is a positive, the substance of the client feedback highlights areas that warrant significant caution.

For individuals in California seeking legal counsel, especially in sensitive family law matters, it is crucial to perform thorough due diligence. This includes not only considering the firm's proximity but also critically evaluating testimonials, asking pointed questions during an initial consultation about case management protocols, staff professionalism, and attorney availability. While a local presence is a benefit, ensuring that the firm's service quality, communication, and overall professional conduct meet your standards is paramount for achieving a satisfactory legal outcome and a positive client experience.