Law Offices of Martha J Olson

Nearby Lawyers California Santa Clara County San Jose Downtown San Jose East Saint James Street

(19 reviews)

Contact Info

Location 97 E St James St STE 101, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
Phone +1 408-560-7030

Reviews

Martha has truly been the best lawyer I have ever had, I SINCERELY mean this not only has she won every case we brought to her but she worked with our financial situation as well. After working with Mrs. Olson I will never seek legal help nor advice from any other lawyer. If there were 10 star rating it would be pushed. Thank you for all your help, your support, your hard work, and most of all your effort and time you put into my case. Thank you to your staff especially Andrew very smart and professional always helpful when needed. Any future needs I will be sure to have you as my lawyer you truly rock! Thank you much love corina and Jorge.
Sweetest woman when you are around her. She is really great when speaking to you in order for you to feel she cares. Good lawyer, not at all. She filed so much paperwork that was unnecessary and made our bill so high. For a young mother who needed help she didn't do anything, she was only about the money. I was too afraid to fire her, I didn't know any better. $17000 later nothing was accomplished by her. She was always late and she would fall asleep in the court room. I will never make the mistake of recommending her to anyone.
I have had a complicated case and have benefitted from retaining Ms. Olson and her vast experience for years now. She is compassionate, personal, and ethical. She has given me some peace of mind at times, by enabling me and helping/coaching me to think clearly through important issues - giving me the clarity, education and direction to me, so I can make solid compromises, agreements and decisions on many important issues along the way. She is also objective and honest enough to keep focused on what the "right" and ethical things to do are, and above all, to help guide me - do what is right, safe and best for the children involved. I firmly believe that in these very stressful situations, having the professional and seasoned experience from her has reduced my stress and thereby enabled me to be focused and objective. Thank you.
Disorganized, Negligent, and Unethical; Please do not waste your time, money, or the highly probable loss of your case on this lawyer! If you read reviews by REAL clients, with REAL names (not "A Google User") you'll notice a distinct pattern of negative reviews surrounding this attorney, especially on YELP. Unprofessional; Martha's office makes amateur errors that any business should be above, such as obvious misspellings, incorrectly filled out (legal) paperwork, and gross billing errors. I almost laughed when I received a bill in which the numbers had LITERALLY been cut from one sheet of paper and glued onto another, rather than retyped. This may seem insignificant, but it demonstrates the overall lack of professionalism that encompasses every aspect of Martha's practice. Disorganized; Martha's firm is highly disorganized and it will cost you! She and her subordinate called me on the same day, to give me the exact same piece of information, yet charged me for both the calls because they hadn't coordinated with one another. What's worse is that these duplicate calls were necessary in order for them to correct some significant misinformation they'd provided me the day prior. Martha charged me for receiving both the misinformation, and the redundant communications to correct it. When I pointed out this billing error, Martha refused to adjust the bill, justifying her position by claiming I'd made calls to her secretary that she hadn't charged me for. (In case you're new to the legal scene...calls to a secretary is not a legitimate reason to bill a client). This is fraud. Once I hired a new attorney, I coincidentally ended up in court on the same day as one of Martha's clients. Martha showed up to court late and disheveled, causing a scene in front of the judge. I felt bad for her client, whose case wasn't even heard because Martha failed to properly complete preliminary actions on her client's behalf. Poor Communication and Lack of Legal Knowledge; when I asked questions specific to my situation, I was rarely provided with clear answers. Rather than discussing details, Martha gave me vague assurances stating "let us worry about the law," then charged me for this "legal advice." Rather than actually working on my behalf, Martha ignored my case, failed to respond to my e-mails, and did not return my phone calls for weeks at a time. I was left in the dark concerning important aspects of my case, but charged all-the-while. As others have complained, Martha hasn't moved into the current century and still uses snail-mail for the limited correspondence she does provide. Unethical; last, but not least, Martha is unethical. She initially assured me she could help, took a $5000 retainer fee, but then did very little. The few things she did do were done incorrectly. I went to the BBB to complain, as her website stated she was a member, only to find the BBB had an alert out on her because she'd been falsely using their logo to advertise on her website for over a year. Martha did not refund the amount she fraudulently billed me, she did not return an accurate remainder of what little was left of my retainer, and she lied to the BBB to get out of the bad rating they put on her. Finally, although Martha utterly ignored me while I was her client, she began trying to intimidate me (via snail mail) after I complained to the BBB. At this point, I'd already substituted Martha out for a new attorney and received my FINAL bill. Once I complained to the BBB, however, Martha wrote me angry letters claiming I owed her more money, with absolutely no support for this assertion. Likewise, she "recounted" my case with such blatant error to fact, it was apparent she'd been oblivious to what was going on the entire time. Bottom Line; The only reason this "attorney" hasn't been disbarred is because the people who seek her services are already in a bad situation. Be assured, Martha will only add to your troubles.
Martha was an amazing attorney in my case. She helped finish my case as quickly as possible. I was blindsided by my ex husband and she fought for my rights and custody. I won in the end because of her representation. Thank you 🙏 so much Martha!

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About Law Offices of Martha J Olson

For individuals and families across California, navigating the complexities of the legal system can present significant challenges. Whether you're seeking assistance with a long-standing issue or facing an unexpected legal matter, finding an attorney who can provide effective representation while also understanding your unique circumstances is crucial. This article aims to offer a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Law Offices of Martha J Olson, a legal practice located in San Jose, California. Our goal is to help local users learn more about the services offered by this firm, its accessibility, and what past clients have experienced, enabling you to consider if it aligns with your legal needs in the Golden State.

A lawyer serves as a vital guide and advocate, offering expertise, strategic advice, and representation to help clients achieve favorable outcomes. In a dynamic urban center like San Jose, where a wide array of legal needs can arise, having access to legal professionals who are both skilled and responsive can make a significant difference. The Law Offices of Martha J Olson has garnered varied feedback from clients, indicating both strong points in certain areas and areas where client experiences diverged. This overview is designed to be a factual guide, presenting insights into their practice and the experiences of previous clients, ensuring you have the necessary information to consider your options for legal representation in California.

While this article offers general information and insights drawn from public testimonials, it's important to remember that every legal situation is unique, and individual experiences can vary. For personalized advice and a comprehensive discussion of your specific circumstances, directly consulting with the Law Offices of Martha J Olson is always the recommended course of action.

Location and Accessibility

The Law Offices of Martha J Olson are conveniently located at 97 E St James St STE 101, San Jose, CA 95112, USA. This strategic address places the firm in a well-established area of San Jose, just east of the bustling downtown core. This location offers advantageous accessibility for clients seeking legal services throughout Santa Clara County and the wider Bay Area.

Being situated on East St. James Street, the office is within a professional district that ensures good connectivity. For individuals relying on public transportation, the location is quite convenient. San Jose's efficient light rail system, operated by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), has stops relatively close by, providing access from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The Santa Clara Street thoroughfare, a major artery, is also nearby, which facilitates access via numerous VTA bus lines that service the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

For those who prefer to drive, 97 E St James St benefits from its reasonable proximity to major freeways that crisscross California. These include Highway 87, I-280, and US-101, which collectively provide straightforward routes from various cities and regions across the state. This network of roadways facilitates easy travel for clients from both near and far. While specific on-site parking details are not provided for Suite 101, the area around downtown San Jose typically offers a variety of public parking garages and metered street parking options within a reasonable walking distance. It's always advisable to plan your visit in advance and check for the most convenient parking solutions. The firm's presence in a professional office suite further enhances its availability and convenience for clients requiring legal counsel in the San Jose area.

Services Offered

The Law Offices of Martha J Olson provides legal services, and based on the provided reviews, it appears they handle cases related to family law, specifically mentioning a "young mother who needed help" and implicitly divorce proceedings ("won every case we brought to her"). While detailed service areas are not fully outlined, a firm with such client testimonials and a general practice would typically offer, but not be limited to, the following services:

Family Law: This is strongly suggested by the review mentioning a "young mother" and the context of needing "help." Services could include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders.
General Civil Litigation: Given the broad statement "won every case we brought to her," it implies a capacity to handle various civil disputes, which could range from contract disputes to property disagreements.
Legal Advice and Consultation: Clients praise Martha Olson for her support and willingness to provide legal advice, suggesting this is a core offering, even for initial inquiries.
Case Management and Advocacy: The positive review highlights "your hard work, and most of all your effort and time you put into my case," indicating a hands-on approach to managing cases and advocating for clients.
Financial Accommodation (Implied): The positive review states that she "worked with our financial situation as well," suggesting a willingness to discuss and potentially accommodate clients' financial circumstances regarding legal fees.

It's important for potential clients to directly inquire about the specific types of cases the Law Offices of Martha J Olson handles to ensure their needs align with the firm's expertise.

Features / Highlights

The Law Offices of Martha J Olson elicits a spectrum of client experiences, revealing distinct features and highlights that offer insights into their practice:

Exceptional Client Satisfaction and Loyalty (Positive Review): Corina and Jorge's review is overwhelmingly positive, describing Martha as the "BEST ATTORNEY EVER." They express deep gratitude for her help, support, hard work, effort, and time. This indicates a high level of dedication and successful outcomes for these particular clients, leading to strong loyalty ("I will never seek legal help nor advice from any other lawyer").
Proven Case Success (Positive Review): The statement "not only has she won every case we brought to her" is a powerful highlight, indicating a strong track record of favorable results for the referring clients.
Financial Understanding and Flexibility (Positive Review): The mention that "she worked with our financial situation as well" is a significant feature. This suggests a willingness to consider and potentially accommodate clients' financial circumstances, which can be a crucial factor for many seeking legal help.
Professional and Helpful Staff (Positive Review): The positive review specifically commends the staff, particularly Andrew, as "very smart and professional always helpful when needed." This indicates that the firm provides comprehensive support beyond just the lead attorney.
Perceived Lack of Results and High Costs (Negative Review): The negative review dramatically contrasts, stating "nothing was accomplished by her" despite a "bill so high" ($17,000). This highlights a perceived lack of value for money and an inability to achieve the client's objectives.
Concerns about Professionalism and Punctuality (Negative Review): The negative review mentions "she was always late and she would fall asleep in the court room." These are serious allegations that suggest significant issues with professionalism and attentiveness.
Questionable Billing Practices (Negative Review): The accusation of filing "so much paperwork that was unnecessary and made our bill so high" points to concerns about excessive billing and potentially inflating costs without proportionate results.
Varying Client Experience: The stark difference between the highly positive and highly negative reviews indicates that the client experience at the Law Offices of Martha J Olson is not universally consistent and can vary significantly depending on the individual case and interaction.

These features present a complex picture, suggesting that while some clients have an outstanding experience marked by success and support, others encounter significant issues with cost, effectiveness, and professional conduct.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the legal services industry, especially for practices like the Law Offices of Martha J Olson that appear to handle various civil matters, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" (like discounts or bundled service packages) are generally not advertised in the same way as retail businesses. This is primarily due to professional ethical guidelines that govern attorney conduct, which aim to prevent misleading advertising or the improper solicitation of clients. Legal fees are highly individualized, as they depend on the complexity of the case, the amount of attorney time required, and the specific legal services needed.

Therefore, based on publicly available information, the Law Offices of Martha J Olson does not advertise specific promotions or special offers in the conventional consumer sense. However, one notable "offer" or flexible practice, as highlighted by a positive client review, is:

Financial Accommodation: The positive review states, "she worked with our financial situation as well." This suggests a willingness to discuss and potentially make arrangements regarding legal fees to accommodate a client's financial circumstances. While not a blanket discount, this flexibility can be a significant benefit for individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford legal representation. It indicates a client-focused approach to billing, aiming to make services accessible.
Initial Consultation: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, it is a very common practice for law firms to offer an initial consultation. This may be free or at a specified fee, allowing potential clients to discuss their legal matter, understand their options, and get a preliminary assessment of their case without an immediate long-term financial commitment. This provides a crucial opportunity to gauge the firm's suitability and gather essential information.

For precise details regarding their fee structures, consultation policies, and any potential payment arrangements, it is always recommended for potential clients to contact the Law Offices of Martha J Olson directly. This direct communication will provide the most accurate and personalized information tailored to their specific legal needs.

Contact Information

For individuals in California seeking legal assistance, the Law Offices of Martha J Olson can be reached through the following contact details:

Address:

97 E St James St STE 101

San Jose, CA 95112, USA

Phone:

(408) 560-7030

Mobile Phone:

+1 408-560-7030

These contact points provide direct access to the firm, allowing potential clients to initiate inquiries, discuss their legal situation, or schedule a consultation. It is advisable to reach out during standard business hours to ensure a prompt and efficient response from their team, and to discuss the specific nature of your legal needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and families across California, particularly those in the San Jose area who are navigating various legal challenges, the Law Offices of Martha J Olson presents a unique and somewhat varied option for legal representation. Its suitability for locals depends significantly on individual expectations and experiences, as highlighted by contrasting client testimonials.

Firstly, the firm's location at 97 E St James St STE 101 in San Jose offers good accessibility for local clients. Situated near downtown, it is reachable by public transportation and within reasonable proximity to major freeways. This ease of access is a practical advantage for residents needing to attend consultations or provide documentation for their cases. A local presence also implies familiarity with the specific local courts and community resources in San Jose, which can be beneficial in navigating the regional legal landscape.

Secondly, the positive testimonial from Corina and Jorge offers a compelling reason for locals to consider this firm. Their experience highlights Martha Olson's dedicated support, hard work, and proven success in winning cases, even while "working with our financial situation." This suggests that for some clients, the firm delivers exceptional results, coupled with a willingness to accommodate financial circumstances, which is a significant factor for many seeking legal aid. The praise for staff member Andrew further points to a professional and helpful team environment, which can greatly enhance the client experience.

However, it is crucial for potential local clients to also consider the very different experience detailed in the negative review. Allegations of unnecessary paperwork leading to high bills, perceived lack of accomplishment, tardiness, and even falling asleep in court are serious concerns that paint a starkly different picture of the firm's professionalism and effectiveness for that particular client. This suggests that the client experience at the Law Offices of Martha J Olson can be highly inconsistent.

In conclusion, for Californians, the Law Offices of Martha J Olson could be suitable for locals who are seeking a lawyer who has, for some, demonstrated exceptional dedication, successful outcomes, and a willingness to work with financial situations. However, prospective clients must conduct thorough due diligence, perhaps by scheduling an initial consultation to assess the firm's approach, communication style, and fee structure directly. This will help them determine if the firm's services align with their specific needs and expectations, ensuring they find the right legal partner in San Jose, given the mixed, yet very strong, public feedback.