Norton & Christensen

For individuals and entities in Goshen, New York, and the surrounding areas seeking legal representation, the "Nearby Lawyers" platform serves as a resource to identify local legal professionals. Among the firms that might appear in such a search is Norton & Christensen. The provided contact information includes a phone number at (845) 294-7949 and a mobile phone number also listed as +1 845-294-7949. The firm's physical address is 60 Erie St, Goshen, NY 10924, USA. This address places the firm within the village of Goshen, the county seat of Orange County, New York, suggesting a presence in a central and accessible location within the local legal community.

When considering legal services, clients typically seek an environment that is professional, trustworthy, and conducive to discussing sensitive matters. While the specific internal environment of the Norton & Christensen office is not detailed in the provided information, its location on Erie Street in Goshen implies a standard legal office setting, likely within a commercial or professional building in a town center. The expectation would be a private and confidential space for client consultations, characteristic of a law firm.

The services and features offered by a law firm are most critically assessed through the experiences of its clients. In the case of Norton & Christensen, the sole available customer review provides a highly critical and detailed account concerning one of the firm's named partners, Henry Christensen. The review spans various aspects of legal service, from character and communication to billing practices and professionalism.

The reviewer states, "I've know him since 1978. Extremely poor moral character. The kind of lawyer that gives other lawyers a bad reputation." This very strong opening sets a negative tone regarding professional ethics and personal conduct. Such an assertion, if widely perceived, could significantly impact the firm's reputation and client trust. Furthermore, the review alleges dishonest billing practices: "Massages his billing practices until it fits 'his version', which is, in my case, his collection of half truths and outright lies." Accusations of fraudulent or deceptive billing are extremely serious in the legal profession, directly impacting client trust and the integrity of the firm's financial dealings.

A significant portion of the review focuses on severe communication failures: "Refused to answer emails, telephone calls, US Mail and Registered US Mail for over 18 months till I made a formal complaint to the New York State Bar Association. Then he answered with great haste. Funny how that works." This feedback highlights a critical breakdown in client-attorney communication, which is fundamental to effective legal representation. A lawyer's responsiveness is paramount, as clients rely on their counsel for updates, advice, and guidance throughout their legal matters. The assertion that communication only resumed after a formal complaint to a regulatory body is a serious indictment of professional conduct and responsiveness.

Additionally, the reviewer notes, "Initially I was struck by his poor writing skills, especially his use of grammar. That should have been my first clue." While seemingly less severe than other complaints, poor communication skills, including writing, can impact the clarity and effectiveness of legal documents and correspondence, potentially leading to misunderstandings or detrimental outcomes for a client's case. The reviewer concludes with a strong warning: "In short, a dishonest lawyer who thinks the world of himself and will certainly put his interests well before yours. I would not use his services. There are plenty of skilled, honest lawyers who can perform your legal work and bill you with honesty and integrity. Two essential things that Henry Christensen is missing from his personal and business ethical profile." This unequivocally negative recommendation directly advises against using the firm's services, citing a lack of honesty and integrity.

Given the nature and intensity of this singular, but detailed, negative review, any promotional information for Norton & Christensen would face substantial challenges. Law firms typically promote their expertise, client-focused approach, responsiveness, and ethical standards. However, the available feedback directly contradicts these desirable attributes. Promoting services when there is a public record of allegations concerning poor moral character, dishonest billing, severe communication failures, and a perceived prioritization of the lawyer's interests over the client's would be highly problematic and could be perceived as misleading. The objective presentation of the firm, based solely on the provided information, must acknowledge these significant criticisms.

Therefore, for users of the "Nearby Lawyers" platform in Goshen, NY, who encounter Norton & Christensen, the available information provides a critical perspective. While the firm has a listed address and contact numbers, the detailed client review concerning Henry Christensen raises serious questions about the firm's communication practices, billing transparency, and professional ethics. Clients seeking legal representation require an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also trustworthy, responsive, and operates with integrity. The review strongly suggests that these essential qualities may be lacking. Prospective clients are strongly advised to conduct thorough due diligence, seek additional reviews or references if possible, and carefully consider the implications of such feedback before engaging the services of Norton & Christensen. It is crucial for individuals to choose legal counsel who can provide reliable and ethically sound representation for their legal needs.