Peter R. McGrath, P.A.
Nearby LawyersFloridaOrange CountyOrlandoNortheast OrlandoNorth Magnolia Avenue
Open Hours:
Monday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, Closed
Peter R. McGrath, P.A. Introduce
Welcome to the profile of Peter R. McGrath, P.A., a legal practice located in Orlando, Florida, at 801 N Magnolia Ave, FL 32803, USA. Situated in a central area of Orlando, the office aims to provide legal services to local residents and businesses seeking assistance with various legal matters. For individuals in Orlando and neighboring areas searching for 'Nearby Lawyers', understanding the experiences of past clients can be crucial in making an informed decision about legal representation.
Peter R. McGrath, P.A., offers legal services in specific areas, as indicated by the available information. One client review highlights assistance with a Homeowners Association (HOA) issue that had caused significant delays in a construction project. According to this review, Mr. McGrath was accessible and knowledgeable, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of the client's dream home. This suggests experience in handling disputes related to HOAs and potentially real estate matters.
However, it is essential to consider all available feedback to gain a comprehensive understanding of the firm's services and client interactions. Another detailed review presents a significantly different perspective, describing a highly negative experience with the firm in an eviction case. This review alleges that the attorney charged a substantial consultation fee and required a large upfront retainer. The client expressed dissatisfaction with the level of representation provided, particularly during a court hearing, and claimed that promised defenses were not raised. Furthermore, this review details difficulties in terminating representation and disputes the billing practices of the firm, referring to the experience as a "scam." The client also indicated an intention to file a complaint with the Florida Bar.
Services Offered (Based on Available Information):
Based on the limited information available from the client reviews, Peter R. McGrath, P.A., appears to offer legal services in the following areas:
- Real Estate Law: The positive review regarding the HOA issue and the delayed construction suggests experience in real estate law, particularly in resolving disputes that can impact property owners and development.
- HOA Disputes: The successful resolution of the HOA matter indicates that the firm provides assistance to clients facing challenges with their homeowners' associations. This could involve interpreting governing documents, mediating disputes, and potentially litigation.
- Eviction Defense (as per negative review): The negative review explicitly mentions representation in an eviction case, indicating that this is another area of service offered by the firm, although the client's experience was highly unfavorable.
Features and Considerations:
When considering Peter R. McGrath, P.A., it is important to weigh the contrasting experiences reported by the two available reviewers:
- Accessibility and Knowledge (as per positive review): One client found Mr. McGrath accessible and knowledgeable, leading to a positive outcome in their HOA-related issue. This suggests that in certain cases, the firm can provide effective legal assistance.
- High Consultation Fee and Retainer (as per negative review): A significant point raised in the negative review is the alleged $400 initial consultation fee and the requirement of a substantial upfront retainer before any significant work is performed. This financial aspect is a crucial consideration for potential clients.
- Concerns Regarding Representation (as per negative review): The negative review raises serious concerns about the quality of representation provided in an eviction case, alleging a lack of advocacy in court and failure to raise discussed defenses.
- Billing Practices (as per negative review): The billing practices of the firm were also heavily criticized in the negative review, with allegations of charges for calls made to terminate representation and a dispute over the amount of work claimed versus the work perceived to have been done.
- Communication Issues (as per negative review): The client who had a negative experience reported difficulties in receiving a response to their request to terminate representation, highlighting potential communication challenges.
Promotional Information and Considerations for Local Users:
Peter R. McGrath, P.A., located at 801 N Magnolia Ave in Orlando, serves the local community in legal matters that appear to include real estate law and HOA disputes. One client testimonial suggests positive outcomes in these areas, highlighting accessibility and knowledge. If you are facing legal challenges related to your HOA or other real estate issues in the Orlando area and are looking for 'Nearby Lawyers', Peter R. McGrath, P.A., may be a firm you consider.
However, it is imperative for potential clients to be aware of the concerns raised in another detailed review regarding an eviction case. This review describes significant issues with consultation fees, retainer requirements, the quality of representation, billing practices, and communication. Individuals considering retaining Peter R. McGrath, P.A., should carefully consider all available information and may wish to inquire specifically about the firm's consultation fees, retainer policies, and approach to representation in their specific type of legal matter. It may also be prudent to seek additional information or references to ensure that their experience aligns with their expectations and needs.
Given the contrasting experiences reported, local users searching for legal representation in Orlando are advised to conduct thorough due diligence. This may include asking for detailed explanations of fees and retainer agreements, discussing the attorney's strategy for their specific case in detail, and potentially seeking additional opinions before making a decision. While one client found satisfactory service in a real estate-related matter, another reported a highly negative experience in an eviction case, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration and investigation when choosing legal counsel.
Location
Customer Reviews
(26 reviews)
ABSOLUTE SCAM ARTIST. Do NOT hire this man to represent you! Not only does he charge $400 JUST for an initial consultation he REQUIRES an absurd amount of retainer UP FRONT before any work is even done. I had an initial consultation with him back in early December to discuss an eviction. He was 100% reassuring that I had a good case, was good to go, we would proceed to trial etc. He said if I hired him I could stay in my apartment with my son. He also reassured me I “no longer had to worry about anything” he would take care of everything. He charged me $4,000 retainer. Again this was for 10 hours of work NOT YET PERFORMED. Yes he charges $400 an hour. No he is absolutely not worth it. Since I was and still am in such a desperate situation and know this complex is attempting to carry out an illegal and retaliatory eviction I agreed. My mom helped me pay $2,000 right away, equivalent to 5 hours of work. Well all he did was proceed to have his paralegals write up a Notice of Counsel notifying the court he was now representing me. He also scheduled 2-3 phone calls of 45 mins- 1 hour, which I was charged down to the minute, all rehashing everything already discussed during initial consultation. The details of my case never changed. The initial hearing date came to discuss rent determination via Zoom with a Judge. To say he sat there like a bump on a log is putting it mildly. I think my 7 yr old would have represented me better. He let the Judge basically shut him up, meanwhile the plaintiff had all the time in the world to accuse me of a balance they had NO proof I even owe. Yes the plaintiff got away with improper court procedure, in referencing documents not submitted prior to hearing. Yet even with Mr McGrath sitting there with his “38 years of experience” which he will brag about, he let that pass, didn’t raise ANY defenses in my case to the Judge. Those defenses we had spoken about 3-4 times at this point. None of those brought up. Apparently he “wrote them down” but forgot to bring them up. I had to try myself to speak to the Judge and defend MYSELF with Mr McGrath sitting there. Obviously the Judge ruled in favor of plaintiff and I am currently still fighting the eviction alone yet a lot better off than with his “representation”. He is absolutely NOT a shark attorney who will try everything in their knowledge about law to help their client. Sure those attorneys exist and they have a right to charge a high retainer FOR THE WORK THEY DO. This man essentially runs a bait and switch. He will tell you over your initial $400 paid consultation, you have a great case and he’d be happy to represent you. He will then charge you an obscene amount for retainer fee. He will then do NOTHING of what was promised. He is a fraud. I sent him a detailed email following that disaster of a hearing telling him clearly I no longer wished to be represented by him. No response. 2 days later still nothing and his name was still attached to my case. I called the office to inquire what was the response to my email. Reception immediately forwarded my call to him and he gave me the run around, I don’t know how to say “I no longer wish to be represented” more clearly. I had to send another email and finally the office sent a notice of withdrawal of counsel to the court. Mind you he charged me for these phone calls in which I was ONLY CALLING TO TERMINATE REPRESENTATION. He did NOT give me any legal advice during these calls!!! Again, he is no better than any pocket thief! He then forwarded me a ridiculous invoice for which he claims he did $3000+ worth of work. Yes he REFUSES to refund the $4,000 paid to him for work NOT DONE. I will absolutely be filing a complaint with the Florida Bar. Attorneys are held to a high standard and are required to hold ethics in dealing with their clients and going about their work. What this man does is scam people, take their money and run. I hope my review saves as many people possible from going through what I am, defending myself after paying Attorney Peter McGrath to do just that. 100% DO NOT RECOMMEND
Mr. McGrath helped us with an issue with our HOA that postponed our build by months. He was accessible and knowledgeable and we eventually were able to build our dream home which we just moved in to. Awesome job, The Spikers.
I went to Peter Mcgrath because my HOA was trying to impose rules on how I operated my 19-year old accordion hurricane shutters that were permanently attached to my home. Peter did an amazing job and defended my right to operate my personal property as I saw fit. The HOA refused to back down through mediation and forced us to go to court. At trial, Peter was incredible and used his extensive knowledge of case law to completely refute every argument raised by the HOA. Thanks to Peter, it was overwhelmingly proven that the new HOA rule was totally unreasonable and the judge had no choice but to rule against the HOA.
I spoke with Mr. McGrath on a Zoom call and hired him to represent me for a Property Partition case. He was professional, thorough Kept me posted on developments until the case came to a resolution. I highly recommend Mr. McGrath. He is a dedicated knowledgeable no- nonsense attorney and will represent you accordingly. Thank you again for stepping in and giving me the peace I needed knowing that you had my back.
Highly Recommend! Peter is no nonsense, logical, and skilled at his craft. He is experienced and knows Florida HOA law! I interviewed several attorney's and Peter was the most clear, direct, and knowledgeable about our issue and options, which entailed a new neighbor that snubbed their nose at our HOA and refused to remove their 25' boat and trailers from the property. Peter was confident about our odds of winning and clear on the path required to ultimately win our case. It took 2.5 years because the other side played every game imaginable to delay and redirect, but Peter and his team kept moving the process forward efficiently and professionally. We won a Summary Judgement and we were awarded Attorney Fees and costs. If you want an ethical, fair, and professional lawyer that knows Florida HOA space, I highly recommend Peter Mcgrath.
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