AKIN & SALAMAN (Previously AKIN LAW GROUP)

Tara

2 months ago

My engagement with Rob Salaman for a sensitive employment-related matter resulted in one of the most professionally disappointing and personally costly experiences of my life. While every legal case has its challenges, the failures here were rooted not in circumstance, but in a profound lack of effective advocacy, clear communication, and basic client care. The mediation was a profound failure of representation. Not only did Mr. Salaman act as a passive observer, allowing the mediator to completely "run the show," but he also engaged in a disempowering and opaque practice: he would repeatedly meet privately with the mediator without me present. These "caucuses" excluded me from critical discussions about my own case and settlement. Instead of having my advocate in the room with the mediator fighting for my position, I was left waiting in a virtual holding area, unaware of what was being discussed or conceded on my behalf. This approach stripped me of agency and transparency, making me feel like a bystander rather than the client. A true advocate ensures the client is informed and central to the process, not sidelined in it. Perhaps the most damaging failure was Mr. Salaman's neglect to advise me on a crucial financial consequence: my unemployment benefits. He never informed me that by accepting the settlement terms negotiated in those private meetings, I would likely forfeit my right to collect unemployment benefits. This was a catastrophic lapse in counsel. An attorney must foresee these consequences and advise their client accordingly. This critical error, likely stemming from the insulated mediation strategy, had a direct, severe impact on my financial stability. Additionally, he failed to respond to numerous emails asking him for his assistance. When the unemployment benefit issue predictably arose, Mr. Salaman's response was shocking. He refused to represent me at the tribunal, stating "he only practiced discrimination law." This excuse was illogical. The tribunal needed the attorney with full knowledge of the mediation and settlement he negotiated to explain the context. His refusal felt like an abandonment, leaving me to defend myself on a matter his own lack of advice had created. The unprofessionalism extended to the firm's operations. As many others have pointed out, the receptionist was a nightmare! She was consistently rude, and would place my calls on hold without a simple "please hold" or other courtesy. This set the tone for the entire experience.

Vicki P

4 months ago

Attorney Travis Pierre-Louis provided excellent service from start to finish. He communicated clearly, followed up promptly, and guided me through every step of my settlement with care. I’m very grateful for his help and highly recommend him and the firm. Super thanks!

Dominique

a month ago

Tuesday, December 23 I reached out to this office to see if I potentially had a case and had the very unfortunate experience of speaking with their receptionist. She was very rude and when giving me information about the attorney fees, before I had the opportunity to respond she quickly let me know that they wouldn’t be able to provide me with any “cheap services”. I was absolutely disgusted with that comment and decided to take my services elsewhere. I would highly recommend a new receptionist.

Zulaika Hinds

a month ago

I had the honor to be guided and helped by Rob Salaman and it was a wonderful and great experience and I would recommend this law firm again and again and again to anybody who would ask me where they can go for legal guidance. Was a pleasure to work with Rob. Thanks again!

Jessica Santos

9 months ago

I have worked with Justin Ames this past year on my case and it went smoother than I ever expected. Justin is very professional, knowledgeable and just gets the job done. He was extremely thorough through out the entire process and always got back to me very quickly. If you need a lawyer by your side, Justin is the right one for you. I can not say enough good things about my experience with him and the firm. 5 🌟