Berliner Cohen, LLP Claim business

Deep Dive: Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews

We’ve gathered and analyzed reviews from real customers across the web to give you an in-depth look at their experiences with Berliner Cohen, LLP. Here’s what people are saying about their service quality, professionalism, and reliability:

Overall Experience & Satisfaction

Overall, reviews reveal a mix of high appreciation and notable dissatisfaction. Many clients enjoy the comprehensive one-stop shop approach, especially those looking for estate planning and specialized legal support. While some are extremely satisfied and even award 5-star ratings, others express disappointment due to unsatisfactory representation and inconsistent service experiences.

Service Quality & Expertise

Clients acknowledge the firm’s extensive expertise covering tax laws, trusts, corporate governance, and estate planning. Specific attorneys such as Mark Makiewicz, Christian Picone, and John Domingue have been highlighted for their skilled and thorough work. However, concerns were raised regarding the handling of some cases, particularly by an attorney who left clients feeling underrepresented.

Customer Service & Communication

There are many positive comments about responsive communication and clear billing details, including prior provision of ballpark estimates and detailed invoices. At the same time, some clients reported that communication was lacking or delayed, with one attorney allegedly prioritizing extensions and opportunities to increase billable hours over clear and effective client communication.

Value for Money & Pricing Transparency

Several reviews commend the firm for its reasonable billable rates and the transparency in invoicing details, such as breaking down names, roles, hours, and tasks. Conversely, a few clients mentioned cases where final fees exceeded initial estimates, leading to concerns about overall value and inflexibility when clients requested fee adjustments.

Timeliness & Efficiency

Many clients were impressed by the prompt and efficient handling of complex cases, with some recounting how timely interventions saved substantial amounts of money and prevented lengthy litigation. However, there were isolated reports of delays, such as a case where an attorney’s tardiness led to dissatisfaction before the matter was quickly resolved with a change in representation.

Professionalism & Trustworthiness

A majority of reviews underline the professionalism and reliability of many of the firm’s attorneys and support staff. Clients mentioned the reputation of long-standing local history and alumni relationships that underscore trust. On the other hand, one review criticized an attorney for prioritizing billable hours over ethical client representation, which raised concerns about trustworthiness in that particular instance.

Facility, Environment & Ambience

While detailed descriptions of the physical office environment are sparse, the firm’s longstanding local history and its presence in San Jose contribute to an image of stability and reputable professional ambience that inspires confidence among its clients.

Accessibility & Convenience

Clients appreciate the ease of contacting the firm and receiving clear, upfront estimates and quotes. This accessibility makes it convenient for both families and small business owners. However, a few reviewers noted that the firm can sometimes be unresponsive, especially when dealing with inquiries from other lawyers, creating a sense of inconsistency in accessibility.

Problem Resolution & Follow-up

Many reviews commend the firm for its effective resolution of legal issues, with instances of thorough review of lengthy documents and proactive follow-up, particularly in real estate and estate planning matters. In contrast, a significant concern was raised regarding a case where follow-up actions were lacking, resulting in unresolved issues and client dissatisfaction.

Unique Strengths & Areas for Improvement

The firm’s unique strength lies in its one-stop, full-service approach, combining focused expertise across diverse legal specialties with a team of experienced professionals. Notable strengths are the detailed billing process, prompt problem resolution, and the support provided by specialized attorneys. To further improve, the firm could focus on consistent communication practices, ensuring fee estimates align more closely with final charges, and addressing concerns regarding responsiveness and perceived conflicts of interest in case management.