GHMA | LAW

I hired Patrick McCroskey for a custody matter, and based on my experience, I would not recommend him. My main concern was reliability. He withdrew from representing me once in circumstances that I believed were not justified. After I objected and explained why I believed the withdrawal was improper, he resumed representation. He later withdrew again approximately two months before trial. By that point, after substantial time, expense, and reliance, I felt left in a very difficult position. In a custody case, continuity, trust, and preparation matter. My experience was that I could not rely on him to stay with the case when it mattered most. I also had concerns about communication and tone. At one point, he brought up on a phone call that I had “reiterated” something to his paralegal. My concern was that ordinary attempts to clarify or repeat important points seemed to be viewed negatively, including in terms of how he viewed the attorney-client relationship going forward. That added to my concern that he was not receptive to hearing or addressing client concerns. More broadly, I did not feel that my concerns or proposed alternatives were meaningfully considered. My experience was that he was rigid and wanted the case handled his way. I believe custody matters should be handled with a focus on the children, practical solutions, and reducing unnecessary escalation where possible. That was not my experience. For anyone considering him for a custody matter, I would think carefully about whether you want an attorney who, in my experience, may be rigid in his approach and may not remain with the case when the relationship becomes difficult. Looking back, his withdrawal ended up being a blessing in disguise because I found another attorney who listened, cared, stayed with the case, and helped me move forward. Based on my experience, I would not choose him again.