Hardings Law Office

Disappointing Representation and Questionable Value for Fees Charged My experience with Attorney Allen Harding was extremely disappointing. I retained him for an upcoming hearing and paid a $1,000 retainer. I submitted a detailed email with supporting documentation and evidence, but his office was unable to open the attachments. At his secretary’s direction, I had to resend the photographs individually. Immediately after sending the photos separately and then the document portion only email, I called to confirm receipt and was connected to Attorney Harding. Without hearing my side of the story, discussing the evidence, or meaningfully evaluating my circumstances, he informed me that he would only represent me if I agreed to a negotiated resolution. He stated that he would meet with me just ten minutes before court and would not represent me if I wished to contest the allegations. I found this approach deeply concerning. I expected an attorney to review the facts and provide informed legal advice before determining how my case should proceed. I subsequently retained another attorney who reviewed the same materials without difficulty, met with me, prepared a defense, and successfully represented me at a contested hearing. Despite never appearing in court or providing a substantive case evaluation, Attorney Harding’s firm retained $570 of my $1,000 retainer. Of that amount, $300 was billed for reviewing 27 emails, which were necessary only because his office is antiquated and could not open the attachments in my original submission. Multiple other people, including the new attorney I hired after firing Harding, could open it in one single email. These attachments were single photos and I highly doubt he ever reviewed them given our conversation. I understand that attorneys may recommend settlement, but clients deserve to have their circumstances heard and their evidence meaningfully considered. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this firm.