Law Office of Michael T. Smith & Associates

Important advice for anyone hiring an attorney: 1. Verify attorney registration and insurance status via the ARDC Master Roll (public resource, updated annually) 2. Document all communications in writing from the outset (even if not sent to the attorney directly, send yourself contemporaneous emails noting what was discussed, with date and time) 3. Monitor your case via PACER (there may be small costs per docket, but it is worth knowing what is being represented to the court on your behalf) 4. Keep copies of everything 5. Advocate for yourself These steps are especially important in employment and civil rights matters.

Horrible customer service, after it was explained that I can do all the filings on the employer who wrongfully terminated me, he was to anxious to ask for a retainer even though it was explained that me the Plaintiff would start the process if they would negotiate payment, this firm has a reputation of not having people satisfied that's why I was going to file everything myself & just have Mr. Smith represent me, it was brought to his knowledge of my prior law suits where other firms have negotiated in response he dismissed the inquiry & referred me to hotline numbers for attorneys

If you like to throw away money this is the place for you. I had just lost my job and was in a low place. Michael T. Smith said I had a case. I gave him a $2500 retainer, he responded to a few emails after this, but as time went on connecting with him was pretty impossible. I was patient, he told me it could take awhile. I would follow up asking questions and it was just crickets. Two years later there’s no resolution with the company I was let go from. I FINALLY caught his attention when I filed with the ARDC - which I am following up with again as I have not been paid. When I finally got a hold of him, via email, he told me he would give me my retainer back with a specified time frame, so I have it on record. That time came and went, so I reached out. Nothing. I offered to go to his office to see if he could just cut me a check and he messaged me saying I would be trespassing and threatened to call the police. Yes I’m angry but I’m not hostile and not a threat. $2500 may not seem like a lot of money to some people, but it’s a whole lot of money to me. He took advantage of me and kicked me when I was down. Don’t trust him, seek someone else. EDIT: Here was Michael’s response to this review via email. EDIT: Here’s the latest in the trilogy and my response.

Attorney Smith and Legal adviser Allie have been most helpful in providing legal counsel and direction. Understanding the dividing line between an Employee’s rights and an Employer’s responsibilities is a very complex matter. Attorney Smith and Allie are helping us avoid the discriminatory pitfalls and the legal quagmires. Moreover, their wise counsel is pointing us away from the slippery terrain of hasty decision-making. Instead, Attorney Smith and Allie are pointing us toward the moral high ground—of a just cause. Thank you for your amazing care.

Michael is unprofessional, has no tact and I don’t recommend. Asked a simple, straightforward question. He didn’t understand and told me to move on with my life and not litigate. I appreciate honesty but delivery is key. Completely lacked compassion and empathy. In response to your comment: Per the email I stated that nothing is a guarantee and it doesn't expire soon. You wanted me to rush and make a decision which I wasn't going to do. So glad I did not move forward with this a hole.

Sent an an email inquiry with some questions about a possible case and no response. This was over two weeks ago. Apparently I am not worth their time. Sadly, this has been my experience with attorneys in Illinois. In response to your comments. I completed an online inquiry and never received a response. I do not have an active case. While I appreciate your suggestion, I have nothing to review. I would suggest you manage your online platform better and find a suitable process to either return a phone call or email inquiry from a potential client. A simple yes or or no would even suffice.

I feel like they stole almost $4000 from me. They did not help me, they prolonged things in a untimely fashion, things stayed in Litigation too long. I felt like Josh Mc Cann and Michael Smith had a secret Agenda. I believe these two should not be lawyers.

Mr. Smith and associates are worth every minute of your time. They listen to your concerns and truly care about YOU as a client. They back your decisions and are not afraid to go the long haul. As busy as they are, they were ALWAYS available via phone, text, email. A great Firm !!