Mercer Law, P.A. - St. Augustine, FL

STOP, DO NOT ENGAGE WITH THESE USELESS LAWYERS. I had the misfortune of being referred to this law firm by the Florida Bar in regards a $35,000 consumer fraud situation that I felt needed immediate attention because I was being charged $100/day for storage until settled. I tried to call this firm with no luck. I filled out a contact form clearly indicating the urgency of the situation. 2 days later, I get a call admonishing me for not answering my phone? Turns out they record every word you say and their phone recording system was not working. Took them over 1/2 hour to call back after trying multiple phone lines? Amature hour! It took them several days to respond via email that they were offering an initial consultation THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR. Being my only possible legal assistance at that point, I paid the consultation fee and set a consultation appointment several days later. I received instructions to call a phone number which I never got the chance to do. 15 minutes before the time I was to call them, I get a call from one of their lawyers who was hesitant to spell his name - Rhys Pollis pronounced "Rice" like pork fried rice. He turned out to be reasonable by way of automobile fraud legal knowledge and experience, even knowing the Florida Statute that I had found governing body shop legal behavior for Floridians. I was encouraged. But, he concluded that representing me was not his decision, he would have to review with some partner committee? He asked me to upload documents I had to support my claim of fraud and I spend several hours scanning documents and writing a cover letter to guide him in understanding the sequence of the documentation, plus uploaded 10 or so pictures of my damaged classic car. I became concerned and decided to Google the law firm's reviews and found 50 here, 20% of which were very negative about terrible client communication, poor representation, lawyer switched mid case to a junior lawyer, unsuccessful outcomes, etc.. I suggest you read them for yourself. Based upon the client communication problems I had already experienced, I became very concerned that this was the wrong legal firm to represent me. Several days go by and no communication so, I tried calling their number, no one answered so, left a message requesting a representation decision? My storage fees had increased by almost $800 since I first got the Florida Bar referral to this firm. A day later I get an emailed Engagement offer for them to only go so far as to write a demand letter and negotiate on my behalf for just under $3,000, non-refundable. Having worked with lawyers over 40 years of my career to complete business transactions, etc. I knew to ask some questions? Who would be my lawyer for this case?, when will they engage?, how do I communicate with the assigned lawyer to develop the demand letter to my satisfaction?, etc. The Offer had a phone number for questions. I called it to hear a message that this was their part time accountant's line and leave a message? I did saying I had questions and concerns about client communication going forward. A day later, I get an email firing me for asking questions, not being comfortable with their client communication and expecting too much of their lawyer regarding Florida consumer law? They pontificated about how they run their office on an appointment basis "like a Doctor's office"? If they were in fact doctors, their patients would be long dead from lack of attention to their medical needs. I think you get the picture of the shear incompetency and arrogance of this law firm. I could not rate them a negative quality number but, certainly would have given them a -5 stars if allowed. Proceed at your own risk is very good advice with this useless law firm. My learned impression is that they care nothing about their client's legal needs and are only interested in their money.