Buckley, Mendleson, Criscione, and Quinn, P.C. - Albany, NY

I would not recommend this firm for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation. Look elsewhere if you are looking for a disability attorney or lawyer. I initially spoke with Ms. Karen Arndt on February 11, 2022. After working through the intake paperwork and talking with Ms. Arndt, I unexpectedly received a call from Ira Mendelson on March 30, 2022, to review my information before submitting my disability claim online. During that conversation, Mr. Menselson asked me about my highest level of completed education. When I stated that I held an associate's and bachelor's degree, Mr. Mendelson told me that "having that level of education is inconsistent with not being able to read or write." I tried to explain that obtaining that level of education was highly arduous due to my disability, and misunderstandings of how people with dyslexia cope are why I am in this situation. However, instead of apologizing, Mr. Mendelson doubled down on his statement. As a result, I could not continue the conversation due to having debilitating anxiety and panic attacks (partially due to my disability). Mr. Mendelson's secretary called me later that afternoon, and during the conversation, she again attempted to defend Mr. Mendelson's statement. I told her I did not want to continue to work with Mr. Mendelson and instead wished to speak with Ms. Arndt. However, in my final conversation with Ms. Arndt on April 5, she defended Mr. Mendelson's statement. When I tried to explain how unprofessional Mr. Mendelson's behavior was, she practically screamed at me, calling me "rude" twice before hanging up the phone. Today I received a letter from Ms. Arndt indicating that their offices would not continue to work on my case. Ms. Arndt lied and said, "without going into the details of our conversation, you indicated that you were not interested in making excuses for Mr. Mendelson. Ultimately, you hung up and ended the call." I had no intention of continuing my case with Buckley, Mendelson, Criscione, and Quinn's assistance. However, I'm disgusted by the defensiveness, unprofessionalism, and lies I've encountered from this office. Ms. Arndt acted emotionally, screamed, and hung up on me, yet documented that I was the one who hung up on her. This office cannot show the care and compassion needed for clients with psychological or learning disorders. It is worth noting that my partner assisted me in writing this review as I cannot read or write independently. Had Mr. Mendelson shown any degree of compassion, he would have learned just how difficult it is for people with a combination of dyslexia and anxiety to complete this process.