Smith Alling PS - Tacoma, Washington

Sarah C.

Barbara Henderson closed my case without even attempting to contact me. She did not give me any timeline or deadline but told me to take my time due to my health issues… I’ve given her receipts and extensive amounts of information, logs and even a 10 page spreadsheet. She never asked me what I wanted to do.

The only way I learned the case was closed is when I received an email from her paralegal to let them know if I’d like copies of my file and the Intent to Withdraw WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE that was ALREADY FILED WITH THE COURT. After I’ve paid thousands of dollars.
The Intent to withdraw includes an address that I haven’t had for 8 years or even while I’ve been her client. But her bills arrived just fine. She even told me what my ex-husband would do if she reopened the case.

Alan T.

This review is specific to my Attorney, Scott Marlow. I will get straight to it and cut the fluff here. Scott navigated and led my contentious divorce to absolute resolve and I am eternally grateful. Scott will tell you, as he told me, there are no winners in family law. While Scott is right…I sit back here writing this review and reflecting and I can’t help feeling victorious through the years it took to close my case out. Ill cut to the components and behaviors that Scott embodies that make him a superior attorney…a juggernaut more like it. Please note, the below are my observations of Scott during the period of ~2+ years as his client. For the reader, these are absolutely critical in selecting an attorney, or, ensuring you have the right attorney. You need an attorney that knows the law. No brainer, right? There are attorneys you ask questions to and they say they will get back to you. There are attorneys that answer on the spot with absolute precision. Without fail, Scott always had the answer and the law in his pocket. You want a responsive attorney. I never had any issues regarding timing and responses with Scott. I truly felt like I was his only client and I know that’s not fact. It didn’t matter if a court date was a day away or I had a question about something. Scott was all over it. You want a direct attorney. Someone who is not afraid to tell you what won’t work and what to expect. No sugar coating. This is how a great attorney manages their clients’ expectations through the entire process. You want an attorney that understands that his/her time is your money. Those billable hours can add up and Scott is quick to give you the sound legal advice and counsel you need in a short amount of time. Finally, you need an attorney who can own the podium. EVERY time Scott was on the podium, he spoke as if it was me talking and he spoke with no issues at all. Don’t think that every attorney can speak in front of a judge and peers and not fumble or stutter or look unprepared and sloppy in execution. Most of them do. Not once did I see Scott appear as anything other than prepared and flawless in execution. I can’t stress this enough because these are the moments that absolutely count. These are the skirmishes and battles that you want to nail. Scott took my context and was able to use it as his own and convey exactly what he needed to in the moments that count. Call the execution whatever you want…executive presence, good public speaker… this is what it is. Two words: competence and confidence. Scott exudes these things. I stand victorious today because of Scotts legal acumen, his flawless execution on and off the podium, and his ability to see around the corner. I could go into anecdotes and specifics from being served as a respondent, to ex-parte hearings, to depositions, to motions, to rulings and everything in between. Those will not convey what the end results of my case were. The end results are the facts and the facts are this: I have the child custody I wanted from the parenting plan I wrote, I have my house, and I have happiness. I would have none of these if not for Scott. If there was a subscription fee to keep Scott on retainer indefinitely, I would do it and it would be the best decision I would have ever made for myself.

Rebekah

5 years ago we used them to take care of a property issue - this year we are using them again for a property issue. First rate service, knowledge and timing. We would not hesitate to use them again. Communication was stellar, timing was good and pricing was fair. Thank you!

Blake T.

Extremely poor experience and service from Smith Alling, PS.

I called the main office on 6/16/22 hoping to schedule a consultation with a recommended attorney. The administrative assistant explained the attorney's assistant who schedules consultations was not in the office and that I could leave a message. I left a brief and concise message along with my contact information.

After several weeks of no contact, I called the main office on 7/20/22 (over a month later) to get an update on my inquiry. The attorney's assistant was not in the office so I left another message. I also reached out directly to the attorney via email. The following day the attorney's assistant returned my call and she requested I email her some pertinent documents before scheduling a consultation. She also explained she would be out of the office until Monday and would contact me then. I emailed the documents as requested right after our call.

It has been a week since the attorney's assistant said she would contact me and I have not received any calls, texts, or emails regarding a consultation. This is incredibly poor service from a firm that prides itself on being "approachable and responsive to our clients" (direct quote from Smith Alling, PS website). That statement can't be further from the truth.

If the service I received from Smith Alling, PS is any indication or reflection of the attorneys at this firm, then it's reasonable to believe they are as equally unresponsive, neglectful, and incompetent. I will be seeking legal counsel elsewhere.

Christina A.

Hands down the best law firm out there! I contacted Attorney Scott Marlow last minute and he was by far, the friendliest, most helpful attorney in the area. Scott Marlow and his paralegal, Deborah along acted swiftly and effectively when preparing for my case. Perhaps the thing that impressed me most about Scott Marlow was that nothing was "sugar coated.” When you are in financial distress it is difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. He was very straight forward and told me what to expect each step of the way. There were no empty promises made just to keep the client happy, which I know sometimes occurs when seeking counsel.

Scott Marlow and his paralegal Deborah Long made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome. Scott Marlow and his paralegal were selected on a recommendation from a friend and was some of the "Best" advice I have ever received

kelly W.

Can't say enough about this Law Firm, they are very responsive, professional and courteous. They have handled two law suits for me and in both cases the suit was either won via a Summary Judgement or the court dismissed the case altogether, resulting in less attorney fees! I have never dealt with attorneys who were to concerned with my pocketbook until now. Thanks to Russell Knight, Gabe Hinman and their teams for all your hard work and dedication, my wife and I very much appreciate all your legal advice and all that you have done for us.

Jonathan P.

In the event you need legal help, this is who to call in the Pierce County area. Experts with experience and strategic talent. Let's face it...no one wants to get into a lawsuit...but if you do, you better hire them before the other side does.

Pat B.

Came to my home and made a will for me. Great service. Thanks, Nicole.