The Reape-Rickett Law Firm - Valencia, California

Nicole Lowry

I wasted tens of thousands of dollars being taken advantage of by this firm... lawyers that couldn't even get my name correct, didn't communicate with eachother, and accomplished literally nothing for me in my divorce. They continually tried to "go to war" with my ex-husband and billed me for things that were completely unnecessary, stoking a fire that did not even need to be lit. Funny how I was able to get my divorce finalized and processed with no anxiety or headache once I fired this firm. They took advantage of a vulnerable single mother and should be ashamed of themselves.

David Beaubien

Attorney Jim Reape is very good at his profession. Speaks with candor, facts. Targets responses to all issues and concerns efficiently with great expertise. I highly recommend his firm.

Jonathan Fitzgarrald

I had a horrible experience as a client (for over a year) of The Reape-Rickett Law Firm, specifically attorney Matthew Breddan, regarding a sensitive family law issue. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how bad it was until I was forced to replace Matthew with a new attorney.

Here’s what I experienced (in my opinion):

1—Non communicative. Matthew refused to explain the family law process or his overall strategy for resolving matters; whenever I asked him for clarification, he took it personally, assuming I was questioning his judgment. He acted as though I was supposed to “sign over a blank check and trust him.” As the client, I ended up spending hundreds of hours doing my own legal research to understand my rights/options.

2—Unavailable and unresponsive. Matthew was often unavailable—even on time-sensitive issues—to answer questions or to respond to opposing counsel. As a result, issues that could have been resolved with a simple phone call or email took months and thousands of dollars in fees. Matthew claimed “that’s just how the process works.”

3—Passive. Although Matthew claims in marketing materials to be an aggressive advocate for his clients, he often took a passive approach to everything and retreated whenever opposing counsel pushed back. Sometimes I wondered if he was working for me or for the other side.

4—Took no responsibility. Whenever Matthew’s strategies didn’t produce his stated (likely) results, he was quick to blame the process, opposing counsel, the mediator, the forensic accountant or even ME as the client.

5—No creativity. Matthew’s solution to almost every issue was “just write them a big check and they will go away.” I originally hired him because I thought, with all his family law experience, he would have creative solutions to common family law issues. I was sorely mistaken and I often felt as though I would get better results from an online service like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer (for a fraction of the price).

6—Unsophisticated on financial issues. When it came to anything financial related—spousal support, child support, reading a balance sheet or a profit and loss statement), Matthew relied 100% on forensic accountants, which doubles the price of getting to a resolution.

Toward the end of my representation, I asked Matthew to consider some of these points in regard to my last invoice and he categorically refused. I had to hire a new attorney and spent tens of thousands of dollars bringing that new attorney up to speed on my matter.

Britany Morano

Not a great experience for me. At all. I was interested in working with Mr. Pinsky upon another friends reference, and after completing the retainer and agreement spoke with him one time in a year. ONE TIME. My case was handed off to multiple attorneys, case workers and paralegals and my balance reflects as much.
Through this process of over a year I feel I received little to Zero guidance, care, compassion or concern for my case. I understand they are lawyers but this is MY LIFE and a very sensitive time and situation. Additionally I am extremely uneducated when it comes to the divorce process and I feel the council I was looking for was grossly neglected. All in all I wish I had never went with this firm. Mr. Rand Pinsky was a kind a knowledgeable man, I wish he were not with Reape Rickett.

Michele Clow

Rand Pinsky is the most human lawyer I’ve ever spoken to. He was so helpful in providing me with the best information to help me with my issue. He’s as asset to his firm.

Paul Raggio

I was setting up my business and working with an attorney that specializes in corporate law. He recommended I consult with Jim Reape on a legal document I had entered into that could impact our corporation. I contacted Jim and within hours Jim read the section causing concern and provided a response, no charge! I've worked with many attorneys, both professionally and personally, and never received such a timely response as a professional courtesy! Jim is my go-to attorney for any family law matters and has earned my trust in sending him referrals!

Kathleen Monahan

I have worked with Russell Thaw 2 times in regards to post divorce issues. In both instances Russell showed that he knows the law and court system extremely well. He prepared my cases in depth including being prepared with alternative arguments if needed. My hearings were decided in my favor in both situations. Russell is excellent at examining your issues from all perspectives while still remaining open to your opinions and needs. If you want to win your case hands down, you won't find a better attorney.

Lance Moreland

Jim Reape provided me the information and perspective I needed to make an important decision regarding legal motion to modify my divorce court orders. Glad I consulted with him to avoid what could have been years of misery and financial stress.