3.0

Working with Duran and McDonald was not the best experience and I feel like my case could have been given more attention. To begin with, the staff are shockingly rude. At one point in our case they did not file paperwork appropriately which led to confusion between my attorney and I. I called to see what had led to the error and I was told that I would not be given any information because I was not the "client." Despite the fact that I paid half the GAL's fees the woman at the front desk told me that they view my daughter as the client (she was two years old at the time) and as such did not have to answer to me. John Duran uses odd language and will send a schedule and then change it if you point out any inconsistencies. At one point he sent me a schedule that he said was to begin "immediately". After making arrangements to adapt to the schedule with my family I asked him a question about the schedule he had sent me and not only did he tell me it would not begin "immediately", as he had told me initially, but he also changed it, resulting in less time with my child. I did not view this as retaliatory, just an oversight that led to frustration and disappointment when I was told the correction would give me less time than I had initially been told. I also question how much Mr. Duran knows about the classes he is assigning. After taking one of his assigned classes, Mr. Duran gave my co-parent and I more classes to take (all of which required a fee to enroll). I quickly noticed that the content was word for word identical to the other class he had assigned us and contacted the company. It turns out that it is in fact word-for-word the same class because it is the same company providing them. I feel like if classes are going to be assigned than the person assigning them should at least be aware of their content. My co-parent did not notice that the classes were repeated content either, which leads me to wonder if they even paid attention to the classes. One way to check would be to see how they answered the questions (the classes specifically mentioned that professionals could have access to the answers), but I do not believe that was done. Edit: attached is the photo where you can see a representative from the company administering the classes saying that they are word for word the same.

Matthew E
  • Overview
  • (505) 924-2121
  • duranmcdonald.com

Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Duran and McDonald Introduce

Navigating legal challenges can be a complex and often overwhelming experience. Whether you're dealing with family matters, criminal charges, or other legal concerns, having experienced and dedicated legal representation can make all the difference. For residents across New Mexico, particularly those in the Albuquerque area, understanding your local legal options is key. This article will provide an in-depth look at Duran and McDonald, a law firm situated right in the heart of Albuquerque, offering insights into their services and what makes them a local choice for legal assistance.

Duran and McDonald is a law firm committed to serving the legal needs of individuals and families throughout New Mexico. While the firm's specific areas of practice are not exhaustively detailed in publicly available information, client reviews suggest their involvement in cases ranging from family law matters (such as those involving Guardian ad Litem fees and parental schedules) to criminal defense. Their presence in the community indicates a focus on providing accessible legal support to local residents. When considering legal representation, it's always beneficial to understand a firm's local roots and their commitment to the community they serve.

Location and Accessibility

One of the most important factors for anyone seeking legal services is the convenience of location. Duran and McDonald is strategically located at 219 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA. This address places the firm in a central and easily accessible part of Albuquerque. Central Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, meaning that the office is likely convenient for those relying on public transportation and those driving from various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

For individuals in Albuquerque, having a law firm with a physical presence downtown can be a significant advantage. It allows for in-person consultations, convenient document drop-offs, and a more direct line of communication. The accessibility of their office can reduce the stress associated with legal proceedings, making it easier for clients to attend meetings and stay informed about their case progression.

Services Offered

While a comprehensive list of all services offered by Duran and McDonald is not publicly detailed, based on client feedback, their practice appears to encompass several key areas of law relevant to New Mexico residents.

  • Family Law: Client reviews indicate that Duran and McDonald handles family law cases, including those involving child custody, visitation schedules, and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) fees. This suggests expertise in sensitive domestic matters that require careful legal navigation.
  • Criminal Defense: One client mentioned their case being outsourced from the public defenders' office due to a "conflict of interest" to Duran and McDonald, specifically regarding an old misdemeanor case. This strongly suggests that the firm provides criminal defense services, assisting individuals facing various charges.
  • General Legal Consultation: As a local law firm, it's reasonable to infer that Duran and McDonald also provides general legal advice and consultations for a range of inquiries that New Mexico residents might have, guiding them on their legal options.

For potential clients in New Mexico, it's always recommended to directly inquire about their specific legal needs to confirm if Duran and McDonald can provide the appropriate assistance.

Features / Highlights

Understanding the operational aspects and client experiences can offer valuable insights into a law firm.

  • Client Feedback on Communication: One client highlighted that despite past negative experiences with previous representation, they were "absolutely thrilled" with how "informative and attentive" Duran and McDonald were regarding their complex, nearly decade-old misdemeanor case. This suggests that for some clients, the firm has provided a significant improvement in communication and proactive handling of their legal matters, leading to a sense of relief and progress.
  • Engagement with Complex Cases: The firm's involvement in a nearly 10-year-old misdemeanor case, outsourced due to a conflict of interest from the public defender's office, suggests their capacity to handle complex or long-standing legal issues. This indicates a willingness and ability to tackle challenging cases that may require significant dedication and strategic planning.
  • Local Presence and Community Focus: Being located in the heart of Albuquerque and serving New Mexico residents underscores their commitment to the local community. For many, a local firm offers a sense of trust and accessibility that larger, more distant firms might not provide.

It is worth noting that some client feedback also points to areas for improvement, such as communication regarding administrative processes and clarity on assigned tasks or classes. These are common challenges in client-service industries and can vary based on individual case specifics and client expectations.

Promotions or Special Offers

Publicly available information does not specify any ongoing promotions or special offers from Duran and McDonald. Like many professional service providers, law firms typically do not advertise discounts or promotions in the same way retail businesses might. Legal fees are generally determined by the complexity of the case, the time required, and the attorney's experience.

However, it is always advisable for potential clients to inquire directly with the firm about their fee structure, initial consultation policies, and any payment plans that might be available. Many law firms offer initial consultations to discuss your case, and some may offer these at a reduced rate or for free, which can be considered a valuable 'offer' in itself, allowing you to assess your legal options without immediate financial commitment.

Contact Information

For those in New Mexico seeking legal assistance, contacting Duran and McDonald is straightforward.

  • Address: 219 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
  • Phone: (505) 924-2121
  • Mobile Phone: +1 505-924-2121

These contact details provide direct lines to their office, allowing prospective clients to schedule appointments, inquire about services, or discuss their legal needs. Given their central location in Albuquerque, visiting the office is also a convenient option for local residents.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of New Mexico, particularly those in and around Albuquerque, Duran and McDonald presents itself as a suitable option for local legal representation. Their physical presence at a central Albuquerque address ensures accessibility, a crucial factor when dealing with legal matters that often require in-person meetings and documentation.

The firm's apparent engagement in critical areas of law, such as family law and criminal defense, addresses common legal challenges faced by individuals and families in the state. While client experiences can vary, the positive feedback regarding their handling of complex, long-standing cases suggests a firm capable of providing dedicated attention when it's most needed. For those who have felt unheard or inadequately represented in the past, Duran and McDonald appears to offer a fresh perspective and proactive approach to their legal challenges.

Choosing a local law firm like Duran and McDonald means working with professionals who understand the nuances of New Mexico's legal landscape and the specific needs of its community. Their commitment to assisting local clients with sensitive and often stressful legal issues makes them a noteworthy consideration for anyone in the region seeking legal guidance and advocacy. If you're in New Mexico and facing legal questions, reaching out to Duran and McDonald for a direct conversation about your specific situation could be a valuable first step toward resolving your legal concerns.

Duran and McDonald Photos

Duran and McDonald 5

Duran and McDonald Location

219 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA

Reviews

Working with Duran and McDonald was not the best experience and I feel like my case could have been given more attention. To begin with, the staff are shockingly rude. At one point in our case they did not file paperwork appropriately which led to confusion between my attorney and I. I called to see what had led to the error and I was told that I would not be given any information because I was not the "client." Despite the fact that I paid half the GAL's fees the woman at the front desk told me that they view my daughter as the client (she was two years old at the time) and as such did not have to answer to me. John Duran uses odd language and will send a schedule and then change it if you point out any inconsistencies. At one point he sent me a schedule that he said was to begin "immediately". After making arrangements to adapt to the schedule with my family I asked him a question about the schedule he had sent me and not only did he tell me it would not begin "immediately", as he had told me initially, but he also changed it, resulting in less time with my child. I did not view this as retaliatory, just an oversight that led to frustration and disappointment when I was told the correction would give me less time than I had initially been told. I also question how much Mr. Duran knows about the classes he is assigning. After taking one of his assigned classes, Mr. Duran gave my co-parent and I more classes to take (all of which required a fee to enroll). I quickly noticed that the content was word for word identical to the other class he had assigned us and contacted the company. It turns out that it is in fact word-for-word the same class because it is the same company providing them. I feel like if classes are going to be assigned than the person assigning them should at least be aware of their content. My co-parent did not notice that the classes were repeated content either, which leads me to wonder if they even paid attention to the classes. One way to check would be to see how they answered the questions (the classes specifically mentioned that professionals could have access to the answers), but I do not believe that was done. Edit: attached is the photo where you can see a representative from the company administering the classes saying that they are word for word the same.

Aug 21, 2023 · Matthew E

I was absolutely thrilled to know that my cases would be outsourced from the public defenders office to this law office, due to "conflict of interest" in my case. I have been ecstatic about how informative and attentive they are (I mean after the previous representation) my case is almost 10 yrs old and the previous representation did not seem to be handling it adequately and I was afraid I was going to end up in jail for an old misdemeanor case! So far so good no complaints about anything and I'm actually excited to get this stuff that's been haunting me TAKEN CARE OF! I am ready to put it behind me! Thank you guys so very much for your help you've been absolutely wonderful!!!!!

Aug 31, 2023 · Just Me

I had a great experience with Duran and McDonald! John helped me with several Real Estate contracts. They helped protect my interests and patiently explained everything I needed to know. This is my go-to firm .

Sep 25, 2023 · Jeremy Navarro

Phenomenal attorneys and human beings. Duran and McDonald have built their stellar reputations, based on years and years of exemplary legal knowledge and representation of their clients. I highly recommend their firm.

Dec 14, 2023 · Aaron Hicks

Very unprofessional law firm. Had McDonald take a case for one of my relatives, long story short he right away had a very rude and unprofessional attitude and he right away co sided with the other attorney that he didn’t know anything about and took their side for everything with out showing any of US evidence regarding the person we were going against. He just wanted to be done with us as if we were a waste of time to him don’t ever go to this law firm! The disciplinary board will even stick of for these lawyers even when they know what they did was wrong. Dont even bother because they won’t believe you

Oct 11, 2023 · Alysia Diaz

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