Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎

When searching for legal counsel through platforms like "Lawyers Near Me," it is essential to gather a comprehensive understanding of potential law firms. This introduction provides an overview of Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎, located in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. Their office is situated at 101 Poor Farm Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, and they can be contacted at phone number (609) 921-6543 or mobile phone +1 609-921-6543. Publicly available reviews offer contrasting perspectives on the firm, which potential clients should carefully consider.

Office Environment: Located on Poor Farm Road in Princeton, NJ, Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎, likely operates from a professional office space typical of a law firm. While the reviews do not explicitly describe the physical environment, it is reasonable to assume the presence of consultation rooms for client meetings, offices for attorneys and staff, and resources necessary for legal research and case management. The professionalism of the environment can often contribute to client comfort and confidence. One positive review mentions a highly organized final presentation of estate planning documents, suggesting a professional and detail-oriented approach within at least one department of the firm.

Potential Legal Services: The reviews provide specific insights into at least two areas of potential legal service offered by Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎:

• Estate Planning: One reviewer had an "outstanding experience" with the firm's Estate Planning Department, specifically mentioning Valerie Howe Esq. and her assistant Marguerite. This suggests that the firm offers comprehensive estate planning services, including the preparation of estate planning documents and strategic advice. The organization and professionalism of this department were highly praised.
• Estate Litigation/Disputes: The negative review pertains to a matter involving a mother's estate and alleged theft by a sibling, handled by an attorney named Paul Bishop. This indicates that the firm also handles estate-related disputes and litigation. However, this particular review details a highly unsatisfactory experience.

Based on these reviews, it can be inferred that Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎, likely offers services in estate planning and estate-related litigation. Given that it is a professional corporation (PC), it is also probable that the firm handles other areas of law. Potential clients should inquire directly about their specific legal needs to determine if the firm offers relevant services and to understand which attorney or department would handle their case.

Key Features and Contrasting Client Experiences: The publicly available reviews present a stark contrast in client experiences, highlighting both potential strengths and significant concerns:

• Positive Experience in Estate Planning: The positive review emphasizes an "outstanding experience" with the Estate Planning Department, praising the expertise of Valerie Howe Esq. and the administrative skills of Marguerite. Key features highlighted include:
  • Expertise in Estate Planning: Valerie Howe Esq. is described as "simply THE BEST."
  • Comprehensive and Organized Documents: The firm provides a "most comprehensive organized set of estate planning documents with excellent strategy."
  • Professional Presentation: Marguerite's final presentation is lauded for its organization and professionalism.
  • Overall Positive Firm Impression: The reviewer states, "It's an excellent firm to do business with!! High recommendations!"
• Negative Experience in Estate Dispute Resolution: The negative review details a highly unsatisfactory experience with an attorney named Paul Bishop in handling an estate dispute. Key issues raised include:
  • Lack of Initial Consultation: No consultation meeting was set up despite the referral and transfer of information.
  • Premature Request for Retainer: A retainer was requested and paid before a substantive meeting occurred.
  • Limited Communication and Action: The attorney is described as having only "2 quick phone calls" and several emails, with one email written while in court for another client.
  • Unilateral Settlement Proposal: A draft settlement proposal was written without adequate discussion or agreement from the client.
  • Dismissal of Client Due to Disagreement: When the client questioned the proposal and requested the attorney to fulfill their duties, the attorney became "huffy" and cancelled the client via email without a phone call.
  • Initial Resistance to Refund: The attorney initially intended to bill for limited hours but ultimately provided a full refund after the client "pushed back."
  • Concerns about Attorney's Motivation: The reviewer suggests the attorney wanted to "dictate" the settlement and did not work in the client's best interest.

These contrasting reviews indicate that client experiences with Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎, can vary significantly, potentially depending on the specific department or attorney involved.

Promotional Information and Considerations for Potential Clients: When considering Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎, based on the available reviews, it is crucial for potential clients to weigh both the positive and negative feedback.

For those seeking estate planning services, the positive review offers a strong endorsement for Valerie Howe Esq. and her team, highlighting their expertise, thoroughness, and professionalism. If your legal needs fall within estate planning, emphasizing your interest in working with this specific department may be beneficial.

However, the negative review regarding estate dispute resolution raises significant concerns about communication, client collaboration, and the attorney's approach to representation in such matters. If your legal issue involves estate litigation or a similar contentious situation, it would be prudent to inquire specifically about the firm's approach to such cases and potentially seek references or additional information about the attorneys who handle these matters.

Potential clients should consider the following when deciding whether to engage Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎:

• Identify Your Specific Legal Need: Determine whether your case aligns with the positively reviewed Estate Planning Department or other potential areas of the firm's practice.
• Inquire About the Attorney Who Will Handle Your Case: If your matter is outside of estate planning, ask for information about the attorney's experience, approach to client communication, and track record in similar cases.
• Seek Clarification on Communication and Consultation Procedures: Discuss how the attorney typically communicates with clients, the process for initial consultations, and how client input is valued in developing legal strategies.
• Understand Fee Structures and Retainer Agreements: Ensure a clear understanding of the firm's billing practices and the terms of any retainer agreement before engaging their services.
• Consider Seeking Multiple Opinions: Given the mixed reviews, it may be wise to consult with other attorneys in the Princeton, NJ area to compare services and approaches.

In conclusion, Mason Griffin & Pierson, PC‎, appears to have a well-regarded Estate Planning Department. However, the negative experience reported in an estate dispute case raises concerns about other areas of their practice or individual attorneys within the firm. Potential clients should conduct thorough due diligence, ask specific questions related to their legal needs, and consider the contrasting feedback before making a decision about engaging this firm for legal representation. Contacting them at (609) 921-6543 or +1 609-921-6543 to discuss your situation directly and ask detailed questions is a crucial step in making an informed choice.