The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara

The "Lawyers Near Me" platform is dedicated to providing local users with detailed and objective information about legal professionals, assisting them in making informed decisions for their legal needs. This introduction focuses on The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara, a legal practice located in Van Nuys, California. We will explore the firm's environment, services, features, and present a balanced view of the contrasting client reviews available publicly, all based on current online information.

The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara is located at 14401 Sylvan St #106, Van Nuys, CA 91401, USA. This address places the firm in a central and accessible part of Van Nuys, a district within the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. A significant advantage of this location is its proximity to the Van Nuys Court House, as the firm's website states it is "across the street." This strategic positioning can be beneficial for clients, offering convenience for court appearances and meetings. The office is situated in a professional building, suggesting a standard legal office environment designed to provide a confidential and appropriate setting for client consultations and legal work. Parking is also available in the back, which is a practical consideration for visitors.

For direct communication, The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara can be reached at (818) 465-0222, with a mobile phone number also provided at +1 818-465-0222. These contact numbers ensure that potential and existing clients have multiple convenient ways to connect with the firm, whether for initial inquiries, scheduling appointments, or ongoing case discussions. Responsive communication is a vital aspect of legal service, and providing both a landline and mobile number enhances accessibility.

The firm indicates that it has performed over 55 years of collective litigation and planning for its clients, with the firm consisting of James E. McNamara, Esq., and support staff. While the firm's website also references Leo F. McNamara, Esq., it notes that Leo F. McNamara passed away in 2013, indicating James E. McNamara is the primary attorney.

James E. McNamara, Esq., was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1990. The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara focuses on several key areas of practice, demonstrating a broad scope of legal services:

• Criminal Defense: This is a major practice area, covering a wide range of issues including felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, and homicide. The firm highlights its experience and knowledge in protecting clients' rights during stressful situations like arrests. James E. McNamara's profile specifically mentions a "not guilty" verdict in an attempted murder charge, showcasing experience in serious criminal matters.
• Family Law: The firm handles various family law matters, such as divorce, child support, alimony (spousal support), child custody, restraining orders, and paternity cases. California being a "no-fault" divorce state means the firm assists with equitable division of community property assets and debts, as well as parenting issues.
• Juvenile Law: This includes both Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency cases. The firm has over 20 years of experience in juvenile dependency law and family law, representing minors, parents, foster parents, and guardians. This includes cases involving accusations of child abuse or neglect, and assisting grandparents concerned about grandchild placement and visitation.
• Estate Planning: Services in this area involve wills and trusts, as well as planning for disability, power of attorney, living wills, and probate. The firm emphasizes that estate planning is relevant to everyone, not just the wealthy, for managing property and affairs.
• Civil Litigation: The firm also handles various civil disputes, including contractor/homeowner disputes, collections of unpaid monies, breach of contract, and personal injury matters, demonstrating experience in recovering damages and attorney's fees for clients in civil actions.
• Immigration Law: Although less emphasized on the website's main pages, immigration law is also listed as a practice area, indicating a broader service offering.

A notable feature of the firm, particularly through the experience of James E. McNamara, is the handling of "cross over cases," where a client may have cases pending in several legal arenas simultaneously (e.g., criminal and family law matters). This indicates an ability to manage complex legal situations that intersect multiple practice areas.

The client reviews for The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara present a stark contrast. One review expresses profound gratitude and high praise for James McNamara, describing him as "a true legal powerhouse," "brilliant legal strategist," and genuinely caring. This client highlights Attorney McNamara's "unparalleled commitment," "deep understanding of the law," and "strategic approach," which led to a successful outcome (a favorable plea under PC 1385, leading to a dismissal), protecting their future and providing "peace of mind." This review strongly recommends James McNamara for his "sharp, relentless, and truly dedicated" advocacy.

Conversely, another review is highly negative, citing a poor consultation experience. This client paid $150 for legal counsel but felt the attorney was "rude," "didn't bother to look at my paperwork," "kept yawning through the entire time," and cut the consultation short, being "more concerned with the lunch in front of him." The reviewer states they received "no help" and felt that there was "no accountability from the office." This review urges caution when dealing with the firm. The extreme difference in these testimonials suggests that client experiences with the firm can vary significantly. Such contrasting feedback underscores the importance for prospective clients to conduct their own thorough due diligence.

The environment of The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara, as conveyed through its location across from the courthouse and its professional suite, suggests a standard, accessible legal office setting. While the positive review implies a compassionate and strategic environment, the negative review points to a potential lack of attentiveness and professionalism during client interactions. A law firm's environment should ideally be one of trust, respect, and clear communication, which is crucial for clients often facing challenging legal situations.

As a service provider on the "Lawyers Near Me" platform, The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara offers its diverse legal expertise and representation. The "services or goods for sale" are primarily the legal counsel, advocacy, and strategic planning in its various practice areas. This includes tasks such as providing legal advice, drafting and reviewing documents, engaging in negotiations, and representing clients in court. For instance, clients might "purchase" the service of a criminal defense attorney to fight charges, a family law attorney to navigate divorce proceedings, or an estate planning attorney to draft a will. The firm's long collective experience and the specific successes highlighted in the positive review serve as key selling points, demonstrating the firm's capacity to deliver results in complex legal matters. The "goods" are the intangible benefits of legal protection, resolution of disputes, and planning for the future, all aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for the client.

Promotional information for The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara is found on their website, which details their practice areas, offers attorney biographies (including James E. McNamara's experience and notable case results), and provides contact information. The website emphasizes their experience and commitment to protecting client rights. However, given the contradictory nature of the client reviews, potential clients are strongly advised to seek multiple perspectives, potentially conduct initial consultations, and ask detailed questions about communication protocols and case strategies to determine if the firm's approach aligns with their expectations and needs. Transparency regarding fees and case progression is also an important aspect to confirm.

In conclusion, The Law Offices of McNamara & McNamara in Van Nuys, CA, is a legal practice that handles a broad range of cases, including criminal defense, family law, juvenile law, estate planning, and civil litigation, with a convenient location near the courthouse. While the firm, particularly through James E. McNamara, appears to have significant experience and has achieved successful outcomes for some clients, as highlighted in a highly positive review, other public feedback raises serious concerns about professionalism and client care. For local users on the "Lawyers Near Me" platform, it is essential to consider both the firm's stated expertise and these contrasting client experiences to make a well-informed decision about engaging their legal services.