Unprofessional and dishonest
When I consulted Ms. Burdine about representing me in my divorce, she was very sympathetic. She was even marketing herself as an expert in divorcing narcissists. She told her story of being hurt and gaslit by her ex. She said she would fight for me to divorce my narcissistic husband, and said she could get me divorced in 2 months for just $3000. But once I hired her, the kind and sympathetic veneer was completely discarded. She communicated very poorly, and billed me for everything. She kept
none of her promises. When I filed for divorce, it took 3 weeks for her to get it to my husband. When I asked what the delay was, she demanded more money. The approach of both Nashville divorce lawyers I’ve dealt with was extract as much money from you as possible with a lot of empty promises and very little results, then proceed to bully you when you ask questions. They prioritize rich clients. I was quickly pawned off after I hired her to a fresh out of law school Jr. associate (whose speciality was in real estate law, not family law). For a new graduate, he was charging an astronomical hourly fee ($350/hr), which I never agreed to in writing, yet the bills kept flowing in. Hannah herself is extremely moody and flighty. She initially promised me that my husband would have to pay $8000/month in child support and alimony. It was just a number to get me to sign up. There was no intention of following through on any of her promises. I was immediately put on the back burner and received very little real communication about my case, including how to prepare for court or what I could expect realistically in terms of results.
In terms of how effective she is in court, her reputation there is poor too. All her money is spent on a fancy office and nice website. From what I’ve seen, very little is used actually representing her clients. She’s not very articulate or refined, but she’s doggedly determined to compete in a man’s world, even if it means lying and taking advantage of her clients. She took my dying mother’s money without blinking an eye. I told her I didn’t have anymore to give and that she hasn’t kept any of her promises so I’d be moving on to another lawyer. So she put a lien on my house.
Take my advice and don’t give this lady one cent of your money. Don’t go into her office and get sucked in. I was told I had a very strong case. I was told it would be quick and inexpensive. But my husband started behaving like the narcissist he is and being aggressive, and suddenly she acts like I’m a problem she doesn’t want to deal with. Save your money. She’s a dishonest, scumbag lawyer.
View More
D'Andrea M.
Does Not RecommendFebruary 5, 2022
Poor communicator
I hired her in April 2021. I explained to her how my previous attorney wouldn't communicate about my case, wouldn't return my calls or emails, and how she didn’t submit some documentation. She assured me to my face that day before I hired her that she would communicate with me. She even showed me in the contract that it’s her job to communicate with me and my job to communicate with her. From April until August, we didn't talk because I was waiting until I had my baby. I contacted her in August
several times, she finally contacted me back a few weeks later close to September. I remember sounding frustrated on the call with her due to her very delayed response time. She told me “You should be nicer to me; I gave you a discount and you are taking away from my other clients!" Wtf! The second time I ever saw her was in December at court. She didn’t know who i was, but I waved at her once she entered the court room. She never came to talk or pull me out to debrief, never discussed what to expect before court. She requested documentation a week before court. I asked if she looked at it, she said no! WTF! So, the next court date was rescheduled. I was never informed! I showed for court and none of the other parties was there, so I texted her telling her I was there. She then informed me that it was rescheduled. I told her I wasn’t informed at all. She didn’t say “I’m sorry or I apologize” or anything. 2 days ago, she texts me “check your email.” I did and there were 2 attachments, no explanation, nothing typed in the email, just the attachments. I texted her asking what the documents were and could she explain. No reply, no explanation, nothing. I was scheduled for court yesterday, it sleeted, and metro schools was closed so I assumed court was closed too so I didn’t go. She called me at 9:50, court started at 10. I told her I thought court was closed. Instead of her having the court date rescheduled, which should have happened anyway, the hearing went on. I told her to withdraw from my case. This attorney wasn’t a good attorney to me. Very uncaring, unprofessional, unempathetic. She did the exact same thing as my 1st attorney! Find a good attorney who will communicate and keep you up to speed about your case because she’s not the one.
View More
Hannah Burdine's Response: I am sorry that you feel that you did not receive adequate communication from the firm. We have remedied this situation by hiring more staff. Our firm grew quicker than expected. Having said that, I have kept a log of our communications, and it looks as if we have responded to you or communicated with you every time we received communication from you, opposing counsel, the Court, and in keeping you updated on your case. I would hate to believe that this review came out of spite, because you did not come to court as you were told to do three times by me, and your request for relief from the court was denied as a result, while the father of your children was awarded parenting time with the children. Perhaps your third attorney will be able to satisfy you.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
