Client Reviews for Mr. Joseph Lafayette Gufford III

G. G. Recommends December 26, 2023

Excellent Legal Service and Staff Beyond compare!! Mr Gufford is far beyond what I will call legal representation. I would now call him a friend. If you want someone to represent you, take your money and disappear... don't call him. If you want a someone to really support you, guide you and truly counsel you... call him. Call him NOW. Excellent and truly so much appreciated!!!!

DANE S. Does Not Recommend December 9, 2023

Unethical - Failure To Perform Mr Gufford, is a bad lawyer. He comes across as caring and compassionate ONLY until you give him money, and then he is unresponsive and doesn’t do what is in the best interests of the client. In my case he did nothing - but kept the money. Literally nothing - other than file a ‘notice of appearance’. I fired him after a month into the case and he kept 100% of the retainer money which was $8100. My story: My wife’s sister is 74 years old suffers from dementia and was in a divorce from her husband of 27 years. She gets 700 a month in social security, was abused by her husband and about to be homeless on the street, from a very badly structured settlement she agreed to though coercion. I hired Gufford to get her bad settlement agreement re-negotiated. He did literally nothing. I contacted the opposing party myself and by threatening litigation they agreed to modify the settlement agreement. I then asked Gufford to finalize the NEW settlement agreement. Again nothing. He never responded to me, and more days went by. As anyone knows who has ever negotiated anything, when parties agree to a settlement, you need to move quickly to “seal the deal”. Again, Gufford could care less about it. He got his money. When I did finally reach him in a phone call… he barely remembered what the facts of the case were, and I had to explain to him what I wanted him to do, which was contact the Petitioner’s representatives and finalize the agreement. Guess what happened next – NOTHING. He never picked up the phone or contacted them. Another week goes by and the opposition changed their mind and started adding more things to the deal. By this time after all this lost momentum, I was completely frustrated and realized I had made a gigantic mistake hiring Gufford. He is not only a bad lawyer, but he also doesn’t care one iota about his client. So, I fired him. He still has all my retainer money and after numerous requests has not make one effort to return any of it. I plan on filing a complaint with the State bar and will next hire a Attorney to go after him that specializes in unethical lawyer cases. View More

D. Carrington Recommends June 28, 2022

Knowledgeable and Understanding Mr. Gufford and his team are amazing! My divorce was the most vicious divorce known to man. It was a high conflict case, with multiple domestic violence injunctions, and constant arguments every step of the way. My ex-husbands lawyer did nothing. They didn't properly submit financials. They didn't prepare the final judgement for our review. They literally fumbled through the entire process. Joe and his team picked up the slack, and helped get us to the mediation table, and were even the ones to set the final hearing date. (Which was the Petitioners responsibility) I walked out of mediation, on the first try feeling like I didn't lose everything I've worked my life to build. I may have a broken heart, but at least I have a healthy foundation to start my life over. Without Joe's help, encouragement, knowledge of the law, and most of all his uplifting kindness and support to pull me through it, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you so much!! View More

Mr. Joseph Lafayette Gufford III's Response: Thanks, Ms. Carrington. This was a tough haul of a case. Unfortunately, there are law firms whom dabble in the area of family law or portend to have expertise that they do not have. It is frustrating for us and makes even the most simple things, setting a final hearing, a difficult task. You’re right, they were supposed to arrange the final hearing and prepare a proposed final judgment that was acceptable. They did neither-so we took on the task.

B. West Recommends June 26, 2022

Top Notch Representation and a Super Staff Mr. Gufford and his team represented me in multiple complex litigation cases. Other top tier law firms that were supposed to have the capabilities to handle all aspects of my legal needs simply weren’t up to snuff and ultimately deferred to Mr. Gufford. He and his staff exceeded my expectations and we had great outcomes. i highly recommend anyone whom is looking for law firm with an awesome staff to give Mr. Gufford a call.

Mr. Joseph Lafayette Gufford III's Response: Thanks for the kind words. Keeping an educated and motivated staff that doesn't move on to the next greatest thing is the key. Little to no turnover means they keep learning the law and that ultimately has a good effect on client satisfaction.

N. R. Recommends June 26, 2022

Great attorney!! When choosing an attorney it can be difficult to make a decision but Mr. Gufford and his staff made it easy, The communication from start to finish was on point. I would recommend Mr. Gufford to anyone who needs a family attorney!! He and his staff are truly caring and understanding.

Mr. Joseph Lafayette Gufford III's Response: Thanx a bunch. Keeping up good communications is time consuming but it results in us knowing more about the case and the client knowing what's going on. Less stress for clients whom are dealing with the most stressful and complex area of the law.