I would sincerely state that anyone seeking ethical, capable and competent legal representation to NOT hire Roman Hammes .
I'm not given to writing negative reviews but this matter was an absolutely pathetic example of an attorney who talks a good game but is a terrible litigator.
At $400 per hour, along with a $3000 retainer, paid in good faith, one would realistically expect adequate representation, without having unreasonable or unrealistic expectations ; this was my introduction to my " Roman disaster".
I was introduced to Roman and presented my case, with was a relatively straight forward breach of contract , negligence matter.
I told Roman all the facts of my case and stated that if my case did not meet the criteria for representation by his office, I would go elsewhere. The facts of my case were the same in inception , as in the end.
Roman gave me assurances that my case was viable, made no guarantees or promises and I didn't ask for any- just sound and solid representation.
Roman chewed up the $3,000 retainer, like a rat nibbling on its last meal , along with billing at $400 per hour.
At those rates, one reasonably expects competent representation; that did not occur . What did occur was a series of excuses, smoke and mirrors.
Not once did Roman depose my main witness, or the defendant's agent- either which would have bolstered the claim and destroy any defense that the defendant's may have had.
No capable or competent attorney would or should proceed with a file without those elements in their file.
Statements under oath either sink a case or moves it toward victory.
Having an attorney fail to obtain this basic element clearly shows lack of skill. I learned this the hard way.
This matter proceeded toward mediation and note, whenever a party proceeds toward mediation without deposing an opponent or their client, it is almost a sure bet that there is something in their client's testimony that is not to be disclosed and that information would point to success or failure.
Roman took no action and stated afterwards that " depositions are expensive", of course they are and note that litigation costs were not an issue.
Roman also stated that trials were expensive, however he never indicated how many cases he had tried to victory or how he actually knew what trials costs.
Roman had my $ and that was fine with him.
Was he greedy, lazy, lacking confidence, apathetic, overwhelmed? All of the above? Who knows?
But when taking in representation, a capable attorney does so to win .
Well, the insurance carrier offered a pittance, in light of documented and irrefutable revenue losses but that's expected.
Roman was satisfied with pittance and expected his client to be so. He had originally accepted the insurance company's offer to settle for " change", not even amounting to nuisance value.
Now, I'm in a situation of having to negotiate resolution with an attorney who is fully satisfied with his retainer and who had no desire to move toward the finish line or fight the carrier.
I and I alone, did negotiate resolution , without Roman's help but with him still as attorney of record-a $3,000 retainer and $400/ hour was wasted or cleanly lifted from my pocket.
Noted Atty. John Morgan says tha his firm's policy and practice is to NEVER ask for or request a retainer. Essentially he says that an Attorney's skill in winning for their client is a given and if a matter is viable, go forward.
This is a sad story but one from which a lesson can be learned- folks , your legal matter is very important. Please choose wisely who you entrust your case to.
If your attorney makes excuses why they won't fight for you or is afraid of the opposing side, dump that attorney as quick as you can.
Insurance carriers and opposing attorneys know the reputation of the other side, in many instances they will respond accordingly.
In the end, leave Roman Hammes in peace but leave him alone.
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