Law Office of Barbara J. Gislason

I contacted Barbara on March 17, 2026, because she advertises a specialization in animal law, and I had a paid consultation with her on March 19. Unfortunately, my experience was very negative. I expected to begin by providing a summary of my case, but I was repeatedly interrupted and the consultation quickly became more of a cross-examination than an opportunity to explain what had happened. I left feeling unheard and uncomfortable. The meeting was also affected by internet connectivity issues on Barbara's side. Her video and audio would frequently freeze or lag, creating delays in the conversation. During these interruptions, Barbara became visibly agitated and repeatedly raised her voice at me, which made an already difficult consultation feel tense and uncomfortable. During the consultation, I was also informed that Barbara was out of state attending a university course and that any court appearances would need to be handled by a proxy. After the consultation, I attempted to follow up but eventually stopped receiving responses. I ultimately retained different counsel and achieved a positive outcome in my case. This was my personal experience, and I hope it helps others make an informed decision.

During our very first meeting, Attorney Gislason asked me to write down three possible outcomes I wanted for my child custody case. My answers were simple: 1. I want to return to Liberia with my child. 2. I want to return to Liberia with my child. 3. I want to return to Liberia with my child. There was no Plan B. There was no compromise. As simple as those answers look, this was no ordinary custody case. It was a complex INTERNATIONAL FAMILY LAW case. As an international student in the United States, a single mother, and someone fighting one of the most painful and unexpected battles of my life, my only prayer was to graduate and return home with my daughter. Attorney Gislason fought for us with everything she had. She was brilliant, strategic, meticulous, and fierce. My sister and I jokingly called her "Judge Judy." She could scold me one minute and have me laughing the next. She challenged me, kept me grounded, and constantly reminded me to focus on my child and nothing else. This came with interruptions to prevent circumvention because she wanted results. Looking back, I needed exactly that. On one particularly difficult day, when I could barely stop crying, she told me to call my pastor to pray for me because she couldn't bear to hear me lose hope. That moment reminded me that she wasn't just fighting my case, she was also protecting my spirit. She became my attorney, and, in many ways, my anchor. One moment I will never forget was when she was on a work trip in Scotland. Despite being thousands of miles away, she remained fully engaged and made herself available to ensure my daughter's safety on the fateful day. That level of commitment doesn't come from someone simply doing a job. It comes from someone who genuinely cares. Because of her dedication and persistence, the court upheld my child's best interests, and every day I get to spend with her is a gift that Attorney Gislason helped make possible. Surprisingly, our relationship did not end when the case was over. Atty. Gislason celebrated one of the happiest moments of my life by attending my graduate school graduation, bringing thoughtful gifts, and taking my child and me to dinner before we departed the US in celebration of everything we had overcome together. That act of kindness spoke volumes about the kind of person she is. Behind her fierce courtroom presence is a woman with an incredibly generous heart. There are attorneys who know the law, and then there are attorneys who change lives. Attorney Gislason changed mine! If you are looking for someone who is exceptionally skilled, relentless, and invested in her clients, I recommend Attorney Gislason without hesitation. My daughter and I will forever be grateful for everything she did for our family. Attorney Gislason, if you're reading this, thank you. Thank you for believing in us, for fighting for us, and for helping write one of the most beautiful chapters of our story. We will never forget you. Thanks also to Stephanie for her dedication.

Working with Barbara Gislson was one of the worst experiences of my life!!
I did all of the ground work and spent a lot of time correcting the paperwork she tried to pass off as professional.
She appeared out of it mentally in court to the point that I needed to prompt her while in front of the judge. She literally stated she needed to put her "thinking cap on".
In the end I confronted her on stating misinformation to the judge, no less. Her response was I would need to go along with it or she would quit. She didn't need to because, at that point, I informed her she was no longer my attorney.
My first regret was having her as an attorney. The second regret is not turning her over to the ABA for her illegal representation of me.
In the end the only thing she was concerned with was over $10,000.00 that she charged me for nothing.

Barbara Gislason is an incredible attorney. Her intellect and knowledge are matched by an unparalleled tenacity and commitment to her human and animal clients. She is whip-smart with exceptional legal expertise. She provides no-nonsense counsel with such clarity that you cannot help but find the inspiration and resolve you need during your legal journey.

If you are reading this review, it’s likely you’re experiencing a challenging time that involves a creature you love who cannot advocate for themself, and whom you are not equipped to advocate for effectively. That is such a vulnerable feeling. Take a deep breath and contact Barbara.

She is not only the advocate you need right now, she is the advocate your dog deserves. I mean, she literally wrote the book on this.

Working with Barbara was a great experience. She's kind and compassionate, and gave me straightforward steps to help me navigate my legal issue.