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June 12, 2007
Jason R Walsh, a Riverside lawyer
This is a true story of an unpleasant encounter that a friend of mine had with a local lawyer, Jason R Walsh, here in Riverside, California.
My friend, "BrL", was charged with a traffic violation, and had to appear in court. Because she is relatively new in this country and her English is poor, I volunteered to help her. My real estate lawyer referred me to a Jason R. Walsh, a "small-time", a somewhat of a young criminal attorney. He works out of a one room office, right across the street from the local court house.
I went with "BrL" to meet Mr. Walsh, and tell him about the case. After hearing about it, he said that he wanted to help – and could represent her case in front of the local judge. He added that he would be able to help her get her case dismissed or reduced to an infraction, and that he will do everything needed for all of that to happen for the total price of $1,750.
Mr. Walsh’s confidence and assertive manner convinced us to hire him. “BrL” wrote him a check on the spot for the full amount and left it in his “capable” hands. The date was August 16, 2006.
Walsh made a court appearance with my friend a week later, asking the court for a continuance; this was the last time that my friend “BrL” was able to meet with him face to face. All of a sudden, he became very scarce, and it became impossible to reach him in any way. His secretary, Jennifer, became a “buffer” who took messages, and who had to explain what happened when he did not call back himself. First he became sick, then he had an accident, then he was busy, etc.
My friend had to come to court a total of 5 times in the course of the next four months. For the next two appearances, this lawyer sent a “replacement”, a retired lady lawyer. She agreed to show up and cover a couple of the hearings he wasn’t going to attend for some reason or another. Apparently, this lady lawyer was not even paid the small hourly fees that Walsh promised to pay her.
Before the case finally came in front of the judge, my friend had to make a decision. Walsh dropped representing her, did not call her back, and she got into a panic. The substitute lawyer seemed actually quite able to handle the case without any problems. But she refused to keep representing my friend without proper compensation. So my friend had to shell another $1,500 to pay a second lawyer to do the same job that Walsh simply refused to do. When the case finally came before a judge, my friend came away having to do some community service. That’s how the matter finally got resolved.
On January 25, 2007, my friend sent Jason Walsh a letter, asking him for a refund of the fee she paid him. Naturally she never heard a word back. As a matter of last resort, she decided to sue him in Small claim court, and try to get her money this way.
Since I’ve never been in small claim court myself, I am looking forward to accompany her tomorrow and hear the outcome of this case. I wonder how the “Wheels of justice” work, when the defendant is a lawyer himself.
Stay tuned for more -
Update: The hearing was postponed one month. I will follow up when it happens. If you have any comments, please leave them below.
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June 12, 2007 in Crime & Punishment, Riverside & Corona - California | Permalink
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Comments
You're friend was had. It's better that she just takes the loss rather than going to court WITH A LAWYER (who is a criminal and has probably done this sort of thing before successfully) over $1500. In this case the juice isn't worth the squeeze... unless of course you can sue for a considerable amount of money.
Posted by: Mike at Jun 12, 2007 9:18:08 PM
that sucks hanan. i wish your friend the best of luck tomorrow.
- rudy.sellsius°
p.s. although the true story is sad, i must admit i was so exited to see you write about a personal experience you had. best wishes for a successful outcome.
Posted by: rudy at Jun 12, 2007 9:21:17 PM
As an attorney, I can assure you that this kind of behavior is not looked upon favorably by the California State Bar Association. I am sure Mr Walsh would rather be sued in Small Claims than get a letter of inquiry from the Bar. I encourage your friend to lodge a complaint with the Bar.
Posted by: Victoria at Jun 12, 2007 9:24:18 PM
Best of luck. I hope your friend gets something out of this for all that unneccessary aggravation!
Posted by: Miss Cellania at Jun 13, 2007 5:34:22 AM
Unfortunately, even if she wins a civil judgment in small claims court, "collecting" any money is another matter. Judges seldom can force anyone to actually pay a claim. O.J. Simpson has yet to deliver a penny to Goldman family...........However, I still wish your friend good luck..
Posted by: Ted Rowe at Jun 13, 2007 7:46:00 AM
There will be some satisfaction if she wins a verdict in her favor, but yes, she may never see her money. I'd suggest a registered letter mentioning the possibility of complaining to the State Bar IF she doesn't receive the refund. That would seem more likely to produce results.
What a shame - Mr. Walsh is the kind of lawyer that gives the rest of them a bad name.
Posted by: NancyJoy at Jun 16, 2007 3:06:17 PM
Interesting how people can render opinions without hearing both sides i.e. that is why we have lawyers that get results. I wont go into the facts of this case i.e. privelege but can assure all that I performed my services in nothing less than the upmost compentence. As confirmed by the state bar and the court, both found the claims, not of my client, but her so called "friend" without merit. Ladies and Gentlemen read between the lines.
Posted by: Jason R. Walsh at Jul 17, 2007 10:40:50 PM
To fighting with people is not my style at all. But I still do not understand why you drop my case after I paid you in full what you asked. What wrong did I do to you, that you never call me back, or do you treat all the clients who have little money like this? And now it was over, I lost. But it is Ok. At least I've tried to do what is right. And my hand was touch my heart when I decide to claim from you.
I believe that you can lie to the Judge who has been friend with you more than 20 years, you also can lie to state bar too, but the only one who you could not lie is yourself.
Thank you for the lesson you gave to me. Hope when you alone at night, you can say:" I did it all right, and I have a clear conscience" to yourself.
At the end, I wish I am the only one that you treat like that.
Posted by: S at Jul 26, 2007 10:23:04 PM
Jason Walsh has a reputation that says different, he is handling a case for my boyfriend right now and doing a great job. He has also handled a case for a very good friend of mine and did a great job. He seems to be honest and straight up to me. I think you trying to tarnish his reputation is chicken-shit! But, Jason Walsh has has done so much good I dout you can hart his reputation in any way. Jason Walsh is a good guy and does good things... so how do you sleep at night? And, appparently I'm not alone, I doub he would be sitting on the bench if what you're trying to insuate were true. keep slandering him and you just might find yourself back in court.
Posted by: Candi at Mar 13, 2008 7:08:37 PM
It's readily apparent that Mr. Walsh seems shady and unethical. The March 13, 2007 review that was allegedly written by someone named Candi clearly was written by Mr. Walsh. No regular, average person would know to write a statement threatening another person with a slander lawsuit!! It's so obvious that mr. walsh wrote that and threatened his former client in a cowardly and fraudulent manner. Come on idiot Jason Walsh, stop writing reviews for yourself by fraudulently pretending to be other people named Candi! Get real. Only an attorney or person educated to know the laws would threaten another person with a slander lawsuit. If you're going to threaten people at least grow some balls and do it without pretending to be someone else! It's especially comical that mr. walsh can't spell or write a grammatically correct sentence to save his life but knows about slander because he somehow managed to get a law degree. ah ah ah ha ha ha. He must be an obscenely ignorant, pompous, self obsessed asshole. ah ha ha ha ha ha ha
Posted by: Melissa at Apr 22, 2008 7:14:14 PM
Just for future reference, if anyone else gets their money stolen from an unethical attorney, they should contact the state bar of California and request fee arbitration. The State Bar of California has an arbitration procedure for resolving attorney-client fee disputes. You pay a fee and then the case gets assigned to a random attorney who volunteers for hearing and deciding the arbitration case. Going to small claims against an attorney is mission impossible and a likely way to permanently lose your money. Also, a small claims decision can be appealed by a defendant but cannot be appealed by a plaintiff. It's better to use the State Bar of California and go through their attorney fee dispute resolution program. If you go to small claims, you give up the right to arbitration through the State Bar of California.
Also, make sure to file a complaint against the attorney through the State Bar of California.
Posted by: Mike at Apr 22, 2008 7:23:33 PM
I've seen this site and it's comments for a long time now concerning Jason. Jason once was a good friend of mine. Jason always went to bat for me and never pressured me for money. He often would go out of his way to help me when in crisis. If he has wronged you, I suggest you forgive him regardless of how he acted then or is acting now. To continue with this bashing and obvious hatred against him goes to prove that you yourself have serious personal issues. We're supposed to forgive those who do us wrong and pray for them. I've been praying for Jason for the past 3 years and I won't stop until I know he's doing well.Find the forgivness in your heart, pray for those you're upset with and dispose of this hatred.
Posted by: Wally at Aug 12, 2008 4:11:43 PM
I knew Jason right out of law school. I worked in the Civil Division of Superior Court and helped him in many ways. What a terrific guy he is. Somewhere that "terrific guy" is hiding in the shadow of some unfortunate circumstances that Jason has fallen into over the years. He has the potential to win you over with his good looks and "rico suave" ways." Don't misunderstand me, he is competent and smart, but the things that Jason became involved with has clouded his judgment and caused him to make the wrong choices in many ways. When you take a client's money and then proceed to not fulfill the obligation to represent the client until the case has come to fruition is nothing short of malpractice and down right theft. I know first hand of a number of cases that have been handled just like. I would have hoped by now that Jason would have not only grown a brain, but grown up as a man. The only reason he continues to sit on the bench is because the right people have not contacted the court's executive officer to let her know what is going on with him. For those of you that he has done good for, I applaud him, but he is not in the business of selective representation. He is to represent each and every person that has an attorney/client relationship with. You can be sure of one thing, he would have you in Small Claims Court if you hadn't paid his fee. coupled with an attorney's lien against your property. I rest my case.
Posted by: Barbara Milford at Oct 23, 2008 11:06:28 AM
In response to the above slander ... I've known several people that ripped Jason off and Jason never took them to small claims court nor did he threaten them on a vicious web-site like a coward. Your assertion regarding Jason Walsh as a vindictive lien-happy "guy" is not entirely true. So if your assertions and slanderous assumptions have falsities in it, and this forum is largely based on slandor and assumptions, it is an accurate statement to say you that you are a coward and an emotionally taxed liar.If you truly were a friend to Jason Walsh, and real friendships withstand times when those we care for are going through the fire, you wouldn't slander him on this hateful site. Instead, you would exercise your faith and at the very least pray for him, not threaten him by implying to others to destroy his career by screaming out to the teacher. It is easy to see on this site without shadow, those who are the grown-ups, those who need to "grow-a-brain", and those who suck their thumbs.
Posted by: Wally at Oct 26, 2008 10:12:23 AM
I am currently looking for an attorney, so Ilooked up Jason Walsh. We go way back. He was always a wonderful attorney. Very compassionate for the people.I could never imagine him doing what has been said. He has helped out my family and friends for years.
Posted by: Ronnette at Oct 27, 2008 12:44:08 PM
Whatever.
If you're looking for a cookie & warm bottla milk have your mommy there to hold your hand thru that Preliminary Hearing.
Yes people J's a savage--but personally that's exactly what I want going balls to the wall against an aggressive prosecutor.
I retained Mr. Walsh couple of years ago in a toss up situation my retarded boyfriend happened into--
Without coming off as a dickhead knowitall in consultation,
Jay let us know straightup the possible dispositions, for each common scenario.
He was sensitive to our concern, our wish that we could somehow help.
So he gave us, the loved-ones of the accused-- suggestions for things we might do to help; nothing big, something simple like a letter to, "...let the Judge know that(Frankie)has other err... non-gansta-related support".
He was optimist without being all exxtra wit it.
Didn't promise us a thing, just advised what he was gonna try to do. And ladies, he didn't try to coddle or backrub his way into pocketing the retainer; shop around and you'll see too many of his (no-game havin')colleagues resorting to the touchy-feely "its-gone-be-ok now babygirl" approach to in the presence of an (smmokin'-hot) unrepresented honey.
Other's feel the need to slam people they don't "like".
I did however blatantly criticize him for selecting to drive THE most environmentally-UNfriendly g-ride out there today; but I must admit, that fuelguzzlin' beeyatch got us to court more than on time, and ridiculously in style.
Like him or not, Jay knows his sh*t in a courtroom hands or pants down.
You may quote me, if u know....
Posted by: sharron y. chavis at Oct 30, 2008 7:14:25 PM
WELL UNFORTUNATLY YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT I PREVIOUSLY WROTE ON THIS SITE ON JASONS BEHALF... WELL WOW HOW COULOD I BE SO DAMN STUPIOD NOT ONLY IS HE AN ASS HOLE BUT HE IS N O T R I G H T
HE DID ABSOLUTLY NOTHING FOR WITH OUR CASE.HE IS NNOCENT AND NOW FACING 18 YEARS IN PRISION FOR SOMETHING HE DID NOT DO!!!!! NOT ONLY DO I PLAN TO GO TO THE BAR ABOUT HIM BUT I PLAN TO SEE THAT JUSTICE DONE, AND BY THAT I MEAN THAT JASON NO LONGER PRACTICES LAW HERE OR ANYWHERE!
Posted by: CANDI at Jan 20, 2009 2:30:28 PM
I was referred to Jason and went on line to get his phone number and I find THIS!!!! The person that refered me said he did a great job for her friend and highly reccomended him. Seems like there are 50% for him and 50% against him. Since I always thought all lawyers were slime, he has a 50% crowd that are rooting for him. That makes him 50% better than I originally would have thought! I'm going to give him a call and maybe he will ride me around in that snazzy car one of you spoke of .........
Posted by: Joe at Feb 5, 2009 7:34:46 PM
Look up Jason Robert Walsh in the Riverside County Court system.
He was recently arrested for using drugs (he has several priors for drug or alcohol use), possessing illegal firearms, and was hiding a fugitive client in his home when it was raided. He also has the reputation of dating very young girls.
The state is looking into disbarment.
Posted by: Cindy Evans at Apr 8, 2009 9:31:56 AM
There is his Bar page with previous discipline situations on record.
http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member_detail.aspx?x=158471
Posted by: Cindy Evans at Apr 8, 2009 9:35:14 AM
I think the saddest part of this site are the testimonials in his favor, he can obviously only get clients who are barely literate and have the social skills of career criminals. He has fallen so far it is embarrassing. I think rather than being angry at Mr. Walsh, we should all feel sorry for him. Dating young girls, driving big cars, and ruining your own career is a pitiful fall. I feel sad for him!
Posted by: Brittany at Jul 3, 2009 9:36:11 AM
I followed the link provided by Cindy and while I noticed that there were disciplinary charges filed on 7/10/09, found it interesting that those occurred AFTER he failed to pay his bar fees on 07/01/09.
Cindy, Are you by chance one of the 'very young girls' he allegedly dated? If he is as bad as you say he is (which I have no basis to agree or disagree with) thank your lucky stars that you are out of the relationship and don't waste another minute worrying over him.
Ditto for Brittany.
I think criminal defense attorneys walk a thin line - they are exposed to everything their clients do and are probably tempted by a lot of what their clients do. I don't know the specificis of the cases above (just googling) and feel for all parties involved. Mr. Walsh and everyone here will be in my prayers tonight - these are tough times to be a good or bad guy in.
Posted by: MLA at Jul 18, 2009 1:08:48 AM
MLA,
Please don't pray for me, I am just fine. I would never date someone like Mr. Walsh, so your back handed insult is completely uncalled for. Clearly, if he didn't pay his bar fees it's because he knew he was done. Rock bottom is a bitch!
Posted by: Brittany at Aug 4, 2009 9:26:28 AM
I am not one of Jason's "very young girls." I am an adult who was once represented by Jason. About a year ago I ran into him in the halls of the courthouse. He hit on me, didn't recognize me as a former client.
Then I heard about his self-inflicted troubles. You can now read PDF files of all of the Bar disciplinary filings. You don't have to take anyone's word about Jason. It's all public record. The Bar takes ethical violations and substance abuse very seriously. I am surprised he is not disbarred.
BTW-My name is NOT Cindy Evans. This site has that name as the default and when I changed it to my name, it posted with Cindy Evans. Not my problem. I don't want to be connected to him anyway.
Posted by: Cindy Evans at Aug 4, 2009 4:43:11 PM
Jason Robert Walsh - #158471
Current Status: Not eligible to practice law (Not Entitled)
http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member_detail.aspx?x=158471
Explanation of member status:
Not Eligible to Practice Law - Those listed as not eligible may not practice law in California. There are several reasons that may result in this status, including suspension, involuntary transfer to inactive status and failure to pay mandatory State Bar fees.
Posted by: M.K. at Aug 4, 2009 11:54:45 PM
I discovered down in San Diego that some lawyers are being impersonated by individuals who are not real lawyers but are attempting to practice law. I read an article from about 1997 where Jason Walsh was the friend and attorney to Mark R Peterson of Air Supply Heating & Air. I believe this Mark Peterson was madeup and sure enough when hit with potential lawsuits from committing fraud he filed bankruptcy and disappeared. Anyone remember this?
BTW, I am so sick of not being able to see photos of any lawyers or anyone who works in the legal system. It is a problem and is a backdoor for committing fraud. Does anyone has a photo of Jason Walsh, age, appearance etc. My instinct tells me that whoever this Jason Walsh person is purposely let his bar membership be suspended so he could disappear into the night. When Jason Walsh the Lawyer is needed again, I surmise that the dues will be paid and he will be reinstated. I have seen this type of thing happen before. The culprit who is not an attorney at all is piggybacking or even completely fabricated this Jason Walsh character. I have even seen disciplinary actions made up for offenses that never took place.
Digest all that and give me your opinion peeps.
K.M.
Posted by: Kimi at Oct 14, 2009 6:59:35 AM
For those of you who have never once done a single misdeed in your life- Continue preaching how humans are flawed. In 2009 my earlier case was professionally and successfully dismissed in Riverside Superior, by Jason Walsh. Jason, whatever the future holds, I always have your back, and am indebted to you. How many of you want 'nice' lawyers defending you when it is all on the line. Jason will be back, and I will refer him to anyone who is in need of vigorous legal defense.
Posted by: Poly80s at Dec 12, 2009 10:00:39 AM
I just read this article and all the responses, so here is an update for all you interested parties. I've known Jason Walsh for over ten years, and he was once a good guy, but the drugs got to him and he turned into an asshole. I haven't seem him in years, but he was arrested last year and charged with poss. of meth and firearms, including an assault rifle. He is now in prison for two years and has been disbarred in Ca. Karma, eh?
Posted by: Anonymous at Jan 10, 2010 2:29:35 PM
No wonder.......
Posted by: HL at Jan 10, 2010 3:15:53 PM