I hate my lawyer.

There. I said it.

I hate that he won’t let me talk to the insurance adjuster — even though I know exactly what happened, and I could explain it perfectly. I hate that every time I pick up the phone to “just clear things up,” he tells me to hang up. I hate that he says things like “silence is golden” when all I want to do is tell my side of the story.

I hate that he makes me wait. The accident was months ago. I want this over. I want my money. I want my life back. But he keeps talking about medical records and treatment gaps and demand packages and statutes of limitations — words that sound important but feel like excuses for why nothing is happening fast enough.

I hate that he told me to keep going to the doctor even when I THOUGHT I was feeling better. Who does that? I felt fine. Mostly. Sometimes. But he insisted, and now I have a file three inches thick documenting every ache, every sleepless night, every morning I couldn’t turn my neck without wincing. A file, he says, that tells my story better than I ever could…and could be used at trial since I wrote it…not my attorney.

I hate that he was right about the insurance company. I thought they were on my side. They called me — they seemed so sympathetic, so eager to help. Turns out they were eager to get me on the record saying something that would reduce what they owed me. My lawyer knew that. I didn’t. Not until he explained it.

I hate that he keeps saying “this takes time” — because he’s right, and patience has never been my strong suit.

I hate that when I finally got my settlement, it was more than I ever expected. Because now I have to admit that all those months of trusting the process, following his advice, staying quiet when I wanted to scream — it worked. He worked. And I spent half that time convinced he wasn’t doing anything.

I hate that my lawyer is good at his job.

I hate that he answered the phone himself when I called in a panic at an inconvenient hour. I hate that he explained things in plain English instead of burying me in legal jargon. I hate that he genuinely seemed to care whether I got better — not just whether the case settled.

I hate that he told me upfront: “Whether I take your case or not, I will guide you…honestly.” And then he actually meant it.

So yes. I hate my lawyer.

The way you hate someone who makes you eat your vegetables, wear your seatbelt, and slow down in the rain. The way you hate someone who turns out to be right about nearly everything, even when it was the last thing you wanted to hear.

I hate my lawyer.

And I’d hire Dale Gribow again tomorrow.

Avoid Advertising Lawyers …and matching tattoos on a first dateOur practice is built on referrals, not advertising. Expecting great results from advertising attorneys is like expecting luxury linens at a Motel 6. Catchy slogans and easy-to-remember numbers may look appealing, but they can be misleading. Many heavily advertised firms are no longer run by the lawyers whose names appear on the billboards. In some instances, the named attorney may be deceased, retired, no longer practicing ie Larry H. Parker and Jacoby and Myers. What matters is not marketing—it’s experience, credibility, and who will actually handle your case. Choose a lawyer known by judges, respected by peers, and trusted by former clients—not one you recognize from a billboard.

REMEMBER TO REMAIN SILENT: It’s not what’s said. It’s what they think you said. Don’t unknowingly damage your case by talking to the police or insurance company. Something said casually can often be misunderstood, mischaracterized, or used against you.  Remember, the police and insurance adjusters, are not on your side, and can legally lie and deceive to get info.

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Gribow’s Career Service as: Judge Pro-Tem | Arbitrator | Mediator | Community Leader | Legal Talk Show Host | 1,000 Legal Columns | Top 3 CV Power Couples | Merited 40 Top Lawyer | 10.0 | 5-Star | Avvo Superb | AV Martindale Pre-eminent | PI | DUI |Career Awards | 10 Man of the Year | 5 Dale Gribow Days | “Mr. Charity” -reflecting dozens of legal/philanthropic awards and signifying “The Best”…Cases are limited. Dale, not a secretary, answers and returns calls by the end of the day.

DALE GRIBOW

40 Top Lawyer | 5-Star “Superb” | 10.0 | AV “Pre-eminent”

Accident | Drunk Driving | Career Awards

Maximizing PI Recoveries | Minimizing DUI Penalties