The Law Offices of Thomas B. McCullough, Jr 401 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401

"I've had the misfortune of being recommended this lawyer for use in a probate case. Throughout my entire time being in contact with this horrendous individual I can honestly say there is no positive experience whatsoever. (This is all during 2022-2023) TLDR: - This man will overcharge you for anything he can. - His legal skills are the same as anyone else - As a person he is rude and antagonistic - In my case, he has regularly never told me any details, even when asked. Just asks for money and tells me to send him documents - Again in my case, he has messed up a couple times with what needed to be submitted to court When I initially got into contact with Tom I explained the situation at hand and asked what his rates were. He explained what needed to be done fairly competently, and was at a reasonable price. The more "affordable" fee alone should have been a red flag. This crook nickle and dimes me for literally ANY possible action he makes regarding my case. For the main stuff like filing paperwork with court or appearing on my behalf is understandable to be billed. But he charges for simple 30 sec phone calls, emails, minor secretarial work, corrections to paperwork he himself messed up, any possible thing he can charge me for he does. And not just a few extra dollars, or tens of dollars. Things have added up to several extra hundreds regularly. On top of the main legal fees I've received bills over $5k multiple times. Aside from the exorbitant fees this man charges he is also just a rude person, and somewhat incompetent. Throughout my case I've obviously had to talk with Tom about court hearings and what needs to be done on my end. NO EXAGGERATION, every single time I talk with him he has a rude tone of voice, talks down to me as if I know nothing, demands what documents I should send him, leaves rude aggressive voice messages if I miss his calls (which he bills me), and worst of all he never tells me any details about anything. I've tried to ask him on many occasions during phone calls or emails to explain things to me. I try to be as involved as possible to understand whats going on. After some court hearings, reading through legal petitions, and other things I ask Tom what's going on. He consistently says, in some form or another, "just let me handle it, got it?!" No helpful communication at all. In addition to this man's rude aggressive personality he is also forgetful. Several times Tom has failed to tell me about certain court proceedings, documents he needs that have to be filed by a certain date, when a few court dates were so I could also attend, and a few other instances I can't recall. And of course he bills me for these mistakes that are his fault. The worst of these incompetent instances was one hearing it was required to have an account summary to show necessary funds. Tom never once notified me about needing any form of proof of funds. The hearing ended quickly since the necessary docs weren't submitted. Have to return to court later with everything properly submitted. I receive another bill for his "work" to file everything again. And then receive another bill after the 2nd court hearing for appearing in court. One other instance he never notified me about calling into court remotely. He called me as court was in session, swore at me for being incompetent, and the judge overheard him. She was not pleased with his actions and cut our time a bit short. Sad thing is after more then a year there has been slow progress with what I need done. At this point I've been looking for a different probate lawyer so I never have to deal with this awful person again. Personally, avoid this man for any legal action you require. Go find a competent lawyer who can actually communicate with you and treats you like an adult."