1 /5 Jeeten Jinabhai: My experience with Ms Tahlia Bleier has been deeply disappointing, and I feel her conduct falls well below the expected standard of legal service. She handled my property settlement and children’s matters, and my greatest regret is that I didn’t move to a new lawyer earlier (which turns out to be a very easy process). The outcomes I achieved with Ms Tahlia Bleier as my lawyer in both areas were poor, yet I was told this was all I should expect. The following outlines the key issues I experienced, and I would not work with her again.
Key Issues:
1. Mismanagement of Documentation and Deadlines:
Throughout my case, there were consistent failures in managing critical documents and court timelines. Despite multiple requests for clarity, key court documents were not shared with me in a timely manner, leading to missed deadlines that negatively impacted my case. On one occasion, we submitted an affidavit just minutes before the midnight deadline, causing unnecessary stress. We prepared for it two weeks in advance.
2. Poor Legal Advice and Lack of Advocacy:
Ms Tahlia Bleier’s advice was often unclear, rushed, and lacking in strategy. I frequently felt like I was being asked to make decisions without the proper guidance. As someone who had escaped a domestic violence situation, I was especially disappointed by her dismissal of my safety concerns, and her lack of understanding about managing high-conflict relationships. Ms Tahlia Bleier’s soft approach left me in unsafe situations on several occasions.
3. Ineffective Communication:
Communication with Ms Tahlia Bleier was incredibly poor. Deadlines were missed, I was left out of important email exchanges, and I often had to chase her for updates. She failed to communicate basic instructions and updates with me, leaving me feeling unsupported throughout the entire process.
4. Additional Stress and Delays:
The delays and lack of action prolonged my legal matter, resulting in lost time with my children and extended legal costs. There was a complete lack of advocacy, especially when the other party restricted my access to my children. Her inaction caused significant emotional distress during a difficult period of my life.
5. Lack of accountability:
I take accountability for not changing lawyers sooner. We made multiple attempts to address these issues with Ms Tahlia Bleier but were met with little empathy or change. We were often told that we should not expect more from family lawyers due to their work volume and constant need to be in court.
After changing to a new lawyer, my case was resolved in clear and assertive manner, showing the contrast between the level of service I received and the care I should have had from the start.
The lack of professionalism, poor communication, and inadequate legal advice caused unnecessary stress and harm to me and my family.
