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4/17/25 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Debbie Johnson was manipulative, condescending, unprepared, dismissive and unfocused while handling my file. I came out of an emotionally abusive, coercive controlling relationship, and was absolutely terrified that I would lose everything to my former spouse. Debbie assured me from the start, that she would not allow this to happen. I believed her, I was paying for her support, and for her to advocate for my best interest. We had proof of fraud committed by my ex, and he was a flight risk. She told me at one point "Well, if he goes, we can always go after the money later" What? She filed incorrectly in Emergency court, lost, and dropped the ball... never made another application to a different court, resulting in me never gaining exclusive occupation, and losing 10's of thousands in rent while we waiting for resolution.I lost my home. I lost pets. I lost most of what I was entitled to.She took advantage of me, and I would warn ANYONE to run. Do not walk away. She only cares about $.
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6/14/22 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Worst lawyer I have ever seen. I used two lawyers through the course of my divorce. Had a great experience with one, and an absolute waste of 5-figures with Debbie. Example- she came to me with a $1000/mt spousal support ask from OC, but later found out (with proof) that the ask was $400/mt. Figured the shock of $1000 would later make her a hero when she negotiated it down to $400. That lie was one of many. I never received any (not even one) deliverable for the money I spent. Too bad it took $20k of zero progress for me to let her go.
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4/3/22 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Debbie aligns herself with DA perpetrators and has terrible boundaries. She herself becomes a legal extension of the coercive controlling abuser. She seems to enjoy her role in this dynamic as she herself is very abusive towards those who her clients are “fighting” against. She brings DA into the courts by her actions and accusations. She will throw around the unfounded notion of parental alienation against the non-offending parent, immediately, just to create pain. She is a angry, harsh lawyer who does not have the ability to help. She will also take as much money as she can from those she represents. She likes to fight dirty and cause as much traumatic damage as possible. If coercive control was illegal there might be a chance to get her licence removed. Until then stay away, or if you can, get her removed from the case as fast as possible.
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3/16/22 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Debbie was the worst lawyer I could have gotten. She only wants your money. I paid 12000$ for a parenting order which didn’t even ask half of the things I wanted. She billed me 2500 to draft up a ridiculous document that she never even used in court. When I asked her about it she said yeah things have changed a little since covid. I asked for my money back and she basically laughed in my face. I would try and ask her as many questions as I could in one email so she would only charge me for one(which was 100$ per response but she would literally answer me in four different emails so she could charge me for 4. Seriously the worst lawyer I could have gotten. Use ANYBODY but her
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2/18/22 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Debbie will do anything her client tells her to do - even if it is not in the best interest of the client for her to carry out their lies that are later proven wrong. She is extremely lazy, rude and manipulative on when she chooses to work or not. She loves making false allegations her clients want to make and when it is addressed; she moves on to the next attack.
She does not care about children (who are the ultimate priority to protect). She loves supporting narcissistic individuals and building them up so she can get their money - it doesn’t matter to her that this hurts marginalized people with barriers. it is both embarrassing and frightening to read of your “work” with DV / womens shelters… you are a perpetrator and enabler of violence against women and children as evident by the way you practice law. Please retire.
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3/9/21 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
In the beginning she appeared passionate to help as my situation involves family violence. Important documents were not filed as we explored alternative options. Poor preparation to communicate next steps (especially before a hearing) , forgetting key facts as she appeared too busy and at times disorganized. 2 months and $12,000 later I questioned her reasons for her advise and if we should be doing more as deadlines approach which she said I don’t have confidence in her then she fired me as a client via email. I politely asked question as it’s my life and my childrens safety - how else can I understand. She did not like this. There was minimal explanation and assurances via what to expect during these scary times.
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1/9/20 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
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All Debbie wants is your money. 1st red flag should have been when I first met with her and her legal assistant wouldn’t bring her into the room until the retainer was paid. She forgot that I wanted full custody, she had all the resources to get me full custody but was too busy Nickle and diming me to earn her paycheck. I spent $15,000 for her to only get me 40% and I’m their mother. Was more concerned about my paperwork for my divorce then getting me access to my children. Would not do what was asked and then charged you thru the nose for her services. Take your money elsewhere it would be better spent.
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12/9/19 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
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1 |
50 000$ later and never went to court , she all talk. Court was in Calgary, I lived in Edmonton so we hired a Calgary lawyer hence I had to travel back and forth to meet her. We made an appointment to meet her in the morning to sign an affidavit she "worked on" and when we arrived she didnt even start the affidavit. Biggest wast of year stay away from her
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3/9/19 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
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it cost me a lot for nothing. She did not discuss or explain anything prior to the proceeding. In the end, she gave me really bad advice that was used against me which may also impact the claim I am making to deal with the abuse of process the perjury that was committed, the defamation and malicious actions that occurred. It was a complete gong show not getting any explanations or advice prior to the court proceeding. She then ran between courtrooms without properly explaining the options and situation, or even properly thinking about the bad advice she was giving.
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7/12/18 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I would give Debbie a big ZERO if I could but alas it will only allow me to rate as low as 1. Where to begin. Well she is a terrible lawyer, that is for sure. My 1st divorce cost me over $30,000!!! Took 3 years to complete and I got what... nothing I wanted!! She talked a big game but never delivered any of it. I spoke to her assistant Amie more then I ever did her, but boy when she wants her money she is always available. She currently is my wife's lawyer ( I know I know ). My wife is divorcing me and since Debbie met her before me she has taken up proceedings against me. A real class act for sure. I have advice to anyone looking to hire Debbie. DO NOT!! I will win in my divorce simply because I know Debbie is a money sucking attorney who delivers nothing but hot air. So If you feel like wasting your money and not getting fair results hire Debbie Johnson. I will never again!
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10/19/16 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
I like Debbie as a person and she was helpful financially going through the procedure. BUT I never got a fair settlement. It cost me $ and she admitted it wasn't fair but I didn't have the $ to fight more. They made a couple of.mistakes.
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3/16/16 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Just awful. Debbie did not work effectively, would not return calls or emails. After almost $6,000. later I had to rid her. She talks big, but when it comes down to it, she is nothing but a money sucking vampire, doesn't care about the client. I did a lot of my own work, all she had to do was show up.
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10/7/15 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
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What a joke! She did not handle my matter in a timely manner and because of that, I lost my home. I did not even realise proceedings were taking place as I left it all in her incompetent hands. then she tried charging me for the favour. Eventually I actually represented myself in court and even have done better for myself then she ever did for me. My advice to all is do not waste your money on her. Find a different lawyer. This one doesn't care about your case. She is lazy. She is not prepared. If you don't want to internally combust from the frustration of dealing with her then move on to practically anyone else.
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SYSTEM: 2 negative duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 2 negative duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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9/10/12 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I agree with many of the comments already put forward by others. She comes across really confident like she has everything under control but she doesn't. She doesn't listen to what you say or to how you want things done. She didn't handle my file in a timely manner at all - MONTHS to get things filed in court even though she had everything she needed. My matter was in Family Law and I don't recommend her at all. She is not efficient or effective.
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8/3/12 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I can not recommend Debbie, waited over 90 minutes as she was on the phone. Took the divorce on proceeds from assets never to go to court OR ANYTHING and first issue that came up Deb filed a cease to action and now is sending bills for over 6,000.
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5/16/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I had a really good result. Debbie was professional and walked all over the other side. We won!
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10/28/11 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
She seemed nice & caring until I signed on with her. It was obvious that she didn't take the time to know me or my story. Many letters/docs were sent out & I rarely got a copy until after the fact, if at all. Most items were sent out with errors that needed to be later corrected: inaccurate "facts", typos, date errors, etc. She didn't/wouldn't respond to my queries or follow my instructions. Repeated requests for updates were ignored until SHE needed something from me, usually requiring it ASAP to meet a deadline. She didn't seem to respect my time. She planned to meet with me & then failed to show up without notice...two days in a row. When we did meet, she was disorganized & couldn't find many items in my file that I previously sent her. I've also phoned at HER requested meeting time & was then put on hold for more than 5 minutes while she hunted for my file! Deb's lack of communication, preparation & attention to detail only prolonged the painful divorce process. Don't count on her.
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9/21/11 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
She is very kind and appears to be helpful. However, on day of court she was unprepared. Told me the application was ridiculous and that she would get it thrown out or at the very least adjourned. She was not successful on either. She had not read the applican't accusations against me. She did not meet with me prior to court to discuss any details, even though I suggested it to her. She was unable to effectively defend me because she had no knowledge of any facts. I lost custody of my child in what other lawyers said was because of my lawyer's lack of preperation. DO NOT HIRE HER.
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8/16/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Ms Johnson went above and beyond the call of duty- She met with us in our own home. She was very concerned that we understood the implications of documents we signed as well as maintained a very ethical and professional stance. She is caring and compassionate. She is a strong advocate for women's rights. I heartily recommend her.
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5/22/11 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Legal advice was wrong from the get go. Advised to ignore divorce papers until the time period was over to rectify the EPO and demands even when pressed to meet the 5 day deadline by client. Affidavits and paperwork were not filed in time. Meetings were late, disorganized and rushed. Information was not passed on to client from other side by her, crucial paperwork were lost.
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