Every year Justin O’Dell speaks to KSU’s Ethics in Criminal Justice class about the Lawyer’s Creed and ethical missteps by attorneys in the courtroom.
Justin O’Dell speaks to KSU’s Ethics in Criminal Justice Class
Very satisfied client
"As a business owner for over thirty years, I have come to see legal services as a crucial part of the landscape. Over twenty years ago, I was introduced to Justin O’Dell during a mediation meeting. Since then, I have relied on Justin’s legal expertise on numerous occasions. Known for my strong and so...metimes stubborn desire to win, I have been fortunate to have Justin and his team guide me in understanding the benefits of compromise. In addition to business matters, I have unfortunately needed O’Dell Hungerford Blanchard & Booth's services for personal issues. My wife of thirty-six years, Cathy, was taken from us by pancreatic cancer. During this time of profound loss for me and our three children, Justin, and his support staff provided the sensitivity and professionalism needed to navigate the complexities of the probate process. When three of my office suites were destroyed due to freezing weather causing the fire suppression system to burst, I faced a challenging situation. The repair responsibility was split between the HOA and my business office insurance policy. My insurance policy was reluctant to pay until the HOA did, and the HOA’s estimate of damages was short by $171,903.86. After numerous unproductive meetings with both parties, I contacted Justin O’Dell and learned we had less than two weeks to file a suit. [They] meticulously reviewed thousands of emails and documents, enabling us to file the suit before the statute of limitations expired. Thanks to [Justin's] prompt and thorough response, I won the case, no compromise required, and was fully reimbursed for all repair costs. Although I have not met all the lawyers at the firm, every interaction with Justin [and his] exceptional support staff has consistently met my high standards for professionalism and client satisfaction. I highly recommend their services."
Excellent Attorney, kind, compassionate
"I never thought I would need a divorce attorney. I was shocked, angry, and upset when I discovered I did indeed need legal counsel. When I met Ms. Blanchard, the truth is my emotions overwhelmed me. I was not able to control my grief, for the majority of the divorce. As a result, I was not the be...st client because of my emotional state of mind. Ms. Blanchard was very professional at all times, and was kind, compassionate and allowed me my grief. I wish I could say I afforded Ms. Blanchard the same courtesy, but I was angry at everyone. I was not always kind to my legal team, I am sorry for that. More importantly, Ms. Blanchard did things right, preventing me from allowing my pain and to drive me to bad decisions. Ms. Blanchard, saw me at my worst. Often in tears, often outraged at what had happened in my life. Ms. Blanchard, not only had to come up with, a legal strategy, (truth, no one wins in a divorce). Ms. Blanchard also had to deal with me and make me understand that anger and revenge would not serve me well. That this required an intelligent, rational, and a well thought out approach. Sadly, my Ex wanted to go to court, and have a jury trial at that!!...We tried to avoid this at all cost. Ms. Blanchard was always looking for a reasonable solution to this terrible situation. The Ex would not accept any of our offers. Even when I offered more than was reasonable. At this point, my team needed to make me understand that I was going to court. I had no choice. What should have been a simple divorce, ended up in front of a jury. This is where Ms. Blanchard and my legal team really had to shine. They had to do two things, present a well thought out case, and help me from falling apart. To say we prevailed in court would be an understatement. We down right won, measuring the things you measure in a divorce case, money, alimony, etc. It is very important to note the following. In divorce people, like me, good people often come up with all sorts of ideas. Ideas to "get even" or "hurt" the Ex-spouse. Ms. Blanchard often had to talk me down from being a fool. She was always kind in how approached it. It being the unrealistic ideas you may come up with, just to get "even". Ms. Blanchard is very bright, but more importantly a person of great integrity. She often told me to just be honest. Attorney's are not inexpensive, and Ms. Blanchard and her firm did not try to run up my bill just to make money. They continuously looked for the most cost effective way to end the marriage justly. Fair is not a word that has legal value, just (or justice) is the best you can hope for in my opinion. The legal system, or divorce court, is a horrid place where people are jaded and cynical by all the nasty divorces they have seen. I suppose I can't blame them. So trust me you need an advocate. I could never have gone thru this without the very best attorney. I am an educated and experienced man, but nothing can prepare you for a nasty divorce. As I said by all measures the jury found for us. Ms Blanchard told me to be honest on the stand and not lose control of my emotions. Honest was easy, not crying at the magnitude of my loss was not. Although we "won", I lost. No-one wins in a divorce. Ms. Blanchard stood up for me when I could not stand for myself, Ms. Blanchard also kept me from being my own worst enemy. In the end, I at least feel I was vindicated, and realize I had no reason to be ashamed of my my behavior as a spouse or my behavior during the divorce. Ms. Blanchard helped me keep my humanity intact. Ms Blanchard is young, but Ms. Blanchard has wisdom, character, experience, intelligence and integrity. I desperately needed her help. In so many ways she saved me. Salvaged the rest of my life. Because, I can look myself in the mirror and know, I did my best, I never lied, and I told the truth. Thank you Alyssa"
They didn’t play games
"They didn’t play games or stoop low at any point in the process. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more professional team."