I went for a consultation at Ahluwalia Law firm at 255 N Market St #248. Before the visit, we had talked over the phone summarizing my situation. Mr. Ahluwalia described how he could be of help for my case. And it all seems to make sense. We talked about the retainer being $2,500 as well as his hourly rate.

I had prepared a check for the above amount prior to coming in for consultation. When I arrived, I filled out preliminary paperwork and this followed by further discussion of my marital issue. Mr. Ahluwalia re-iterated what he could do for me.

We seemed to be on the same page up to that point. But then Mr. Ahluwalia informed the retainer for my case is $7,500 due to its complexity.
I don't understand what the complexity involves. I provided the same situation I have conveyed over the phone prior to the onsite consultation.

Obviously I do not have $7,500 and I was somewhat under the impression the cost would not be much more than $2,500. I really don't understand where the conversation went wrong. There is a difference of $5,000 between what the cost would be (over the phone) and the quote he gave me during consultation.

I am not sure if this legal or merely unethical. Unfortunately, I had to pass on his services.

I called Ahluwalia Law office, the receptionist greeted me nicely. The phone was then transferred to, I believe, Mr. Ahluwalia.

I was surprised at how rude he was, as if I had caused him a bad day. All I wanted to know was if his office will be able to assist me in my legal matter.

He was focused on getting me to pay the retainer if I want to continue to speak to him, but it was barely a couple of minutes and he never responded with how he can assist me or if I am able to see him in person. He then refused to speak to me and hung up the phone.

No problems, there are many lawyers who I hope are much more professionals.

I'am very pleased with Madan Ahluwalia's service in my divorce case.
He pushed hard for spousal support and attorney fees and got a good deal.He pushed hard on date of separation which was big item and used to negotiate good settlement.We had a fair balance of discovery, settlement and attorney fees (which were reasonable and he paid for most of it).
Madan Ahluwalia handled my case very efficiently. He gave excellent advice that not only gave me peace of mind, but also solved the issue.

Madan or his business filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy,  Case No. 09-31874. While he has obtained expert witness AFTER filing bankruptcy, he attempted to re-open his bankruptcy case so that he would not have to pay expert witness he hired. But he failed because it is a post petition debt Madan is trying to include in the discharge of already closed bankruptcy case.

End result was money and time lost unnecessarily. Madan tried to cheat and again failed.

***NOTES:*** Never trust any institution who awards lawyers as lawyers typically have to pay to get it. You can only trust California Bar or AVVO for lawyer's ratings (do not trust reviewers on AVVO, only the ratings). This is a true rating of a lawyer. Typically if below 9, may not be worth the time. And if has been disciplined, it is a **big red flag**.

I have to agree with the other comments that Ahluwalia Law Firm is on shaky ground. My visit to the firm was also very disappointing. While I was strongly referred to this firm by a colleague, I was not able to an agreement in terms of the services offered, expected results, and cost.

Though I am not able to confirm 100%, I see a vial of what looks to be CANNABIS to me, perhaps it is medicinal. If it was, Mr. Ahluwalia should have put it aside where his clients would not see it. He may have noticed that I was glancing over to the "area" and he immediately tried to block the view. Hmm….not sure. But it was surely not comforting.

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
In re
MADAN AHLUWALIA,
Debtor.
)))))))))
Case No. 09-31874

Chapter 7
MEMORANDUM RE DEBTOR’S MOTION TO REOPEN AND CHARLES OLIVER’S
COUNTERMOTION FOR RULE 9011 SANCTIONS
Upon due consideration, and for the reasons stated below:
(1) Debtor’s motion to reopen his case for the purpose of
discharging a postpetition claim is denied with prejudice; and (2)
Charles Oliver’s motion for Rule 9011 sanctions is denied without
prejudice.
FACTS
On July 6, 2009, Debtor filed the above-captioned, no-asset
bankruptcy case. On December 3, 2009, the court entered Debtor’s
discharge pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 727(a). On June 21, 2010, the
bankruptcy case was closed.
On March 25, 2011, Debtor filed a motion to reopen his
bankruptcy case to schedule a debt arising out of a contract dated
MEMO RE DEBTOR’S MTN TO REOPEN
AND COUNTERMOTION FOR SANCTIONS

April 2, 2010, under which Charles H. Oliver, Jr., a real estate
broker, agreed to provide Debtor, an attorney, expert witnesses
services.
On April 6, 2011, Mr. Oliver filed an opposition to the motion
to reopen, arguing that the claim is a postpetition claim that is
not subject to the section 727(a) discharge, and that Debtor should
be sanctioned under Rule 9011(c) for filing an allegedly frivolous
motion.
LAW
1. Motion to Reopen
A bankruptcy case may be reopened to administer assets, to
accord relief to the debtor, or for other cause. 11 U.S.C. §
350(b).
The motion to reopen is denied with prejudice, because the
motion seeks to reopen the case to discharge a postpetition debt,
and because a discharge in bankruptcy applies only to prepetition
debts. 11 U.S.C. § 727(b).
2. Motion for Rule 9011 sanctions
A motion for sanctions under Rule 9011(c) “shall be made
separately from other motions or requests . . .” Fed. R. Bankr.
Proc. 9011(c)(1). In addition, a motion for sanctions “may not be
filed with or presented to the court unless, within 21 days after
service of the motion, . . . the challenged paper is not withdrawn
. . . .”
Mr. Oliver’s motion for sanctions is denied without prejudice,
because it was not filed as a separate motion, and because it was
filed prior to giving Debtor sufficient time to withdraw the
motion.
**END OF MEMORANDUM**

Very professional

Madan Ahluwalia helped me with a very contentious divorce the past few months after I fired my previous lawyer and I am very pleased with his service. He was very clear and helpful about what to expect and was prepared for all the possible contingencies, so I really appreciate his candor and professionalism. He was confident in answering my questions, as well as listening well too, being professional and friendly. My case was a relatively complex case that dragged on for 18 months and was also an emotional case because my ex was doing everything in his power to make my life miserable. While I am hoping that I do not have to have any other legal issues in the future, if anything were to occur, there is no one I would ever consider to represent me but Madan Ahluwalia.

There's a human aspect to the practice of Law; Ahluwalia Law Professionals are strongly aware of that aspect. They put client's interest ahead of anything else. They are trustworthy, and competent.

I used Ahluwalia Law Professional Corporation multiple time and it handled professionally all my cases. Very prompt, knowledgeable.
I will recommend for any legal help you need,

I am very lucky and thankful to have Mr. Ahluwalia help. He is very knowledgeable and through with his work, a true professional. I was going through a very tough time and he was always there to answer questions and any doubts. He is very easy to get hold off and has great availablilty. I would highly recommend him

Thank you Mr Ahluwalia for everything you have done for me and my family.

Trustworthy, tenacious and completing the job in a timely manner.

My experience was great. i had no idea where to begin to fie bankruptcy. He guided me through the process over seven years ago. The staff was courteous and knowledgeable. I would definately go back if needed. In fact it looks like I need his hel again.

You were well informed, precise and competent.

It was really a good experience for me with Madan Ahluwalia. Although I was outside US, he completed my family law case in a very short time and secured a judgment in favor of me.

Mr. Ahluwalia helped me come out of a very difficult marital fraud situation. He always acts in the best interest of the client, he helped me put together a very strong case and I was able to get my life back on track after due legal process.

Ahluwalia Law Firm is the best legal / law company I have experienced .. the truth is even other company gave the compliment by saying that this is the best draft of the agreement they have ever received ... thnx Madan you guys are the best ...
Girija Shankar. Guru Entertainment

Madan is a great lawyer! He had helped me and my family through a lot of tough times. From family laws to immigration issues. He even go out of his way to guide my family with criminal matters. He is always available to answer any questions we have, or referred us to the right directions. We appreciate all the help from Madan!! We recommend Madan and his firm .

Mr. Ahluwalia is one of the best attorneys I have worked with. He simply gets it done.

We have known Mr. Ahluwalia both professionally and personally for almost two decades ... there is no other Attorney that combines a vast knowledge of our laws with a personal commitment to truly helping his clients achieve their desired results . I cannot thank him enough for handling our legal needs with such professionalism, compassion, and a willingness to understand and work with us .
In my humble opinion , he is the best there is ..
thanks ...

Thanks you for help and kindliness

I have no words to express my gratitude for Mr. Ahluwalia. He is very professional, on top of his game, reasonable, trustable, efficient and somebody who can think far not just short sighted. To cut it short, my case was very complicated which also involved child custody. Had it been not Mr. Ahluwalia it would have lingered on may be with different results and I might have ended paying much more. He has been in this field for long and knows his stuff very well. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a reasonable and professional lawyer which is very hard to find these days.

Very professional. Genuine and fair. I have 2 engagements with their firm and I found both of them to be very high quality. Great advice. Follow-up and execution. In addition I have called Madan on several times on other small matters and he has always taken my call and given me valuable timely advice. They know what they are doing and have subject matter expertise along with the consistent willingness to go an extra mile. Highly recommended.

Madan is a great advocate. Very practical and knowledgeable!

Madan is an ethical family lawyer which is very rare these days. He is also very smart. I highly recommend him.

Grateful for family style treatment and solutions for legal issues.

Exceptional and Excellent. Not only strong follow up at every stage but also relieved us of numerous of questions, concerns and anxieties a client can have.
Sincere Thanks

Madan helped me during the green card processing of my mother. It had a few complications and he did an outstanding job with my case. He came up with an innovative idea to deal with the matter, kept me updated and responded to any questions I had regarding my case. He is very reliable, experienced and responsible!

I would recommend his services to everyone!

The law office of Madan Ahluwalia (Ahluwalia Law PC) is friendly, courteous, helpful and very professional. He is the best from other lawyers & specialists that I have met or have spoken with.
It was a pleasure dealing with Madan Ahluwalia. Ahluwalia and his team understood the urgency of my case. They did everything… they could to take care of me in as quickly as possible. I appreciate their hard work & dedication. He helped me with a very difficult situation and I am thankful to him and his team for that. I rate his law office as 5 star, 10 out of 10 without any hesitation. I DEFINITELY and HIGHLY recommend Ahluwalia Law PC.