Haddad & Sherwin LLP

We can't say enough good things about Haddad & Sherwin. They are sincere, compassionate, caring and professional, as is their whole staff. We don't know how we would have made it through this awful time in our lives. They went up and beyond. They are extremely knowledgeable and kept us informed every step of the way. They treated us with respect and dignity. They were able to change reforms in policy and training for first responders for the City of Napa so what happened to our grand-daughter will not happen to another child. They continue to honor our grand-daughter which is much appreciated. I highly recommend them.

When our son was shot to death by a police officer in Santa Cruz, California, we contacted Haddad & Sherwin. Michael Haddad immediately made himself available by phone. His compassion, clarity and straight talk were invaluable to us as we navigated those first traumatic four days following our son's death. Upon meeting with the Haddad & Sherwin team we experienced calm, clear and kindly counsel as to what we could expect in the coming weeks and months: the DA would most certainly decide in favor of the police; we would not know whether or not a wrongful death case was wise to pursue until the Haddad & Sherwin team got more information which would take several months; a lawsuit would likely take two years. The Haddad & Sherwin team was always respectful and supportive of our family. They reached a just and fair settlement that included injunctive relief leading to important changes to policy, training and practices in the Santa Cruz Police Department, including changes to the language in their manual regarding "use of lethal force." Throughout the trauma and tribulations during the two years until the final settlement of our case, the professionalism, integrity and humanity of everyone in Haddad & Sherwin office helped us to walk a path we could never have imagined we would to be on. Their straightforwardness, perseverance and patience with the challenges of this case helped stabilize us during our grieving process and with each phase of the lawsuit.

Haddad & Sherwin are professionals as well as friends. They were there for me and my family every step of the way. Even after we won our case, they still continue to check on us and see if we need help with anything. I trust these people to the fullest. If you're wondering who you should chose as lawyers, you should chose Haddad & Sherwin. They will get you justice.

I can't recommend Michael Haddad and Julia Sherwin enough. They were extremely professional, a pleasure to work with, and the outcome was exceptional. Their preparation was meticulous and their execution of that during my trial was brilliant. In fact, they were glaringly superior to the opposing attorney and his case. I rate them as excellent.

I can only speak to my experience with Haddad & Sherwin. While I wish it weren't so, whoever is reading this may find themselves Googling for civil rights attorneys who specialize in police shooting and/or misconduct--or are doing so now. From somebody who has been there, dial the number. My brother, a husband and a father of four, ran a small salvage logging business with our father and uncle. He and my sister-in-law had just purchased a small farm, for which they had planned and saved many years, even living without electricity and plumbing in a travel trailer between obsidian, junipers, and lava flows to save the last of the down payment. Just months into their fulfilled dream, on a cooling evening on a country road far from windows and passerby and lights, he was shot dead by deputies during a medical and mental-health episode--a death that could have, should have, been avoided by employing basic Crisis Intervention Techniques. Words cannot describe the questions, the rage, the sighs, the "what ifs?"-- the devastating disappointment of my government erecting a wall as silent and cold and formidable and impenetrable as that of Westeros between our family and the whole, factual truth. Where to go, who to call, what to do? Googled Civil Rights Attorneys who specialize in police shootings, opened Haddad & Sherwin, looked up a couple of the published cases won by Michael, called, and left a most-likely distraught message (I don't remember what I said) after 5:00pm. Fifteen minutes later a return call from Michael. Soon after a personal meeting with Michael. He met us half-way between our mountain town and Oakland. He put us at ease, dressed casual, and didn't speak in legalese. Explained the law, gave us hope, but didn't pull back from real and hard truths. Nothing overpromised, realistic and clear expectations, no "sales" pitch. Every time I or other family members called the office, someone would call us back or send us an email, either to speak at length or to let us know when they would be able to. After a long, hard fight, Haddad & Sherwin GOT THE FACTS AND EVIDENCE! After that, there were less questions. God and time have helped with the rage, the sighs, and the "what ifs?"