Smith & Gaynor Law Firm

I was represented by Jane Ellen Doran and found to be an excellent lawyer! She was extremely knowledgeable, courteous, compassionate and thorough. She was always quick to respond to my inquiries and ultimately we reached a fair agreement in a very reasonable time frame. I would highly recommend her and plan to use her again!

I knew that Ms. Jane Ellen Doran was the right family law attorney for me, the moment I met her. Honesty, integrity, transparency, partnership and professionalism, are just a few of her great values. I received this and much more. My needs were put first and was treated like I am family. I appreciated Ms. Jane Ellen Doran guiding me every step of the way that needed to be handled to move my case forward to absolute success. I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. My opinions were valued, and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed, and the process was always explained. Ms. Jane Ellen Doran fought hard for me. She went above and beyond and did everything she could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm or attorney. You are in amazing hands with Ms. Jane Ellen Doran and the entire Smith & Doran firm.

I am the founder of a non-profit organization Mitr, which started in 1998 to primarily help first generation immigrant women who are victims of domestic abuse. I got the opportunity to work with Jane Ellen Doran while helping one of the DV victims Madhavi. These days it is very hard to find good attorneys, especially pro bono ones. Even though she was providing free service, Jane took utmost care and she was very thorough and committed throughout the case and exhibited professionalism all along. Her compassion, ethics and integrity were outstanding. Right from day one I had great confidence that she will provide professional service and she lived up to that and got justice for Madhavi. Going through a divorce and especially through a DV is in itself a tough ordeal but at least through great attorneys like Jane, people can be assured that justice will prevail. I hope there are more attorneys like Jane. Great job Jane!!! It's an honor to know you as a person and as a professional.

The divorce process is painful enough, but having the right lawyer to handle the legality part makes it so much easier - that is why I hired Jane Ellen Doran, Esq. with Smith and Doran in Morristown, NJ. She has the experience to guide you through the process, patiently explains all your options and, most importantly, goes above and beyond to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your situation. I once heard her described as "having the graces of a Southern Bell, but with the fire and determination of a pit bull" - having Jane Ellen as my lawyer, I couldn't agree more. Jane Ellen is definitely someone you want on your team.

My experience with Jane Ellen Doran was horrific. When I first met with her to consult for my pending divorce she said to me...I don't have a crystal ball but there are certain areas based on your circumstances in a 20+ year marriage that you will have in place to help you move on separately after divorce. Never did I ever think that at the end of my divorce I would be given a bill from her for approximately $92,000! My salary at that time was less than $35,000 annually and my x's was approximately $120,000, not including bonuses. He only had to pay $9000. toward the legal fees when even the court appointed economic mediator said it should be much more than that. I was left in financial ruins for myself and 2 children. Jane Ellen never once attended court with me to face him and his lawyer, usually sending a paralegal. I had to use half of my only retirement fund during the divorce to pay her and after the divorce take out several loans and even borrow money from credit card offers to pay the balance. Anyone that knew of my circumstances during the divorce proceedings said that I was being terribly misrepresented and financially taken, but I told them that she assured me that in the end, he would have to pay for his "no show" court dates and poor faith proceedings so I shouldn't worry about the cost. The judge himself put forth a court order against my x to pay me legal fees twice and Jane Ellen would not pursue it when he didn't pay, again saying that we will get them in the end. When the end finally came, they did not fight for me and used scare tactics saying I will lose everything if I don't sign off on the legal fees. I let fear and trust in them and their duty to their client persuade me which was a very big mistake. She took an oath to represent me to the best of her ability and she never even stepped foot in the court house with me. I hope this review will prevent others from having a horrible experience. I do not and never will refer Jane Ellen Doran to represent anyone.