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About
I represent TENANTS ONLY, not landlords. Also, I do NOT handle eviction defense in unlawful detainer actions. What I specialize in is representing tenants in separate lawsuits filed against landlords for violations of tenants' rights cases on a contingency fee basis -- in other words: No Win, No Fee. I focus on habitability defects, harassment, and wrongful or constructive evictions. Prior to landlord-tenant law, I was a felony prosecutor and criminal defense attorney for over a decade handling the most serious of cases (from murder to multi-million dollar embezzlement). I won dozens of jury trials, which means you have an experienced trial attorney by your side if your case requires a jury trial (and the leverage to credibly negotiate with insurance companies and landlords, which is how most cases successfully resolve).
I offer a No Cost, No Obligation consult. I look forward to hopefully helping you soon.
Sincerely,
Ari Rief, Esq.
Overview
Hired 34 times
Background checked
License verified
1 employee
15 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2018
2017
Credentials
License verified
Attorney
License state: CA
Background checked
Passed by Ariel Rief on Jan 21, 2021.
Services offered
Criminal charges
Drug possession
Theft or robbery
Probation/parole offense
Physical/aggravated assault
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
20 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Edwin W.
Jun 29, 2017
First things first when i met Mr. Ariel Rief i was in such a critical situation where my loved one(grandma) was about to pass away and at the same time unfortunately i had court just within a few days and the way it was going with me looked all negative from my point of view. Like i wasn't going to be able to see my great grandma the very last time of her life and i was going to be detained Till then i got desperate i started looking for attornys and well like i said it was all nagitve news for me i found Mr Ariel Rief's contact info online and gave him a call he answered asking very good questions till finally met him at his office and he helped me get a brief prospective on how the case worked possibilities and what not. He ALWAYS asked the right questions because thats what you need in order for him help you best! He was very consistent and always friendly and professional wish i could give him 10 stars because Mr. Ariel really did help me in the time in need when i needed him the most and a very great person with a great heart therefore i RECOMMEND MR. Ariel Rief as you're go to guy if you need legal advice 100% trustworthy he GAVE ME THE GIFT TO SEE MY GRANDMA ONE LAST TIME OF HER LIFE THANK YOU Mr. Ariel
Criminal Defense Attorney
Aaron D.
Oct 8, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I got a little worried there when it was about to start court but, you made it with time to spare. Everything went smoothly. Thank you very much. You were worth every penny spent. I know I could have never gotten the deal you got me. My girl and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I've changed a lot in my life since then and I appreciate you letting me get this over with this quickly.
I hope I never need a lawyer again for anything but, if I do you are definitely first on my list. Hell your the only one on my list. Thanks again for the excellent job well done. Much better then I expected May God bless you and your family.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Linda B.
Oct 26, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I hired Ari of Rief Legal to help my son with an upcoming court date. Ari was professional and courteous, yet down to earth. Always promptly and completely answered my questions. From the start Ari said his goal was to get the case dismissed (though no guarantee). Goal achieved and, needless to say, we were quite pleased and relieved with the outcome - CASE DISMISSED! Handled to perfection! Thank you Ari!
Criminal Defense Attorney
Madison M.
Jun 4, 2017
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Hired on Thumbtack
I am very greatful for Ari. He was the first lawyer I spoke to who didn't make me feel pressured to buy his services. He was very straight forward and approachable. Given his experience, I trusted his advice as well. If my family ever needed legal help, I would immediately refer them to Ari and I would absolutely use him again if needed.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Eng T.
Apr 23, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Ariel provided excellent information about my case. He's definitely very knowledgeable and helped me understand what I might be facing. I would recommend Ariel for anyone looking for someone very knowledgeable and affordable as well.
Criminal Defense Attorney
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
No Win. No Fee. In other words, attorney fees are contingent on me first winning your case or securing a settlement. Thumbtack requires I list a fee, so I'm putting $300/hr., but again this is NOT a rate you pay in any way out-of-pocket upfront. Instead, there's simply a percentage split between client/attorney for any settlement or judgment.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
An initial consultation (over the phone, in person at my office, or remotely on Zoom) that is 100% FREE with NO PRESSURE and NO OBLIGATION. There's also no middleman; just me and you. The goal is to help you with straightforward and useful advice and see if it makes sense to work together. Our meeting is 100% confidential.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
EDUCATION
J.D., University of San Diego School of Law
B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
WORK EXPERIENCE (Most relevant & summarized)
- Trial Counsel (Tenant Law Group, PC) - lead trial attorney for a tenants' rights firm handling cases throughout California (1 year)
- Trial Attorney - Rief Legal (Owner, Private Practice) - (7 years)
- Deputy District Attorney for the Amador County District Attorney's Office (3 years)
- Deputy District Attorney for the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office (1 year)
CLERKSHIPS
- Twice for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
- United States Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division, Major Frauds Section (San Diego, CA)
- San Diego City Attorney’s Office, Civil Division
- Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP (San Diego, CA)
LAW SCHOOL HONORS
- "First Place" in three Mock Trial competitions
- “Best Closing Argument” Award
- “Honors” (top grade) in Negotiations
- “Honors” in Lawyering Skills (Legal Research, Writing, and Oral Advocacy)
- “Best [Legal] Brief” Award
