Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP - Boulder, Colorado

Lori L.

I approached this law firm because it was recommended to me and I couldn't be more dissatisfied. I presented them with a very simple traffic violation, having never been to court before, I didn't understand how it works and I wanted to be covered. I later found out that I could have received the same result I got without having hired a lawyer (my fault for not knowing) however in the first conversation I said that if we went over the retainer, I would be using my daughter's college money which I cannot do, and they promised to not exceed the $2500 retainer because it was such a simple case, but the bills kept rolling in to the amount of $6,635.00. And when I tell you this was a simple case, I mean it. They took full advantage of me. It's completely disheartening to be so taken advantage of, I wouldn't recommend this firm to anyone.

Tom H.

They EVENTUALLY do good work, but:

Every time I have used them, they take FOREVER to do things. And they keep promising to get it done, even giving me dates - like 'tomorrow', or 'this week' and then they keep missing their own deadline dates.

The last time I used them before this time, they were so late, they said they would not charge me for it. This time, (I guess because they ended up writing off the last job) they wanted a retainer before they would do the work. I gave them the retainer under the condition they would do the job quickly and 6 weeks later I am still waiting for a 4 hour job to be done.

Martha L.

I needed advice from an attorney as I was departing and employer. Their office was responsive, very helpful, and did a great job of setting my expectations up front about their billing procedures and the expected cost. I would recommend them to anyone and know that they offer services well beyond just employment law. I would definitely use them again, although hopefully there will be no need.

Monika D.

Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti Law Firm is an exceptional law firm in downtown Boulder. Giovanni Ruscitti provided extensive mediation services to resolve a complex business matter during a challenging time. He was empathetic and respectful. His commitment to resolving the business matter was unwavering. Mr. Ruscitti had a very difficult assignment, especially with a prolonged matter as each side seemed intractable. However, Mr. Ruscitti was persistent. I was highly satisfied with Mr. Ruscitti work and wholeheartedly recommend him to others seeking professional, ethical, effective professional neutral.

Jeff W.

I have known Giovanni Ruscitti for almost 20 years. He and his law firm, Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti, has represented my business, business partners, and me personally over that time. Giovanni has represented our legal needs on a wide range of matters – some simple, some extremely complex. His knowledge of the law is vast and his dedication and commitment to my needs as a client are always uncompromised, always working diligently to achieve an optimal outcome. I’ve not met, or worked with, a smarter attorney with his diversity and ability to take on any legal issue. He, and his BHG&R partners, have built a fantastic team of attorneys and support staff who supplement his counsel as necessary – truly a team approach to the law.

Professionalism, dedication, responsiveness, ethics, and reliability are key characteristics to any successful business relationship. I have always appreciated the manner in which Giovanni and his team have exemplified these attributes throughout the past two decades of our doing business together. It is a pleasure working with someone so dedicated to upholding these values, and instilling them in those around him. Giovanni is a valued and trusted legal and business partner – I look forward to the next two decades of a very successful relationship with him.

KS M.

I have to agree with these other reviewers. This firm needs to have a hard look at some of their behaviors. I was their client for 5 years. I formed my opinion based on some of the issues I experienced and observed such as what I deemed as:

Overbilling.
Bullying.
Subpar partners.
Numerous mistakes.

They made numerous mistakes but one of those mistakes opened me to legal action in another state. I actually had a contempt filing against me having nothing to do with me personally but actually due to a mistake made by Giovanni Ruscitti and his team (they say it wasn't a "mistake" but other lawyers disagree). Originally, Giovanni said he would fix it but that case is still outstanding and now Giovanni does not seem to be taking responsibility. I feel scared and overwhelmed as it was something my attorneys did and not me but since I'm the client, I got named on the complaint. I am hopeful he will protect me and pay whatever it costs to defend this issue.

I think they have a serious problem of overbilling and were accused by others of overbilling me. Although the issues were varied, one is example is on multiple occasions I was given estimates and then the attorneys billed me for time that exceeded the estimate. In at least one case, this was by a large amount. Billing issues made for a very uncomfortable environment for me, one where trust was an ongoing issue. To be clear, this issue was related to billing from other lawyers in the firm, not Giovanni.

The firm hires at least some of the children of the founding partners. All I'll say is you might want to check into the dynamic of accountability at the firm before hiring them.

I felt the Managing Partner in particular, Giovanni Ruscitti, was bullying to me in multiple settings. It was difficult on me emotionally.

Overall, I would say there are serious issues that need to be addressed. I often considered leaving but felt it was not in my best interest and that it would prejudice my cases given the nature of the stalking and level of invasion into my private life.

John W.

This is not a review of the law firm, but it is a review of Geoffrey Gardner, now an associate of BHGR. While at Jorgenson, Brownell and Pepin, Gardner was assigned to my real estate litigation in early 2019. He failed to prepare us for a rather hastened mediation in March 2019. Gardner attended the mediation but did not follow up with our concerns on release language needed to finalize settlement. Instead, Gardner concealed the mediator's follow-up email from us, which kept us from learning of the mediator's proposed terms. Gardner went silent for 24 days, after which he misrepresented to us that the other parties had signed off, and we would be compelled to sign a "final" settlement agreement. Gardner had previously informed the opposing parties that we had agreed to their terms and would sign the draft settlement. Gardner later testified in a hearing against us, alleging we had settled. Gardner's negligence and misrepresentation resulted in a botched mediation and 4 unnecessary years of costly litigation. For more information, refer to the 8th District Court's case: 2021CV30214. Not recommended!

Peter S.

I've known members and partners of this firm since the late 1990's. They have covered many issues for myself and my business. These are not only confident professionals but also wonderful people as well. I say this both personally, and, as a founder of a large recycling firm that has near 18 years of business under our belt. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you BHGR law for the decades of calls answered with out fail and with crystal clear advice. BHGR law truly a special group of people. Usually I don't give up my best secrets. This time I will. They are beyond deserving of this post.