Tenant Defenders - San Diego, California

Marie L'amour

Receptionist speaks in a pleasant tone and can maintain composure. However, the Firm seems to ONLY care about collecting money, and not see if the case is something they are willing take on. I do not recommend this firm at all. They specialize in UD, but oddly can't help with last minute cases, which most UD are urgent. There is a good reason this firm has 3 stars.

I have had lawyers help me and speak to me before I even retain them. This is poor business practice. All the receptionist could convey is that this is a "private firm"... well obviously, most are. Lawyers here seem like sharks.

Sandra K

Finding a good attorney is tough, right? Especially when you feel like everyone's on the other side. Well, let me tell you about Dan Lickel at Tenant Defenders. I talked to more than 30 firms before I met Dan, and it was such a relief to finally find someone who gets it and is genuinely on your side.

From our first chat, I knew Dan was different. He's extremely knowledgeable about tenant rights in San Diego County. I came into this ready for a major battle, but with Dan’s help, we didn’t just scrape by—we won the war.

I’m super grateful for Dan's work and I can't recommend him enough. If you’re in San Diego and need someone to have your back, Dan’s your guy. Thanks, Dan, for not just being a great attorney but a great person to work with.

Erik D.

This place fully wasted my time and money. I paid a $210 consultation fee up front in order to book an in person appointment, which I was happy to pay. I chose the in-person option considering the situation was a bit complicated and this is what they advise directly on the website. I sent in all requested documentation 24 hours before.

10 minutes before my in person consultation, I was called by Rob, the attorney, who said there was a system error and that I shouldn't have been able to schedule an in person consultation on that day because he doesn't go into the office on Tuesdays. He said it would have to be done over the phone and assured me he does phone consults all the time. The attorney had not looked over a single document and spent more than half of the consult trying to organize the documents that were sent to his email. He was unfamiliar with the San Diego Ordinance that was violated by my landlord, and he would need to connect with his colleagues who are more familiar with the law but would follow up.

He never followed up. I sent an email immediately after the consult (and cc'd the office + Mark Whitham) and got no reply. Essentially I spent $210 for Rob to tell me to demand my security deposit back. I'm baffled that a law office is this unprofessional. What a scam. I'd strongly advise to look elsewhere for help.

norma deplume

If you’re a tenant in distress, this is the place to go. They’re a great team of compassionate professionals fighting for your rights and have helped me win against all odds. Landlords need to be held accountable for mistreating tenants and this is the firm to get it done.

M M

Marc Whitham is unprofessional and unethical. I paid for a consultation. Whitham told me not to pay fees levied by the landlord and that he would send a retainer to assist with my case. A week went by and no response. Sent multiple follow up emails with no reply. The consultations are a scam to make easy money. Reported this to California Bar.

Miles Johnson

This place is a scam and will waste your time and money. Scheduled and paid for an in person consultation. The day of, they called and said we would have to do it over the phone. The lawyer was not prepared for the call and had not reviewed the document i submitted. I also requested a partial refund since an in person visit costs more than a phone call and after leaving voice messages and emails they ghosted me and never gave my money back.

Eric Beck

I came to Website to get contact info, saw Reviews. Marc helped me years ago in LA Superior Court. My landlord was quite wealthy, had his high-powered lawyer. I had Marc. I won. Marc also prepped me for a corresponding Small Claims appearance against same landlord. Won again AND could have collected substantial money. (I opted not to go after it. Rather, I chose to use victory to create a better relationship with landlord).

So, I have nothing but good things to say about Marc. Matter-of-fact, professional, but kind with true empathy. Good man. Deserved every penny, even before judgements were in!

Malia Queen

Dan is awesome at what he does! We left his office Friday afternoon feeling great! He understood us and told us many ways he can help 🙂 as of now, he is drafting a letter to send to our landlord and we'll go from there, we will definitely be using him for any more legal issues that arise with our landlord. Thanks Dan for relieving so much stress for my husband and I. Thanks for everything!