I myself did not retain Mr. Csonka as a client, but a family member did & I attended the initial consult with him. I assisted in gathering his documents, & doing much of the legwork for his bankruptcy filing. We were clear with Mr. Csonka from the start that his business bankruptcy would be complex, and Mr. Csonka gave us every indication that he was aware of how to handle bankruptcies that involved tax problems.

We paid the retainer, sent him all documents & yet were never given a date of when he would file. Before we knew it we were told the case was something that was more than his office could handle. Keep in mind all of the tax issues were discussed AT THE INITIAL CONSULT. It was then suggested (by his paralegal) that we contact another attorney that specializes in tax law in Pittsburgh that would charge a considerable higher sum. We thought about it, and decided against it. I should also mention that Mr. Csonka is no longer working with this attorney.

This member of my family has now decided to file with an attorney in Harrisburg, who has filed the bankruptcy (and BTW didn't act like it would take an act of Congress to successfully work through the tax issues.) It was she who strongly suggested we ask for a refund from Mr. Csonka. At first there was some mention of perhaps the return of filing fees from Mr. Csonka's office, but the last time I spoke with them they basically told me that wasn't happening. I have contacted PA bar association to at least report the situation because although lawyers do practice like this it is not usually the reputable ones. I have worked with law firms in the past, but have yet to see one misrepresent themselves in this manner, or be so unwilling to give an inch when they know they were incapable of handling a case they took on.

I am not trying to discredit Mr. Csonka as an attorney, and assume with a a straightforward bankruptcy he might be adept at handling your case. However, in our case I believe he might have become overwhelmed. Had he been good enough to refund our money, or admitted he couldn't handle the case in the beginning I would have a good deal more respect for his honesty, and integrity.

If you enjoy chasing a professional attorney down that you used your good money to pay by all means use him!

Great lawyer, I couldnt retain his services yet. But will use him in the future for sure. He is very truthful and will spend his time to answere any questions you have. Out of all the lawyers I spoken too he was by far the best around here. Thank you Mr. Csonka for all your time spent with me and I will be in when I get enough money to retain your services. T.wagner

I guess after now having been a client of this firm for nearly four years its safe to say i can provide a fair and honest review of my experience.. i must say first that my situation was perhaps one of if not the most complicated, complex MESS Michael has ever had to deal with.. Throughout the years of working with him in this matter there were times i was frustrated with him.. but looking back i was frustrated with the ENTIRE WORLD.. my only frustration was he wasnt so great at returning my phone calls but keep in mind i wasnt his only client.. i have waited a long to write a review because to be HONEST AND FAIR you MUST give him and his staff a chance and TIME to fix this mess WE have created for OURSELVES.. Michael did not create our situations which we've asked him and his staff to fix. To give him and is staff a poor review without giving them TIME and a chance to guide..educate and mend our poor money management practices is just wrong.
In the end...he did just what he and his advertments said he would do.. he assisted and guided my wife and i to become debt-free and start a fresh, new life.
Im out of a bad mortgage and living in a new house with a mortgage i can afford.. through the office's counselling and opening of my eyes, we have now been able to move forward with our lives and have been BLESSED with a fresh new start..
Though some of the things in buying my new home i had to do myself this would NOT have been possible without the help of Michael and his staff.
Kim, his Paralegal, is INCREDIBLE at her job. Over the years i never called the office with a question that Kim did not have an accurate answer for. She was extremely comforting during the initial filing and has become a great friend that i always look forward to talking to when i call the office.
I am greatful and appreciative of the help that Michael and his staff has given. As stated above, he did i job he said he would do and yes i would refer him to a friend or family.
D.Biddinger

When I met with Mr. Csonka at his York office, I was confused, concerned, nervous and unsure about the path I needed to take to remedy my issues. Within a few minutes, Mr. Csonka offered guidance in addressing my issues and lifted a lot of pressure off of me. His knowledge and professionalism were spot on, and I would not hesitate to use or recommend him in the future.

Although Michael Csonka advertises "Free Consultation", don't believe it. There is no truth-in-advertising in his office. The consult is only free if you retain Michael Csonka. What a colossal waste of my time to deal with an attorney who is not on the up and up.