Engelmeier & Umanah PA

Reviews

• AP

  Alexis Poinsett

  Aug 22, 2025
  1.0
  Based on the research I have gathered, I can add a section to your statement that provides context on the historical and contemporary use of denial or cancellation of service as a form of racial discrimination. ​Here is the full statement with the research included at the end: ​ The receptionist at Engelmeier and Umanah demonstrated a clear act of reverse racism. When I gave her my address, she was immediately argumentative and demanded to know the street or avenue, as well as the direction, even though I had already provided this information. ​I explained to both her and the second lady on the phone that I am hyper-logical autistic, and that illogical information does not register well with me. The second lady, who also said she understood my disability, kept saying "sir, sir, sir" in an attempt to shut me up and change the narrative. After I began recording the call, this person eventually hung up, saying my questions were rude, uncalled for, and disrespectful. ​The entire interaction was unprofessional and deeply troubling. I would not recommend this firm to anyone. A place where they claim to understand the disability but don't care for your disability is a huge problem. To call a hyper-logical person that asked a lot of questions rude is very disrespectful, not only to somebody that stated that they're hyper-logical and autistic, but also to somebody that is also African American, because it shows that they can obviously tell my race through my accent on the phone. A cancellation of service is also a form of racism that has always been used. ​Research ​The act of denying service based on race has a long and well-documented history in the United States. During the Jim Crow era, "denial of service" was a common tool of segregation, legally enforced by "separate but equal" laws that barred African Americans from entering white-only establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and businesses. Even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed this practice, subtle forms of discrimination persisted. ​Today, while explicit denial of service is illegal, research from various fields demonstrates that implicit bias and unconscious discrimination can still lead to similar outcomes. Studies in sociology and consumer behavior have shown that people of color often receive less favorable service, are made to wait longer, or are subject to different treatment in commercial transactions. This can manifest as businesses and service providers "canceling service" or making it difficult to proceed with a transaction, effectively acting as a modern form of discrimination. Legal frameworks, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit discrimination on the basis of race in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
• TV

  Tina Volpe

  Nov 9, 2020
  5.0
  I had the pleasure of working with Charlie Firth. He was referred to me by a friend who had recently used his services and also had a great experience. I cannot say enough good things about him and my experience working with him. In my first introductory call with Charlie I instantly felt comfortable. Due to COVID and the stay at home order I never had a chance to meet Charlie in person, but this did not impact our working relationships or the job he did for me in anyway. He was incredibly attentive, did a great job keeping me in the loop of the process, he was a great listener when I just needed to vent about the situation, and I appreciated he was always so calm and confident. He really listened to the needs I expressed to him from day one and he never let me down. I highly recommend Charlie Firth should you ever require the type of legal services he offers.
• PC

  Pastor Paul Capetz

  Oct 24, 2019
  5.0
  Charlie Firth is an outstanding attorney. He helped me resolve a dispute with my employer. He was always available to talk with me and I really felt he had my best interests at heart. I recommend him without reservation and in the highest possible terms.
• NK

  N. Shanya Krueger

  Oct 19, 2018
  5.0
  Sheila Engelmeier and Charlie Firth fought for me against a Goliath and won. Sheila's reputation proceeds herself and as a result big corporations are held accountable for discriminatory practices. I am so so so thankful for this group.
• ST

  Susan Tietz

  Jun 21, 2016
  5.0
  My daughter, son and I have used various lawyers at Engelmeier & Umanah to assist us with our legal needs over the last several decades. The work was excellent on all counts. For example, Sheila Engelmeier, Jamie Flom and Tom Marshall helped my daughter with a disability benefits claim. They were also very helpful with a discrimination claim for a member of my family. Similarly, the firm assisted me with executive compensation issues and employment transition issues. Ivory Umanah helped our family with a number of estate planning and probate dispute issues. We not only received great service, but a lot of compassion. We recommend them to anyone who is looking for great lawyers and people, as well as a place that feels like home.