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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Northeast GA
Posts: 2,059
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Learning experience from a lawyer - rant
A month ago I met with an attorney to explore legal actions against another company.
I provided all the documentation necessary, including the CFR violated, and I admit, it would be a tough case and maybe not worth the bother and expense. At that time I signed a retainer. He said he'd have a draft letter ready the next week. I heard nothing from him except a phone call I initiated after 2 weeks. He still didn't know how to approach the case. He was going to call me early the next week. No call. I emailed him last Wednesday and he responds back the next day "I'll call you Friday". Never does. So, this past Saturday I call and email him: [To lawyer]: Will you return my $X,XXX and we'll just go our separate ways? Thanks for your consideration of my request. -Bob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [From Lawyer] I will place my itemized statement and check for unearned retainer in the mail to you Friday. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [To Lawyer] I'll be needing my documentation back, as well as copies of any notes or worksheets evidencing your work. Thanks, -Bob ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What I learned is that if the guy can't give you a results-oriented plan at the intial meeting, don't sign and pay a retainer. He came recommended so I let my guard down.
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Bob S. '87 911 ("Hardtop" per neighbor) |
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08-24-2009, 08:21 AM
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time wasting tosser
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: oHIo
Posts: 2,608
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He's going to bill you for every conversation you had with him at an exorbitant rate, and nickel and dime you for the entire retainer or possibly more.
Been there. |
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08-24-2009, 08:36 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Northeast GA
Posts: 2,059
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It'll be interesting to see how he plays it.
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Bob S. '87 911 ("Hardtop" per neighbor) |
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08-24-2009, 09:06 AM
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.
Posts: 20,936
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Take him to small claims court for the retainer, since he didn't perform.
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08-24-2009, 09:09 AM
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The Unsettler
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Lantanna TX
Posts: 23,885
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Have a similar issue with an attorney that blew a deal for me.
My current attorney informed me that there are peer review boards that you can take your case to. I believe they are part of the Bar and as such any member is subject to their decision.
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"I want my two dollars" "Goodbye and thanks for the fish" "Proud Member and Supporter of the YWL" "Brandon Won" |
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08-24-2009, 09:28 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 5,823
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I also had a similar issue last year. After a year, he completely blows it. Forgets to take witness testimony.
Screwed me for ten grand, but gave ten grand back. Said I could take him to court over it if I wanted to to try to get the full amount back. By that time, he'd nickel and dimed me to death.
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'85 911. White - 53,000 miles bought 3-16-07. "Casper" '88 924S. Blue - 120k miles bought with 105k miles. '94 968 Coupe - White - 108,000 miles bought 9-28-17 '09 Cayman - Grey - bought 9-8-20 |
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08-24-2009, 09:36 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Northeast GA
Posts: 2,059
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I wasn't going to mention the GA Bar or small claims, since he may surprise me in a pleasant or reasonable way. It'd be the first time I had a pleasant surprise for 1.5 years.
Almost immediately after I started my towing, transport, and later recovery (repo) company in April '08, I realized I can't do this "on the side". My fault really in expecting too much of my business partner to run operational things since I have a regular job. It became a nightmare and I'm actually quite happy lately since I'm just selling off the last truck and a 2-car trailer. Another thing I learned (of about 50 things) is that I should've gone with my gut when the first attorney advised me "you only got this much out of them by your tenacity" and "this is a tough case and I'll take your money but it will end up being a black hole" ---something like that. I value my (and others) honesty above all else, but I also have the A-hole gene real bad and that's a bad combination for getting screwed even more.
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Bob S. '87 911 ("Hardtop" per neighbor) |
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08-24-2009, 10:18 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Northeast GA
Posts: 2,059
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Just to tie up loose ends...
Basically, the old bastard sent me my retainer back less a little more than three hours billing. I had decided ahead of time that I could "live with" three hours billing and just let it go. So, that's that. No evidence that he did anything. One of my smaller losses. Maintain and move on, I guess.
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Bob S. '87 911 ("Hardtop" per neighbor) |
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09-05-2009, 06:08 AM
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Dog-faced pony soldier
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They'll bill you for everything. Phone calls, time spent to read e-mails, you name it. The meter is always running with those guys. The concept of "paid by the job" doesn't apply to lawyers.
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A car, a 911, a motorbike and a few surfboards Black Cars Matter |
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09-05-2009, 06:51 AM
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