He says that I am wasting his time. He has a bad attitude. He says that I can fire him? Is that true? Wouldn't I owe him money for the threatening letters that he sent out? (That is all he did.) Unfortunately, I did sign something, but I do not know exactly what it said. (I BELIEVE that it said that I do not pay him unless I win the case!) So, now if I win the case without the rest of his help, do I still owe him money?
!
2007-12-16 01:08:43 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Thank you very much! thank you ALL!
oh! these are all very VERY good and interesting answers! it is impossible to choose a "best answer" as I really know very little about this lawyer stuff!!!!
However, I will pick someone because I guess no one as "best answer" because no one gets "points" if I do not pick one?
2007-12-16 05:28:46 · update #1
you guys are completely awesome! Thank you all!
2007-12-18 22:19:56 · update #2
You can fire your lawyer at any time and look for a new one. You would probably owe him for the time and postage that was used for the letters. You need to ask for a copy of the contingency agreement that you signed. It should have something in there about what would happen if you decide to fire him. If not, then you may not owe him anything. It may be a good idea to ask for a copy of your file (from his secretary -- try to avoid speaking to him, if you can) before you fire him. It may cost you the copying fees, but some lawyers can be real jacka**es about giving you your file post firing.
If they refuse to give you a copy of your file or agreement, contact the state bar association. For future reference, this is why I tell people that I know to always get your lawyer from someone who recommends him or her. I'm in law school, and there are plenty of people here who I wouldn't pay to wash my car, let alone handle one of my cases.
2007-12-16 01:16:58 · answer #1 · answered by Jamir 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether you "owe" your lawyer or not by contract, if you're dissatisfied don't pay him. It's a little known fact that most law firms only collect 60-80% of their billings. It's usually a waste of their time for them to sue their clients for unpaid bills and it's potentially very embarrassing. Also, you can complain about your lawyer to your state's version of the Attorney Discipline and Registry Commission. Lawyers are remarkably sensitive about the number of complaints made since each one has to have some degree of investigation and becomes a matter of record. Most ethical firms follow some version of the Skadden Arps policy: If you don't like our bill pay us whatever you want but don't come back.
2007-12-16 09:32:20 · answer #2 · answered by LucaPacioli1492 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where did you find this clown? Are you in a state funded place with bars and is he court appointed? You can fire any lawyer if you find just cause. I would talk to the courts or the judge and explain your reasons. You will have to pay for the work done so far. If you have a contract... the judge can revoke it or amend it. Get a lawyer someone recommends next time.
2007-12-16 09:18:30 · answer #3 · answered by Soniafrompa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you signed something that said you don't pay unless you win, then you can just walk away and find a new lawyer. If you already paid him ask for a refund or take him to small claims court over it.
The reason he is saying you are wasting his time is probably because he knows you won't win your case, and since he won't get paid he isn't interested in pursuing it for you and doing all that work for nothing.
2007-12-16 09:14:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on wher you live. Find out what Lawyer's Association the Lawyer belongs to.
2007-12-16 09:14:28 · answer #5 · answered by Jonathan L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can fire your lawyer at any time. Expect to pay for whatever work he has done so far - surely you signed an agreement when you engaged him, correct?
2007-12-16 10:01:44 · answer #6 · answered by npk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can acually take this to court and saying exactly that and he will have to pay you
and get the thing you signed and look it over and show him
2007-12-16 09:11:35 · answer #7 · answered by SurfinKylie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋