Thread: I didn't know attornies would lie :)

Originally Posted by maxpro2

ETHICS, OPINION 93-2


This definitely gives you a great argument. What does the contract say specifically about retainer or the fee being nonrefundable? I'm pretty sure in Florida they have fee arbitration whenever a client disagrees with the lawyer. This is great for you because you don't really need an attorney to do this.

I'll look when I get back home. I know it doesn't say anything about a retainer at all, just the total fee. He verbally said he would need $250.00 for a retainer. Like a fool, I gave him $850.00.

It does say something about getting a refund but in the same paragraph it says all fees are non-refundable. It's really vague.

Originally Posted by maniclion

Just do like I said, get your money's worth out of him in ridiculous ways. Like if you are in an argument with one of your buddies 3-way call the lawyer and make him mediate the argument, have him with you to negotiate your salary if you get a new job....

Stop giving this guy bad advice. There is a possibility that he can get his money back and get this lawyer in trouble with the bar.

Originally Posted by ROID

I'll look when I get back home. I know it doesn't say anything about a retainer at all, just the total fee. He verbally said he would need $250.00 for a retainer. Like a fool, I gave him $850.00.

It does say something about getting a refund but in the same paragraph it says all fees are non-refundable. It's really vague.

It being very vague will be good for you. Let him know that he is in violation of Rule 4-1.5(a) of the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, and that you demand your money back. If you don't get it back, then you will immediately file an ethics complaint with the bar and pursue mandatory fee arbitration.