Legal Question in Legal Malpractice in Florida

Sustandard legal representation

Hired an attorney for a paternity suit. She did nothing on case, lied to me several times (in registered emails, so it is provable) and has failed to return the balance of the retainer since her firing. I am sending a certified letter regarding the balance and am considering legal recourse. She put me off for a year, phone calls ignored, no paperwork showed up, no papers were filed. Absolutely nothing was done. She was supposed to be the voice for my child. What direction should I go with this?

Thank you.


Asked on 8/27/07, 2:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: Sustandard legal representation

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

If you feel that you did not get the legal services you paid for and were entitled to, you can do one of three things. First, you can demand your file/papers back and retain another attorney to finish the work. Second, you can file a complaint with the Florida Bar about the failure of the attorney to do the work as agreed upon. Third, you can seek an attorney who handles legal malpractice and consider suing for damages, if you have been financially damaged by the attorneys actions. In order for an attorney to accept a malpractice case, the damages would have to be very substantial.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 8/27/07, 10:47 pm


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