Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Georgia

non refundable retainer fee
We gave an attorney a non-refundable retainer fee 10/2005 of $10,000. Contract read that it would get us through two estate hearings. No communication from atty. despite attempts. Has met 1 time since then and promised a letter one month ago. Still no communication. Has not requested hearing. No updates. No showing of work done or expenses charged. We do not know status of case. Does not return calls or respond to letters. Can we get our $10,000 back? House devalues as we wait.

Asked on 3/21/06, 12:30 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

W. Pete Reid W. Pete Reid, Attorney at Law, LLC

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Re: non refundable retainer fee

Your post raises serious ethical and potential legal malpractice issues.

I would be happy to speak with you about the situation in greater detail.

Answered on 3/21/06, 1:05 pm

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Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

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Re: non refundable retainer fee

If the lawyer is in GA, you should contact the state bar: http://gabar.org/ and request the forms to file a complaint against him/her. Fill them out, send a copy to him/her via certified mail and state that if you do not get a satisfactory resolution within, say, 10 days, you will file the papers with the state bar. The vast majority of attorneys are diligent in staying in communication with our clients and don't appreciate hearing about the bad apples.

Answered on 3/21/06, 3:33 pm

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