Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Massachusetts
Client's decision not to pay
My maid service client, an attorney, informed me today that she had decided in July not to pay us for our service, but never told us until we withheld service today (11/5/07). I am filing in small claims court. Do I also have a case for filing a complaint with the bar association?
Asked on 11/05/07, 4:55 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Wiest
Edward R. Wiest, PC
Re: Client's decision not to pay
Ordinarily, the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers does not get involved in disputes regarding non-payment of bills by attorneys. However, were an attorney to refuse to pay a judgment (even a small claims judgment), it might become the basis for bar discipline (under a theory that an attorney cannot refuse to obey a valid court order).
Answered on 11/05/07, 9:17 pm