Legal Question in Legal Malpractice in Massachusetts

Re: Is this circumstance malpractice?

You would have had to have contracted him specifically for the work involved, i.e., for the lease work. Was that in your agreement with the lawyer? Was the agreement in writing? Even then, he might be able to quit at any time unless he'd filed an appearance in a court case, in which case he'd need permission from the court and he might not get that.

You don't seem to be saying that the lease problem that arose was his fault in any way, i.e., anything that he should have foreseen and have prevented.

Not wanting your new business (for any reason at all) is not malpractice. There is no obligation of an attorney with an existing relationship with a client to take on that client's new business.

I'm sorry! It seems kind of harsh to me and not really good business for him.

If he did make a big mistake, maybe he doesn't want to talk to you because he's afraid you'll sue him for malpractice! Have you ever threatened?

By the way, I handle commercial leases!!! If he doesn't and won't, and you are within the Boston area, feel free to give me a telephone call. I've handled problems that have arisen after the lease was signed where the landlord almost kicked a commercial tenant out and I saved the business (a restaurant with little cash flow, by the way) with a suit filed in equity.

Anyway, good luck to you. Please mail me a coupon for a free meal, assuming you survive!