Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York
conflict of interest
Can a lawyer except a meeting with you, not tell you you are being charged and then bill you; in addition can the same lawyer that you meet with and decided not to hire bill you for meeting based on the same case represent the other side in direct conflict with you with out your permission and with out notifying the judge?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: conflict of interest
This is not a simple answer. It depends on whether or not attorney client privilege attached. I would tell your current lawyer to make sure that this issue is brought to the courts attention. If you revealed information that you would not have disclosed, but for the fact that you were going to hire him. Attorney client privilege has attached.
As to the bill, it is very common that attorneys charge for a consultation. It usually should be told to you up front.
I will be very happy to further discuss this with you; I can be reached at 201-646-9600.
Savy Grant
Attorney at Law