Legal Question in Bankruptcy in Wisconsin

I was referred to an attorney in Madison, WI by an attorney in New Jersey who specializes in corporate bankruptcy law concerning me needing to file an objection to the company I used to work for 17th omnibus rejection to my claim for severance pay.

All said and done I seem to live in the sticks and there are not many attorneys who specialize or can answer many of the questions that I have had including this law firm who did indeed file a timely response on my behalf to the Southern District Of New York Bankruptcy court where these proceedings have played out.

This law firm has answered NONE of my questions concerning the chances of me ever seeing any of the $12,000 owed to me by this fortune 250 company and again the company's firm has pushed back the next proceeding to mid January. This firm that I never sent a retainer to and had no agreement with sends me a bill for $1,150 which I feel is a bit steep but that is besides the point as I feel that they are owed something.

I have hired only one law firm in the past and everything was up front and articulated in the retainer agreement. This new firm is anything but forthcoming and I get a distinct feeling they want cart blanche permission.


Asked on 12/09/10, 4:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
JAY Nixon nixon law offices

It is entirely possible that the lawfirm may not know the answers to many of your questions until the litigation proceeds further. Although you have a right to know what is going on, they in turn have a right to bill you for their time in responding to your inquiries. Lawyers essentially have nothing to sell but their time, it is their only stock in trade, so more time means higher billing. Therefore, if you are already complaining about their billing, asking lots of questions is hardly the way to reduce your bills in the future. You also always have the right to fire your lawyers if you are unhappy with them or their billing However, finding another one to represent you in a far away state could prove difficult. Another approach might be to pay what you believe reasonable and ask them to consider compromising the remaining balance. My comments here are not intended as legal advice but rather are offered only for public educational purposes. My response here is therefore does not create a traditional attorney client relationship.

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Answered on 12/16/10, 9:07 am


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