How can I get a refund from a lawyer that I paid in full, but did not represent me? -

I retained a lawyer when I lived in another state, moved away. That lawyer stated that he will no longer represent me. I have requested my paperwork and at least some of my payment to be returned to me. I have not received any response or acknowledge me in anyway.

File a complaint with the agency that regulates lawyers in your state. That is not the bar association. A bar association is a fraternal organization and membership is voluntary. It has nothing to do with regulating attorney conduct. However, the state bar association will be able to give you information about the agency that does regulate lawyers in your state. Forget the small claims court. That s a waste of your time and money.

Contact the local bar association where the attorney practices, and ask for a fee arbitration form. Concerning your paperwork, the attorney has a duty to send you the original documents. This I would report to the state bar association where the attorney practices, or call up the bar association and register a complaint. Priuor to filing complaints, I recommend making your demands for payment and documents to the attorney in writing. Good luck!

These are all good suggestions but it all depends on the circumstances and what kind of contract you may or may not have signed with the attorney. Most of them are pretty sneaky and they cover their a**es pretty good by putting in the contract that retainers are non-refundable. If you moved away without informing the attorney and he was unable to contact you, he may have another out....

oh this is BOSS take him to small claims court, if it s under like around $3500, and all you have to do is prove he did not fulfill his contract he will be SO embarrassed, and if your paperwork is in order, he will lose

An Attorney is REQUIRED to return paperwork to you and in fact you are entitled to everything in his file. Depending on the terms of your contract, you may or may not be able to get a refund of your money. Contact the Bar Association in your state. (If I had the state, I d give you their contact info). Just google or yahoo that state s bar association...they are easy to find. They will do an investigation. In the meantime, you may send a certified letter (return receipt also) to the Attorney s office requesting your paperwork and money back. And make a copy of the letter before you send it. This will be helpful to the Bar Association if they begin an investigation. Good luck.

The lawyer may not be licensed to practice law in the state in which you now live.Therefore he cannot now represent you. You paid him the retainer to have him repreent you. He probably would have, except for your actions.( in leaving the state) I fail to see why he would owe you a refund.

Check with the local bar; but depending on your agreement with him, you may not be getting anything back

Lots of luck on this one kiddo! lawyers stick together like glue! Kinda like doctors!

Tell him you re going to complain to the BBO.

If you have requested your papers and refund in writing your next step is to file a complaint with the state bar...they will help you get your money and paperwork back.

looks like you will have to take him to small claims court

Hire another lawyer to sue him, and make sure you pay the new lawyer in advance. Well, you probably wouldn t have to sue, and you may not be able to get it back anyway.

Complain to the bar association in the state and county where you hired the lawyer. Or, that state s bar association. They will follow it up. If you need to, hire a local lawyer to sue old lawyer.