Trust betrayed - scammed again!!!

I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!!!!! I just found out that my trusted attorney has lied to me, betrayed my trust, violated my rights, and scammed me out of a $2,000 retainer fee! My attorney had gone missing a few months back, then called at the end of August to say that he had been dealing with some serious personal issues, but was back in the saddle again. He said he was no longer partnered with the other attorney in my state, and was restricting his practice to his home state (immediately adjacent to mine), and that he wanted to continue to handle my personal affairs and cases against my family members, and southern doctors and T. Fine - I told him I completely understood and was glad he was okay.

I have not heard a word from him since then. He will not answer or return my calls, won't respond to my e-mails, won't answer my questions, won't send me the information and documents he has promised - and I still do not have a will, POA, etc., even though I gave him that $2,000 retainer almost a year ago. His website still shows him practicing out of offices in both states. So, I called his office in my state today - I *67'd to block caller id. I told his secretary that I was researching attorneys in my area and that he had been recommended by a good friend, but that my friend didn't know if he was still practicing in my state. His secretary was very nervous and evasive - wouldn't give me any information about him until I gave her a name. I gave her a fake name and acted rather insulted - she then told me that he works out of my state's office 2-3 days per week and out of his home state's office the rest of the time. I asked about areas of practice and fees and told her I would get back with them if I decided to hire him.

LIAR!! He knows that I cannot get medical treatment around here because of the mess my family members created for me with my southern doctors and T by providing false information regarding me to them all, deceiving and manipulating them all into betraying their ethics and my trust and violating my rights by allowing my family members to direct and control my medical care without my knowledge and consent and without ever requesting my medical records from up north until it was too late and I lost $80,000+ in long-term disability insurance benefits - and now he has done the VERY SAME THING!!!!! He has wasted so much precious time which puts my cases against my family members, doctors, and T in jeopardy due to statutes of limitation. I have shown all of these people more care, concern, compassion, and consideration than any of them have ever shown me, and given them all way more credit than they deserve!

WHAT IS IT WITH THESE PEOPLE???? HOW DO THEY MANAGE TO WALK THROUGH LIFE COMPLETELY DEVOID OF PRINCIPLES, ETHICS, AND CONSCIENCE?????

I have contacted the state bar association and will begin the preliminary steps which must be completed prior to filing a formal grievance.

I can't breathe - my heart murmur is in full overdrive - I'm numb and tingling all over ---------

THAT'S IT! I'M DONE!! NO MORE "NICE" LYNN!!!

(((((((((((((((((((((((lynn))))))))))))))))))))))))))

WOW. That's horrible. I say get another one for not, there must be some way to get the money back and this guy in trouble for what he did - it sounds UTTERLY AND ENTIRELY ILLEGAL, not to mention downright CRUEL.

I know nothing can truly undo what's been done, so sending loads of hugs and hoping you can find a way to at least make the best of a messed up situation.

I am so sorry this has happened to you Lynn .
I really don't have any words my friend .
I hope some hugs are comforting to you .
Take Care

Lynn, I'm sorry about this latest awful setback. My chief concern is your immediate condition. You are a veteran at dealing with yourself; are you able to get your heart / pulse under control? LYNN FIRST.

Thanks, (((Rohag))) - I can - I must - I cannot allow this to take me down into the depths of self-pity and depression, or give me a heart attack or stroke, either.

I now have NO ONE - I do not have one single person to advocate for me - no doctor, no T, no attorney, no emergency contact, no executor for my will, no irl friends, no one to care for my cat if something happens to me - no one other than my PC brothers and sisters.

These people are trying to erase me - make me a non-entity! Don't they realize what a dangerous thing this is to do to another human being? Have they learned NOTHING from history - whether it's a group of people or one single individual - OPPRESSION BREEDS REBELLION!

Please stay on me - don't let me give up - I must be stronger and more determined now than I have ever been in my entire life.

Dear, we are here and no way is any of us going to bail. You have been through a -load of abuse in that town and I really think that you are right. No more nice Lynn. BUT.....make sure you do not act without considering all aspects carefully. It is easy to get into trouble, emotionally and legally when you act in anger. Is there a way you can get legal advice through the net or through the BAR? Can they recommend a new attorney for you? Can you get references? Has he or she dealt with a similar case before (unfortunately i have heard of others...)? These are all questions that run through my mind when I hear about this. Hang on, Lynn. It sounds like you need all of your formidible courage right now. In spririt, if not in the flesh, you have us behind you every step of the way. Hold on to that.

And no, dear, they don't learn from history. Every egotist is sure what has happened to everybody else will never happen to them because they are sooooo smart.

Thanks for the support, lonegael, and your other comment about the limited intelligence of the egotists. Love it. But, worry not - my outrage at what these people and companies have done is justified in that their actions are unjust, unethical, and unlawful. I do not believe in vengence. I believe in justice, ethics, and the law - if I were to do anything to violate my principles for the sake of retaliation, I would have no justification for demanding that they be held accountable for their misdeeds. No, no - I will not act rashly or foolishly. Yes, the egotists are blinded by their own cleverness. To me, true intelligence dictates the application of knowledge in accordance with the loftiest principles of ethical conduct. Further, all of these folks (and many others in this society) ASSUME that if a person is disabled, then they couldn't possibly be intelligent. Suffice it to say that they all have drastically underestimated my intelligence, as well as my resolve. I will have justice - not revenge.

My father's an attorney and he would be simply disgusted by this! I'm so sorry this happened to you!! I agree with your philosophies; justice and ethics are important. While my dad doesn't make a whole lot of money, he would never attempt a scam like the one your attorney did to you. $2,000!! That's a whole lot of money to play around with, no matter how much you want/need it as an attorney.

Desperate times call for desperate measures I suppose. It's sickening what people are willing to do to perfectly innocent, principled citizens like yourself to get money. Your trust was betrayed and now where do you stand? It's hard to recover from something like this.

As the daughter of two lawyers, I hope this does not ruin your view of all of them. My folks are very decent, honest, hard-working people who earn their money by providing quality service to those who need it. The quantity of their business is begotten by the quality. This is how most attorneys should operate and I strongly suggest reporting this guy to the state bar and finding yourself a better one. What a pig!

And of course, we're all here for you. It's good to hear you're seeking justice and not revenge. Good luck!

Good for you! You go, girl!!!

Thanks for your support, (((Lgoogieg))). I hear you - personally, I have never been able to process the logical disconnect necessary to engage in blanket condemnations of any group of people based on the actions of the one or the few. I've worked for many attorneys over the years, as well as for and with a lot of doctors, architects, engineers, corporate execs, and other professionals. The few who tried to get me to participate in unethical acts of any kind were confronted nose to nose and told fire me or don't - either way, they would have to get someone else to do their dirty work for them and I would still report them if they went ahead with their plans.

You're right - $2,000 is a lot of money since my only income is Social Security Disability - I had to take it out of my meager retirement fund that I lost 1/2 of because I was forced to take an early distribution (lost about $30,000). The thing about this guy is that I like him - like a son or a little brother. I know he's just getting started, has a wife, and a couple of kids just starting college. He should know me well enough by now to know that all he had to do was be honest with me - I would have loaned him the money and he could have paid me back when he got rich and famous. But, he took the other path - he lied to me - twice. Once I can forgive and understand if you're honest with me - but twice? No. Yes, I can still understand and forgive, although not as easily - but lying to me twice is an insult to me - I would never be able to fully trust him again. NO relationship of any kind can survive without trust. This young man (relatively speaking) was given the opportunity to be a real hero and chose to play the villain, instead. Sad.

I'm glad to hear that your folks are honest, honorable, and principled people and exemplify those qualities in their legal practices. That is as it should be. I have already spoken to the state Bar Association and am beginning the process of terminating his services and preparing to file a formal grievance. I don't want to hurt his career, but he has to take responsibility for his misconduct. A life without honor is no life at all. I need to find someone who has a PASSION for the truth and justice more than money - who wants to DO THE RIGHT THING BECAUSE IT IS RIGHT - and to make certain that no other citizen is denied their constitutional rights by this attorney and the others he was supposed to defend me against - because if these people can get away with what they have done to me, then they and others can do the very same thing to any one of you. I have a responsibility not just to myself but to every other person who seeks equal and just treatment under the law.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Lynn,

I am always here to support and comfort you in anyway that I can. What has happened to you is beyond cruel and illegal. I know I am not alone when I say that I will stand behind you so that you stay strong and continue to fight for justice that you so richly deserve.

Sincerely,

Zen888

May you have the justice you seek, lynn. You are an inspiration.

How have things panned out Lynn? I do hope things are going smoothly

((((hugs))))
Rhiannon

*also wondering how things are going*

It's good to stand up for what you feel is right. It's so important to get resolution to troubles like this, and I'm so glad you have a chance to get it.

(((((((Lynn)))))))


I too would like to know how things are progressing?

So sorry this has happened to you Lynn - this is horrible. You're a smart lady and I'm sure you will follow the proper channels for getting your money back. I agree with what Rohag said - first thing is to get yourself calm and don't let this affect your health. Many comforting hugs to you (((Lynn)))

Thank you all so much for your responses and your interest. Here is the letter I sent to my attorney shortly after my last post here (I have removed some sensitive information):

"Dear ***, Since our first meeting on November 6, 2008, I have regarded you not only my attorney but a trusted and valued friend, as well. However, no relationship, either personal or professional, can withstand betrayal of trust, such as that which you have committed by being dishonest with me, withholding information from me, and failing to fulfill the legal services you promised to provide for which I paid you a retainer of $2,000.00 with my personal check numbered *** on November 6, 2008.

In the same spirit as my discussions with you regarding my former Arlington healthcare providers, I, as any other client, should at the very least be able to trust my attorney to be honest and forthright with me, to be an advocate for me, and to act at all times in my best interest and to the benefit of my welfare (see attached).

The detrimental impact on my medical, emotional, psychological, and financial well-being as a result of your duplicity and mishandling of my legal affairs to date has been extensive, even triggering repeated prolonged and severe depressive episodes. Since I have not had access to appropriate support or medical care as a result of my family’s unauthorized and unwarranted interference, and due to the fact that I live alone, I cannot afford to have my ability to function and care for myself compromised in any way.

Perhaps you are not the honorable and ethical person I believed you to be, and perhaps I have given you more credit than you deserve. If this is the case, then I am certain that my words here mean nothing to you whatsoever.

On the other hand, if you truly are the honorable and ethical person I believed you to be, but have allowed financial or other pressures you may have encountered (e.g., establishing your legal practice while trying to provide for your family) to adversely influence your actions, then you may have compromised your principles unintentionally. If this is the case, then you should know me well enough by now to know that I am compassionate and understanding, and that all I require of you or anyone is to be honest with me. If you were not able or willing to perform the legal services which you committed to provide me, you should have informed me of such and returned my retainer, instead of deceiving me and stringing me along with unfulfilled promises and empty assurances.

Whatever the truth about you and/or your situation, you have betrayed the trust I placed in you to respect, protect, and advocate for my human and legal rights, as well as my very life. You have wasted much of my time, as well as my limited energy and financial resources, thereby inflicting on me even more unnecessary and unwarranted physical, emotional, and psychological pain, stress, and damage, in addition to that already inflicted upon me by my former employer and medical and disability insurance carriers, my family members and their associates, and my former healthcare providers.

For many months now, you have ignored my e-mails and questions, refused to answer and/or return my telephone calls, failed to provide me with the information, documents, and copies that I have repeatedly requested and/or that you have promised, and lied to me about your activities and contact information, as well as your intentions regarding handling my legal affairs and situation.

As you know, I have personally performed almost all of the legal research and completed all of the document preparation with little or no guidance/input from you. These efforts have been extremely taxing on me both physically and mentally. I can only surmise that your apathy, inaccessibility, and duplicity in your dealings with me clearly demonstrate that you do not value me as a person, a friend, or a client, nor consider me to be deserving of your respect and consideration, thus making a reliable and trustworthy professional relationship between us unviable.

Therefore, although it grieves me deeply, ***, you have left me no choice but to terminate your services as my attorney effective immediately. Also effective immediately, I hereby revoke all authorizations, releases, appointments, and designations indicating you as my representative and/or agent in any and all legal matters concerning me, and request that you forward my complete file to me.

I further request that you refund the $2,000.00 retainer fee that I paid you with my personal check numbered *** on November 6, 2008, if for no other reason than as a matter of conscience, so that I may seek elsewhere the necessary legal counsel, representation, and protection that I so desperately need and to which I am entitled under the law.

I have no desire to sit in judgment on you as a person, *** - that's not my job; nor do I desire to do injury to your reputation and fledgling legal career. As always, I hope only the best for you, your career, and your family. Therefore, it is my sincere hope that we can resolve this situation amicably and to our mutual satisfaction without engaging in a formal grievance process, arbitration, and/or litigation.

If you are indeed currently experiencing financial difficulties and this is the cause of or a significant contributing factor in your mishandling of my affairs, I could be amenable to a mutually-agreed upon and documented repayment plan for refunding the $2,000.00 retainer to me. I will expect to receive your written response, my entire file, and the refund of the $2,000.00 retainer or your proposed plan for repaying the retainer to me in no more than ten (10) business days from your receipt of this letter which is being transmitted to you at both your Texas and Oklahoma offices via e-mail, fax, and U.S. Postal Service. Regards,
Attachment (Handwritten Receipt for Retainer Dated November 6, 2008)"

He called me the following morning after I faxed and e-mailed this letter. He sounded like he was having a complete meltdown - kept apologizing, said he had been a crappy attorney and friend, had let me, his family, himself, and everyone else down, that he would definitely refund my retainer although he didn't have all of it at the moment, that he would help me find another attorney, and that he hated practicing law and was going to try to find a job back in IT. Said he never intended to practice law, but fell back on his degree when he was laid off from his IT job a couple of years ago.

Whether or not he was sincere remains to be seen - perhaps he is just trying to pacify and placate me as usual. About a week ago, I asked him to sign a document saying that he would refund my retainer - I have had no response to date on that count and have received no referrals to other attorneys - just an e-mail from him telling me that I am one of the best writers he has ever known and that I should write a book - any kind of book (kissing up?) - and asking if I had a safe deposit box at my bank (?). Since he failed to answer the 3 questions I had e-mailed to him and didn't even acknowledge that I had asked him those questions (as usual), I didn't answer his question about the safe deposit box. He e-mailed a couple of generic, state-specific estate docs, but still no sample Cease & Desist letter to send to my fam and former doctors to stop defaming me, so I can get a new doctor and the medical care that I desperately need. He has to realize that he has damaged his credibility with me, so the burden of redeeming himself and earning my trust is his alone. Otherwise, he's going to end up the topic of one of the chapters in that book he says I should write!

He has a few more days, then I will forward the above letter to the State Bar Association and begin the process of filing a formal grievance against him. I just hate it when people assume that they have the right to play games with my life - or anyone else's. I have to admit that the stress of waiting for the other shoe to drop is wearing on me - kicks my heart murmur into high gear everytime I think about it all. And, now, I have shingles again and still can't go to the doctor.

Anyway, that's the latest, folks - thanks for asking.

Thank you for letting us know what's going on.

I'm glad you were able to write that all out, and I'm glad he responded. I really do hope that he will be sincere and return the retainer to you AND get an attorney for you.

*sits with you while you wait for his response*

Well written leter, but still the man's gall is unbelievable. And now shingles on top of it. Poor you! Please be excellen to yourself Lynn. I don't know how you get through dealing with a whole town of.... anyhoo. Like turqiouse, I will be waiting with you. Hugs.

((((((((((Lynn))))))))))

Wishing you success and peace.