Bullied by attorney

I recently settled on a Title VII lawsuit. THe contract between my attorney and I was 50% Contigency or hourly rate whichever was higher. Well since settlement came about I was under the assumption he was getting 50%, which verbally we discussed several times.I always told him throughout the settlement negotiations I needed to walk away with 20k so as long as he got at least 40k I would settle. He achieved getting the settlement to the amount I told him I wanted, Now that settlement has been received he has stated he is keeping all of the settlement and I still owe him 10k. Can he do this without have disclosing to me that the settlement he was urging me to sign was for less than what I owed him, so his hourly rate applied? I have never in three years seen a bill accrual or had any idea he was billing this to me, I never would have settled for less than I owed, not too mention Summary Judgment came all in my favor for Sexual Harassment and Battery, defamation and that my employer had every reason to know it was occurring. I am at a loss and need direction

1 answer  |  asked May 21, 2008 1:10 PM [EST]  |  applies to California

Answers (1)

George Allen
Contract

An attorney will need to review your retainer agreement with the attorney in question before answering your questions. That being said, attorneys may not collect an "unconscionable" fee, no matter what the retainer agreement says. I suggest you review this issue with a qualified attorney.

posted by George Allen  |  May 21, 2008 4:49 PM [EST]

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