I have a legal question please

[stern_howie]

I went to a lawyer for some advice paid his fee there on the spot....as I was walking out he asked if he could photocopy 3 pieces of paper (evidence) I had in case I wanted to persue the matter...ok, no harm I thought.....one week later a bill arrived for $20...a charge for photocoying.

[jms011]

I sued a company that contracted me then decided that I worked for free telling the judge that "he's a good kid that just wanted to work". Yeah, and a paycheck.
Went to small claims court, turns out the owner was a convicted felon from GA and thus barred from operating that line of work.
Well with my judgement in hand I went after her money trail, stirred up a hornets nest, and got my money.
Rule of the day: Never conduct business as yourself. You're easier to sue.

[elmilio]

ok.

[BullShk]

No matter what you do someone always has their hand out !!!

[mmandjb]

whatever lawyer you hire,make sure when you are talking or corresponding with them to keep it all in the matter of the case.if they try and talk about sports,tv,golf,etc always steer back to the case.lawyers are just like a taxi cabs,once you get in, the meter is running.keep a journal with time,date and subject matter of which you speak with them.this way when they present a surprise bill you will have facts on your side.

[elmilio]

Well I told my lawyer, BTW I signed a agreement a with him last month. I told him that $800 a witness is very high. He told me that is what they get in this state. I asked him to try to find someone cheaper. I would like to talk about the facts more but you do not know who is watching. thanks for the replies. If anybody knows anything else I would like to hear it.

[myz]

Originally Posted by elmilio

I have a case to sue my former employer. I fond a lawyer that will take the case. He said that he would do it on commission. That I do not have to pay him any money, but he will take a 3rd of the reward if any. But he also told me that it could still cost me thousands 5-7-8. For legal fee's. He said that a stenographer just for each witness will cost $800 a witness. Is this true anyone? I am located in the USA NorthEast.

If you have a problem stemming from a relationship with a former employer, first go to your state labor department. They will advise you about your rights and, depending on the circumstances, may take the case on your behalf.

If the labor department concludes you have a case but have to pursue it yourself, you can check what a stenographer charge by going to your yellow pages and asking a few steno firms.

If the lawyer you were talking to about this case has quoted more than the market charges, tell him to go to hell and look for an honest lawyer (a very difficult task).

M

[elmilio]

Originally Posted by myz

If you have a problem stemming from a relationship with a former employer, first go to your state labor department. They will advise you about your rights and, depending on the circumstances, may take the case on your behalf.

If the labor department concludes you have a case but have to pursue it yourself, you can check what a stenographer charge by going to your yellow pages and asking a few steno firms.

If the lawyer you were talking to about this case has quoted more than the market charges, tell him to go to hell and look for an honest lawyer (a very difficult task).

M

Yes I did file a charge with my local .... I did it all myself. (i do not want to use key words here) they did assign someone to the case. But now Me and the lawyer has taken it out of there. So I can get damages. I was talking to a law student today and she said in NYC it is higher then $800. and she said it depends on how long it is. So I dunno. But I'll tell you this I am really PO about it. And I really want to go ahead with it. I told the lawyer to go with it. and see what happens down the road a little further.

[myz]

Originally Posted by elmilio

Yes I did file a charge with my local .... I did it all myself. (i do not want to use key words here) they did assign someone to the case. But now Me and the lawyer has taken it out of there. So I can get damages. I was talking to a law student today and she said in NYC it is higher then $800. and she said it depends on how long it is. So I dunno. But I'll tell you this I am really PO about it. And I really want to go ahead with it. I told the lawyer to go with it. and see what happens down the road a little further.

You should always see what you can get for no money on your part. If the labor department doesn't do a good job, you can always turn down the labor department solution and get a lawyer, If a lawyer is willing to work on a contingecy, you may have a good claim.

But some lawyers rally stink. The worse thing you can do is get in bed with a bum lawyer. They'll just waste your time and money and leave you with nothing.

If your steno changes may be high with a lawyer, there's a good chance that he or she is keeping a good part of the steno. With the state, you pay nothing and the state can get info without depositions and stenos.

If the end settlement is not enough, you can go to the lawyer and already have, at no cost, a record.

Be careful of law firms that advertise for clients

.M

[elmilio]

yeah but it is to late for that. Cause I took the case out last month. I wish I was talking to you guys a month ago. Once I took it out from them I cannot put it back in with them thats it on there part. I should not have took the case out.