What do you expect from your lawyer? (HOA, how much)

[t0mg]

I learned that one of the first things you should do when engaging a lawyer is determine those questions which you would like answered before committing to legal action. Initially, the lawyer will not be able to answer those questions, pending more information. Therefore, you should ask, “how much money will I need to spend with you before you can answer those questions?”


I did not formulate those questions until I had spent $2,389 with the lawyer and $1,000 with an expert witness. When I asked those questions, there was no answer other than more retainer money was needed to answer the questions.


With the expert witness' preliminary report in hand, here are the questions I posed: ”Is there a reasonable chance that the HOA will agree to repair the issue? If we need to litigate, am I likely to prevail and have my expenses reimbursed? I don't expect you to know the answers to these questions. However in light of your experience, you might say the facts favor a type of outcome. I am not asking you to predict; too many variables are at hand. I am asking for an opinion.“


The lawyer would not express an opinion, except to request another $2,000 retainer. That felt like I was being sucked down the money hole. So I pulled the plug. My advice to potential clients is that you figure out bottom line questions and specifically ask how much money will be required to answer them.


Do you think I am unreasonable? All I wanted was some reassurance that a favorable outcome was possible (not likely, just possible). Beware of money sucking lawyers.

[straight shooter]

Originally Posted by t0mg

Do you think I am unreasonable? All I wanted was some reassurance that a favorable outcome was possible (not likely, just possible). Beware of money sucking lawyers.

Many lawyers are unethical, especially in South Florida, but in all fairness they can't guarantee you an outcome because the ultimate decision lies in the hands of a judge or jury.

[emm74]

The lawyer knows that you would consider his opinion a prediction and complain if he turned out to be wrong.

[t0mg]

If you ask an oncologist if chemo will hold the cancer at bay for a few years, he may say, "there is a 50-50 chance." In fact this answer was given to an acquaintance.

If you ask a dentist if an implant will be successful, she may say, "I would be very surprised if it did not." A dentist said that to me.

And so on. Any other professional will give you a professional opinion. All I asked of the lawyer was whether I stand some chance of being successful? The answer was purely evasive.

As I said, "I am not asking you to predict; too many variables are at hand. I am asking for an opinion.“

Do we expect as much from an eye surgeon ... give me another $2,000 and maybe I can answer. I would not accept that!

[straight shooter]

^^ OK, now I see your point.