#34
Complaints & RecourseMedium Risk
After you file a complaint, the lawyer suddenly reaches out offering to 'settle'
Withdraw-for-Refund Ploy
Why It's Dangerous
After you file a bar complaint, the accused lawyer suddenly becomes friendly and offers to refund part of the fee in exchange for dropping the complaint. This is usually designed to get you to withdraw — once withdrawn, the bar stops investigating and the lawyer escapes disciplinary action.
Typical Scenario
After the client filed a complaint, the lawyer suddenly offered to refund a portion of the fee in exchange for withdrawing the complaint. The client agreed, but the lawyer paid far less than promised. When the client tried to complain again, they were told the same matter could not be reopened.
* This scenario is illustrative, based on common patterns observed in legal disputes.
What To Do
1
Don't withdraw a complaint for a small refund2
If you do settle, secure the full refund before considering withdrawal3
Any settlement must be in writing, specifying the refund amount, timeline, and method4
Remember that the complaint's purpose isn't just a refund — it also protects others from the same lawyerHave you experienced this?