Reposting-Probono lawyer asking huge fees many years after case closed?

Question

My Probono lawyer helped me with a case 7 years back when i was unemployed. i ad signed no contract with this lawyer and this was a probono case .case was closed about 6-7 yrs back . i moved to different state just after case c losed. i now get a letter from a debt collection agency indicating that lawyer is trying to collect $30K in fees from me 7 years after . Can he do that ? With no contract ? from the letter it appears that he had files a notice last year and a judgement ws made for me to pay that money ? i never got anything in mail ..no notice..etc ..this is the first letter i am getting in 7 years . Please help what should i do?

Answer 1

This doesn't add up. Just because there was no contract that doesn't mean the lawyer is working for free.

If they tried to serve you and couldn't because you moved out of state, they proceeded ex parte (without you) -- that would cause a major disadvantage to your defense, but it isn't an automatic loss, either, so this lawyer would have shown proof to the judge that you owe him the fees by demonstrating that he was the lawyer of record for the case and that you didn't pay him.

So what happened seven years ago that led you to believe he was acting pro bono and he obviously did not think he was? Typically, after a consultation, the case proceeds and fees aren't necessarily discussed -- they're just automatically billed quarterly, or at the end of the case, whatever. Perhaps he billed you at the end but you had already changed addresses.

Answer 2

Step One: Investigate!

It sounds like this might be a scam.  If there is no contract and you signed nothing at all with this lawyer than you had a verbal agreement that it was pro-bono. Ask a better business bureau about this so-called debt collection agency.  They could be a bunch of scammers.  

Step Two: See if you can contact the lawyer and politely asking him what the heck is going on.

Important: i said POLITELY.  I'm sure you are aggravated but be sure to be professional and don't get into a war of words with this lawyer or concede anything besides asking him what exactly you owe him.  Turn it into an interview, don't answer any questions about yourself or where you are or what you do.  Just ask him what the frees are about and where they came from.  Be sure to let the lawyer know that you and him had a clear understanding that the case was being done probono and you do not accept these fees.  If the lawyer gets belligerent, irritating or is fishing to answers about you - Tell him you are sorry for wasting his time and HANG UP.

Step Three: Legal Smackdown.

If this is not a scam or a misunderstanding then start talking to lawyers to block these fees and counter-sue for damages.  See a good lawyer for this and be prepared and totally honest with your lawyer.  Tell him everything that happened beginning to end.

Good Luck!