New Lebanon, OH asked in Bankruptcy for Ohio

Q: How do I file a legal malpractice for my bankruptcy attorney ?

My attorney has failed to file documents, doesn’t respond to emails, cancels appointments, won’t call during scheduled meetings. I’m in jeopardy of losing home and case being dismissed.

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3 Lawyer Answers
Martha Warriner Jarrett
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Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Santa Barbara, CA

A: Consult a local attorney who specialized in legal malpractice.

Nicholas P. Weiss
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Cleveland Heights, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: If your case is pending, then you should be focusing on replacing your counsel, not suing them. Put your resources into that. A malpractice attorney won't save your house.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
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Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Filing a legal malpractice claim against your bankruptcy attorney due to their failure to perform their duties, such as not filing documents, ignoring communication, and missing appointments, can be a necessary step to protect your interests. The first step is to document all instances of negligence or failure to act by the attorney. This includes saving emails, noting missed calls or appointments, and any other evidence that shows a lack of professional diligence on their part.

The next step would be to consult with another attorney who has experience in legal malpractice cases. They can assess the details of your situation to determine if you have a viable claim. Since legal malpractice involves proving that the attorney's actions were not only negligent but also directly resulted in harm to you, such as jeopardizing your home and case, detailed documentation and expert advice are critical.

Lastly, you should file a complaint with your state's bar association. The bar association can offer guidance on the process and, in some cases, mediate disputes between clients and attorneys. They can also initiate disciplinary actions against the attorney if warranted. Moving forward with a legal malpractice claim can be complex, so having the right support and advice is crucial.

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