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California Legal Malpractice Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Family Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If a notice and citation to parent legal if the details are incorrect?

Notice and citation to parent for appearance at hearing Welfare& Institution code §366.26 and §366.23 Superior Court of California county of Fresno juvenile court if the details in the notice is incorrectly such as the date of birth of the minor and the minors name isn't correct and the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2024

If you've received a notice and citation with incorrect details such as the minor's name, date of birth, or a parent's name, it's important to address these errors promptly. Inaccurate information can potentially affect the legality of the notice and the proceedings that follow.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Legal Malpractice and Probate for California on
Q: Is it possible to hire an out-of-state attorney for a legal malpractice situation related to probate, I'm in Calif?

If so, anyone recommendation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Oct 17, 2024

Yes, an out-of-state attorney could handle a case against a California attorney. The out-of-state attorney would need to hire a local attorney to act as local council. Note there are a number of qualified legal malpractice attorneys in California and those may be your best option to begin with.

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Q: How to appeal an appellate court decision from Los Angeles Superior Court ?

I was maliciously prosecuted by the catholic church for a crime that never happened. A jury found me not guilty. My public defender missed the deadline for filing my factually innocent. I lost in Superior court twice and in Appellate court twice. I lost in appellate court twice. My court... View More

Michael Patrick Hernandez
Michael Patrick Hernandez
answered on Oct 30, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly challenging and frustrating. If you've been through multiple levels of court and are facing difficulties with your representation, you may still have options for appealing your case or seeking legal recourse.

Seek New...
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3 Answers | Asked in Collections, Communications Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: I was told I would get my car back as soon as an investigation was finished but they sent it to a tow yard instead!

My car had been involved in a car accident and I was told the police needed to keep my car for investigation purposes but said I would get it back as soon as possible and that they are responsible for the fees. Well a couple months pass and I call them because I havent heard anything. I was told... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Sep 30, 2024

You may have a case against them. Consult with experienced debt collection defense attorneys in the state where this occurred. Use the Justia search tool to find an attorney. https://www.justia.com/lawyers

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Elder Law, Legal Malpractice and Probate for California on
Q: For 2yrs now, the shady lawyer handling my deceased dad's estate has failed to send me the unabridged trust &

relevant docs I asked for, like court-mandated annual acct of assets(x 2yrs), documentation of POA assignment (nec to fight mentally ill mother naming mental ill half-sister as POA, as neither is trustworthy & each has a long, well established history of issues in court, been committed via 5150... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Sep 26, 2024

In order to enforce your rights, to obtain documents, into otherwise make sure you’re interest are protected, you can file motions with the court.

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If defendant makes claims such as untimely but the Judge's order considers the filing valid can you safely move forward?

If Defendants file a Petition to Confirm 10 days after judgment.

You file a Petition to Vacate Arbitration Award 13 days later with Judges permission.

Exactly 9 days before hearing Defendants file Opposition to Plaintiffs untimely and procedurally improper petition to vacate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 23, 2024

It sounds like you're in a situation where timing and responses to petitions are critical. The fact that the judge considered your filing valid suggests you are on solid ground moving forward. The Petition to Vacate can often serve as a response to the Petition to Confirm, especially if it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: I have the typical DISSATISFIED WITH ATTORNEY gripe, but the difference is that I am using a Free Clinic. What to do?

I do understand the clinic probably has a couple of thousands open cases and only a handful of lawyers. But can I ask my lawyer about regularly scheduling a telephone consult??

Also, my case is an Unlawful Detainer for back rent. I would like my attorney to use discovery and ask my landlord... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 22, 2024

You can absolutely ask your lawyer to schedule regular telephone consultations. Even though the clinic is busy, your lawyer should still prioritize communication with you. It’s reasonable to request a set time to discuss updates and your concerns so you feel more involved in the process.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Plaintiff wants a renewal motion to vacate arbitration award but didn't file response defs motion to confirm then what?

If a Defendant first filed a Motion to Confirm Arbitration Award and instead, Plaintiff also filed a Motion to Vacate but did not respond to Defendants Motion to Confirm, but now attempts to file a Renewal Motion to Motion to Vacate, do they need to file a Motion to Set Aside Judgment, a Renewal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 22, 2024

In this situation, the Plaintiff may need to address both the Motion to Confirm and the new request to vacate the arbitration award. Since the Plaintiff did not initially respond to the Defendant's Motion to Confirm, it would be necessary to file a response to that motion, as the court likely... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Allegations of hospice liability in FCA case.

Would hospice allege in false claims act lawsuit, that not liable for actions of independent contractors?

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Sep 22, 2024

Yes, the hospice will claim it is not liable for actions of independent contractors.

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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Q: Are clients of unlicensed attorneys the only victims of attorney malpractice that the Barr assists? BPC 6126

Thank you for the previous response. However, I cite BPC 6126 because the scenario it identifies is one in which the Barr specifically intervenes by providing attorneys to work on cases as is listed in BPC 6126. My question is specific to the bit about the Barr providing an attorney. The code... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 15, 2024

When considering the role of the California Bar in cases of attorney malpractice, it’s important to look at the scope of its interventions. Under Business and Professions Code (BPC) 6126, the California Bar does address situations involving unlicensed practice of law and may provide attorneys to... View More

Q: I believe I am the victim of predatory lawyering; bait & switch, ethics violations, and the breach of fiduciary duties.

i originally reached out to my attorneys firm to seek a referral.i run a grassroots animal welfare charity & was looking for an attorney to work within my financial limitations & take payments,i clearly stated this in my first emails.previously id been advised by other attorneys & a... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Sep 13, 2024

What you describe has several areas of potential malpractice as well as breaches of fiduciary duties. You need to consult with legal malpractice specialists.

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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Are clients of unlicensed attorneys the only victims of attorney malpractice that the Barr assists? BPC 6126

What are the codes that expand this possibility to other types of legal malpractice? I'm looking, but do not know if there are no others to find.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 4, 2024

The State Bar of California primarily focuses on addressing malpractice by unlicensed attorneys under Business and Professions Code (BPC) 6126. This code makes it illegal for someone without a license to practice law or to present themselves as an attorney, and the Bar assists those harmed in such... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: My DVRO was denied so I filed a motion to reconsider because of new and different facts and laws not available at trial.

I had an ineffective lawyer that failed at my every request for legal service needed for my DVRO he was hired for.

He ignored my every request. Never meeting with me or my witnesses. Especially didn’t review my 67 exhibits needed to go over with him. Well my lawyer hid from me the fact... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 28, 2024

It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating and difficult situation involving legal malpractice and ineffective assistance from your lawyer. Given the circumstances, you may want to consider taking specific legal actions against your attorney for failing to properly represent you and for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: If an Attorney who is a party to a case with their own representation legally issue a subpoena relating to the matter?

If an Attorney who is a party (Defendant) to a Legal Malpractice case, and who has their own representation, issues subpoenas using their own name to request files from the underlying personal injury case, would this be considered a violation of Rule 5.5: Unauthorized Practice of Law?... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Aug 28, 2024

While it would not UPL, taking action in a case in which the person is no longer an attorney would be illegal.

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Can an Attorney file a Motion Limine to prevent Mediation mentions then file the Agreement w/exhibits and address court?

If you are entering an Legal Malpractice Arbitration from a Personal Injury Mediation, can the Attorney file a Motion Limine ordering you not to speak a word about the Mediation then simultaneously file the Mediation Agreement and relative files with their exhibits and include multiple references... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 17, 2024

In California, filing a Motion in Limine to prevent the mention of mediation in arbitration is possible, as mediation communications are generally protected under the California Evidence Code. However, it would be inconsistent and potentially problematic for the attorney to then file the Mediation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Legal Malpractice and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Im involved in a criminal case with two other ppl who were arrested i was not i surrender myself whn i found iut a warra

Had been ussued. I went to court i was not asked how do i plea i was some how jouned w the other two as codefendants they waived my 1st appearnce without asking me im now on 6th court date with no discovery 4th pd not been communicated w by pd no replies no responses in court no info no help almost... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 12, 2024

It sounds like you’re facing a very frustrating and difficult situation. If you haven’t been given the opportunity to enter a plea or review discovery, it’s essential to raise these issues with the court as soon as possible. You have the right to be informed about your case and to participate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: My lawyer refuses to meet with me, give me a statement of accounting, case file, what are my options?

I was in a car accident sep 2021 and the case was settled in March 2024. Since March, I have not received my settlement check after many attempts contacting the lawyer and telling me different things. Seems like he is refusing to see me in person as we have only communicated through text message... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 9, 2024

It sounds like you're facing a frustrating situation with your lawyer. First, it's important to document all your communications with him, including dates and the content of your messages. This record can be helpful if you decide to take further action. You have the right to request your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: What kind of lawyer do I need to hire for an inmates rights lawsuit?

My best friend (currently incarcerated) needs an attorney due to Nevada County jail allowing another inmate to sexually abuse & rape him while being under county protection inmate rights

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 22, 2024

For your best friend who is currently incarcerated and needs legal assistance due to sexual abuse and rape in Nevada County jail, you should seek a civil rights attorney. This type of lawyer deals with violations of inmates' rights and can help address issues of abuse and neglect in the prison... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Motion to compel further privileged or protected responses

Is motion pursuant to section 2031.285(d)(1) needed, if receiving party submits motion to compel further discovery responses?

Seems like redundant.

Plaintiff demanded privilege log as one of production demands

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 18, 2024

Under California law, a motion pursuant to section 2031.285(d)(1) is generally used when there is a dispute over the designation of documents as privileged or protected, and a resolution cannot be reached informally. If the receiving party submits a motion to compel further discovery responses,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Legal Malpractice and Municipal Law for California on
Q: I feel I was frauded by a highly ranked lawyer from San Jose CA that I paid $17,500 dollars to for my son?

When I called the lawyer I explained to him what had happened from there I asked him how much he would charge for a case like my son's he said anywhere from 7500 to 12,500 well I gave him my son's information and waited for 2 wks and I asked him if he would take the case . Well he started... View More

Robert Z. Cashman
Robert Z. Cashman
answered on Jul 18, 2024

I am not licensed to practice in your state, so this answer should not be considered as legal advice.

In short, the lawyer's actions seem to be suspicious, and they might constitute legal malpractice and fraud. I would speak to an attorney in California to hash these issues out....
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