QUESTION
Is it unethical for an attorney to threaten and bully you with a lawsuit unless you meet with him to settle dispute?
Asked on Mar 10th, 2013 on Personal Injury - California
More details to this question:
This person hasn't been sued yet, but this lawyer is threatening by text message to sue if this person doesn't meet with him man to man to settle a dispute with another party. He won't say reasons for suit. I believe he is being a bully and using his power as an attorney to cost this person money in lawyer fees. This lawyer is married, but is having an affair with the party he is trying to help.
9 ANSWERS
Ignore the lawyer, and report him to the State Bar.
Answered on Apr 01st, 2013 at 3:08 AM
Construction Litigation Attorney serving Mission Viejo, CA
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Law Office of Christian F. Paul
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It is permissible for an attorney to write a demand letter and say that he will file suit if you don't pay the demand, but after that, he ought to just sue or shut up. You don't have to meet him personally, and you probably should not. If you have proof proof, not suspicion that he is romantically involved with his client, you could report him to the California State Bar Association, as that is an ethical violation. Don't threaten to report him, as that would be wrong, but you have the right to report him for such wrongdoing. You can also hire an attorney to represent you in this matter, and that will put a stop from the attorney's contacting you at all. Good luck.
Answered on Mar 17th, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Ronald A. Steinberg
Probably.
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 10:45 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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I have heard descriptions of harrassment and threatening and bullying which were nothing more than emphatic expressions of a certain point of view. Sometimes an in-person meeting is a good way of resolving disputes without resorting to a lawsuit. That being said, in the situation you describe, the aggrieved party should at least consult with an attorney to go over the specifics, the background, the evidence and then options and recommendations. It will be worth the cost of the consultation fee.
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 2:41 PM
Automobile Negligence Attorney serving Orlando, FL
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Kelaher Law Offices, P.A.
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Report him to the Bar.
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 2:40 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Anderson, SC
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The David F. Stoddard Law Firm
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It is not unethical to threaten a lawsuit if you refuse to negotiate a settlement. You, or whoever is receiving the message should offer to consider any demands, but let the lawyer know you are uncomfortable meeting, if you are. If the lawyer becomes uncivil, or threatens action he knows he cannot take, such as threatening criminal charges, that would be unethical.
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 5:17 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alexandria, VA
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Michael J. Sgarlat
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Get an attorney you trust to discuss this with.
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 5:17 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
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Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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How do you get all emotionally involved with the attorney and his love life and what has that got to do with the case? nothing most likely. The lawyer always uses his skill to bully people into a settlement. That is kinda par for the course.
Answered on Mar 12th, 2013 at 5:16 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Sacramento, CA
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Alison Elle Aleman
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An attorney cannot use threats against someone to gain an advantage in a civil matter. However, the attorney can warn that person that he is about to file a lawsuit to resolve a matter.
Answered on Mar 11th, 2013 at 10:02 PM