Is this extortion?

[Koooosh]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York
I paid an attorney $750.00 upfront as this was the verbal agreement for services he was to render. No retainer was signed. He served his purpose and at the end he showed me a bill in excess of $9000.00 and then stated he would accept $1000.00 cash instead. His services were for a real estate closing. There were no major problems only that the closing was delayed for 2 days. He is claiming that he took over $9000.00 of his time in three days in phone calls. I currently have him on tape asking for the $1000.00 in cash. Do I have to pay him? Does he have any legal claims against me? Can he sue me for any amount?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by Koooosh

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York
I paid an attorney $750.00 upfront as this was the verbal agreement for services he was to render. No retainer was signed. He served his purpose and at the end he showed me a bill in excess of $9000.00 and then stated he would accept $1000.00 cash instead. His services were for a real estate closing. There were no major problems only that the closing was delayed for 2 days. He is claiming that he took over $9000.00 of his time in three days in phone calls. I currently have him on tape asking for the $1000.00 in cash. Do I have to pay him? Does he have any legal claims against me? Can he sue me for any amount?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

**A: sounds like a deal to me. So when are you going to pay the $1000 cash?

[Koooosh]

He stated. give me a $1000.00 cash or we can pay more if we want to pay by check. But he will not send us a bill when we asked for one.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by Koooosh

He stated. give me a $1000.00 cash or we can pay more if we want to pay by check. But he will not send us a bill when we asked for one.

**A: then write to him saying no invoice no $$$$.

[Hot Topic]

And have someone kick your backside for entering into a verbal agreement on a legal matter. Those should always be in writing and the terms of the agreement specific regarding work expected and fees charged.