Is it illegal or unethical for an attorney to do ?

[offers05]

I am in Hawaii.* I know someone involved in a few law suits with their former employer.* The issues include injury on the job, harassment/discrimination, & wrongful termination.

They already won the first part.* However, in order to get the $ agreed upon in the judgment or settlement, they need to pay the attorney first.

They do not have enough money to pay & the attorney says he is prohibited from deducting it from the awarded funds.

Is that true?* Is it unethical or illegal for an attorney to take their fee from the money that has been awarded?* Does the answer change if the attorney is a mediator or if the person receiving the settlement is their client?* Thanks.

 

[Silverplum]

I am in Hawaii.* I know someone involved in a few law suits with their former employer.* The issues include injury on the job, harassment/discrimination, & wrongful termination.

They already won the first part.* However, in order to get the $ agreed upon in the judgment or settlement, they need to pay the attorney first.

They do not have enough money to pay & the attorney says he is prohibited from deducting it from the awarded funds.

Is that true?* Is it unethical or illegal for an attorney to take their fee from the money that has been awarded?* Does the answer change if the attorney is a mediator or if the person receiving the settlement is their client?* Thanks.

The person you know has to handle his/her own legal business. S/he can start here: http://hsba.org/HSBA/FOR_THE_PUBLIC/Legal_Assistance/HSBA/For_the_Public_/Legal Assistance.aspx

 

[offers05]

I know that. I am not trying to handle their business. I just need to know if this is really true.

 

[Silverplum]

I know that. I am not trying to handle their business. I just need to know if this is really true.

The HI Bar Association link (with more links inside) didn't work for you?

 

[quincy]

I know that. I am not trying to handle their business. I just need to know if this is really true.

A lot depends on the attorney/client contract.

I suggest you have your friend read the contract (and the link provided by Silverplum).

Or your friend can simply ask his attorney to explain.