legal files

[lisj]

What is the name of your state? PA
I have been having problems with my attorney for some time. He does not return phone calls, is unprepared for hearings, etc. I recently hired a new attorney. My file was requested. The first attorney called me today after receiving the request, and very rudely told me that I still have a balance. I told him that I planned to continue to make payments to him, but that I was unable to pay the entire balance at one time. He started questioning me as to what my retainer was at the new attorneys. I told him that was between the new attorney and me. He then said--that he would not release my file until the balance was paid in full. Can he do that?

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by lisj

What is the name of your state? PA
I have been having problems with my attorney for some time. He does not return phone calls, is unprepared for hearings, etc. I recently hired a new attorney. My file was requested. The first attorney called me today after receiving the request, and very rudely told me that I still have a balance. I told him that I planned to continue to make payments to him, but that I was unable to pay the entire balance at one time. He started questioning me as to what my retainer was at the new attorneys. I told him that was between the new attorney and me. He then said--that he would not release my file until the balance was paid in full. Can he do that?

The file belongs to you. Camp out in the first attorney's office till you get it.

Also, turn him in here:

[URL=http://www.padisciplinaryboard.org/]Pennsylvania Attorney Discipline[/URL]