?? for IAAL

[angel54]

IAAL,
A couple of weeks ago you responded to some legal questions for me regarding FMLA and some issues with my employer and insurance coordinator. I think these are still on the boards under this same name. I have finally found an attorney willing to talk with me about this. I have an appointment for Wednesday. He asked me to bring anything I had in writing to this meeting. (alot!!) My question is when does client /attorney confidentiality begin? Should I leave these papers with him if he asks? I know I have to trust someone to handle this for me but I've been burned too many times these last few months. I just want to do the right thing. I found this attorney through someone who knew someone who knew someone. They said he knows everything about school board law and has dealt with their attorneys before. He supposedly is one of the attorneys who represents our county education association. Is there any way to get some background on him (besides just asking him) My initial consultation is free. When is the appropriate time to ask about taking this on contingency. Aside from the money I feel they owe me for lost wages and getting my insurance paid and reinstated, how do you begin to figure stress, mental anguish, Pain and suffering, that sort of thing into a monetary amount? (they greatly contributed to the health condition that I was experiencing) AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. It's like they are using my insurance as a disciplinary measure because they didn't like me being off work.
Is there anything else I need to be aware of before going in?
Sorry this is so long, but this is STILL the short version.
One again, I appreciate your help so much. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by angel54:

IAAL,
A couple of weeks ago you responded to some legal questions for me regarding FMLA and some issues with my employer and insurance coordinator. I think these are still on the boards under this same name. I have finally found an attorney willing to talk with me about this. I have an appointment for Wednesday. He asked me to bring anything I had in writing to this meeting. (alot!!) My question is when does client /attorney confidentiality begin?

<<Confidentially begins the moment you begin to speak, and he to you. Attorney/Client privilege begins the moment you sign a Retainer Agreement.>>


Should I leave these papers with him if he asks?

<<You should always retain the originals of your own documents, until there is a Discovery Inspection Demand. Therefore, and in the interim, merely have your new attorney's staff make photocopies. Your attorney will let you know if and when originals are required.>>

I know I have to trust someone to handle this for me but I've been burned too many times these last few months. I just want to do the right thing. I found this attorney through someone who knew someone who knew someone. They said he knows everything about school board law and has dealt with their attorneys before. He supposedly is one of the attorneys who represents our county education association.

Is there any way to get some background on him (besides just asking him)

<<Yes, contact your State Bar Association and ask for some background information on him.>>


My initial consultation is free. When is the appropriate time to ask about taking this on contingency.

<<You'll get a "feel" for the right time as soon as he places a Retainer Agreement in front of you that says: $5,000.00 initial retainer fee, at $250.00 per hour charged against Retainer. I would say that would be a good time to bring up the subject of a contingency retainer agreement.>>

Aside from the money I feel they owe me for lost wages and getting my insurance paid and reinstated, how do you begin to figure stress, mental anguish, Pain and suffering, that sort of thing into a monetary amount?

<<You and your attorney will be discussing this point at your initial consultation.>>


(they greatly contributed to the health condition that I was experiencing) AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. It's like they are using my insurance as a disciplinary measure because they didn't like me being off work.
Is there anything else I need to be aware of before going in?
Sorry this is so long, but this is STILL the short version.
One again, I appreciate your help so much. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

<<You're doing just fine. Bring all documents and notes you've kept; and, of course, bring your checkbook. Let me know how the consultation goes.>>

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."

 

[angel54]

I love your responses IAAL!! Especially about how to know when to mention 'contingency' Funny Amist all this worry and frustration, that was tooo cute!
Thanks for the advice and support. I will let you know what happens!

 

[angel54]

Just a quick update for you. I met with the attorney on Wednesday, took everything I had with me and it appears he is very understanding and more than willing to take this on for me. He said he had never seen "such red tape bureaucracy" (sp.??) I had everything in writing which he was very pleased with.
I was very nervous and told him so. He didn't exactly specify what he intended to do, but said he was quite sure he could handle this. When I asked him about fees (are you ready?) he said "this one is on the house" I feel very blessed by that response, to say the least. I mentioned during our conversation the amount of stress etc that this had contributed to the health issues, but we never talked about any kind of monetary amount. I don't want to sound greedy, but this has affected all areas of my life. After being treated so badly, I don't see how I could ever be comfortable working for these people anymore. I may be forced to take another job anyway, just to get insurance again. I'm having to 'beg' for my medications (samples from my dr's) or do without. I think I can safely assume that he has taken all this into consideration. He said as soon as he knew something, he would be contacting me.
I feel like a ton of weight has been lifted off my shoulders by just finding someone who understands and is willing to help. It's a start!
Thanks for all your help and wonderful support. I will keep you posted! Please let me know if there is anything I should be doing during this wait time.
YOU ARE SO APPRECIATED!!

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by angel54:
Just a quick update for you. I met with the attorney on Wednesday, took everything I had with me and it appears he is very understanding and more than willing to take this on for me. He said he had never seen "such red tape bureaucracy" (sp.??) I had everything in writing which he was very pleased with.
I was very nervous and told him so. He didn't exactly specify what he intended to do, but said he was quite sure he could handle this. When I asked him about fees (are you ready?) he said "this one is on the house" I feel very blessed by that response, to say the least. I mentioned during our conversation the amount of stress etc that this had contributed to the health issues, but we never talked about any kind of monetary amount. I don't want to sound greedy, but this has affected all areas of my life. After being treated so badly, I don't see how I could ever be comfortable working for these people anymore. I may be forced to take another job anyway, just to get insurance again. I'm having to 'beg' for my medications (samples from my dr's) or do without. I think I can safely assume that he has taken all this into consideration. He said as soon as he knew something, he would be contacting me.
I feel like a ton of weight has been lifted off my shoulders by just finding someone who understands and is willing to help. It's a start!
Thanks for all your help and wonderful support. I will keep you posted! Please let me know if there is anything I should be doing during this wait time.
YOU ARE SO APPRECIATED!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

This is such great news! Thank you for such nice compliments and I am so happy for you. I'm also happy that I had a small part in your success up to this point. You're doing just fine. Sit back and let justice take its course. At least for the short term, you can take a breath and relax a little. Please keep me posted as your attorney talks more with you. I'd be very interested to read what he says as developments occur. And, what a wonderful person he is for taking your case on a "Pro Bono" basis! That's terrific. And tell him for me that his generosity is appreciated.

IAAL


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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."