LS CARLSON LAW PC was recommended to me by another attorney. After researching them, I found their…read morewebsite showed experience in contractor disputes, breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, performance issues, illegal mechanic liens, poor workmanship, property damage, and building code violations. This assured me they had the expertise for my case.
For months, I worked with the intake coordinator, who advised me to collect all evidence--including documents, photos, emails, texts, invoices, change orders, and inspection reports--before meeting LS CARLSON LAW PC. I followed her advice and gathered everything needed.
At the end of April, I delivered a 2-inch and a 3-inch binder to LS CARLSON LAW PC, both organized with a table of contents. The binders contained evidence regarding two General Contractors who broke multiple business, ethical, and Contractor's laws.
In mid-May, I had a free consultation with a managing partner at LS CARLSON LAW PC. He advised me to file complaints with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for each contractor to strengthen my case and noted litigation could cost at least $150,000. I clarified that I preferred a reasonable resolution without litigation, and he assured me he'd remain involved.
A week after the consultation, I signed the retention documents. LS CARLSON LAW PC confirmed receipt by email and said the next step was paying the retainer.
In early June, I paid a retainer to LS CARLSON LAW PC to start my case. The following day, I received emails introducing two attorneys and their paralegals. However, the managing partner who promised to stay involved was not included, making me feel misled by his unexpected absence.
By mid-June, I notified the attorneys by email that I had CSLB case numbers for complaints filed against the General Contractors. To assist LS CARLSON LAW PC further and explore additional solutions, I contacted both contractors' bonding companies to learn their claim procedures. My goal was to find out the necessary documentation and steps for filing a bond claim, ensuring I was prepared to pursue all remedies if needed.
LS CARLSON LAW PC sent me an invoice after the emails, explaining their billing: invoices are issued bi-weekly, due in three business days. If paid by credit card, future payments will be processed automatically unless the client asks for a different method.
The firm's invoice totaled $2,319. This amount included a one-time file initiation fee--essentially an extra charge--and 4.2 hours of professional work related to my case. Although the bill listed specific charges and descriptions, all it mentioned was preparing an email to the client, starting a draft, and working on litigation analysis. By month's end, I had not heard from LS CARLSON LAW PC. Unlike my previous experiences with attorneys, their lack of communication made me feel my case was not a priority.
After reviewing the retention documents, I learned that if LS CARLSON LAW PC didn't settle my case within 120 days or before trial, another retainer between $25,000 and $75,000 would be required. With 51 days passed and no communication or progress, I was concerned about facing high additional fees with no updates from my legal team. I discovered a clause that entitled the referring attorney to 12.5% of all payments I made to LS CARLSON LAW PC. Combined with warnings about litigation costs exceeding $100,000 and poor communication from my legal team, I was concerned about the financial and emotional impact. After preparing all evidence myself and receiving little response, I chose to end my relationship with LS CARLSON LAW PC to avoid further expense and frustration.
LS CARLSONS LAW PC, managing partner responded to my email: "I'm sorry that you feel like you were subject to a bait and switch, but that is not the case. Given my availability and workload, we assigned your matter to another partner. She has been working with another top associate....... If you are still interested in working with our firm, I can take this matter over."
I questioned the managing partner's commitment when he initially delegated my case due to being busy, but later offered to handle it personally after I considered ending LS CARLSON LAW PC's services. This abrupt shift seemed insincere and inconsistent.
LS CARLSON LAW PC refunded my retainer and gave me a thumb drive with all my case documents when I picked them up.
I found that the thumb drive contained case materials dated nine days after my relationship with the firm ended. The attorneys completed significant work only after they were terminated and kept requesting more information, even though I had already provided everything in organized binders. Repeated requests for documents I had already submitted revealed issues with the firm's clarity and transparency.
The lack of clear and consistent communication made me wish for greater honesty and openness from the legal team. And I might have had a better outcome for my case.
