I retained Mark Chalpin on September 23, 2020, to represent me in a legal malpractice case. Unfortunately, my experience with him was deeply disappointing. Throughout the engagement, he was difficult to work with and consistently failed to advocate for my interests. The case ultimately settled in May 2022--not due to his efforts, but because I personally proposed an offer to submit to opposing counsel.
Mr. Chalpin frequently threatened to withdraw from the case whenever I questioned his strategy or raised objections. He appeared unable to form independent legal opinions and repeatedly insisted I pay for outside experts, which led to thousands of dollars in additional costs. On two occasions, he sent me written threats to quit, adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult process.
One particularly troubling incident involved a deposition of an out-of-state witness. I strongly objected to granting opposing counsel an extension, as the deposition could have introduced complications that would distract a jury. Despite my objections, Mr. Chalpin agreed to the extension, resulting in more legal fees and further frustration.
His professional demeanor was also concerning. A deposition was scheduled at his "office," which turned out to be the dining room table in his townhouse. When I arrived at the agreed time, he answered the door in pajamas and a politically charged T-shirt, claiming he had canceled the meeting via a late-night email I hadn't seen. His attire and the political messaging on his vehicle were inappropriate and unprofessional.
Mr. Chalpin did not demonstrate the assertiveness or litigation experience I expected. Much of his background appears to be in government work, not courtroom advocacy. Shortly before the case settled, he raised his hourly rate from $225 to $325, leaving me little choice but to accept. In total, he billed nearly three times his original estimate--consuming a significant portion of my settlement.
As a former partner at one of the world's largest accounting firms, I brought him a strong an organized case. What I received in return was not value, but frustration. In my opinion, Mr. Chalpin was ill-equipped to handle the matter and failed to provide competent representation.
In the end, he was more interested in being nice and appeasing to the opposing counsel than advocating for me. read more
