To all who read this I give you one very important piece of advice: The lawyer you watch closest is the one who works for you. You are a mealticket- you are revenue. Keep them on a tight leash or they will screw you and convince themselves they’re doing it in your best interests.
Italics are my inserted comments… enjoy…ÂÂÂ
Attorney Smith,ÂÂÂ
I’m not angry or emotional, but determined. Very determined.ÂÂÂ
I have the advantage and if this is played correctly, I can pin her in a corner permanently. Not for me, not for some sick sense of gratification or revenge or ego, but for my kids; it has to be done for them.ÂÂÂ
Attorney Jones is trying to get some bargaining chip he can take back to his client to show he was worth what she is going to end up paying him; he’ll get nothing from me. Nothing. I can not leave her with any confidence of any kind that fighting me, ever, is in her interest. My biggest concern right now is that you and Attorney Jones are too familiar with one another and that can be very bad for a client. No, I’m not worried about ‘collusion.’ (Well… actually I am) I’m worried about the ‘professional courtesy’ that exists between lawyers. You guys hate attacking one another because lets face it; clients come and go, but you always have to work with these lawyers and the judges- standing up and playing hardball for one client can cause problems for your career later on.  I know this and I have seen it.ÂÂÂ
Finally, you’ve been asking me, pressing me to make ‘concessions’ and that is the one thing I will not do, so don’t ask. It sets the wrong precedent. She gets no reward for abusing my kids. Are we clear on this?ÂÂÂ
If you can play hardball, that would be great. If you can’t then I must find new counsel… and that would really be a disappointment, because you are good.ÂÂÂ
Sincerely,ÂÂÂ
Eric ÂÂÂ
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And the response:
First of all, Eric, do not threaten me! I have managed results for you that none of your attorneys have been able to obtain. (Now that is true)
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Secondly, I resent this accusation of familiarity with Eric Attorney Jones. (Is this a joke? Everyone knows lawyers ‘play nice’ with each other) I have an ethical code I must follow to maintain my license. No client is worth risking that. That includes you. (WHERE DID THIS COME FROM???)
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Furthermore, from day one, you have vacillated with how you wished to approach this matter. I waited for you to make up your mind. I filed the motion that YOU requested I file. (Uh… it isn’t ‘vacillation. It’s called consulting with competent legal advice. Once the motion was filed, THAT was the direction we were going… were…) You stated all along that you wanted Marie to attempt to have a relationship with Ron and to mend fences. Later, you would seek placement of the other children. Now, she is not fighting with you after consulting an attorney. She is asking for the bare minimum of placement that any court will even grant an addict or convicted felon. Now, that is even too much for you. (Why the hell do I want to give up any time with my other kids so this witch can torment my oldest son?) There is no child abuse restraining order here. (There is a police report from a municipal police department. How much does it take?) How much credibility do you really think you are going to have with a judge to fight over one day or a half day per month? You are going to come across petty. The court is going to perceive you as merely attempting to punish Marie as opposed to looking out for Ron’s best interests. I save every email I send you and every one you send me. I do not appreciate your twisting my words against me.(Someone needs to increase their Prozac…) I have been practicing in this area for a long time and know what the courts are going to do. I did not send any proposals to Attorney Jones without your authority. I sent the proposal out after speaking with you and emailing you. (But why were we proposing anything? We filed a motion… let them counter it. I don’t need my lawyer generating lots of unwanted paperwork at $200 per hour… or am I getting churned here?)
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If you wish to retain alternative counsel, go right ahead. I consulted both of my partners in the firm regarding this. Don’t try to argue breach of confidentiality because in a partnership, confidentiality extends to the entire firm. (More defensiveness? Besides I knew this… Now it is getting weird…)   They agree with my take on this case.  I have done everything in my power to be honest and represent your interests competently. I have kept your emails stating that you are pleased with my representation.  This change of attitude leads me to believe that you merely wish to battle against Marie.(No… stick with the original motion. THAT is what I wanted.) I am not a hired gun. (Uh… yes, you are. I’m paying the bills; you do it my way. I have to live with the results, so I call the shots… Mmmm-kay?) I advise my clients accordingly to the law. If you want an attorney who will change tactics in midstream and against her professional judgment, be my guest. (I want the ORIGINAL tactics… duh!) I am not that desperate for business.(Oh… I know… I get a return phone call about three days later usually)  I can have my legal assistant draft a stipulation and order for substitution forthwith. (Sounds great…)
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I would have filed another motion on your behalf for all the children if you had requested. (That was ‘Phase Two’ Dearheart…)  The tone of this email shows me that there is a breakdown in the attorney client relationship. (Oh Really!?!? I hadn’t noticed… You churn me, jack up the billable hours, offer to cave to the opposition… and you don’t think I would be upset?!?!?)

