IS AN ATTORNEY BOUND TO PROVIDE A CLIENT WITH COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS CONCERNING THE WORK COMPLETED FOR THE CLIENT?
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IS AN ATTORNEY BOUND TO PROVIDE A CLIENT WITH COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS CONCERNING THE WORK COMPLETED FOR THE CLIENT?
A FAMILY MEMBER RETAINED A LAW FIRM TO ASSIST WITH FILING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. THE BENEFITS WERE DENIED. THE FEE WAS A % OF THE BACK BENEFITS PAID IF APPROVED. THE CLIENT CALLED THE LAW FIRM AND HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. THE CLIENT HAS NOT RECEIVED COPIES OF ANY OF THE DOCUMENTS THE LAW FIRM PROVIDED TO SSA TO MAKE THEIR DETERMINATION. IS THE LAW FIRM REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE AFOREMENTIONED DOCUMENTATION? IF NOT, CAN THE CLIENT REQUEST COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTION? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.
Asked on June 17, 2009 under Business Law, Minnesota
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you signed a retainer and you are entitled to a copy of your file. Send the attorney a certified letter, return receipt requested, asking for a complete copy of th entire file. Tell them that they have an ethical obligation to provide the file asap. Also if there is a number on the denial letter from Social Security call it and ask about getting a copy of the file. Ask them what specifically they need from you.
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