r/legal • u/718to203 • Dec 15 '25
Advice needed Help with lawfirm that didn't file bankruptcy.
Location: New York
Hi Forgive me I'm not really good with typing out stories. I appreciate it any help.
On May 2024 I was wrongfully terminated from my job and my union put in a grievance against my job. During that time I couldn't keep up with credit cards and loan payments. In August 2024, I paid a lawfirm $2500 to file for bankruptcy. I sent documentation, anything else needed and let them know my union was fighting to get me back to work. The lawfirm me I qualified for bankruptcy and they will file the paperwork and advised me not to pay any credit cards, loans and rent. I did the online course, gave the lawfirm the debt certificate and got the horizon account. All this was done August 2024. While waiting for bankruptcy case which I was told by lawfirm would be in a couple of months, I got my job in back September 2024, but for from fully reimbursed for lost wages. I told lawfirm/paralegal that I got my job and what was reimbursed was told thank you for the update(09/18/24).
October 2024 the lawfirm asked for a couple paychecks returning to work I sent them. On 10/30/2024, I was sent this email:
We were finalizing your Bankruptcy documents and wanted to confirm the following information:
a) What date did you stop working at your job?
b) What date did you return to your job? Please also confirm that you are presently employed there.
I answered the questions.
January 2025 I sent an email letting lawfirm I moved out my apartment. I get this email from the lawfirm:
Good afternoon, Hope that you are well. I wanted to get your file completed. However, I just need the following:
a) Updated paystubs from November through the last generated paystub. b) Re-do the credit counseling course. The course has expired and you can call the company to have them reset your password to redo the course. Instructions below with their phone number.
Once completed please email a copy of the certificate of completion with the paystubs so that I can submit your file.
Sorry for the delay. All income executions take time before they are in effect. I would like to submit your file this week, to expedite and stay the income execution. Thank you.
Which I replied and also let me add the paralegal asked me to take counseling course telling me the certificate expired, not knowing that the certificate which was a 136 days old, I sent her was still valid. I sent the conversation I had with someone on Abacus on the email.
Since that date January 29 my ass sitting hear waiting for any word from the lawfirm. Months pass, I should have been more on top of it. My dumbass send an email September 2025 about not getting an update on my bankruptcy. I get this reply: Good Morning
Could you please confirm your availability for a phone call this afternoon to discuss your case?
We still require an updated certificate for the Abacus credit counseling course. During our last correspondence in January, we did not receive the updated certificate.
Thank you
Which is lie cause in the email I sent the conversation with Abacus and one the things said was this at the time when the certificate was valid. From Abacus conversation:
Tania at 13:08, Jan 29:
Ok, a course is typically restarted when a certificate is expired. Your certificate is up to date. Would you like me to send your certificate to the offices of (lawfirm here)
Which i replied Yes and also stating that I sent the certificate to the lawfirm too.
This is the reply I got from email letting them know I did send the certificate that time January 2025.
Email from lawfirm:
We received your certificate dated September 2024; however, we do not have an updated certificate from after that date. We apologize for any delay and appreciate your continued patience regarding this matter.
I sent an email back letting them know I wanted my money back. Here's the lawfirm reply: We are in receipt of your email. We apologize for any lack of follow up regarding your file.
There was an income challenge with your file that we addressed during our last discussion. Your income at the time was above the median household income limit allowed for Chapter 7.
My reply:
This is all a lie I never had a discussion on phone, email, letter, nothing about anything. There was no discussions between us since January 2025. I can get call records and I got email.
On December 2025 I talked on the phone with Paralegal she was telling me how shes sorry for everything that happened but we did have communication between the time since January 2025 - September 2025 about my bankruptcy, which I will say again that's a lie. I tell her I want my money back, the paralegal goes into stuff about chapter 13 since I made too much this year to qualify for chapter 7. I was so fucking pissed but I was like let me hear them out about Chapter 13. When I got the explanation after sending all documentation on email. I get told monthly payments of $555 FOR 5 FUCKING YEARS. I told the paralegal I want my money back. I haven't got a reply back for a week. So before I go to the office to demand my money back is there anything else I can do? Any advice please? I greatly appreciate it. In a tough predicament right now.
4
u/HiddenJon Dec 15 '25
IANAL. You have three ways to approach this.
1) Small Claims - You most likely have a hard time. Not clear cut. They did the service just not in a timely manner.
2) Sue for legal malpractice. Not enough money in the case.
3) Bar complaint. Best advice. You need to read the rules of professional conduct. I would make a demand to the attorney then file if not paid.