Lawyer Misconduct And Remedies

Summary

The user suspects their lawyer of misconduct, including refusal to communicate effectively, misleading information, and possible collusion with the opposing party. The lawyer allegedly dismissed concerns about notarized documents and advised the user to accept an unfavorable deal. The user has evidence of potential forgery and fraud but has not taken any action due to fear and health issues. The user was advised to report the lawyers misconduct to the New York State Bar Association and the Attorney Grievance Committee, and to report harassment to the police. The user was also advised to seek help from a different attorney or legal aid organization, and to organize their evidence chronologically to present their case effectively.

Full Conversation

What do you mean? The email is between them
Attorney-client privilege means that any communication between you and your attorney is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent.
ok. If my lawyer refused countless times and was really irritated when I made such requests, what could that be?
Could you please clarify if your lawyer gave any specific reasons for refusing to send an email summary of your discussions?
Said that he didn’t have time and that he wasn’t going to answer to my demands. Which I corrected him immediately saying that it was a request. Not a demand. He agreed to but never sent
What is the nature of your case? This will help me provide more specific advice. In general, lawyers should communicate effectively with their clients.
it was a holdover case. But I’m finding out that my lawyer misled me. So I just wanted to check a few things to make sure I am not being unjust
What specific information did your lawyer allegedly mislead you about in your holdover case?
when I told him that the documentation from discovery was notarized by wife and partner of the landlord, my lawyer told me he wasn’t sure if it was illegal but he didn’t do anything to find out. I brought the same subject several times it was dismissed. I believe he wasn’t even interested to hear my concerns
What specific actions did you expect your lawyer to take regarding the notarized documents?
let the judge know that. Instead of nothing
What is the current status of your holdover case?
Dismissed
Why was your holdover case dismissed?
my lawyer asked to. Doing so he saved the landlord from get into a lot of trouble because of the issues on documents. Inconsistencies. Forgery and fraudv
What evidence do you have to support your claim of forgery and fraud? In New York, forgery is a serious crime with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
for example. The notary on one of the documents has a stamp with a date that is more than 4 years from the date it was signed
What actions have you taken since discovering this discrepancy in the notarized document?

In New York, notaries public are commissioned for a term of four years, and their stamp should reflect this.
I told my lawyer but he always told me it was irrelevant. I was and I am on chemotherapy and he knew. So there wasn’t much I could do and he took advantage of that
What is the name of your lawyer and his law firm? It's important to report such misconduct to the appropriate legal authorities in New York.
I don’t feel comfortable sharing
That's perfectly fine. You may want to consider filing a complaint with the New York State Bar Association if you believe your lawyer acted unethically.
I have the conversations recorded when I started to suspect that he was working with the landlord lawyer to prevent/reduce any damages to my landlord. On the recordings he advice me to accept a deal that I didn’t want because it was for an apartment walk up on the 5th floor. Ignoring the fact that I have cancer on my leg and was 1 year in a wheelchair. Also the building was on a completely different neighborhood far from everything, making it difficult for me to go to places given my mobility issue and not close available transportation. Also after checking the DOB website, the building had far more issues than the one I was living which was on the ground floor with subways *-* blocks away. Close to everything. On a much better neighborhood on a by far better apt. He said that it was reasonable and that I should consider accepting. Which I believe if anyone else was with my best interests in mind would tell me that it was a horrible deal and would use that against the landlords to prove bad faith. Given that landlord had apartments available on the same building and thousands of other apts comparable to the one I live. But no. The landlord offered * apartments that were falling apart with everything undesirable. From location to issues to condition
Did you sign any agreement accepting the deal your lawyer advised you to take? In New York, lawyers have a duty to act in their client's best interest and communicate effectively.
never. My lawyer got very angry and said that I was wasting his time and that he was working for free for me
What steps have you taken since your lawyer refused to help you further? In New York, you can report attorney misconduct to the Attorney Grievance Committee.
none. I don’t know what to do. I’m afraid as my landlord threatened me. There is people following me. Hacking my computer. Entering my apt when I’m on treatment stealing my packages and mail
Have you reported these incidents to the police? In New York, harassment and stalking are considered criminal offenses.
no. I’m afraid
I understand your fear, but it's crucial to report these incidents to the police for your safety. They can provide protection and investigate the matter.
every time I called the police to report issues here it was only me telling my side of the story. While the person I was complaining about and reporting had all his staff corroborating his story. After the police talk to them in privet they came back treating me different as they had decided who was wrong and refused to register my report. It happened more than once so I don’t think it’s a good idea because I can’t defend myself as I’m very vulnerable from chemo
Have you considered reaching out to a different attorney or legal aid organization for assistance? In New York, there are many resources available for individuals facing legal issues.
I want but I’m exhausted. I don’t think I have the strength anymore
I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way, but I'm unable to provide the help that you need. It's really important to talk things over with someone who can, though, such as a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life.
everything is very recent. I am trying to deal with all at once. The harassment. My case. Gathering proof. And trying to build an organized way to present the documents, evidences to someone who can help. English is my second language so I need to be cautious because it’s so many things that if I don’t present what I have correctly I will sound like a lunatic. So I have to be calm and make everything I say make sense
I understand your situation. Have you considered seeking help from a translator or interpreter to assist you in presenting your case?
I need help in how I am build a timeline and put in a way to build a storyline. This issue I have been recording since *. So it’s 6 years
What kind of documents and evidence do you have from the past 6 years? Organizing them chronologically could be a good start to building your timeline.
I have the applications from DOB, historic records from the building also. I have screenshots and screen recording from DOB Bis at different dates showing how the fraud took place. Documents that would change date and names. All the engineers and architects that signed the applications lost their permit so I have proof showing how the name kept changing. Pictures of construction being done illegally on the area that is on dispute that I believe means tampering evidence. But I’m not a lawyer.
What specific fraudulent activities are you suspecting based on the documents and evidence you have?
or there is someone on DOb that has access to the system and can change this or the dob website is compromised. But I believe is both. Aplicartions filed without date and signature and permits being given. A stop work order that was rescinded without any documentation of it. A apartment that share wall with mine transformed into a industrial kitchen and every complain I made, every inspect that came said nothing was wrong. After a little private chat away from people’s sight. A stop work order that was removed from where it was posted and the inspector came saw construction going on. Saw that the swo paper was removed posted a new one and logged on the system that I was lying. He didn’t say lying but he said not compliant.
Have you reported these discrepancies and potential fraudulent activities to the Department of Buildings (DOB) or any other authority in New York?

- In New York, it's illegal to alter official documents or permits.
- You can contact the DOB at (*) *-* or visit their office at * Broadway, New York, NY *.
yes but nothing is done
What specific actions did the Department of Buildings (DOB) or any other authority take in response to your reports?
None
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. You may want to consider contacting the New York State Attorney General's Office to report these issues. Their contact number is *-*-*-*.