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Just realized the difference between a lawyer's retainer and my old handshake deal
Back in 2021, I hired a guy in Fresno to help with a property dispute, just a handshake and a $500 flat fee. He did okay, but when things got messy with the other side, he stopped answering calls. Last month I signed with a proper attorney, paid a $3,500 retainer, and got a written fee agreement with a clear scope of work. The difference is night and day, he actually documents every email and motion. Has anyone else seen this kind of shift in how they handle legal work?
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sageadams1mo ago
That paper trail thing is huge. With the handshake guy, you probably never knew if he even sent that demand letter or filed the motion on time. Now you can see exactly what he did every step of the way, which also means he can't blame you later for missing a deadline or not giving him some info. Plus, that written agreement protects you too. If that Fresno guy had put in writing that he'd handle all the messy parts and then bailed, you would've had something to go after him with. Now you're just stuck with the memory of a handshake and a lighter wallet.
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