I initiated a conversation from NYC with Fred Goeddel for legal services required for a court date in Cincinnati to address a request from my Ex-wife for an increase in child support. He agreed to represent me and I provided him with a $1500 retainer and detailed documentation pertaining to my pending case. After about a month I received a bill showing 1/2 of the retainer was spent - at this point we had not even had a telephone conversation - I sent an Email asking what he had been doing in regards to my case - he followed with a brief letter that was riddled with incorrect information regarding the details of the case - despite the clear and concise information I had provided (including an incorrect $ amount requested by my ex-wife in the filed documents).
It was clear from this single document that he had not reviewed my case - but I was being billed. I followed up his letter with a phone call (I initiated), this was our first (not counting the initial call for legal services). Within 5 minutes of the conversation he quit after I politely inquired as to what he had been doing in regards to my case - at this point he became exceedingly rude and abrasive. He quit! Without a phone call then proceeded to bill me for the call and some mysterious time spent "reviewing" my case - I indicated that I expected a refund of my retainer - he sent a final bill with a $100 refund - total bill amounting to $1400 - for nothing!
I was outraged and proceeded along the available channels that included 1) requested additional refund and outlined my future action (his response I interpreted as a veiled threat of legal action), 2) contacted his partners (no help), 3) filed complaint with BBB (no help), 4) contacted the oversight body of the Ohio supreme court (interesting response, but unable to mediate the ambiguity of billing/fees).interesting the Ohio Bar has a dispute resolution capability - but it is voluntary - give me a break.
I found this forum and my intent is to make this information available to those who might seek this particular lawyers council - I would avoid this one - I found his behavior egregious and I am hopeful this may help others in selecting legal council (at least in Family Law around Cincinnati) at difficult times in their lives as it is often difficult to find a lawyer that can assist in legal proceedings in an honest and professional manner.
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