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Post by petrossian on Jun 30, 2010 23:20:13 GMT -5
I'm having trouble with my co-op again. After the judge on my case said she wasn't going to award legal expenses, the co-op put
their own legal expenses on my maintenance bill. I got badly burned with the last lawyer I used - he didn't show up for the first hearing, hardly said anything in my defense and wouldn't answer
questions.
I'm expecting trouble again, so if anyone knows a good lawyer in New York City who could handle something like this - please send me a message. Thanks.
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Post by bigtimetroubles on Jul 1, 2010 5:05:13 GMT -5
that must be illegal for the co-op to do that...hope you find a good lawyer who will not simply cost you money and do nothing for you...do they have legal aid you could use? or referral agencies?
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Post by Rory on Jul 1, 2010 7:46:41 GMT -5
Write to the Co-op and point out what the judge said and ask them to remove the charges.
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Post by fluffernut - now Jannie on Jul 1, 2010 10:53:12 GMT -5
Contact your local Bar Association. They will listen to you and find just the right lawyer to handle this type of case. They may charge a small fee for the referral (like $35). and they won't give you free advice, nor any advice. They will listen carefully and find someone to help. Good luck. Been there, done that.
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Post by clutterific on Jul 1, 2010 14:47:54 GMT -5
I know in Missouri there is a website with a directory of attorneys that is free to access. You may also find some by googling "landlord tenant lawyer new york" or something along those lines. Many attorneys will do a free consultation via phone or email (some in person, as well). You may try finding a good general practitioner from a small or solo practice rather than a large firm, as that's usually cheaper and the attorney usually pays more attention to the case (vs having a paralegal or 1st year associate do it). Shop around; you'll find someone good.
Also if you have friends who have used attorneys for various things (divorces, personal injury, whatever), they might give you their lawyer's info and you may be able to get a (free) referral that way.
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Post by WestsideStory on Jul 2, 2010 12:53:44 GMT -5
You could bring the fact that the coop has added its legal expenses to the bill to the judge's attention. Don't know NY law, but suspect case could be reopened because co-op is violating court order that each party cover its own costs. Judges get upset by contempt of court. You might be able to do this without a lawyer if you're brave. There should be a county law library where you can find the court rules and rules of procedure. The law librarian can't give legal advice but they can point you in the right direction. The clerk's office in the court could give you or show you copies of the rules for that court.
If you don't want to escalate things too much right now, even getting a written copy of the judge's order that both sides cover their own costs and sending a very nice letter to the co-op board/management company/manager with a copy to the judge might do the trick. It's possible that the board/accounting folks misunderstood what the judge's order meant. Make sure to make and keep copies of all correspondence; you may need it in the future! And make notes of conversations, phone calls, etc. Good luck!
WestsideStory
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Post by blessedapt on Jul 10, 2010 19:06:59 GMT -5
Contact your local Bar Association. They will listen to you and find just the right lawyer to handle this type of case. They may charge a small fee for the referral (like $35). and they won't give you free advice, nor any advice. They will listen carefully and find someone to help. Good luck. Been there, done that. Hi, I've been away on vacation and don't know if you've already got a lawyer, but if not, Fluffernut is correct, contact the NYC Bar Assn. www.nycbar.org/LRS/index.htm There's no charge for a referral and (based on my personal experience), they take the time on the phone to find you the right people (they gave me a list of several...it was up to me to contact them). Good luck! |
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Post by petrossian on Jul 11, 2010 21:32:56 GMT -5
Thank you for your answers.
I'm a little hesitant about going to the Bar Association because the last time I did I ended up with a lawyer who was awful.
He charged a fortune, didn't show up for the first hearing,
never prepared and didn't defend me at all in court. I had
already paid him, so I had no choice but to continue with his
firm but with a different lawyer. That's why I would prefer somebody who actually has had experience with somone.
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