Lawyer retention after Layoff

G

Greencard001

Registered Users (C)
Guys, I just got laid-off from a big 5. The lawyer firm who got notified about this, now proposes two options:

1. I can continue with their services by paying a retention cost of $ 1,000.oo, as my old company do not pay a dime more.
2. Seek a change of lawyer. All files will get transferred to the new lawyer as is where is. No questions asked.

Help me understand the trade-off:

1. My RD 12/28/01, ND 01/17/02, FP 03/06/02 : I expect the approvals to accelerate in Oct and if all go well (no RFE), I may get my approval in a month and half. In this situation shall I take $1000 hit.
2. Am I better off by changing from the most reputed lawyer firm to a less/unknown lawyer, who cd cost me nothing.



:rolleyes:
 
i would suggest the same ..
stick to the old lawyer

negotiate the amount and agree to pay in parts the final one on getting the approval notice ..

Good luck
 
Thanks. Well I was not trying to avoid payment of $ 1000 but was curious to know why this payment now when my sponsor (last employer) has already paid the entire processing cost. At one point in time few months ago, lawyer had mentioned this fact.
 
Retention

You are mistaken. Retention is actually not a payment of services rendered by the attorney. Retention is kind of like an insurance for the lawer where they are sure they will get money from you if you do require their services. Now, if you do not receive any service then the amount is to be returned back to you when the contract between you and attorney's offices ceases to exist. On the other hand if the cost of the services they render is more than the retention amount then they will invoice you for that.

Hope this helps. My suggestion - pay the rentention, stay with the attorney who knows your case. Although do clarify the same with them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top