Start by researching the attorney at the State Bar's website. Here is the link: http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/LicenseeSearch/QuickSearch?ResultType=0&SearchType=0&SoundsLike=False
Make sure you have his current contact information as listed there. The attorney is required to keep this information updated if he moves, changes phone numbers, etc. You may also want to initiate a fee dispute with the attorney. Do you have a written fee agreement? This should be spelled out in the fee agreement. If you paid more than $1,000, a written fee agreement is required.
You may want to also file a complaint with the State Bar. Here is a link for filing a complaint: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Complaints-Claims Get all your paperwork regarding the attorney in order, including all notes of phone calls, proof of payment, etc. Anything that will help prove your case.
Lastly, you may want to speak to an attorney that handles legal malpractice cases. These are difficult cases to win, but you might benefit from speaking to someone. Even if you decided not to pursue legal malpractice, however, you can still file a State Bar Complaint and seek reimbursement of fees you paid if the attorney did not do the work he agreed to do.
Answered on Sep 30th, 2019 at 2:18 PM