Is it normal to take a month for a answer for a settlement.

There are any number of reasons that time could pass. A month isn't especially long. But we don't know what kind of case you are talking about and...

I am having trust issues with my attorney firm.

I can see why you are having trust issues. You need to have a sit down with your current lawyer and find out exactly what is going on.

I am suing my prev lawyer for malpractice & received a 4500 offer to settle; would counteroffering be wise for this type of case

When you are negotiating a settlement, a counter offer rarely hurts. You might want to ask another lawyer what he thinks the value of your case...

I am concerned that now you are in a position where these folks could be trying to rip you off. You would think that they would have checked to...

Can an attorney enforce a lien (in retainer) when lawyer hasn't filed lawsuit and keeps stalling?

As my colleague noted, the only way to advise you would be to retain a different lawyer to review your fee agreement. Generally speaking, a lawyer...

Do I have to follow through with a lawsuit now that I hired an attorney

Your fee agreement should state whether you would be required to pay any expenses or his time, if you choose not to go forward. So you need to read...

I was told by the mediator, it was not necessary for me to have an attornry present for the mediation?

Personally, I would want a lawyer present.

Legal From

Certified letter demanding a copy of the file is the best way to go. If he continues to refuse to provide it, then go to the disciplinary board.

Would saying something that was untrue while under oath, even if it is irrelevant to the case lead to a possible perjury charge?

If you have taken an oath and lie under oath, that can be perjury. It does not matter whether it is a crucial fact.

You can certainly retain a different lawyer but it is unlikely you could get any money back, because the money has been legitimately earned. The...