Carol S. Baskin

I hired Ms. Baskin for an uncontested motion and order. After submitting the required information, her office prepared a 2-page legal document for my signature. The document included several typographical and grammatical errors, including errors in my name. I reviewed and marked corrections before re...turning it for revision. Upon receiving the revised document, some mistakes remained, which was sent back for further correction. I was billed for two rounds of corrections, and Ms. Baskin stated that “we are all human and make mistakes.” This led to questions about whether clients should pay additional fees for correcting spelling and grammar. After the case ended, I requested the return of the unspent balance of my retainer. This request was declined based on contractual terms. When I indicated that I did not recall signing a contract, Ms. Baskin maintained that one had been signed. Upon request for a copy, she later confirmed in writing that no contract had been signed but still declined to refund the money. I consulted the State Bar, which identified the matter as a fee dispute and suggested arbitration. The Arbitration Board then determined that the disputed amount was below their minimum threshold for involvement, set at approximately $1,000. Ironically, while preparing documentation for the State Bar and Arbitration Board, I noticed that the Final Order signed by the Judge contained an error: the date referenced was incorrect and should have been nine years earlier. Furthermore, there is at least one other online platform hosting attorney reviews that do not seem to appear in standard web searches; with further research, this one site can be found and offers client accounts of their experiences with attorneys.