Robert Francis Cooke

I have a difficult eviction and real estate dispute/fraud case which I signed a retainer agreement 8 days ago and paid $7500 retianer agreement for and see it says nonrefundable, but I had instructed him to speak with me before moving forward. I had been trying to get thru to him prior to signing a...nd come to an agreement for severance as he had both an hourly rate and a part of damages (32%) as fee. Since he was hard to get ahold of and get answers from I was afraid I was going to want to leave him and not be able to due to him wanting part of my claim, preventing me from getting other counsel. I could not get in touch with him or get him to call me back and speak for several days, or answer texts and email questions for 8 days. I instructed him and his staff via text and email to put a hold on the case until we discussed further and came to an agreement. The case is urgent and there is nothing happening because we were unable to talk for so long. I have withheld what I want them to do at this point as I dont want them making up things to do to charge me for and I dont believe they will listen to my situation and be manageable as to how to proceed. I told them not to do anything to charge me until we speak, partially due to behavior and reviews and an unreasonable retainer. I asked for a refund, but didnt get it. I could not get an answer -even thought I signed the retainer agreement 8 days ago and they did nothing. Today I sent them evidnance that I did not have clear title and without permission they ordered a title search - which I just had done. He has promised to call me 2-3 time several times and not called. He is not even current on the case. He will not give a refund or back off of the 35% damages in addition to his $700/hour rae, nor will he put time into the case, nor will he sign the retianer agreement (which I have asked to cancel) or give a refund, even though they were told pretty quick I wanted to speak with them before moving forward. It has been 8 days and he still does not know what is going on in my case because he has not been available to speak with me since I sent signed the retainer agreement. I did not want him to proceed until we spoke. This morning I sent him info regarding a title search that revealed defects which I have other people working on and he thought that entitled him or order one in spite of my wishes to terminate the agreement for a refund. I have retained other attorneys for advise at this point because he does not return calls or listen to me. I am afraid to get into a case with him due to his lack of respect for my wishes and poor communication. The title seach would have been good when I needed it. I have not been able to fully tell him what is going on, and I do not want to be represented by him anymore.I do not even want to disclose things that may become an issue for fear he will obstruct me retaining another attorney by his requirement for punative damages. The lack of respect and performance from him and his staff is going to be a problem long term and I can not get him to discuss things missing from his retianer agreement, like what happens if the representation is terminated, like I want to do, or if he will refund funds or partial funds if we part now. I am told again he will call me by 4:00, but I am skeptical. I see he has done the same to others other real estate attorneys are easier to work with and ready to move forward and easy to connect with and plan strategy and will give straight answers about costs. If he could just be more transparent and reasonable....So far its a waiting game just to discuss the ruels of engagement and he has not respected my wishes or direction.