Joseph Richard Serpico

Formal Complaint and Request for Immediate Review – Attorney Conduct (Joseph R. Serpico) Dear Partners of Parker Stanbury, This letter serves as a formal complaint and request for immediate review regarding the conduct of your attorney, Joseph R. Serpico, arising from legal services requested by my... husband and me through our LegalShield membership. Engagement Through LegalShield Approximately two weeks ago, my husband and I engaged Mr. Serpico through LegalShield to assist us with a homeowners association–related matter. Specifically, we requested that he review documentation we provided and prepare a written response to the HOA addressing actions taken against us. We promptly supplied all requested materials and supporting documents. Mr. Serpico initially communicated professionally and indicated he would review the matter. Factual Background Provided to Counsel The underlying situation involved a neighbor with whom we had prior disputes, who subsequently became a member of the HOA Board of Directors. During an encounter in our building, as he exited an elevator, he pushed me with his shoulder, which escalated into a verbal exchange. Unbeknownst to me, he secretly recorded the interaction and later submitted that recording to the HOA Board—of which he is one of only three members. The HOA then issued a notice accusing us of harassment and imposed a penalty. When we requested the alleged evidence, it was not provided. This factual background and the related documentation were fully disclosed to Mr. Serpico so that he could assess and respond on our behalf. Breakdown in Representation After receiving our documentation, Mr. Serpico ceased all communication. Despite multiple follow-ups, we received no response or substantive guidance. Last week, my husband attempted to reach Mr. Serpico by phone and was informed that he was out of the office. No return call followed. After we filed a complaint regarding the lack of responsiveness, Mr. Serpico contacted me on January 13. During that call, his conduct was abrupt, dismissive, and unprofessional. He stated there was “no case,” said he did not want to deal with us, and when I indicated that I would request another attorney, he responded dismissively and terminated the call by hanging up. The timing and tone of this interaction—coming only after a complaint was filed—was alarming and conveyed a retaliatory posture rather than professional judgment. Professional and Legal Concerns Mr. Serpico’s conduct raises serious concerns regarding compliance with fundamental professional obligations, including but not limited to: Failure to communicate and respond after receiving client materials; Failure to act with reasonable diligence once engaged through LegalShield; Abrupt abandonment of representation without appropriate notice, transition, or referral; Hostile and dismissive conduct toward a client following a service complaint. Such conduct appears inconsistent with the California Rules of Professional Conduct, including: Rule 1.3 (Diligence); Rule 1.4 (Communication). It is also inconsistent with LegalShield provider standards, which require participating attorneys to deliver timely, professional, non-retaliatory services and to maintain respectful communication with members. Request for Firm Action Please consider this letter an official complaint against Mr. Serpico. At this stage, we are requesting: Written acknowledgment of this complaint; An internal review of Mr. Serpico’s conduct; Clarification as to whether the firm intends to address this matter directly or facilitate reassignmen