Michael Anthony Zatopa

Retained attorney for a due process hearing about our son's IEP. Had to pay the attorney an upfront retainer of about $3,400, I believe. Attorney gave the case to an associate who worked from home with a crying baby. Attorney referred us to a specific pediatric development specialist for an ev...aluation (expert witness opinion). Had to get on a four-month waiting list for s for that. During the wait, attorney deducted $500 from the retainer each month for "reviewing the file." We eventually get our son's evaluation. It did not support our case-- in fact, it supported the school district's position more than ours. Attorney was caught by surprise, case was dead. We spent $3,400 for about 1/2 hours of the attorney's time, and maybe 1.5 hours of the distracted associate attorney's time.