Frank Z. Leidman

The representation agreement (RA) with above attorney (Leidman) stipulated, after payment by me, the client, of a non-refundable retainer of $2500, a trust account deposit of $2500 as necessary in the future and whatever additional deposits would be required to maintain the trust balance at $2500. T...he RA further stipulated that upon termination of our attorney-client relationship any trust funds remaining after deduction of accrued costs and expenses were to be returned to me within one billing cycle after termination. After settlement of the matter I notified Leidman by mail that I was terminating our attorney-client relationship and requested a refund of trust funds. 32 days later, after no response from him, I followed up with a phone call during which he acknowledged receipt of above letter and promised to return trust funds "within the next few days". A week later I still had not received trust funds and so informed by phone the next day. A week after that, after still no response, I repeated my request to him via certified letter with return receipt - which I copied to an assistant DA friend - which was received and signed by him 3 days later. I finally received the funds owed 75 days after my original request. By the way, the representation agreement also stipulated a $100 penalty if Leidman did not receive payment 7 days after mailing a billing statement.