Can you sue a law firm?

[ponyislandgirl]

Last July I contacted a company about consolidating my debt. A Law firm got back to me, said they were debt negotiators. I read all the info they sent me, talked it over with my husband and decide we would go this route to pay off our bills more quickly. I took everything they had told me to be fact. Unfortunately it wasn't. I think I've been scammed.

They told me no more dealing with credit card companies, no more annoying and harassing phone calls, my debt would reduce to approximately 65% or more of what I currently owe, my monthly payments would reduce, leaving me with more money in my pocket. I would be retaining the services and experience of a well respected law firm. My attorney would deal directly with my creditors legal department not the collections department.

This is all a crock. I started paying them $749 a month starting in 9/07. Then in October I refinanced my home and paid off a couple of debts so that changed my payment to $316 a month for 36 months. They have not negotiated 1 debt as of today but take my money monthly.

I have to go to court on 7/19/08 if they do not settle with one of my creditors and I know this is just the tip of the iceberg.

I really thought they would negotiate with my creditors. I don't want to be a deadbeat. We've had a few rough times and got behind and I just wanted to settle my debts. Now I have like 5 to 8 creditors acting as if I could care less about their payments. They don't even go to court with me. I have to miss a days work and pay to go to court for something I thought they would be handlling.

Is this malpractice? False advertising? Is there anything I can do legally? Or should I just cut my losses and find a bankruptcy lawyer and do the thing I wanted to avoid. An advise or guidance is greatly appreiated.

You still need to deal with the creditors unfortunately (or force the firm to do so) but you can take action against the firm if they did not keep to the agreement that you signed with them. You could file a Bar complaint, sue in small claims or even sue in regular court if they did not do what was agreed.