September 14, 1996
I have serious complaints with David Lowry:
He and I agreed to meet at his office for a
personal interview. We had a specific date, time and place. He did not keep
this appointment and did not notify me that he would be unable to keep this
appointment. I arrived a half hour early. The receptionist, not David
Lowry’s assistant, informed me that Mr. David Lowry
would
not be there. I live in Gold
Beach, approximately 6 or more hours drive to Portland.
Our agreement was that Mr. David Lowry would charge me a 20% fee of the award money if he won my case. This was okay with me. I would also be expected to cover any office expenses unconditionally. Again, okay with me.
Total lack of communications. He did call me at home one evening. David Lowry was unaware that I had been to his office, he was unaware that I had written a letter specifically requesting information of importance to my pending hearing. To date, there has been no reply. My letter is dated August 05, 1996. I have called his office a number of times. The receptionist says, “David Lowry is not here. David Lowry is in court. I don’t know when he’ll be back. I don’t know what his schedule is like tomorrow.”
I find this situation entirely unprofessional. I feel I am not an important “client” of his and that I have made a mistake in making any agreement with Mr. David Lowry. I feel I am between a rock and a hard place… It may be too late to change attorneys. Do I have to start all over again? What is my recourse?
David Lowry has copies of all my medical records plus my unanswered letter. He has the contractual documents of which I HAVE NO COPIES.
Sincerely,
Charles C.
August 05, 1996
Dear David Lowry,
I received your copy of the statements to the Veterans Administration in Portland.
I wish to tell you about my disappointment in our lack of communication regarding OUR appointment. Number one, my appointment with you did not happen. Not until over one hour did I find out that you had made another commitment at the same time as our appointment.
You told me during our telephone conversation that I should be at your office, period. I asked if you could send me some information which I could fill out and return to you. You stated that I should be at your office at 9:30am. I was there by 8:45am. Eventually, I was referred to “Carol”, who interviewed me by a questionnaire.
I had hoped that I could talk to you about strategy, a brief list of my concerns and what your course of action might be.
Charles C.
October 22, 1996
David Lowry:
I called your office approximately ten days ago. The purpose of this call was to cancel any and all agreements to having you represent me at the Veterans Administration Claim hearing, yet to be scheduled.
You, David Lowry, have not personally responded to me except that evening where I complained to one of your office staff about you not responding to my letter dated August 04, 1996. The discussion with you was a major disappointment to me. It left me in doubt and fear because you seemed unaware that I had been to your office at the date and time you INSISTED that I keep.
I wish to have you confirm our severance of our business relations by return mail.
Sincerely,
Charles C.
March 05, 1997
Dear Mr. Wyatt:
Frankly, I am appalled that this conduct was found within the ethical standards of the Oregon State Bar. Specifically, I find it hard to believe that it is all right for him not to keep, by his request, the original appointment that he insisted be kept on a specific date, day and time. It is alright not to respond to my letters and calls. It is alright that his own staff does not know his whereabouts and when he would be available to discuss issues with his client.
I would not hire or retain ANY attorney that ran his business in this manner (as Social Security attorney David Lowry). The member of the staff at the VA was one of the persons who suggested that I contact you (the Oregon State Bar). I was given your mailing address from my attorney in Gold Beach.
You and I agree on one thing: My issues with David Lowry are finished! I thought he might have received a reprimand.
It looks like for David Lowry this is business as usual.
Charles C
|
|
Click here to return to Oregon State Bar Reporter (found on the internet at www.OregonShyster.com )