2 clients claim Knoxville attorney does nothing after retainer fees

2 clients claim Knoxville attorney does nothing after retainer fees

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- If you've ever needed a civil issue resolved legally, the best advice is to hire an attorney to win your case. But several people have called 6 On Your Side to complain about an attorney they say has done little to help win their cases.

Under an oath attorneys take in Tennessee, they adhere to standards that include completing their work in a timely manner and keeping their clients informed.

But that's not what's happening for two people who hired the same attorney, John Threadgill, in Knoxville.

In Maryville, Brian Duncan installs and services garage doors. A few years ago, he sued a former employer he says owed him a lot of money.

Brian figured his case was pretty solid. He hired Threadgill in August 2007, paid him several thousand dollars and says their spirits were high about resolving the case.

"When I showed him all the documents I had, he said this is an open and shut case. Give me a $2,500 retainer and I'll take it on contingency," Brian said.

But he also says it's been a bumpy road with his attorney.

When asked what happened, he said, "Nothing, a little over two years of not being able to get a hold of my lawyer. The only paperwork that I've had from him so far regarding my case were questions I had to answer for the opposing side that he sent to me that I answered."

In Knoxville, Emily Lee, a licensed clinical social worker, hired Threadgill in March 2008 to settle a business issue. She meet him once in March 2008 when she wrote a check for his retainer.

"I have not seen Mr. Threadgill for any meetings. I have not had any personal conversations with him since leaving my retainer there," Emily said.

Fourteen months ago, she wrote a letter to Threadgill, explaining she was disappointed in his representation. "Responsiveness is something that's required in my profession, and I would have hoped with his."

Threadgill wrote to Brian Duncan in October saying he's no longer representing him, but earned his $2,500.

John Threadgill declined the 6 On Your Side request for on camera interview, but defended himself saying, "I've been to court eight or nine times on behalf of Mr. Duncan. His case file is two inches thick."

Threadgill said Emily Lee's case is still pending.

He went on to say everything has been done that could be for Duncan and Lee.

He concluded saying, "I've exercised my best legal effort and judgement based on 40 years of experience."

The state Supreme Court's Board of Professional Responsibility slapped John Threadgill with a petition for discipline in August. It's his third discipline petition in five years.

To get consumer information about the Board of Professional Responsibility, click here.

"He just wants me to go away. He will be pleased to return my file or deliver it to my new counsel," Brian says, referring to the letter he received.

Threadgill says he has responded to the discipline petition, but declined to give details.

If you have a consumer issue, call the 6 On Your Side hotline at 865-633-5974.