Mackey Law Firm Tim Mackey Accepted a large retainer fee from a single out of work Mom and would not return the money after no services were delivered Scottsdale, Arizona

Monique James of the Mackey Law Firm in Scottsdale AZ recommended that I file a BK as a result of loosing my job and income. I am a single mother, over 50, and the job market is bleak here in AZ. I was in danger of loosing my home and I met with Ms James on the recommendation of an acquaintance. The consultation was free, but after she recommended that I file bankrupcy, she requested a retainer and I sent a check for $800 toward a $2800 fee. This was in October 2009.

I was asked to fill out lots of forms and there were a couple of phone calls and emails from her paralegal, but after that, there was no contact between us. When I met with her in October, I was told by Monique that short selling my home was a good idea, and then was turned over to another Mackey Law firm employee who was also a realtor. He was extremely agressive and tried to force me to sign an offer agreement that would have made me responsible for closing expenses that I could not afford. 

This realtor - an employee of Mackey Law Firm - the same law firm that was paid by me to look after my best interests - left me many voice mails, several times a day, urging me to sign the offer agreement. I had spoken with him and explained in detail that signing this would put me in financial jeopardy. He all but threatened me to sign it.

I finally sought council with another law firm here in town. They informed me of my rights and helped me write a letter releasing Mackey and requesting my retainer fee back. So far, they have refused to respond to my request. I have mailed a letter, emailed a letter, faxed a letter and left a voice mail. Nothing. I am a broke single mother and this law firm that did nothing for me except pressure me into signing an agreement that was clearly not in my best interest, owes me $800 and refuses to return it.

They should be ashamed.