Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/27/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I retained Southworth PC on February 12, 2025, to assist me with a legal matter involving my federal agency. I paid $7,500 upfront as a retainer. Over the course of four months (February through May), I only received three invoices for March, April, and May totaling $5,115.50. Despite this, I was told I owe the firm an additional $300, which I do not understand or agree with.Between February and May, there were only six days of actual communication. No legal resolution was achieved in my case, and I received minimal updates or progress. I was also assured at the beginning that any unused portion of my retainer would be returned to me. That has not happened, instead, I am being told that I owe them additional money.I believe this reflects a lack of transparency in billing, a lack of follow-through on service, and misrepresentation of their capabilities in handling my federal employment case. I am requesting a full accounting of where the $7,500 was used, and a refund for any unused portion, as originally promised.Desired Resolution:I am requesting a full refund of the $7,500 paid to Southworth PC. The service provided did not align with the agreement, representation was inadequate, and no substantive legal action was taken on my behalf. I also request removal of the additional $300 claim, as it is baseless given the lack of performance on their part.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/28/2025

  
  Southworth PC received the complaint filed by Ms. ****** and appreciates the opportunity to address the concerns raised. We aim to provide a comprehensive and persuasive rebuttal, clarifying the services rendered and our billing practices, all while upholding our commitment to transparency and client satisfaction.
  

  When Ms. ****** retained Southworth PC on February 12, 2025, for her federal agency matter, she paid an upfront retainer of $7,500. It's crucial to highlight our unique fee structure, which was clearly communicated and agreed upon at the outset: all work completed on Ms. ******** case was discounted by 50%, with the remaining 50% of fees contingent upon a specific event. This arrangement significantly reduced Ms. ******** immediate financial obligation. In total, she received legal services valued at $15,613.00, representing a substantial investment of our firm's resources and expertise on her behalf.
  
  We understand Ms. ******** concern regarding the invoices and the subsequent balance. We acknowledge that the May 2025 billable activities, totaling an additional $2691.00, were not initially included with her previous invoices since the month has not ended. I have uploaded the May invoice for her review. This document clearly outlines the work performed during that period and demonstrates how the final outstanding amount was calculated at $306.50.

  As stipulated in Section 33 of our signed agreement, which Ms. ****** entered into with the firm, the $7,500 retainer was deemed the property of the firm upon receipt and deposited into our operating account. This section also explicitly states that "the firm agrees to provide the client with an accounting in the form of invoices of fees and expenses and other costs during the engagement and that upon the termination of the engagement, the firm will refund to the client" any unused portion. As detailed above, the substantial legal work performed significantly exceeded the retainer, even with the 50% discount. Therefore, no unused portion remains to be refunded.

  Section 34 of the agreement further clarifies our billing practices, stating, "Expect to receive a bill from us approximately every thirty days. Expenses will be separately itemized on the bill, and our fees will be charged as detailed below. These invoices are due upon receipt and will be considered overdue if not paid within 30 days. As previously discussed, you are liable for all legal fees, expenses, and disbursements, irrespective of the case outcome." This underscores Ms. ******** responsibility for the legal fees incurred.
  Given the extensive legal services provided, valued at $15,613.00, and the application of the $7,500 retainer towards these services, we will not be able to refund the $7,500 retainer. The work was completed on her behalf, and the retainer was utilized in accordance with our agreement.

  Regarding the outstanding balance of $306.50, while this amount reflects legitimate legal work performed, we understand Ms. ******** current perspective. Therefore, we assume that Ms. ****** will not pay the $306.50. Consequently, Southworth PC will not pursue further means for collections and will consider her account as closed with no additional financial obligation.
  
  While Ms. ****** states that "no legal resolution was achieved" and cites "minimal updates or progress," it is important to understand the nature of federal employment cases. These matters are inherently complex and often require considerable time for thorough preparation, legal research, and strategic communication with federal agencies. Our records demonstrate continuous efforts on Ms. ******** behalf, including:
  - ********************* case assessment: This involved an in-depth review of documents and initial legal research to understand the nuances of her specific federal employment matter.
  - Drafting and preparation of critical legal documents: This phase required significant time for meticulous drafting of communications and other necessary legal instruments, ensuring compliance with stringent federal regulations.
  - Ongoing legal research and analysis: We continually monitored relevant federal laws and regulations to ensure our strategy remained current and robust.
  - Internal case conferences: Our team regularly convened to discuss strategy, progress, and next steps, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to her case.
  

  Much of this work, while crucial to the case's advancement, occurs behind the scenes and may not always translate into frequent direct client communications. However, these efforts are fundamental to building a strong foundation for any potential resolution.
  
  Southworth PC stands by the quality and value of the legal services provided to Ms. ******* We believe our billing practices were transparent and in line with the signed agreement, particularly given the substantial 50% discount applied to all fees. We have demonstrated that the $7,500 retainer was fully utilized for legal work performed on her behalf, amounting to services valued at over $15,000.

  While we understand her desire for a full refund, it is not warranted given the extensive work performed. However, to conclude this matter amicably, we will not pursue the outstanding $306.50 and consider Ms. ******** account officially closed.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/30/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/11/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I hired Southworth PC to represent me in an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) case. I was assured in a phone conversation on August 1, 2024, that their legal services would be covered for a flat fee of $7,500 and that they would attempt to recover any additional fees from the government if they won the case. I was explicitly told that if they lost, I would not owe anything more.After making my initial $7,500 payment on August 2, 2024, they later demanded additional payments, despite our verbal agreement. I made a $1,000 payment on August 23, 2024, in good faith, believing it would reduce deductions from my case winnings. However, on January 6, 2025, I was threatened with being dropped as a client unless I paid an additional $4,000.I reminded ******** ***** that my agreement was for a flat $7,500 fee and that I did not agree to additional charges. She insisted that if I did not pay, they would drop my case, leaving me without representation. Fearing the loss of legal help, I paid the extra $4,000 under duress.Their unethical billing practices and misrepresentation caused me financial hardship, leading to my vehicle being repossessed. Southworth PC has refused to refund my payments despite their breach of trust and coercion.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/12/2025

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Mr. ********* complaint. Contrary to his claims, Mr. ******** signed a written engagement agreement (attached) outlining our fee structure. The agreement clearly states that the $7,500 payment was a retainer, not a flat fee, and that he would be responsible for replenishing the retainer as legal services were invoiced.

  Mr. ******** alleges a verbal agreement for a flat fee, but no such agreement existed. His payment history (attached) reflects multiple payments made in accordance with our written contract, demonstrating his understanding and acceptance of the agreed-upon terms. Additionally, per the contract, continued representation required timely payment of legal fees, and failure to replenish the retainer could result in withdrawal of services.

  Our firm has acted in accordance with the signed agreement, and we maintain that our billing practices have been transparent and consistent with professional and ethical standards.
  Please let us know if you require any further documentation.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/14/2025

   
  Complaint: 23049421
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ********

  Business Response

  Date: 03/24/2025

  Mr. ********,
  As I previously stated, you signed an agreement outlining how billing would be handled, which aligns with industry standards. Even the attorney clarifiedper your own complaint and most recent responsethat payment was required for services to be completed.
  There was no breach of trust or coercion, as you willingly made payments, and in return, the agreed-upon legal services were fully provided.

  Sincerely,

  *** ********

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/26/2025

   
  Complaint: 23049421

  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond to SouthWorth PCs statement.
  
  
  I maintain that SouthWorth PC acted in bad faith throughout our engagement. From the beginning, we entered into a clear verbal agreement, which the firm fully acknowledged and understood. However, when it came time to formalize the agreement in writing, SouthWorth PC intentionally altered the verbiage and inserted terms that were never part of our original understanding.
  
  
  I was under duress when I signed the written agreement, placing full confidence in their professionalism and integrity. I trusted that they would not exploit my disability or financial hardship, especially since they were fully aware that I was unemployed and lacked extra income. Instead, they used my vulnerable situation against me and proceeded to commit fraud by enforcing a written contract that was inconsistent with the original verbal agreement.
  
  
  SouthWorth PC repeatedly insisted on phone conversations rather than written communicationa tactic used to avoid creating a verifiable paper trail. When I asked that future communication be handled in writing for clarity and accountability, they became hostile and abruptly withdrew from my case, which I view as retaliatory and unethical.
  
  
  Although I have not yet requested my records, it is customary and expected that when an attorney withdraws from a case, they submit all relevant legal documents to the client or their new counsel. I intend to exercise that right and expect full cooperation.
  
  
  The actions of SouthWorth PCincluding the misrepresentation of contract terms, manipulation during a time of personal crisis, and their unprofessional withdrawalrepresent a serious breach of ethical standards. I consider the signed contract invalid due to the fraudulent and coercive circumstances under which it was executed.
  
  
  I respectfully ask the BBB to give this matter due consideration and hold SouthWorth PC accountable for their conduct.
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/05/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Subject: Formal Complaint Against ********************** Law Firm Failure to Refund Funds I am submitting this formal complaint against P.C. **********************, ***** and the ********************** Law Firm, located at ***************************************************, due to their failure to refund $4,099.17, despite multiple requests.Between May 2020 and the present, I have paid a total of $24,500 to the ********************** Law Firm for legal services. However, I have not received any substantial results or clear communication regarding my case. Over the past five years, I have only spoken with Mr. ********************** twice, despite numerous attempts to reach him via phone calls, emails, and messages through my case file.On January 17, 2024, I visited the firms office to address this matter in person. Due to construction and renovations, I was unable to access the office on the second floor. A receptionist informed me that the firm had relocated to the ninth floor, but this was never communicated through their office staff. Later that day, I received a call from a staff member named ******, who assured me that Mr. ********************** would contact me to finalize my account and process the refund. However, I have not received any follow-up communication from him or his office since then.I formally requested a response from Mr. ********************** within ten (10) days regarding the refund, but my request has gone unanswered. Given the lack of communication and failure to address my concerns, I am seeking BBBs assistance in resolving this matter.I would appreciate your intervention in encouraging ********************** Law Firm to either process my refund immediately or provide a clear resolution. Please let me know the next steps I should take regarding this complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/30/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ***** Southworth won a case for me, and on Nov 7, 2024 I signed paperwork agreeing to a $100,000 settlement. I was expecting the payment within 90 days, which would be Feb 5, 2025. Ive repeatedly called ***** over the last two weeks to see if the money is in and when I can expect to see it. Despite leaving two voicemails on his direct line and multiple messages with his staff, I have not gotten a call back or any information. I just want to know when I can expect my settlement money.