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Class Action Lawyer Scamming Clients?

A close friend was recently solicited by a Las Vegas lawyer to join a class action lawsuit.  The lawyer has asked for a $1,000 retainer.  This seems highly unusual.  The class action lawsuit has already been filed.  The lawsuit was filed On October 22, 2008.Aren't you just part of the class action, by virtue of it having been filed?  In other words, it's your duty to opt-out rather than to pay to opt-in.  And since when do you pay to opt-in?  Aren't you already in the lawsuit?Something else is suspicious.  The retainer agreement reads: An initial, non-refundable retainer of $ ($1,000 per unit) This amount constitutes compensation for ATTORNEY'S initial evaluation into the merits of the cause of action and its likelihood for success.What is the client buying?  An "initial evaluation"?  Since when does a client pay $1,000 for an initial evaluation in a class action lawsuit that has already been filed?  The letter soliciting clients makes it very clear that the client must pay to opt-in to the class action...continue to full post

Full post as published by Crime & Federalism on February 17, 2009 (boomark / email).