Ugh....Lawyers!

Jason and I have purchased a condo in Halifax and finally stop paying rent. The entire process was okay, up until our lawyer (and if anyone is planning on buying in HRM let me know so you don't end up with the same guy). Because he is disorganized, he likes to blame other parties. For example, yesterday at 11am he phones to tell be I need a money order (never mentioned in previous conversations with the lawyer) for the down payment for the next morning, before the local banks open, and associated costs- but he doesn't know how much it needs to be made out for. But because I bank with a virtual bank, it's impossible to get things done on incredibly short notice. Even with branch banks, if I hadn't had yesterday off of work, this would have been impossible since most branches close before the end of my shift at work.

When I explain why this might be a problem, he tries to make me feel bad about how I should change banks! I'm quite satisfied with my banking- and to have a stranger tell me how to handle my finances in a blunt, rude manner did not sit well with me. I waited all day yesterday for him to phone to tell me the exact amount, which he did not (which he assures me is due to the ineptitude of the current owner's lawyer). And still has not. I also ended up having to pay $20 for bank fees so everything could be done quickly. I asked (I figure it never hurts to ask) if I could have the $20 deducted from the legal costs since it was he lack of providing information that created this problem. (BTW, he also made me complete and pay for all the photocopying of ID's etc.). He ranted for a bit about "How could I ask him to cover my bank charges!!!". I stood my ground and explained why I was asking, and working for so long in customer service, I was prepared for him to say no. But he did agree to followed by a rant about how inappropriate it was for me even ask. It may be just me, but when I hire someone to provide a service I expect to be given the necessary information, and if I am paying him hundreds of dollars I expect some politeness. He also ranted about how he went out of his way to drop off papers on a Saturday. Honestly, I don't work Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and the only time there isn't anyone at home is between 11am and 3pm on weekdays. I never asked for him to come over on a Saturday, he offered! After the call, I broke down in tears.

Today he came over at 10:15am to sign the final paperwork. He was 10 minutes late- but I'm sure he'll find away to blame it on me as well. I told him to forget about the $20 (I figured it was easier to let it go than bother with it. CIBC was nice enough to waive part of the $20, as for the remaining amount, I suppose my lawyer must be living well below the poverty line to afford the difference to correct his omission or care for his reputation). Even after I told him it was okay and to let it go. He did rant for a good 5 minutes again about how I could ask for it. And he also mentioned it at least two more times during the 20 minute meeting. The rant began with "I don't think you know who I am." Someone obviously has an inflated ego. During the rant, he mentioned that he was discussing me with his coworkers and they couldn't believe that I asked for a reduction in fee! The nerve of me!

It's very unprofessional to discuss clients with coworkers! The only good thing about this lawyer is that I'll never have to meet him again! I wasn't going to mention his name, but I'm still quite upset so I'll stick with last name: Mr. Smith.