My first mistake: I did not ask if he was a trial attorney. I assumed he was when signing him up since the service term in the agreement sates: ".... to prosecute Client's claim to judgment in trial court." If I had known he is not, I would not have retained him because under the circumstance, I knew I needed a trial attorney.
The agreement specifies “Attorney is authorized to associate and employ other counsel to assist in representing Client, at Attorney’s own expense.”
My second mistake: I consented the trial attorney’s withdrawal because he had been ignoring my phone calls, emails and I had thought how he could handle it at trial if he did not know my worsening symptoms and updated medical bills. I had not known I was not obligated to sign him off until after that. His ignoring me was the death-wound, and which partially contributed to his withdrawal.
The one tried to take 40% from the reimbursement of rental car expenses: He tried, we argued and he was angry and yelled at me, but he dared not to take it as I finally told him to take whatever he wanted, and I would take it back from the small claim court. There is material difference between attempt and real doing. I do have his email proof. Are you sure even attempt, he can be in trouble? I have no intention to have him disciplined, but I will be of upper hand if so when comes to the fee issue.