Ethan Marcus Review

Beware of Attorney Ethan Marcus. Even though he is very likable, you need to make sure that you get everything in writing. I have found his work to be sloppy and unprofessional, and his billing is often incorrect.

In 2009, he had to remove about $2300 in billings because they were incorrect. He blamed these errors on his staff who were new. He told me that he would never hire a schvartze again. These billing documents are on file with the San Diego Bar Association.

This year, after making another major error that cost me thousands of dollars, he offered to again reduce my fees. I took him up on his offer. In his documents to the San Diego Bar and the San Diego Better Business Bureau, he agreed that he did indeed make this offer and that I agreed.

However, after my case was settled, he changed his mind and rescinded our agreement. Instead of paying me back the remainder of my retainer, he now claims that I owe him thousands of dollars in fees. Some of these fees includes work that was never done, billings that his office said was in error, as well as work that was completed when I wasn't even a client of his. I am not the only ex client who has had issues with Mr. Marcus, his work and his billing.

In his documents, Mr Marcus told the San Diego Bar and SD BBB that he was justified in doing all of this because I refused to come in and meet with him. I have repeatedly asked for a written explanation of these fees and have not received any response. I wanted a written record and Mr. Marcus does not want to comply. I like Mr Marcus. He is funny, clever and witty. Unfortunately, he is very sloppy with his billing and legal work. Make sure you get everything in writing before you agree to engage him.