Amanda Brookhyser of Zumpano Patricios overcharges me $3,350 for a simple demand letter

Legal services are meant to serve the interests of clients, but when billing practices and communication break down, trust in the profession is eroded. This is the reality Mark Wagner faced when he engaged Amanda Brookhyser, an attorney at Zumpano Patricios Popok & Helsten, for what should have been a straightforward legal matter. Instead, he found himself overcharged and ignored.

The Facts: An Outrageous Invoice for a Demand Letter

Mark Wagner, a small business owner whose livelihood depends on his handful of rental properties, initially received a bill from Amanda Brookhyser for $3,350 to draft a simple demand letter.

The billing seemed disproportionate, as if the law firm were dealing with a major corporation rather than a sole proprietor. After expressing his concerns, Amanda reduced the charge to $2,790. While this reduction might appear significant, the revised amount was still unreasonably high compared to standard rates. Typical charges for a demand letter—a routine task often completed within an hour—range from $350 to $500.

Even more concerning, Amanda failed to warn Mark in advance that she intended to charge more than ten times what he had typically paid for similar work in the past. This lack of transparency left Mark blindsided by the runaway billing and caused significant sticker shock. Had he been informed upfront about the exorbitant cost, he would have sought services elsewhere, avoiding this unnecessary financial burden.

This inflated fee was particularly perplexing because Mark had already provided all the necessary information for the letter. The work required minimal additional research or effort. Despite these factors, Amanda’s billing practices suggested an exploitation of her client’s trust.

Ignoring Client Concerns

Even more troubling is Amanda’s subsequent lack of engagement. Mark made several attempts to address the issue directly, but his messages went unanswered for weeks. This lack of accountability suggests an unsettling disregard for her client’s concerns. To date, there has been no resolution, and Amanda has effectively pocketed the money without delivering adequate service or engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Tarnishing the Reputation of Zumpano Patricios Popok & Helsten

This situation does not only reflect poorly on Amanda Brookhyser as an individual attorney; it also raises serious questions about the broader practices and oversight within Zumpano Patricios Popok & Helsten. Operating out of their Las Vegas office at 1210 S Valley View Blvd, Suite 215, the firm’s association with such behavior risks damaging its credibility.

When a firm tolerates or fails to address the unethical practices of its attorneys, it creates an environment where clients are left vulnerable. Zumpano Patricios Popok & Helsten’s failure to ensure reasonable billing practices and timely communication undermines its commitment to professionalism and ethical standards.

A Call for Greater Scrutiny

Mark’s experience is not just about one individual’s frustration; it speaks to a broader issue of unchecked practices within the legal profession. Lawyers hold a position of power and trust, and with that comes the responsibility to act with integrity. Overcharging and ignoring clients undermine this trust and tarnish the reputation of the profession as a whole.

Clients deserve transparency and fairness. Mark’s case is a stark reminder that these principles are not always upheld. When attorneys prioritize profit over ethical service, it’s essential to call out these practices and hold them accountable.