Client
Review of Attorneys Michael K. Kaplonski and Fred Shahrooz Scampato I retained Michael K. Kaplonski and Fred Shahrooz Scampato, Esq. for my associational discrimination lawsuit against my former employer, where I lost over $100,000 in salary and was terminated by email. I also hired them to defend me against a fraudulent retaliation complaint filed by the same employer, who falsely alleged that I was blackmailing him with pictures and videos. Throughout the representation, both attorneys failed to investigate critical facts and did not file a motion to dismiss the frivolous lawsuit filed against me. Communication was extremely poor--there was a period of about seven months during which I received no email or meaningful update from them. They claimed my father's doctor would not cooperate, but when I spoke directly with the doctor, he said he had no idea what the attorneys were referring to. He provided a disability letter immediately. Despite giving the doctor only 10 days, the attorneys themselves had months to obtain this information. Both attorneys also claimed that defending the fraudulent lawsuit would cost over $20,000 if I did not drop my original claim. They later stated they had not received medical records, even though I had provided these months earlier. Eventually, Kaplonski and Scampato advised me--by email--to drop my case, but they did not outline the settlement terms I requested. After I signed the release, it became clear that the settlement agreement heavily favored my former employer. Despite days of objections from me, they only made minor revisions. They also informed me that if I refused to sign, they would withdraw from representing me. Additionally, Fred Shahrooz Scampato told me I was not eligible for family leave, yet I was able to obtain it myself without his assistance. In the end, I recovered nothing--not one cent. Their communication was extremely poor, the legal strategy lacked diligence, and the overall experience was unprofessional. I would give negative five stars if possible. I do not recommend either attorney. I have since filed a formal grievance against both Michael Kaplonski and Fred S. Scampato for: Failure to communicate Failure to file a motion to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit Failure to issue interrogatories They also failed to release the lien on my case despite stating they had no further interest in it. Overall: A very disappointing and harmful experience. Not recommended.