BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Rumors abounded Friday morning that a Bakersfield family law attorney had closed his practice without notice and left clients in the lurch.
It was said Lutie Thompson was no longer practicing law, that he was on the run, that no one could reach him. A video posted online from his office showed files left everywhere.
Where was Thompson?
In his office, as it happens.
At least that’s where 17 News found him Friday morning, where he refuted allegations he’d abandoned or otherwise failed his clients. He said he personally responds to all emails, and most clients have his cellphone number.
He said the angry remarks about him online are nothing other attorneys haven’t experienced.
“Family law attorneys get a lot of hate,” he said.
As of Friday afternoon, no disciplinary action was listed against Thompson on the State Bar of California website.
(Note: Thompson is not related to defense attorney Jared M. Thompson, nor is his practice connected to the law firm of Humphrey & Thompson.)
Thompson said he’s leaving Bakersfield to a join a law firm in Sacramento.
He declined to go into why he’s leaving, but said running a solo practice is very difficult.
He also declined to name the firm he’s joining, saying they wouldn’t appreciate this type of attention.
“The problem is when things go bad in family law court, (clients) blame their attorney,” he said.
He was on vacation when he became aware of the video taken inside his office. He said he rushed back and notified police of the break-in, which occurred Thursday.
As to the mess pictured, Thompson said someone entered a back office where he’s kept all his files since he started practicing in Bakersfield 16 years ago. He said he’s in the process of getting rid of old files.
His office will shut permanently July 25, Thompson said.
Some of the roughly 40 cases he has pending he’s seeing through to the end.
For other clients, he’s providing three options: referrals to a paralegal service; referrals to local attorneys; or they can represent themselves.
Clients will receive refunds for anything owed, Thompson said.
“I will continue to be in touch with clients,” he said.
Thompson’s email is lutie@flthompson.com.
This article will be updated.
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