Goetz Law - Bismarck, ND

I retained Ms. Elise Fischer in August 2025 and paid her to provide legal services related to my matter. Throughout the course of her representation, Ms. Fischer failed to communicate in a timely or reasonable manner. She did not return phone calls or respond to emails despite numerous attempts on my part to obtain updates and information regarding my case. In addition to her lack of communication, Ms. Fischer failed to perform the legal services she was hired to provide. Due to her continued inaction and unresponsiveness, I was forced to retain a new attorney in December 2025 in order to protect my legal interests. Upon termination of her representation, Ms. Fischer stated that she would issue a refund for the fees paid for services as my case "fell through the cracks". Ms. Fischer’s conduct caused unnecessary delay, significant financial loss, and stress. I have left a phone message and sent an email to her every week day for almost 2 weeks asking about the status of the refund and she has not responded to any of them.

Carey Goetz gave me a great story on how she will help me and my kids. Then, she took my money and disappeared like everyone else. Almost a week would go by between emails, always claiming to be too busy. In the end, I had to settle my divorce alone. She literally sat in the next room out of spite. EVIL.

Complaint against Ms. Elise Fischer of the law firm Fischer & Goetz for professional misconduct and serious deficiencies in the handling of my legal matter in Morton County, ND Poor Communication–Fischer repeatedly failed to respond to my phone calls and emails, leaving me uninformed about the status of my case. On numerous occasions I requested updates or asked to schedule meetings but did not receive timely replies or anything at all. Missed Deadlines–Important deadlines in my case were missed because I was not informed and the attorney did not take proactive steps to ensure timely filings or actions. Unannounced Maternity Leave/Lack of Coverage–Ms. Fischer went on maternity leave without informing me in advance or arranging proper client communication/coverage. I was left without a responsible attorney contact and with uncertainty about who was handling my file during her absence. Late & Inaccurate Billing Statements-I received billing statements that were significantly delayed, contained unclear or unexplained charges, and lacked sufficient detail. I requested clarification multiple times and did not receive adequate responses. False Promises/Unfulfilled Commitments-On several occasions, Ms. Fischer promised to schedule meetings, file motions, or provide updates by a certain date, yet she failed to follow through. Under the ND Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys are required to keep clients reasonably informed, act with diligence and promptness, and maintain clear, accurate billing practices. Ms. Fischer’s actions collectively fall below these standards and have caused significant distress and inconvenience.