Attorney Michael Reynolds' Unfinalized Invoice: A Repayment Agreement, Collection Efforts, and Unproduced Billing Records (2017–2023)
As discussed in the preceding post, attorneys Michael Reynolds and Mark Evans represented Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou during a period that included active litigation, foreclosure proceedings, the August 2017 sheriff's sale, and the approaching redemption deadline. The documents reproduced below concern a separate issue that emerged after the representation ended: attorney-fee claims asserted by Reynolds and Evans and subsequent efforts to obtain the billing records underlying those claims.
In November 2017, attorney Michael Reynolds advised Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou that he had spent substantial time on their matters but had not yet finalized his invoice. The documents reproduced below trace what followed over the next six years: a repayment agreement, collection efforts undertaken by attorney Mark Evans on Reynolds' behalf, satisfaction of the claimed debt, and repeated requests for the underlying billing records.
By July 2019, Drs. Foerster and Petrou had not received a finalized Reynolds invoice or itemized billing statement documenting the basis for Reynolds' claimed attorney fees. Nevertheless, they executed the repayment agreement and promissory note because they were concerned that continued disputes with former counsel could result in litigation, collection efforts, or complaints to professional licensing authorities. Attorney Cyril Hall advised against signing the agreement. Drs. Foerster and Petrou nevertheless elected to resolve the claimed debt rather than continue the dispute. The debt was subsequently paid in full, but the requested Reynolds billing records were never produced.
Certain identifying information has been redacted pursuant to a court-ordered confidentiality agreement.
Exhibit 1 – November 27, 2017 Letter from Michael Reynolds
In correspondence concerning the attorneys' withdrawal from representation, Reynolds advised that he had worked on his billing but had not yet finalized an invoice.
"By the way, I have worked on my billing and find I have far more time invested than Mark's billed for, but haven't finalized the invoice."
Exhibit 2 – February 8, 2022 E-Mail from Mark Evans
More than four years later, Evans confirmed that he was acting as Reynolds' collection agent and collecting payments on Reynolds' behalf.
"Remember, I am Mike's collection agent..."
Exhibit 3 – October 18, 2022 Satisfaction Letter
On October 18, 2022, Evans confirmed that Drs. Foerster and Petrou had satisfied all claimed financial obligations to both Evans and Reynolds.
"This letter is to confirm that you have satisfied your financial obligations to Mark D. Evans, P.C. and Michael A. Reynolds, PLLC."
Exhibit 4 – March 28, 2023 Letter Regarding File Requests
After the obligations had been satisfied, Drs. Foerster and Petrou requested copies of the attorneys' files and records. Evans responded on behalf of both himself and Reynolds. In addition to addressing the file request, the letter documents the parties' continuing disagreement concerning the representation and its aftermath.
"I write on behalf of Mike Reynolds and myself to address your request for a copy of our files."
Exhibit 5 – May 21, 2023 Request for Billing Records
After the debt had been paid in full, Drs. Foerster and Petrou narrowed their request and sought only the billing records rather than the attorneys' complete files.
"...given that we are only asking for the billing please provide a reasonable estimate."
Exhibit 6 – December 10, 2023 Final Request for Legal Billing Documentation
After additional efforts to obtain the records, Drs. Foerster and Petrou transmitted a final written request seeking an itemized statement of legal fees, services performed, and payments received.
"Please provide an itemized statement acknowledging any legal fees and expenses with respect to us and a recitation of all services provided in relation thereto and all payments made."
Conclusion
The documentary record reflects that Reynolds stated in November 2017 that he had not finalized his invoice, that a repayment agreement was later executed despite the absence of a finalized invoice, that Evans subsequently acted as Reynolds' collection agent, and that the resulting obligations were ultimately paid in full.
The documents further reflect repeated requests for Reynolds' billing records after satisfaction of the debt. Despite those requests, no finalized Reynolds invoice or itemized billing statement was ever produced.
The purpose of this post is not to resolve that question but to preserve the documentary record. Readers may review the documents above and reach their own conclusions regarding the claimed attorney fees, the subsequent repayment agreement, and the repeated but unsuccessful efforts to obtain the underlying Reynolds billing records.
Related Reporting
What Did the $25,000 Payment Settle? Correspondence Concerning the Reynolds-Evans Litigation
Selected Reporting
- Bradley Foerster Submits 140-Exhibit, 1,121-Page Documentary Chronology to FBI for Supervisory Review of the Investigation Involving Dr. Bradley Foerster, Dr. Myria Petrou, and Duaa Altaee
- From One FBI File to a Legislative Proposal: Peter and Maria Foerster Ask Senator Van Hollen's Office and Congressman Jamie Raskin to Consider a Uniform Administrative Framework for Federal Investigations
- Eva Feldman Documentary Chronology: 139 Exhibits on NIH R01NS082304, University Proceedings, and Federal Investigation — No Response Received
- Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou Send Ann Arbor Officials Documentary Chronology on AAPD and Related Federal Investigations — No Response Received
- Timothy Lynch Documentary Chronology: 63 Exhibits on University of Michigan Office of General Counsel, University Investigations, and Law Enforcement — No Response Received
- Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou Documentary Chronology: 8 Exhibits Document More Than Two Years of Efforts to Trace Bank of Ann Arbor's $1.4 Million Sheriff's Sale Credit Bid — No Response Received