The lawyer who helps landlords

Re “He shows renters the door,” Column One, March 14

As a former tenant and one who fought back and won against Dennis Block’s attempt to evict me and my neighbors, I found it interesting that a man who wrote such threatening letters managed to hide behind henchmen who carried out his dirty work. Not long ago I lived in a beautiful building with great neighbors. After a few years the building was bought by new owners. Unlike many who just give in and move, we individually fought back and won every case in court. Throughout the drawn-out ordeal, I witnessed the terrible emotional and financial toll this had on my neighbors, many elderly. Although we were drawn closer in our common battle, the ultimate result was sadness and angst over what had once been a wonderful community environment. For well over a year, I steadfastly refused to back down until I successfully recovered all of my court costs and reimbursable fees. I often thought, as I sat in the Beverly Hills courthouse on numerous occasions, what an absolute waste of time, energy and money (both mine and taxpayers’) this had caused.

WILLIAM HEFFNER

Beverly Hills

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Why in the world would you spend precious Column One space on the likes of Block? While I certainly agree that landlords need their rights protected as much as anyone else does, this man seems to revel a little too much in the misfortune of others. Block may feel that his “position is righteous,” however, comments such as “at least you have the satisfaction of knowing you messed her credit up” belie his own words.

KELLY A. DUNNAHOO

Saugus

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Many years ago I entered law school. It was people like Block who persuaded me to never practice law. The total lack of ethics, compassion or concern for the greater good shown by this man and his ilk hurts the legal profession immensely. There is a higher purpose to life than making money, Mr. Block. Perhaps if you and your children were forced into the streets of Calabasas tomorrow, you would have a different outlook.

BRIAN CURTIS

Ventura

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Block should be run out of town on a rail. How dare he insist that landlords have the right to run their businesses for profit? To imply that renters should pay for what they are borrowing, pay for it on time and pay fair market price? Preposterous.

PAM LAWRENCE

Lancaster