An initial consult is often free, and even a $500 consult would have been worth every penny because the lawyer would have (correctly) told him to back off and let them have the name.
In any event, escalating - even when you think the other party is being a dick - is never the right answer.
When I was sued I was able to get an hour with many of the initial attorneys I called. The biggest challenge in most cases was ensuring there were no conflicts.
And as an attorney, if I go back into practice someday, of course I’ll do the same.
In any event, escalating - even when you think the other party is being a dick - is never the right answer.