Seeking advice on legal action against contractor

[Chris C.]

I'll try and keep this short and sweet (once this project is over, I'll spill all of the gory details)...

Working on a flip, signed a contract with a GC (great reviews with BBB and online)......paid him some $ up front.  GC proceeded to give many excuses and not do any work.  GC finally said he is giving the project back to my realtor and will return my up front payment. Ok, no problem.....works for me.

After many emails / phone calls and weeks go by, still no money back.  I start checking in with local lawyers (did I mention this was an out of state project?), contacted a few and one called me back.  Had an initial conversation, I told him I would keep thinking about it (bringing legal action)....he followed up 1-2 weeks later and being frustrated, I went ahead and signed up with them (and gave a retainer fee).  Again, great online reviews with lawyer.

So, it's been 2 weeks and I haven't heard a peep from the lawyer....am I being overzealous to expect something to have happened by now (e.g. lawsuit filing, etc.)?  As we were having our conversation when I signed up with them, he asked for a copy of the GC contract (which I provided immediately). 

If you can't tell already, this is the first time I've ever had to do something like this.....am I crazy to wonder why I haven't heard anything / received no response from the lawyer yet?  Just as a FYI, I did follow-up with them a few days ago.

Any perspective would be appreciated.  Thanks.