what if you don't trust your attorney

Your attorney will be paid for his or her work anyway. They will put a lien on your case so no matter who takes it will be forced to pay them a share. But you do retain the right to get a second opinion, and if you do not trust your attorney, you probably should seek that second opinion and consult a different attorney.

Full Answer

What to do if your lawyer does not do what you want?

May 30, 2017 · Your attorney just can’t work against you or give away your advantages. Don’t let common courtesy and fair play destroy your trust in your attorney. For example, granting the other side an extension because they were on vacation is …

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

Jun 01, 2013 · Posted on Jun 3, 2013. A lack of trust in an attorney-client relationship isn't significantly different than a lack of trust in a marriage...it has virtually no chance of working out in the long term, and in the short term will only breed animosity and anger. Very often this is for want of effective communication.

What are my rights if I am unhappy with my lawyer?

Dec 07, 2010 · If your attorney doesn’t know how to find one, they may not have the experience to handle your case. If your attorney does have these contacts but none will agree to review your case or testify,...

What happens if a lawyer refuses to take a case?

First, talk with your lawyer. A lack of communication causes many problems. If your lawyer appears to have acted improperly, or did not do something that you think he or she should have done, talk with your lawyer about it. You may be satisfied once you understand the circumstances better. I have tried to discuss my complaints with my lawyer.

What to do when you dont trust your lawyer?

If you believe that your attorney acted unethically, you should consider filing a complaint with the State Bar. You can complete a complaint form online or download a PDF complaint form from the State Bar's website.

What should you not say to an attorney?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

What is it called when your attorney doesn't do their job?

File a Legal Malpractice Claim The standard route of disciplining an ineffective or incompetent lawyer is by filing a formal complaint. As I mentioned earlier, every state has at least one agency that helps license and discipline lawyers.Feb 25, 2021

Why do lawyers ignore their clients?

One of the most common examples of an attorney ignoring their client's wishes is when they decide to settle their client's claim without their permission. If an attorney acts against their client's wishes because they believe they are not being practical, their client may also have a case of malpractice.Oct 5, 2021

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

How do you write a complaint letter about a lawyer?

Formal complaint against [name of lawyer or law firm] describe what the lawyer had been hired to do for you [for example dealing with the sale or purchase of a house] • say when this was [give the date or dates when the problem occurred]. My complaint is that [list what you think went wrong or wasn't done properly.

Who or what regulates attorneys in California?

The State Bar ofThe State Bar of California's principal mission is protecting the public, primarily through a rigorous licensing process, regulating attorneys, prosecuting complaints of lawyer misconduct and promoting ethical conduct.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in NJ?

If you believe that your lawyer has engaged in unethical conduct, you should call the toll-free number 1-800-406-8594. If you enter the five-digit zip code of the attorney's office, you will be connected to the district ethics secretary to request an Attorney Grievance Form.

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

DutiesAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...•Sep 8, 2021

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

When your lawyer is not fighting for you, you have every right to fire that attorney and get a replacement, and you may have the right to sue in the event that the attorney violated professional codes of ethics.

Why do attorneys have to disclose information?

Your attorney must disclose important information to you because of the duty of candor. Your attorney must explain the pros and cons of any recommended course of action. They also must tell you about other reasonable options. If the other side makes a settlement offer or demand, your attorney has to tell you the terms immediately. Also, if your attorney obtains other facts or information that would be important, they have to disclose those facts to you. Your attorney may never lie to you about your case.

Can an attorney work for both sides?

Unlike real estate agents, attorneys can never work for both sides. If they do so intentionally, they would almost surely be disbarred! We all have the duty of highest loyalty to our client. That said, attorneys can cooperate with the other side to get things done. Your attorney just can’t work against you or give away your advantages. Don’t let common courtesy and fair play destroy your trust in your attorney. For example, granting the other side an extension because they were on vacation is normal.

Clifford Horwitz

You should meet face-to-face with your attorney to discuss these matters.

Bryce Patrick McPartland

A lack of trust in an attorney-client relationship isn't significantly different than a lack of trust in a marriage...it has virtually no chance of working out in the long term, and in the short term will only breed animosity and anger. Very often this is for want of effective communication...

Lars A. Lundeen

I don't think you have mentioned anything that appears to be unethical or illegal. I do suggest that you contact your attorney and request a face-to-face meeting concerning the status of your case. In particular, tell them about your interest in learning about your PIP payments etc.

John Michael Phillips

I agree with the other lawyers here about (1) consulting and confronting your lawyer about your issues and then (2) seeking other counsel. The misinformation by TV lawyers and referral services- is why people should consult lawyers who take the time like on sites like this. Because of the economy...

Jason M. Melton

You should call and make an appointment with your lawyer - trust is the most important part of your relationship with your lawyer.

Richard A. Alexander

Have a face to face meeting with your attorney without exceptions. It has been my experience that a lot of clients forget that the attorney works FOR the client, not the other way around.

Clifford M. Miller

Talk to your lawyer and read my answer to a very similar question just posted.

Can you trust your attorney? Don't miss these red flags

An incompetent or corrupt attorney can ruin your case. I got a call the other day from someone looking for an expert witness for a legal malpractice case. It was a somewhat unusual call. Their attorney should be the one finding people who can review the case and testify as a witness. If they are asking their client to do this, it’s a red flag.

Meet The Blogger

I am a lawyer who talks like a regular person. I provide direct, honest advice, and if needed, I will recommend a lawyer to you.

Why should a lawyer refuse to take a case?

Unnecessary delays can often damage a case. If, because of overwork or any other reason, a lawyer is unable to spend the required time and energy on a case , the lawyer should refuse from the beginning to take the case. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client.

What happens if your lawyer doesn't communicate?

A lack of communication causes many problems. If your lawyer appears to have acted improperly, or did not do something that you think he or she should have done, talk with your lawyer about it. You may be satisfied once you understand the circumstances better. I have tried to discuss my complaints with my lawyer.

What to do if you have a complaint about a lawyer?

If you believe you have a valid complaint about how your lawyer has handled your case, inform the organization that governs law licenses in your state. Usually this is the disciplinary board of the highest court in your state. In some states, the state bar association is responsible for disciplining lawyers.

How should a lawyer act in both professional and private life?

How a lawyer should act, in both professional and private life, is controlled by the rules of professional conduct in the state or states in which he or she is licensed to practice. These rules are usually administered by the state’s highest court through its disciplinary board.

What is the relationship between a lawyer and a client?

In a lawyer-client relationship, acting responsibly involves duties on both sides—and often involves some hard work. You have a right to expect competent representation from your lawyer. However, every case has at least two sides. If you are unhappy with your lawyer, it is important to determine the reasons.

What is the job of a lawyer?

Communication. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client. When a client asks for an explanation, the lawyer must provide it within a reasonable time. A lawyer must inform a client about changes in a case caused by time and circumstances. Fees.

What to do if your lawyer is not responding to your complaint?

If your lawyer is unwilling to address your complaints, consider taking your legal affairs to another lawyer. You can decide whom to hire (and fire) as your lawyer. However, remember that when you fire a lawyer, you may be charged a reasonable amount for the work already done.

3 attorney answers

Have a face to face discussion with the attorney. Look her in the eye and explain your feelings. Perhaps she was having a bad day when you last spoke to her. She probably was also considering other issues. You just don't know. The attorney will not be offended. Also, pay whatever you owe your attorney.

Vincent Barney Garcia

You need full confidence in your attorney before you step into court... get that confidence or get a new attorney by meeting face to face and honestly discussing these issues.

David L. Carrier

It is unethical for attorney at this forum to comment about another attorney retained. You need to address your concerns directly with this attorney in a face to face meeting. Hope this helps. If you like this answer and have a Google account , please hit the +1 sign above.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't work?

If that doesn't work, as a last resort you may need to sue your lawyer in small claims court, asking the court for money to compensate you for what you've spent on redoing work in the file or trying to get the file.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

What is the defense of a lawyer who is sued for malpractice?

A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument. Legal malpractice cases are expensive to pursue, so do some investigating before you dive in.

What to do if your lawyer is unresponsive?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. Also, ask your state bar association for assistance.

What to do if you can't find out what has been done?

If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.

What happens if a lawyer doesn't return phone calls?

A lawyer who doesn't return phone calls or communicate with you for an extended period of time may be guilty of abandoning you -- a violation of attorneys' ethical obligations. But that's for a bar association to determine (if you register a complaint), and it won't do you much good in the short term.

Where to go if you are not satisfied with your lawyer?

If you're not satisfied with your lawyer's strategy decisions or with the arguments the lawyer has been making on your behalf, you may even want to go to the law library and do some reading to educate yourself about your legal problem.

Is litigation a complicated process?

Litigation is a slow, complicated, unpredictable, expensive process. To the extent your lawyer can expedite, simplify, win, and reduce the fees, he’s the one for you . I hope you don’ t need to get the attention of your attorney. But if you do, this should help. Good luck!

Do attorneys mind after hours calls?

Just like they don’t mind after-hours calls. Sometimes it’s necessary for you to volunteer. You’ll be surprised how receptive your attorney is to your assistance. Believe it or not, the amount of attorney’s fees is usually not a major complaint.

Can an army of marching attorneys help some clients?

We know that every case is not a winner. An army of marching attorneys can’t help some clients. The key is to be able to focus on the relevant law and facts immediately, so you don’t waste the client’s money and your time. If the attorney isn’t prosecuting your case, this probably wasn’t done. You can help.

Do lawyers have egos?

So even though it’s a killer, it’s a sure-fire attention-getter. In fact, it’s so reliable that if the attorney doesn’t respond, you’re probably better off with another.

How to get a good lawyer to take your case?

“If you want to improve your chances of securing the best lawyer to take your case, you need to prepare before you meet them,” advises attorney Stephen Babcock. “Get your story, facts, and proof together well before your first meeting.” This not only ensures that you understand your own needs, but it helps a good lawyer to ascertain whether he or she can actually help you. “We want the best clients too. Proving you’re organized and reliable helps us.”

Why is it important to approach a lawyer with honesty?

“ Winning cases can be lost because of a client who lies or exaggerates just as easily as because of a lawyer who tells the client what the client wants to hear instead of what is true.” So when dealing with attorneys, don’t just look for honesty—be honest.

Do you need a lawyer to write a demand letter?

On reading a demand letter, the other person will often say, “this isn’t worth the trouble” and they quickly settle. But here’s a secret from Knight: You don’t need a lawyer to write a demand letter. You can do it yourself. Just make it look as formal as possible, and you may find your dispute goes away—no charge to you.

Can you appeal a disability denial?

If you feel helpless when faced with an insurance denial, please know that you might be able to appeal with the help of a qualified lawyer, says David Himelfarb, attorney. Insurance companies routinely deny long-term disability claims, for example, particularly because it’s assumed that most people don’t have access to reputable attorneys to challenge the denial. “This is where intricate knowledge of the legal and insurance process, as well as the right team of experts to prove the claim, can reverse the odds.”

Should a lawyer stay out of court?

In fact, a lawyer should try to stay out of court. “In my experience, a good lawyer always finds every opportunity to keep a case from being decided by a judge, and only relents on trying a case before the bench when all alternatives have been exhausted,” attorney, Jason Cruz says.