when i contact a law firm is it ok to ask to speak with a particular attorney

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so by law or a court order.

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Is it legal to talk to a lawyer on the phone?

Feb 25, 2014 · Oklahoma attorney Noble McIntyre offers tips on rolling out the welcome mat. Until new clients sign on that dotted line, they are looking for reasons why your law firm is — or is not — the right fit. Some things you can’t control (your location or area of expertise, for example).

Can a lawyer call and not tell you who your client is?

Feb 24, 2022 · Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer would be no. Representing both sides translates into a conflict of interest, even if the spouses agree to all terms and engage in a non-conflictual break-up. However, in some circumstances, lawyers from the same law firm could represent the opposing spouses with all parties’ informed consent.

Who should I talk to about a law suit?

Feb 28, 2014 · An attorney does not necessarily have to disclose his client..however you do not have to talk to that attorney unless he sends you a legal subpoena for discovery An attorney cannot talk to you directly if you are on the other side of a case and represented by an attorney that is a violation of the Code of Professional Ethics.

Can a company's attorney talk to an individual?

Mar 20, 2018 · In short, as a litigant, an attorney would be wise to check with the local ethical rules and/or case law prior to contacting an adverse party to discuss a case. _____ This article was prepared by Andrew R. Jones, Esq. and Corey M. Cohen, Esq. of the New York City-based law firm of Furman Kornfeld & Brennan LLP. Andrew and Corey work as part of ...

What do you say when you call a law firm?

0:081:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

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

Can you tell anything to a lawyer?

If you are charged with or accused of committing a crime, talk to a lawyer. Your lawyer is there to fight for you. You and your attorney can decide how much information to share about the facts underlying the case.

Can I talk to another lawyer if I already have one?

Fire your attorney before you hire someone else. There are ethical rules that prevent lawyers from speaking to someone who already has an attorney. Generally, if you're shopping around for new representation, the new lawyer will ask to see a copy of the letter you sent firing your old attorney.Aug 23, 2018

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 should I know before calling a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•Feb 6, 2020

How do you start a conversation with a lawyer?

5 Tips for Talking to a LawyerGet organized.Be detailed.Be honest.Ask to clarify.Keep them informed.

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

Can lawyers talk about their cases?

Under attorney-client privilege, lawyers are not allowed to divulge the details of anything their clients tell them in a court of law. In addition to that, The Duty of Confidentiality protects clients from having their lawyers casually discuss the private details of their case outside of court.

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

Do lawyers tell the truth all the time?

Lawyers must be honest, but they do not have to be truthful. A criminal defence lawyer, for example, in zealously defending a client, has no obligation to actively present the truth. Counsel may not deliberately mislead the court, but has no obligation to tell the defendant's whole story.

Can my lawyer scream at me?

If your attorney yells and screams at you, you can look for another attorney, but consider that you have to share your burden of communication with your new attorney. You may find yourself in the same situation with a new attorney if you don't meet your burden. No. It's unprofessional.

Are lawyers required to tell the truth?

The American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct states that a lawyer “shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact.” In other words, lawyers aren't supposed to lie--and they can be disciplined or even disbarred for doing so.Nov 30, 2009

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

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

How do I know if my lawyer is cheating me?

The attorney does not return phone calls in a reasonable amount of time, and; In a meeting with the client, if the lawyer is being very short, taking phone calls, trying to re-schedule, not giving enough time to the client, does not listen, ignores what is asked or is not answering questions.Nov 28, 2015

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.

Can you sue an attorney in California?

When you seek the legal advice of an attorney, you are owed a duty of care. If your attorney failed to render the services agreed upon, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against your attorney.

How do I make a complaint about a lawyer in Australia?

The OLSC recommends that you first contact us before making a formal complaint. The Inquiry Line can be contacted on toll free 1800 242 958 or (02) 9377 1800. The Inquiry Line can assist you in resolving the dispute between you and your solicitor or barrister.Jul 1, 2021

How do you address an attorney in a conversation?

Address an attorney as "Mr." or "Ms." in most contexts. In the salutation for a letter or email, address an attorney the same way you would any other respected professional- using "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their surname. Generally, this is the best way to address an attorney if you've never spoken to them before.Jul 8, 2021

What are the requirements for a lawyer?

The first step to becoming an attorney is to complete a law degree. An LLB degree is required, which is either a four year undergraduate degree or a two year postgraduate degree. A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a degree course is a prerequisite.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Medical AttorneysMedical Attorneys Medical lawyers are among the highest paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.Oct 27, 2021

Who are lawyers most likely to marry?

Lawyers and judges Female lawyers and judges are most likely to marry male lawyers and judges. Male lawyers and judges are most likely to marry female lawyers and judges.Feb 17, 2017

How do I know if my lawyer is doing a good job?

Here's what you need to know to strip away the flash and appearance and find out if your how your lawyer is doing on your case:Check the public record. ... Get the records. ... Ask for a face-to-face meeting. ... Do online research. ... Get another lawyer's opinion.More items...

What questions should you ask your lawyer?

Questions you might ask your lawyerDo I have a problem that can be resolved by law?What legal risks am I facing?What documents do I need to support my case?Do I need statements from witnesses?What are my options for resolving the dispute out of court?How can I settle the case?More items...

What are examples of ethics violations?

Ethics violations such as discrimination, safety violations, poor working conditions and releasing proprietary information are other examples. Situations such as bribery, forgery and theft, while certainly ethically improper, cross over into criminal activity and are often dealt with outside the company.Aug 14, 2015

What is professional misconduct for a lawyer?

The expression professional misconduct in the simple sense means improper conduct. In law profession misconduct means an act done willfully with a wrong intention by the people engaged in the profession. It means any activity or behaviour of an advocate in violation of professional ethics for his selfish ends.

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

For example, in a custody, divorce, criminal, or civil case, your lawyer might not be fighting properly. It might be a sign of incompetence or even a conflict of interest in your client attorney relationship. If you believe that my lawyer is not fighting for me, it may be due to the lawyer's style and mannerisms.Jul 24, 2020

How to know if a lawyer is a lawyer in Oregon?

If a person is really an attorney, they'll have an identifying number with the Oregon State Bar (this answer applies to Oregon). You can then check them out professionally at osbar.org. Oddly, if the client has asked that the lawyer keep his name confidential, then the lawyer can't tell you who he represents. However, I'm pretty sure that you can then refuse to answer any questions in other words, you don't give any information until they tell you who's asking. Your company should have legal representation, and you need to tell your company's attorney about this contact.

What is the obligation of a real attorney?

A "real attorney" has an obligation to maintain client confidentiality and not tell any Tom, Dick or Harry who s/he represents unless the client has specifically authorized them to do so.

Can an attorney disclose who they are working for?

An attorney is not allowed to disclose who they are working for, unless they have that person's permission. Attorneys,for example, are not allowed to post a listing of their clients, unless each clients has given permission to be on the list. It is rarely in the client's best interest to have it revealed who their attorney is, and so the attorney should rarely ask to list such things. But, if an attorney is representing a person in a particular matter and if they are contacting an opposing party, then they should say who they are representing. But, this is not always the case and it depends what the situation is. For example, lawyers are allowed to act on someone's behalf and not reveal who they are working for, or even that they are working for anyone. This is often the case, especially in big real estate bargaining. However, if someone calls you for information and you are not satisfied that they have a right to know, you do not need to answer or give them any information at all. If a lawyer is representing a person and is going to discuss or negotiate on the person's behalf, they will let you know they are engaged to represent the person in that dealing. If there is a court case pending and a lawyer is officially representing a party, they will put their name on the court filings, and will often send letter saying whom they represent. Often, a lawyer may seek information on behalf of a client, but not want to reveal for whom they work. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to give such a person information. The one main thing a lawyer cannot do is lie and say they represent someone they do not represent. So if you ask a lawyer whom they represent in the matter, if anyone, the lawyer is not allowed to falsely name someone. But, they can refuse to answer, and you can refuse to discuss with them. However, in some locations, there are special rules about a lawyer acting as a real estate agent being allow to bluff certain things. To accurately answer your question, I would need all the details.

Is the identity of a client confidential?

The identity of a client is usually considered to be confidential information - so the attorney was correct in not answering your question. Usually, it is only after the client grants permission to the lawyer to reveal the relationship - then the attorney is permitted to do so.

What happens if you don't disclose who you represent?

Furthermore, if you or your company is involved with litigation and represented by an attorney already, any other attorneys should never contact you but should go through your attorney directly. This is an ethical rule. If the person tries to contact you again instead of your attorney, let your attorney know right away.

Do you have to disclose representation?

If it is a confidential matter, then they do not have to disclose representation. If they are in court for a person then their representation is a matter of record.

Do you have to disclose who your client is?

There is no requirement that an attorney disclose who his client is, under most circumstances. You are right, it is very unusual for an attorney to call and not disclose who his client is. However, it can occur. However, you are under no obligation to answer any questions either.

Who said "He who represents himself has a fool for a client"?

The well-known old saying often credited to Abraham Lincoln states that “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.”. This article will not comment on the advisability of representing yourself in litigation, but will instead discuss the ethical issues that arise when an attorney is either a pro se litigant (representing him or herself) ...

What is Rule 4.2?

In conclusion, Rule 4.2 (or an analogous rule) likely restricts an attorney who is a pro se litigant from contacting or conversing with an adverse party represented by counsel about the subject matter of a pending litigation.

Can a lawyer communicate with another lawyer?

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so by law or a court order.

What is hourly billing?

And, of course, the most common type of billing arrangement is hourly billing, in which an attorney bills for his own time and the time of his paralegals, at a certain rate per hour, meaning you pay for exactly the amount of work you get.

What is contingency fee?

Contingency fees are common in cases like personal injury, medical malpractice, and other cases with very large potential judgments that make it financially reasonable for the attorney to take a portion of the recovery instead of charging hourly rates. And, of course, the most common type of billing arrangement is hourly billing, ...

Do attorneys charge for initial consultation?

Indeed, some attorneys will charge you for the initial consultation, so you should know that before you go in to get information and come out with a bill in hand.

Can a lawyer represent you?

Your lawyer cannot be effective representing you or other clients if he or she is taking every call that comes through to him or her everyday. As a result, if you need to speak with your attorney, you should be prepared to schedule an appointment for a phone call when you are both ready and available.

How long does it take to close a probate case?

A simple probate case could be decided within a week, while a complex action could take months to close.

Is probate a specialist?

It is important to find out if the probate attorney you are meeting with is a true specialist, or just a generalist who occasionally dabbles in wills and estates. Probate law is a very specialized area of the law, and it is important to seek out an attorney with expertise in this area.

Can you communicate with opposing counsel?

I would not advise you to communicate with opposing counsel while you are still represented . Opposing counsel will probably not reply to you, but will most likely forward your communication to your attorney. I would recommend that you speak to your attorney in person, and insist that he or she draft the letter to opposing counsel that you are contemplating sending.

Is it a good idea to speak to an Opp counsel?

In general, it is not a good idea to directly communicate with Opp counsel. First, opp counsel should not respond; second, it sends a message that you are bypassing your atty, which may undermine his work in the case; third, it may be an insult to your atty. 2 found this answer helpful. found this helpful.

Can you talk to an opposing attorney?

There is no rule against your talking to the opposing party, or to the opposing party's attorney. There is a rule, however, that applies to attorneys only, that would prevent opposing counsel from responding to your communication, unless he had permission from your attorney...