how to get back at a bad lawyer

• issue a private reprimand (usually a letter sent to the lawyer)
• issue a public reprimand (usually published in the agency’s official reports and a local legal journal or newspaper)
• suspend the lawyer (the lawyer cannot practice law for a specific time)
• disbar the lawyer (the lawyer loses his or her license to practice law), and/or
• order the lawyer to pay restitution—in the form of money—to the client.

Full Answer

Can I get my money back from my lawyer?

If your lawyer doesn't seem to be working on your case, sending a polite but firm letter laying out your concerns should get your lawyer's attention. Don't threaten to file a malpractice lawsuit or complain to the bar association; such threats will probably …

What to do if your lawyer is not working on You?

Jun 19, 2020 · There is no guarantee that you can get your money back from a lawyer. However, if your attorney has wrongfully kept some or all of your retainer or financial settlement, your state bar association might be able to help. The more work you are willing to do, the more likely you are to shake loose your money from your attorney’s possession.

How can you tell if a lawyer is a bad lawyer?

Oct 18, 2018 · If a lawyer steals from you, there's a little-known way through the Arizona State Bar to get a refund.How to get your money back from a bad lawyer:-- Call th...

What should I do if my attorney refuses to return my fees?

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

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 are the signs of a bad attorney?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.Aug 19, 2020

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 ...

How do you know if a lawyer is scamming you?

Some common signs of a scam include:Payment needs to happen quickly. You can't ask questions or get clarification.It's an emergency. Someone may threaten you or your loved ones.Requests for money usually happen over text, email or phone.The person contacting you is not someone you recognize.Mar 29, 2021

What do you do when your lawyer lies to you?

If you think your attorney has acted unethically You can complete a complaint form online or download a PDF complaint form from the State Bar's website. You may also call the State Bar at 800-843-9053 (in California) or 213-765-1200 (outside California) to discuss the complaint-filing process.

Why do lawyers ignore you?

There's bad news your attorney doesn't want to deliver. If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.Mar 29, 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 often should your lawyer update you?

Once a month is a good rule of thumb if things are slow, but if you are preparing for trial or in my case an administrative benefits hearing, the contact with you and your attorney should be more frequent and specifically scheduled.

Can a lawyer be rude?

Rudeness isn't necessarily illegal They might be tired or frustrated. That doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it also doesn't mean that your attorney isn't putting their best efforts into your case. Most attorneys have an intake process where they decide if they want to take your case or not.Sep 12, 2020

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 the punishment in case of misconduct by an advocate?

[5] In various cases involving contempt of court, the court held that if any advocate or legal practitioner is found guilty of the act of contempt of court, he/she may be imprisoned for six years and may be suspended from practicing as an advocate (In re Vinay Chandra Mishra).Jul 24, 2016

What do you expect from an attorney?

When you hire an attorney, you expect their legal advice and guidance to assist you with whatever problem you are facing. Whether you are dealing with a creditor or facing criminal prosecution, your attorney is supposed to be your lifeline.

What is contingency fee?

Contingency fee agreements are common in personal injury cases. Other areas of the law do not favor that type of arrangement. In fact, certain areas of the law including family law bar any type of contingency arrangement. Instead, attorneys use flat or hourly fees for their billing.

What is contingency fee agreement?

A contingency fee agreement is a relationship where an attorney does not require any upfront legal fees. Instead, they will keep a portion of the compensation they recover on your behalf. If they are unsuccessful in your case, they get nothing.

Do attorneys use flat fees?

Instead, attorneys use flat or hourly fees for their billing. Hourly fees are ripe for disagreements, as many attorneys require a retainer to be paid upfront. The retainer represents a pool of money paid to your attorney for fees they have not yet earned.

How long does a lawyer have to be suspended in Arizona?

The lawyer must have been licensed or authorized to practice law in Arizona. The lawyer must have been disciplined with a suspension for longer than six months, interim suspension, disbarment or a felony conviction related to the claim.

Who is Ray Bedell?

Ray Bedell, a retired Phoenix electrician , had borrowed and scraped together more than $5,000 to hire an attorney in a family court case so he could spend more time with his daughter.