how to have someone able to see what you tell your lawyer

What should you look for when dealing with an attorney?

So when dealing with attorneys, don’t just look for honesty—be honest. “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.”

How do I find out if a lawyer is licensed?

Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. Remember, just because someone uses "Esq." in his or her letterhead doesn't necessarily mean that person is licensed to practice.

Do I have to listen to what my lawyer says?

You don’t have to listen, but your lawyer is VERY likely to have an opinion on what you say to your employer and when. Has there been any update on yours? I’ve been thinking about your situation and how unfortunate it’s been. I hope it’s getting better. I do have an update, but it is massively long and I don’t want to “dominate” any Friday thread.

What to do if you can’t reach your lawyer?

While lawyers get busy with other cases, they should always put their clients first. If you can’t reach your lawyer you should be able to reach the office or another staff member who can set up an appointment with you or a good time to reach them.

Is everything I say to a lawyer confidential?

Most, but not necessarily all, of what you tell your lawyer is privileged. The attorney-client privilege is a rule that protects the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under the rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

Can you tell your lawyer everything?

Remember, maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental part of a lawyer's job. With a few exceptions, your lawyer can't share anything publicly without your permission. So whatever you tell them will be kept in confidence unless you and your attorney decide to use it in court.

What is the difference between attorney-client privilege and confidentiality?

The main difference between attorney-client privilege and attorney-client confidentiality is that the former is an evidentiary principle while the latter is an ethical principle.

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.

Do lawyers lie?

In California, the Rules of Professional Conduct govern a lawyer's ethical duties. The law prohibits lawyers from engaging in dishonesty.

What if a lawyer knows his client is lying?

(3) offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false. If a lawyer, the lawyer's client, or a witness called by the lawyer, has offered material evidence and the lawyer comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, if necessary, disclosure to the tribunal.

Can a lawyer betray their client?

There are some extremely accomplished lawyers who have a reputation for taking cases that appear to be certain losers and turning them into winners. Those lawyers might lose more cases than the typical successful trial lawyer but their reputation will not be diminished. Every trial lawyer loses.

Does a lawyer have to defend someone they know is guilty?

However, there are strict rules in place that govern the how legal practitioners conduct themselves when faced with such a dilemma. Can a Criminal Lawyer Defend Someone They Know is Guilty? A criminal lawyer can defend someone they know is guilty as long as they do not lie or knowingly mislead the court.

Which of the following may not be protected under the attorney-client privilege?

Which of the following may not be protected under the attorney-client privilege? A client who orally confesses to a crime.

Are emails subject to attorney-client privilege?

Emailed correspondence between attorney and client is privileged. However, the client can take some actions which will waive this attorney client privilege.

Can my lawyer friend represent me?

At present, only solicitors and barristers can represent other people in court. This means that, without leave of the court, you cannot speak for a friend in court, except as a character witness. However, as it can make their job easier, many magistrates and judges will grant such 'leave'.

How to find a lawyer in California?

Each licensed attorney should appear on your home state's bar association website ( here's California's ), and you can find them using a state bar number or first and last name. The profile will include basic contact information, whether the attorney can actively practice law, and any ethical trouble he or she may have gotten into.

Can a lawyer seem all that?

Lawyers can seem "all that" during a consultation, but potential clients may want to do a little extra research before pulling the trigger on hiring them.

Is FindLaw.com owned by Super Lawyers?

Disclosure: FindLaw.com and Super Lawyers are owned by the same company.

Why do lawyers need to know about your case?

In general, lawyers need to know as much information about your case in order to present the best possible legal defense. Without this information, they simply cannot defend you to the best of their ability. In some cases, this information might include an admission of your guilt.

What to do if you are worried about divulging facts?

If you are worried about divulging certain facts about your case, the best thing for you to do is to find an experienced attorney and hire them to represent you. Remember, you only have attorney-client privilege with a lawyer who is representing you. Only discuss the details of your case with an attorney whom you have hired to represent you in court. If you admit guilt to your lawyer, it may actually help your case in the long run.

What is the role of a criminal defense attorney?

A criminal defense attorney stakes his or her professional reputation on their efforts to protect their client’s rights. In the course of their career, many defense attorneys may have to represent a client who admits guilt.

What happens if a lawyer violates the attorney-client privilege?

If lawyers violate this privilege, they could lose their license to practice law and permanently damage their reputation. Unless you give up your right to attorney-client privilege or if your lawyer believes you are about to commit a crime, your lawyer is ethically bound to keep your information secret from anyone else.

What is attorney-client privilege?

Attorneys are sworn to protect information that you divulge to them after you have hired them to represent you. This is known as attorney-client privilege. Essentially, once you have hired an attorney, they are legally bound to protect the things that you tell them regarding your case.

What does it feel like to be accused of a crime?

If you have been accused of a crime, you are probably feeling anxious and worried. Whether or not you actually committed the action of which you are accused, it’s normal to feel nervous about appearing in a court of law before a judge, jury and prosecuting attorney. After all, the outcome of your legal case could determine whether ...

Can a lawyer turn you in if you admit guilt?

This is the nature of due process, which is an essential component of the justice system in the United States. There is virtually no chance that your lawyer will turn you in if you admit guilt. It’s simply not in their interest to do so. In fact, they may be legally prevented from divulging facts about your case to others.

Attorney-Client Privilege

It’s important to understand that what you tell your lawyer is strictly confidential. This right is your attorney-client privilege. Your lawyer could get into legal trouble for violating that attorney-client privilege.

1. Context About Your Life When You Were Charged

Your lawyer needs to know what was going on in your life when you were charged with the crime. Why? Because these details will provide important context that can help with your defense.

2. Witnesses Who Saw What Happened

Was there anyone around when the incident in question happened? This information is important for two key reasons:

3. Evidence You May Have

Evidence plays a key role in any criminal case. The prosecutor needs evidence to prove that you committed the crime you’re accused of. And your defense lawyer needs proof to show that you didn’t do it.

4. Who Knows About What Happened?

Even if you wish you hadn’t done it, you need to tell your lawyer if you have spoken to anyone about what happened. If you told them you did it, we need to know. If you told them any details about the case, we need to know that, too.

5. Your Financial Situation

This one can be tough. Most people don’t want to talk about money. But this is an essential aspect of your relationship with your lawyer. That’s because, at some point, you will need to pay legal fees.

Talk to Brett Metcalf, Criminal Defense Attorney, P.A

It’s OK to be nervous about talking to your lawyer at first. But it’s essential to get to the point that you’re comfortable telling them everything about your situation. That’s the only way to move forward with your defense fully.

Is a lawyer efficient?

But if you’re having a hard time getting in touch with your lawyer, or if you notice that you’re not on your lawyer’s best interest, then it’s not a good one.

Is a lawyer a good listener?

A great lawyer is also an even better listener. You can sense if your lawyer doesn’t put an effort to listen to you. Your lawyer should understand your goals, and they should also be responsive.

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.”

When should you hire a lawyer?

When disputes arise, a person’s first inclination is often to call a lawyer, attorney Randolph Rice tells Reader’s Digest. But there are many situations in which hiring a lawyer is the last thing you should do. Says Rice, ideally, everyone would resolve disputes without lawyering up. “Getting lawyers involved can escalate tensions and delay resolution, all at great time and expense.” Take it from an attorney—before hiring one, consider if there are other ways to resolve your dispute. Maybe start by checking out these hilarious lawyer jokes.

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.

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.

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.”

Do most cases settle outside the courtroom?

In choosing your attorney and your plan of action in resolving a dispute, it’s important to consider that despite what you see on television, most cases never see the inside of a courtroom. Typically, they’re settled outside the courtroom because of the time and expense involved, according to attorney Darren Heitner, author of How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know.

What to do if your lawyer doubts you?

Tell the Truth. If your lawyer doubts you in the consultation, or doesn't think you have a case, while that may change over time, getting over an initial disbelief is very hard. You have to prove your case. Your attorney is not your witness. They are your advocate - but you are responsible for coming up with proof.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Most people hired attorneys because they don't want to sit in court. Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

Why is credibility important in court?

Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom. If you care enough only to wear sweats to the courthouse, then the judge will see that you don't care, and that will be reflected in their desire to help you, listen to you, and decide in your favor. Step it up.

What to say when a judge can see your boobs?

If the judge can see your boobs, he's not listening to your story. If I can see your boobs, then I know you didn't care enough about yourself to talk to an attorney. Dress like you are going to church. Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

If you don't pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won't be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.

What to do if no one can confirm a story is true?

If no one can confirm that the story is true, you will at least need something external, such as a hard copy document, to prove your case. Be prepared.

Can a lawyer take your money?

While lawyers can certainly take your money and your time and we can file a case that will be very hard to win, if you don't care enough about your life to get a contract, the judge is not very likely to be on your side. At least, not automatically. Oral contracts are extremely hard to prove. What are the terms.

3 attorney answers

There are a few, very limited circumstances in which a lawyer might not be able to show their client some evidence in a case against them. Usually, this relates to child abuse. Certain reports from agencies that investigate child abuse will be prohibited from disclosure to the alleged perpetrator.

Jay Bodzin

If the attorney has evidence, his client certainly has a right to review it. Obviously, evidence from the minor victim that she had sex with the defendant will be a major part of the evidence. The other evidence seems to be phone records. He has an explanation for the phone records, supported apparently only by his mother.

Robert David Richman

Normally an attorney will explain all the evidence to a client. All material received in discovery should be reviewed with the client. The cell phone logs should be available and reviewable. Statements also fall in this category. It depends on what is discoverable as my colleague indicates. Sometime a letter to the Judge can clear such things up.

What can a lawyer tell you?

A good lawyer can tell you what will be to your tactical advantage, including how to give any opposing side more than enough rope to tie their own hands.

Why do lawyers find out when they bring in a lawyer?

The thing is, if you’re bringing in an lawyer, they’re going to find that out because the lawyer is going to contact them! So this is about how to give them a heads-up about that so that they don’t learn it for the first time when the lawyer makes contact. The idea is to keep things sounding as un-hostile and as un-adversarial as you can (within reason).

What is the job of a lawyer?

For most lawyers, their job is to keep their clients *out* of court. Litigators are a minority.

Where to report pay stuff?

With pay stuff, you can often report it to your state department of labor and don’t need to hire an attorney! You can talk to your state DoL about whether or not they can keep your identity confidential.

Do you need to view everything you do through an adversarial lens?

Once you have brought in a lawyer then you’re right, “amicable” is out the window, you do need to view everything you do through a more adversarial lens. But, frankly, a lot of people think they’re more clever than they are, judges are, mostly, reasonable people and they understand nuance exists.

Can I speak to an attorney about a whistleblower violation?

As someone who currently HAS a lawyer handling an employment discrimination case (whistleblower violations, anyone?), I can verify that my attorney’s advice is to speak with an attorney BEFORE ever even mentioning it to your employer. The attorney will tell you what phrasing to use, how to handle the employer if the s&it hits the fan and will be able to best advise you.

Can you blindside an employer?

Yes! Generally , determining whether to blindside your employer should be a strategic choice, made in consultation with a competent and skilled attorney. It shouldn’t be an emotional choice.

What to do if you can't reach your lawyer?

If you can’t reach your lawyer you should be able to reach the office or another staff member who can set up an appointment with you or a good time to reach them . Keep in mind that missed phone calls happen to the best of us, but your lawyer should never ignore you.

How do you know if a lawyer is unethical?

Unethical/Illegal Behavior. Although some lawyers may have bad habits such as lack of communication, one of the biggest signs of a lawyer is if they practice unethically or even illegally. As important as it is to win your case, your lawyer should never do so by breaking the law or lying and he is a bad lawyer.

What happens if you hire a lawyer and you overcharge?

If you lawyer is overbilling you, they could be inflating a task time, also know as “padding time”.

How to avoid miscommunication with a lawyer?

To avoid this in the future, ask your lawyer how the best way to reach them is during the consultation. This way you’ll know if they prefer email over phone calls and you can avoid any miscommunication.

What is the biggest part of being a lawyer?

One of the biggest parts about being a lawyer is convincing the jury to go in your favor. If your attorney isn’t enthusiastic about your case or seems unsure, that should raise some red flags.

Is a lawyer cheap?

The bottom line is, lawyer’s aren’t cheap. You’re not only paying them to help you with a case, but to communicate and give you their best service. If your lawyer isn’t communicating, you might consider switching to a new attorney.

Does a lawyer always have to do something illegal to be bad?

A lawyer doesn’t always have to do something illegal to be bad and here is my lawyer is not fighting for me answer: