how to tell your lawyer you feel uncomfortable

by Katelyn Cole 8 min read

By phrasing your discomfort in a polite way, while specifying what action of theirs makes you uncomfortable, you can help to stop the behavior. It's best to use "I" phrases instead of "you" phrases to have a less accusatory tone (ex: "I feel unsafe" instead of "you are dangerous").

Full Answer

Why do I feel uncomfortable with my lawyer?

Aug 19, 2020 · Arriving late or failing to show up for important meetings, or missing court dates. Making decisions of importance about your case without discussing it with you first. Missing filing deadlines, filing paperwork incorrectly or filing the wrong paperwork with the court. Refusing to return your calls or messages within a reasonable timeframe.

How do you know if a lawyer is good or bad?

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.

How do I tell my lawyer that I'm dissatisfied?

Sep 20, 2017 · 1. Unreturned Phone Calls. Your lawyer should be available to answer your questions and inform you of new developments in your case. While it is perfectly understandable for your lawyer to miss an occasional call or not be able to answer a message immediately, it is not OK for them to ignore you altogether.

What should I do when I'm Upset with my lawyer?

Jun 23, 2020 · Discuss the ways that you approach uncomfortable situations and, if possible, give an example that puts a spotlight on your ability to react appropriately to discomfort. "I become uncomfortable when people complain about their job, their co-workers, or their overall employment situation.

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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.

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.

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 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.

How to tell if a lawyer is good?

As you’ve been reading this, perhaps you’re wondering, “I can tell my lawyer sucks, but how can I spot the signs of a good lawyer?” Here are five signs you’re dealing with a lawyer you can trust: 1 Responsive to your needs: a lawyer that is available for your questions, and proactively updates you on case developments 2 Transparent in decisions: a lawyer that readily provides both the detail and “why” behind each decision and fee. 3 Beyond reproach with the law: you should never have the slightest doubt your lawyer is working against the law. Instead, your lawyer should be able to demonstrate your rights, the law and their actions, every step of the way. 4 Personally invested in your case: you need a lawyer that truly cares about your freedom and the outcome of your case, not just a payday from your wallet. 5 Well respected in the legal community: your lawyer should command the respect of the court, community and clients alike.

What to do if you don't feel confident with your attorney?

If you don’t feel confident with the service you’re receiving from your attorney, you have every right to fire and replace with some better. Don’t get caught in an awful situation a day longer — hire an ethical attorney that is out for your best interest with and will fight like hell to protect your rights.

What to do if you see fees that don't make sense?

If you see fees that don’t make sense, aren’t accurate or that your lawyer can’t clearly articulate what you’re being charged for, you have every reason to fire them and hire new counsel. 1. Unreturned Phone Calls. Your lawyer should be available to answer your questions and inform you of new developments in your case.

How do you know if you have a lawyer you can trust?

Here are five signs you’re dealing with a lawyer you can trust: Responsive to your needs: a lawyer that is available for your questions, and proactively updates you on case developments . Transparent in decisions: a lawyer that readily provides both the detail and “why” behind each decision and fee.

What does it mean to win a jury trial?

Lack of Enthusiasm for Your Case. Winning over a jury means presenting a thoughtful case with logic and conviction. If your lawyer seems unenthusiastic or wishy-washy when they’re speaking to you, imagine how a jury is going to react to them presenting your case.

What does it mean to win over a jury?

4. Lack of Enthusiasm for Your Case. Winning over a jury means presenting a thoughtful case with logic and conviction.

What happens if you get caught lying?

When this happens, best case scenario is that a mistrial is declared with the attorney getting disbarred.

How to Answer

A variation of, 'What is your greatest weakness?' this question is targeting any areas where you may feel ill-equipped. The way that you answer this question will help your interviewer to determine where you may require additional support or training.

3 Community Answers

"Job interviews, public speaking or seeing co-workers doing just enough to get by."

What should I tell my lawyer about a crime?

What You Should Tell Your Lawyer. 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 ...

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 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 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.

Can a lawyer defend you if you don't tell them?

Your lawyer cannot defend you using information that you do not tell them. For this reason, it is in your best interest to share as much information as possible with your attorney.

Can you hide things from your lawyer?

You might be so worried about your case that you want to hide some things from your lawyer. You might be worried that, if you reveal too much to your attorney, they will turn you in to the police or forfeit your case. Before you decide to keep things from your lawyer, there are some things that you should know about the attorney-client relationship.

What to say when someone is swaying side to side?

"Unless their shoes are extremely uncomfortable or the music is really awesome, if you see someone swaying side to side or shifting their stance while you’re speaking," Exkorn says there's a good chance they may be feeling uncomfortable. This might be the perfect opportunity for you to interrupt what you are talking about and say something like, "I don't want to keep you." That way, if they are truly uncomfortable, they can tell you that they do have to go. If they're really OK, they can say that they're fine and glad to keep hanging out with you.

Why do people point their feet away when talking?

When you're chatting with someone, you probably aren't taking the time to examine their feet unless they're wearing some pretty cool shoes. But this could actually give you a sign about how they're feeling in the moment. If someone is pointing their feet away from you, that could be a sign they're feeling uncomfortable in the current circumstances, ...

What does it mean when someone points their feet away from you?

If someone is pointing their feet away from you, that could be a sign they're feeling uncomfortable in the current circumstances, Viktor Sander, B.Sc., a behavioral scientist specializing in social psychology, tells Bustle. "This is a sign that someone consciously or subconsciously wants to get going," he says.

Why do people stare into their eyes?

Unsteady Eye Contact. When you have someone's full and eager attention, they're probably staring into your eyes so that they don't miss a single word you say. But if someone isn't so happy to be talking with you, they're probably less likely to look at you. "If the person doesn’t maintain eye contact with you but instead looks around ...

Can body language tell the whole story?

It's definitely important to keep in mind that body language alone can't always tell the whole story about how someone's feeling about you in a situation. "There are so many things that you need to 'listen' to in order to really ascertain how someone feels," Karen Siff Exkorn, a body language expert and speech and media coach, tells Bustle.

Do relationships matter how long you have known someone?

Our relationships with other people are a crucial part of our overall happiness. However, no matter how long you’ve known someone or how close you are there’s no guarantee that you’ll both continue to grow at the same rate. That might mean that you need to let go or reform some relationships as you go.

Is confusion bad?

The experience of confusion isn’t as bad as you might be tempted to think. Simply experiencing confusion really just means you have a choice–and trust me (from experience!) not having a choice is much worse. It can be overwhelming sometimes to try to figure out what the “right” answer or path is moving forward.

Is it important to think positive?

Yes, it’s important to think positive (and positive thought has been backed by science you guys! Also it’s what starts the manifestation process.) Yes, it’s also important to understand your own emotional states and to healthily process your emotions.

How to find a lawyer for a lawsuit?

Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer: 1 The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 2 The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl. 3 A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. 4 A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Who is the best source of business lawyers?

The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area.

What is Nolo lawyer directory?

Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.

How much does a lawyer charge an hour?

Lawyers, of course, are prime sources of this information, but if you bought all the needed information at their rates -- $150 to $450 an hour -- you'd quickly empty your bank account.

What can a law librarian do?

A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Can lawyers be terrible communicators?

Unfortunately, the complaint logs of all lawyer regulator y groups indicate that many lawyers are terrible communicators. If every time you have a problem there's a delay of several days before you can talk to your lawyer on the phone or get an appointment, you'll lose precious time, not to mention sleep.

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