so let’s pause for a second and talk about what a lawyer

by Dewayne Fisher 4 min read

How do you communicate with a lawyer who screws up?

Let's pause for a second. Close. 50. Posted by u/[deleted] 1 year ago. Let's pause for a second. Ok, is it just in my law school or are things getting really overwhelming for everyone? We all know that law school in itself is toxic enough, but going through law school during this pandemic is like adding salt to an open wound. I know it sounds ...

Can a lawyer talk to a client who is represented?

And it’s a hot space, it’s breathing and imagining and producing revolution, culture, passion. It’s the same space as a video paused. It’s the same space as the spoon suction in the separated peanut butter/oil mix. These spaces ask us to bring things together for a second. And LET YOURSELF GROOVE. Remember, people like to go to ...

How often do attorneys send text messages?

Let’s pause and talk about business for a second.

What happens when a suspect invokes the right to legal counsel?

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How to keep clients informed of a case?

The duty to keep clients informed rests on attorneys, not clients. But on the theory that if the attorney screws up it's the client who usually suffers, here are a couple of steps that defendants can take to try to secure effective communication with their lawyers: 1 Raise the issue early on. Establish, in advance, a clear understanding about case updates. If an attorney's practice is to initiate contact only when a development occurs, the attorney should communicate that to the client at the outset of the representation. If a client wants (and can pay for) regular updates regardless of whether developments have taken place, that too can be spelled out in advance—even included in a written retainer agreement. 2 Be reasonable. A defendant who phones his or her attorney with a request for information can indicate a willingness to speak with the lawyer's associate, secretary, or paralegal. The lawyer may be too tied up on other cases to return the call personally, but may have time to pass along information through an assistant. And because some lawyers have poor communication skills, the defendant may be better off getting information from an assistant than from the lawyer.

What is the duty of a lawyer?

As defined by ethical rules, a lawyer's duty to keep clients informed has two primary components: to advise the defendant of case developments (such as a prosecutor's offered plea bargain or locating an important defense witness), and. to respond reasonably promptly to a defendant's request for information.

Drink some water

Do you have a bottle of water sitting next to you? Take a drink before you answer.

Use only in an emergency

Think of these as emergency techniques. They can’t substitute for thorough interview practice, but they can help you if things don't go as you would expect.

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 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.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a client?

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.

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.

Do juries get it right?

While juries usually get it right, sometimes, it's not about whether a particular matter is emotional or simple, complicated or straightforward. Sometimes people make decisions on who has the nicer suit, or who is more pleasant to deal with. So even if your case is good or even if it's not so strong.

Jennifer L. Ellis

Lawyers have ethical rules they must follow that can be interpreted as making it inappropriate to talk to a potential client who already has a lawyer. However, it really is impossible for a potential client to know if he should fire his lawyer without speaking to another for a second opinion.

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron

Maybe it's because you are not being clear that you are seeking a second opinion. There was a long thread on here about second opinions not very long ago. Several decades ago, they were almost taboo but now they are common.

Steven Marc Reiss

The general rule is that an attorney cannot speak with a party they know to be represented. However, for example, in CA, the exceptions to that rule include conversations initiated by the represented party for the purpose of getting a 2nd opinion.

Matthew Scott Berkus

I understand where those attorneys are coming from, but at the same time, I believe they are being too cautious. It is not illegal to speak to a different lawyer if you already have one (2nd opinions are okay and sometimes encouraged and required), the attorneys don't want to be scene as interfering in an existing attorney client relationship.

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