who can i contact in ma if my lawyer is not returning calls

Call your attorney’s office. If your attorney is not returning your calls or voicemails, ask to speak with someone else at the firm. This may be the receptionist, paralegal or even another attorney in the office.

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What to do if your attorney will not return your call?

If Your Attorney Will Not Return Your Call 1 You Need to Write Letters. I appreciate that phone calls are easier and that you shouldn't have to write a letter to your own attorney. 2 Ask the Phone Receptionist What is Going On. ... 3 Request Your File - It Is Your Property. ... 4 If Nothing Else Works, Threaten to File a State Bar Grievance. ...

Do you have to call your clients back?

If you’re an attorney, remember that you have to call your clients back. You have to keep them apprised of the events in their case. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Do lawyers have to respond to urgent messages?

If anything, it slows down the ability to return calls promptly, since the attorney must wade through a message mess. “Urgent” messages are likely to result in an annoyed response, since they’re often returned when the attorney is preoccupied with another matter.

Do lawyers ever leave a message?

Almost half of those who call either don’t leave a message or say something like, “He has my number.” The best attorneys are always busy. We’re in court, in depositions, meeting with clients and witnesses, or otherwise unable to call back. It’s impossible to memorize or keep a personal list of everyone’s number.

What do you do if your lawyer doesn't call you back?

If your lawyer does not return your call, send them a letter and keep a copy. In the letter, describe what is bothering you and what you need. Suggest meeting with the lawyer face-to-face.

How long should a lawyer take to respond?

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.

Why is my lawyer not responding to me?

Sometimes, lawyers take a bit longer than usual to respond because they are away from their office or traveling for business. If you have not heard back from your lawyer within 48 hours of sending them an important email, you should send another email just asking if there is any news or status about your case.

Is it normal not to hear from your attorney?

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.

How do you get your lawyer to respond?

If your lawyer still does not respond, you can send him or her a letter explaining the communication problems. If at this point you do not hear anything from your lawyer, you should consult with a legal malpractice attorney.

How do you follow up with a lawyer?

If you have already met with your attorney, you may want to write them to ask for another meeting. You can email them, or call them, but you may choose to write a letter. If you do so, keep it brief, formal, and clear. Format it like any business correspondence, and keep a copy for your files.

What to do when your lawyer stops communicating with you?

If you have called your attorney, left messages, sent emails, and you still haven't heard a response, the best course of action is to send a certified letter to his or her office questioning the failure to communicate and informing them that you are prepared to find a new lawyer if the situation does not improve.

Why do attorneys take so long to respond?

Once a case gets filed in court, things can really slow down. Common reasons why a case will take longer than one would hope can include: Trouble getting the defendant or respondent served. The case cannot proceed until the defendant on the case has been formally served with the court papers.

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.

Why won't my lawyer return my phone call?

If a lawyer will not return your phone call, then that may indicate that he is neglecting the legal matter that you have entrusted to him. If so, then you may want to retain another attorney. Any new attorney may wish to see the file.

What to do if an attorney does not answer phone calls?

But when the attorney does not return phone calls and you do not know why you can't reach him on the phone, send him a letter. In the letter state that you have called him and he is not available and will not return your call. Keep a copy of the letter. State that it is very important he call you. If you get no response, send another letter saying ...

How to file a complaint against a lawyer in Texas?

The State Bar of Texas says: "Is Filing a Complaint the Right Option? If you have a problem with your lawyer, first try to talk with him or her . Many times these problems can best be handled outside of the attorney grievance (complaint) system. The Texas State Bar's toll-free Grievance Information Helpline (1-800-932-1900) can help you determine whether to report the conduct of the lawyer and whether other resources might be beneficial. If talking to your lawyer does not resolve the problem, call the Texas Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) for help at: 1-800-932-1900."

What is the phone number to file a grievance in Texas?

If talking to your lawyer does not resolve the problem, call the Texas Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) for help at: 1-800-932-1900.". Texas - How to File Grievance. Texas Grievance form pdf.

How long does it take for an attorney to pick up a file?

Make a written request, as described above about writing letters. The attorney will need a few days or more to get the file ready for you to pick up, and to make any copies which he wants to keep. When a client sends an attorney a written request to pick up the file, it is serious.

What to do if an attorney won't call back?

Ask to schedule a time to come to his office in person for a meeting, or to schedule a telephone appointment. Then call back the next day, and the next day. But also send letters.

Can you file a grievance based on lack of return phone call?

Do not file a Grievance based on lack of return phone call unless the letters and other suggestions above have failed, and only if you have at least two letters that you sent requesting information, status and a phone call or meeting. You can obtain the Grievance form at the State Bar of Texas at the link below.

Why are my attorney's messages so annoying?

“Urgent” messages are likely to result in an annoyed response, since they’re often returned when the attorney is preoccupied with another matter . Remember, you’re just trying to get your attorney’s attention, not to alienate her.

What do lawyers respond to?

Lawyers are trained in logic. They respond to objective, well-reasoned, unemotional statements. If you begin with, “It sounds like you’ve been busy,” or “Is there anything I can do to expedite collection of the fee?” you’ll be encouraging a dialogue, not two monologues.

How to tell if an office is busy?

Some pretty reliable indications of a busy office are things like assistants frantically running around, others working at computers, phones constantly ringing, filing cabinets with trays full of case files nearby waiting to be filed, and at least a few clients waiting out in the reception room.

What is a client's manual?

Lawyers: A Client’s Manual by Joseph McGinn tells the steps to use if you’ve reached the point of no return: Tell your lawyer directly and give your reasons.

Can an army of marching attorneys help some clients?

We know that every case is not a winner. An army of marching attorneys can’t help some clients. The key is to be able to focus on the relevant law and facts immediately, so you don’t waste the client’s money and your time. If the attorney isn’t prosecuting your case, this probably wasn’t done. You can help.

Can contingency fees be recovered?

In contingency fee cases, the fee may still be due upon recovery by the new attorney unless you can show good cause for the dismissal . Good cause usually involves a serious mishandling of the case or the client, including:

Can you dismiss an attorney?

While you can dismiss an attorney whenever you choose, this is obviously the last resort. Time and money can be lost in the transfer, and many lawyers refuse to accept cases that have been handled by others.

What happens if you don't answer emails when you hire an attorney?

But when failure to return calls or answer emails becomes the norm, you may wish to break ties and seek new representation.

What to do if your lawyer is not handling your case?

If your lawyer fails to handle your case competently, including intentionally ignoring you or by being too busy to work on your case, you may be able to take action through a legal malpractice suit.

How to end a relationship with a lawyer?

To end the relationship, send a written letter, preferably certified with a return receipt requested. The letter should explain your concerns with the lawyer’s inattentive behavior and request a complete copy of your file.

What to do before terminating a relationship with an attorney?

Before terminating your relationship with your attorney, read your retainer agreement. The retainer agreement serves as a contract for services between you and your lawyer. It should clearly define the terms of your relationship and what happens if you chose to end it.

Why is communication important in a lawyer?

Lack of communication is one of the leading reasons clients choose to seek a new lawyer. While lawyers are often busy attending court, meeting with other clients or preparing a case, persistently failing to return calls or emails can damage the relationship and case beyond repair.

What to do if your lawyer refuses to answer your phone?

Use your good sense (referenced above) however. If your lawyer absolutely refuses to return your calls, get another lawyer. Your family law matter is too important and lawyers are too expensive for you to be out of the loop.

How many times a day should an attorney speak to you?

It is critically important that you keep informed about the status of your case. It is not reasonable (or cost-effective, for that matter), to demand that your attorney speak with you 3-4 times per day. Keep in mind that unless you are paying your attorney $10,000.00 per hour, your lawyer has to take in other clients all of whom will need to meet with your attorney, talk to him/her on the phone, correspond via email, and go to court.

What to do if you want to complain about your ex wife?

If you want to complain about your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, call your mother; I can almost guarantee you that she will take your side. 4. Do not abuse the word “emergency.”. In family law matters, “emergency” means you or your children are in imminent danger.

What to do if you get behind on a bill?

If you get behind, work out a payment plan with your lawyer, or see if you can arrange for a flat fee or other billing structure .

Why do lawyers hire assistants?

That’s why your lawyer hired that person – to help you out when the attorney is tied up in court, depositions, mediations, or meetings. Most of the time, the legal assistant can answer basic questions regarding scheduling, copies of documents, due dates, etc. The assistant is also in the best position to make a note of your call and concern, relay it to your attorney, and provide you with direct and timely feedback. Additionally, the legal assistant is almost always in the office, whereas your attorney often is not.

How to get out of a contract with a lawyer?

That is a tough question. You can only get out of the contract with the lawyer if you can show just cause for doing so. It may be that not answering your calls and emails will be just cause for your avoiding the contract, but that could become an issue for you. I think you should talk with another lawyer, who can then negotiate with your present lawyer on a fee split between the two lawyers. There will be some risk for you, so I would consult with another lawyer so that he or she can help you end your contract with your current lawyer. I think you will need some evidence that your current lawyer has not been responsive. Do you know the dates you called his office and left messages? Do you have all of your emails with him?

Why don't you change lawyers?

Don't just change lawyers because you are not getting hand holding. If he is good, he will be busy, and every client deserves 100% care, but just not all on the same day and at the same time. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

How to fire an attorney in Michigan?

In Michigan you may hire and fire your lawyer as you wish. If your lawyer is not taking care of your case and/or not communicating with you , you may fire your attorney and hire a new one. You may also file a Grievance against your attorney as the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct REQUIRE an attorney to keep their client advised of the progress of their matter, as well as to use reasonable efforts in the matter to keep it moving forward. You may also get a 2nd opinion from another lawyer before deciding what to do. In getting a 2nd opinion, you would contact a new attorney, who would contact your present attorney and make arrangements to go and review your current attorneys file so that the 2nd opinion attorney could advise you of the status of the matter and if it is, or isn't, on track and being handled properly. With the 2nd opinion in hand, you could decide whether you wished to stay with your original attorney or change attorneys, and do so in an informed way. Of course, any Agreement you signed with your original attorney will apply and there may be language in any such Agreement about costs incurred, fees incurred/time spent, etc. So certainly you would want to read any such Agreement before deciding what to do.

Can I change my attorney if things don't change?

Arguably you can. I would send him a letter advising him of the problem and telling him that if things don't change you will be forced to change to another attorney. Even if you do, however, your former attorney will have a claim for cost he has expended and possibly for his time. You should look closely at your contract with him and then try to work out an agreeable solution.

Can you fire a lawyer if your case is good?

If your case is a good case then he ought to be moving. (your case may not be as good as you think it is) you can fire him and get a new lawyer anytime.

Can I terminate my lawyer's representation?

Answered on Jun 18th, 2013 at 10:39 AM. Yes, you can always terminate your lawyer's representation. Before you do, I would recommend making an appointment to see him and let him know of your dissatisfaction and give him a chance to explain what he is doing on the case.

Can you file a complaint with the State Bar Association?

It depends upon the agreement you signed with him. You could fill a complaint with the State Bar Association, he is required to keep you informed on the case.

Why do personal injury lawyers offer free consultations?

Personal injury lawyers typically offer free consultations so they can review the facts of the case and determine if the case is a good fit for them. Go to the consultation prepared with a list of questions you have, especially about the attorney’s policy for communicating with clients.

Can a lawyer talk to a client?

You are not the client: Due to attorney/client privilege, a lawyer cannot talk about a case to anyone except his or her client. If you are calling on behalf of your sibling, parent, or anyone else, the attorney might not return your call. They are poor communicators: Unfortunately, some lawyers are simply unresponsive.