who can i talk to about my lawyer

Meet the lawyer’s staff. Much of your communication may be with the lawyer’s staff. You should ask the lawyer who on the staff you will communicate with. Also ask to meet this person. For example, the lawyer may have a case manager who is in charge of most communication.

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How to communicate effectively with your lawyer?

 · Common fields include: Criminal law Family law Landlords and Tenants Labor and Employment You can often talk to a lawyer for free for at least the first conversation. Ask questions about their experience and fees. Find Free and Low-Cost Legal Help These programs offer a variety of ways to get legal aid.

When should I talk to a lawyer?

The board or the bar will either investigate the complaint or refer you to someone who can help. If your complaint concerns the amount your lawyer charged, you may be referred to a state or local bar association’s fee arbitration service. Filing a disciplinary complaint accusing your lawyer of unethical conduct is a serious matter.

When do you need to talk with a lawyer?

See our FAQs Send an email Chat online Call (877) 881-0947. Make documents. Easily make legal documents. Find your document. Popular legal documents. Business and contracts. Real estate. Family and personal. Non-Disclosure Agreement LLC Operating Agreement Independent Contractor Agreement Business Contract.

How to know when you need a lawyer?

You will most likely want to contact a divorce attorney in your local area (or the area where your wife filed, if different). Your post doesn't give any information as to where you or your divorce …

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 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...•

Why do lawyers ignore you?

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.

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

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 I know if my lawyer is good?

So if you're curious, use these five quick ways to research whether your lawyer is legit:State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ... Google / Search Engines. ... Yelp. ... The Attorney's Own Website. ... Third-Party Rating Groups.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

There is no set formula for how often you will hear from your attorney. However, the key to a successful attorney client relationship is communication. Whenever there is an important occurrence in your case you will be contacted or notified.

How long should a lawyer take to respond?

24-48 hoursA: 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.

What to do if your lawyer will not call you back?

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.Send your lawyer a letter of dismissal and retain a copy.Arrange to pay any outstanding charges.Pick up the file as soon as possible.Select another lawyer.

Can lawyers lie?

The American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct states that a lawyer “shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact.” In other words, lawyers aren't supposed to lie--and they can be disciplined or even disbarred for doing so.

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.

Is no news good news from your lawyer?

The bottom line is that this is generally one of those cases where “no news is good news” because it means your attorney is working on your case. The only time you should get concerned is if you need to speak to your attorney and you cannot get through nor have you received a return call.

How do I ask my lawyer for an update?

AnswerRaise the issue early on. Establish, in advance, a clear understanding about case updates. ... 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is required to receive a follow up call from a lawyer?

Fullname is required. A valid email address is required. Receive a follow-up from lawyers after your question is answered. Text Call. A valid phone number is required. Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. ( Required field)

What to do if someone steals your gun?

If someone stole your gun and permit, you might have a big problem on your hands. First, you should try to get your permit re-processesd so that you have your license. Second, you should make sure you filed a report with the police about the theft of your firearm and that it is missing. Finally, you can sue your ex... Read More

What happens if my wife doesn't have a will?

If she did not have a will, then the property will depending upon the circumstances pass to those heirs named in the Texas statutes on Intestacy. Hire a lawyer. If your wife had a will that left everything to you then you need to probate it. If she did not have a will, then the property will...

What to do if your child is raped?

If your child was raped, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a party or parties that both Perpetrated the assault, as well as who may have been negligent in allowing that assault to happen. You should discuss your Daughters case with counsel in your jurisdiction to investigate the possibility of bringing a civil action against the perpetrator and/or other culpable... Read More

Can you call your insurance company to apologize for a car accident?

No, dont panic, but call your insurance carrier and tell them so they can pay for the damage. call the owner of the other car and apologize. Yes, it... Read More

Can I collect money from a man who injured me?

You will need to win a lawsuit against him before you can collect any money from him for your injury. I work with these types of cases and would be willing to talk with you to help you determine whether you may have a case worth pursuing, or you can use the information that you find her to contact another attorney.... Read More

Do you have a case if you have proof of what you say?

Yes you have a case if you have proof of what you say.

What to ask a lawyer about communication?

Ask what the lawyer expects from you. Communication is a two-way street. You should ask your lawyer if he or she has any expectations for how you will communicate.

How to tell your attorney what to do if you don't know?

If you don’t, then you won’t know what information to tell your attorney. Take notes if you talk to your lawyer in person or over the telephone. Store your notes in the same place. For example, you might want to keep a special notebook for your case. Always review your notes before contacting your attorney.

What to do if you don't understand something your lawyer has said?

If you don’t understand something your lawyer has said, ask for clarification. You can say, “I don’t understand what ‘injunction’ means. Can you explain that?”

What to do if your lawyer doesn't give you copies of your documents?

Your lawyer should also send you copies of documents filed in your case. Keep these and read them. If your lawyer doesn’t give them to you, then ask for copies . You may have to pay a small fee.

How to communicate with a lawyer?

1. Ask your lawyer how he or she communicates. Each lawyer is different. Some might prefer to communicate by email. Others may communicate by telephone. At your first meeting with the lawyer, you should discuss how you will communicate. Try not to demand that the lawyer use your preferred method of communication.

What to do if communication has broken down?

If you feel communication has broken down, address your own shortcomings. For example, you might not get requested information to your lawyer until right before a deadline. This makes it very difficult for a lawyer to represent you. Think about why you are struggling to communicate with your lawyer.

What to say when your lawyer takes more than a day?

If your lawyer takes more than a day, then you should ask why it took so long. You can say, “Thanks for the call. I actually called you three days ago. Were you too busy to respond?”

What is "Ask a lawyer"?

Ask a Lawyer allows you to get free answers from lawyers in your area for basic legal questions on a variety of topics, including family law, employment law, criminal law, and more.

What is justia ask a lawyer?

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only. The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, ...

Why do defense attorneys represent victims?

Defense attorneys often represent victims of crimes to ensure their rights are protected and they are being treated fairly within the system. The prosecutor is also a representative of sorts for victims as they are the Peoples attorney as well. However, a defense attorney for a defendant in a... Read more »

Can you sue the first lawyer?

Whether you can sue the first lawyer will depend largely on whether you have actual damages from his handling of your case.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't respond?

If your lawyer does not respond, or subsequent meetings or conversations are not fruitful, consider suggesting mediation to work out your communication problems if you still want this lawyer to represent you. A bad deskside manner doesn't mean that the lawyer isn't an excellent lawyer, and it can be difficult to find a new one in the middle of a case.

Where to go if you are not satisfied with your lawyer?

If you're not satisfied with your lawyer's strategy decisions or with the arguments the lawyer has been making on your behalf, you may even want to go to the law library and do some reading to educate yourself about your legal problem.

What is the agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers?

Every state has an agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers. In most states, it's the bar association; in others, the state supreme court. The agency is most likely to take action if your lawyer has failed to pay you money that you won in a settlement or lawsuit, made some egregious error such as failing to show up in court, didn't do legal work you paid for, committed a crime, or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

What is the defense of a lawyer who is sued for malpractice?

A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument. Legal malpractice cases are expensive to pursue, so do some investigating before you dive in.

What to do if your lawyer is unresponsive?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. Also, ask your state bar association for assistance.

What to do if you can't find out what has been done?

If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.

What is the relationship between a lawyer and a client?

The most basic principle underlying the lawyer-client relationship is that lawyer-client communications are privileged, or confidential. This means that lawyers cannot reveal clients' oral or written statements (nor lawyers' own statements to clients) to anyone, including prosecutors, employers, friends, or family members, ...

What does Heidi tell her lawyer about the drugs?

Heidi tells her lawyer that the drugs belonged to her , and that she bought them for the first time during a period of great stress in her life, just after she lost her job. Heidi authorizes her lawyer to reveal this information to the D.A., hoping to achieve a favorable plea bargain.

What happens if you bring a stranger into a meeting?

Defendants who bring strangers (people who are not part of the attorney-client relationship) into a meeting risk losing the right to claim that the meeting was confidential. This means that the D.A. might be able to ask the stranger or even the defendant about what was said during the meeting.

Who is Heidi Hemp's lawyer?

Heidi decides not to hire Lawless and, instead, retains Bill Mucho as her lawyer after she bails out. At trial, the prosecutor calls Lawless as a witness and asks him to reveal what Heidi told him in their jail conversation. Lawless cannot testify. Lawless spoke to Heidi in his capacity as an attorney, so their conversation is confidential even though Heidi decided to hire a different attorney.

Do defendants want their parents to be present?

For perfectly understandable reasons, defendants sometimes want their parents, spouses, or friends to be present when they consult with their lawyers. Does that mean that the conversation won't be considered confidential?

Can a prisoner testify to a lawyer?

If a jailer monitors a phone call and overhears a prisoner make a damaging admission to the prisoner's lawyer, the jailer can probably testify to the defendant's statement in court.

Does Blabbermouth waive confidentiality?

Blabbermouth defendants waive (give up) the confidentiality of lawyer-client communications when they disclose those statements to someone else (other than a spouse, because a separate privilege exists for spousal communications; most states also recognize a priest-penitent privilege). Defendants have no reasonable expectation of privacy in conversations they reveal to others.

Can an attorney speak with a party they know to be represented?

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.#N#More

Is it illegal to speak to a different lawyer?

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. Think of it like this.

Can a potential client fire a lawyer without speaking to another 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.

Can a DSS lawyer contact opposing counsel?

The DSS lawyer is correct. A party who is represented by counsel cannot be contacted directly by opposing counsel unless that party and opposing counsel expressly authorized direct contact.

Can a lawyer talk to you without your attorney's permission?

That is correct - he should not be talking to you without your attorney's permission.

Can a lawyer talk to you directly?

No, they cannot talk to you directly. All communication has to go through the lawyers in order to protect your rights and attorney-client privilege.