who to talk to if your lawyer does not help you

If you cannot obtain a response, or if you tried talking to your lawyer or paralegal and it did not help, you can contact the Law Society of Ontario for assistance. Your complaint must be filed in writing to the Law Society’s Complaints Services.

Full Answer

What should I do if I Can’t speak to my lawyer?

How do you know if your lawyer is not responding?

What happens if a lawyer does not communicate with you?

1. Put you*re question/request in writing. Lawyers are required to reasonably respond. 2. Send your request by email, fax or overnight mail. 3. Do not repeatedly contact the lawyer. Reasonable requests means reasonable in number, frequency and topic. 4.

What to do if your lawyer does not return your calls?

Dec 22, 2017 · If your attorney does not reply via email, then you should call their office. A phone call is more direct and personal than an email. Since you speak to your lawyer over the telephone, you should be able to better gauge why they have not …

What to do when your lawyer doesn't listen to you?

What is it called when a lawyer does not do his job?

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

What is reasonable response time for a lawyer?

Why do lawyers ignore you?

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Can I sue a lawyer for lying?

How do you know if a lawyer is scamming you?

Can you sue a lawyer for not doing their job?

How often should I hear from my attorney?

How often should I follow up with my lawyer?

How do you respond to an attorney letter?

How to get your attorney's attention?

The best, most unobtrusive way to start getting your attorney’s attention is by sending them an email. Lawyers regularly check their emails, so it is a good way to see if someone from their office will respond to you. If your attorney does not reply via email, then you should call their office.

What are the problems with lawyers?

People have problems with their lawyers for a variety of reasons, but some of the main issues involve: 1 Fee conflicts 2 Issues involving communication or neglect 3 Competency problems 4 Ethical concerns

What are the concerns of hiring a lawyer?

Competency problems. Ethical concerns. Any of these areas can cause major concerns for people who have hired a lawyer to help protect their personal interests. If you have these types of concerns about your attorney, then you must be proactive about protecting your well-being, and proving your side of the case.

How to get your point across to your lawyer?

Sending a letter is another good way to get your point across to your lawyer. In the letter, you may want to state a specific date that you expect to hear from them, or that you want them to complete something. While going through the stages of a divorce, there are several deadlines that your lawyer will need to meet.

How to be proactive with an attorney?

To be proactive from the beginning of your relationship with your attorney, the first thing that you can do is to let them know your concrete expectations. Some lawyers and clients will sign a contract with one another about expected fees, timetables, and the availability of the lawyer.

What happens when you file a complaint against a lawyer?

Once someone files a complaint about a particular lawyer with a governing board (such as the boards mentioned above), then an investigation occurs regarding the practice of that lawyer. The case is typically handed over to a grievance committee that reviews lawyers’ work and ethics.

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.

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 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 is the role of a lawyer in a client?

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.

Can a lawyer represent two clients?

A lawyer must be loyal to his or her client. This means that a lawyer cannot represent two clients who are on opposite sides in the same or related lawsuits. And, ordinarily, there can be no representation of a client whose interests would conflict with the lawyer’s interests.

Can a lawyer write a will?

For example, a lawyer may not be involved in writing a will for a client who leaves the lawyer substantial money or property in that will. Keeping Clients’ Property. If a lawyer is holding a client’s money or property, it must be kept safely and separately from the lawyer’s own funds and belongings.

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

If you want to make a formal complaint about a lawyer or paralegal, you must follow the procedure set out by the Law Society.  Complaints must be brought to the Law Society within three years of the date the problem occurred or the date you became aware of it . 1.

What are the problems lawyers face?

There are five general problems that people sometimes have with lawyers and paralegals: Communication problems. Problem with the fees charged. Breach of fiduciary duties or neglect of responsibilities. Discrimination. Dishonesty. For each of these problems there is a different approach you can take. 1.

What is the law society?

The Law Society deals with most matters regarding a lawyers or paralegals professional conduct. However, if your complaint involves discrimination or harassment by your lawyer or paralegal, contact the Discrimination and Harassment Counsel (DHC) or refer to topic 952 Law Society’s Discrimination and Harassment Counsel Program for more information.

Does the Law Society investigate complaints?

While the Law Society reviews all complaints it receives, it does not always investigate them. The initial review is done by Complaint Services. If it determines that the complaint raises issues within the Law Society’s jurisdiction, then Complaints Services will direct the matter to the Intake Department of the Professional Regulation Division.

What happens if you can't settle a fee dispute in Ontario?

If you are unable to settle your fee dispute with your lawyer, in Ontario you can have the bill reviewed by the Assessment Office of the Superior Court of Justice.

What is a disbursement for a lawyer?

Disbursements are monies paid on your behalf by the lawyer or paralegal and can include a variety of expenses such as photocopying; courier charges; postage; court registration fees; search fees; accounts from private investigators; and assorted agency accounts. Lawyer fee problem.

How to get a lawyer's bill reviewed?

There are four steps to having your lawyer’s bill reviewed: At a court office, fill out a Requisition Form and an Order for Assessmentform, and pay the court filing fee. The Court Registrar will issue an Order for Assessment, and provide a Notice of Appointment for a hearing date.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

Who is Geoff Williams?

Geoff Williams, Contributor. Geoff Williams has been a contributor to U.S. News and World Report since 2013, writing about ... Read more. Tags: personal finance, money, personal budgets, lawsuits.

Who is Andrea Vacca?

Andrea Vacca is a collaborative divorce attorney in New Yor k City and the owner of Vacca Family Law Group. She says – at least with divorces – that "some courts offer free assistance to parties who want to fill out their own uncontested divorce paperwork."

Do lawyers have egos?

So even though it’s a killer, it’s a sure-fire attention-getter. In fact, it’s so reliable that if the attorney doesn’t respond, you’re probably better off with another.

Is litigation a complicated process?

Litigation is a slow, complicated, unpredictable, expensive process. To the extent your lawyer can expedite, simplify, win, and reduce the fees, he’s the one for you . I hope you don’ t need to get the attention of your attorney. But if you do, this should help. Good luck!

Do you have to write a Gettysburg address?

You don’t have to write the Gettysburg Address. Just confirm the status of the case, fee or whatever else was discussed. State the next step that must be done, who is going to do it, and when it will be completed.

What is Chapter 52 of the Placement Strategy Handbook?

Chapter 52 in The Placement Strategy Handbook is entitled “How to Select an Attorney.” Still, we receive many calls from placers ranging from inquiries to insurrection about the way an attorney is handling a case. This doesn’t mean the clients are right. But it does mean the attorney-client relationship has been damaged.

You Need to Write Letters

You Need to Write Letters#N#I appreciate that phone calls are easier and that you shouldn't have to write a letter to your own attorney. 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.

Ask the Phone Receptionist What is Going On

Ask the Phone Receptionist What is Going On#N#If you get a live person on the phone when you call the lawyer's office, ask that person why you cannot seem to talk to your lawyer. Maybe he is in the hospital or there is some other reason, and the receptionist may be able to tell you.

Request Your File - It Is Your Property

Request Your File - It Is Your Property#N#The file that the attorney has created and maintained on your case is actually your property. The attorney can keep a copy at his expense, but the original file and papers in it are property of the client.

If Nothing Else Works, Threaten to File a State Bar Grievance

If Nothing Else Works, Threaten to File a State Bar Grievance#N#A lawyer has a duty to communicate with his or her client. The failure to do so is professional misconduct. One of the functions of the State Bar is to investigate and punish professional misconduct by attorneys, based on Grievances filed by clients.

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 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 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.

Do aggressive divorce attorneys go to trial?

Remember the first secret above: most divorce cases don't go to trial. An aggressive attorney can actually get in the way of a productive settlement, extending the case and billing more hours by stirring up hostility and "churning" the file.

Can attorney fees be expensive?

Yes, attorney fees can be costly, and add up quickly. But your attorney may not tell you what you can do to keep them down unless you ask. You should ask, because there are some simple things you can do to reduce your attorney's workload, and more importantly, save yourself some money.

Do divorce cases go to trial?

Remember the first secret above: most divorce cases don't go to trial. An aggressive attorney can actually get in the way of a productive settlement, extending the case and billing more hours by stirring up hostility and "churning" the file.

Do divorces end in a settlement?

A divorce is a lawsuit, and we usually think of lawsuits as ending in a trial. However, many, if not most lawsuits end in a settlement. This is especially true of divorce, where upwards of 90% of cases settle—and some reports place that figure in the 95-97% range.

Is child support an issue in California?

In almost every California divorce, property division is an issue, and if you have children, child support will be an issue, as well as possibly spousal support. All of those matters require your attorney to have information about your income and/or assets.

Is divorce expensive?

Even if you do everything possible to keep your legal bill down, there are no two ways around it: divorce is expensive. Your attorney probably won't be able to tell you exactly how expensive, because that will depend on how your case unfolds.