What is the term for attorneys who fail to return phone calls, and fail to file the appropriate paperwork?

Question

Would that be considered incompetence, or negligence?

Answer 1

Defendants? ;-)

Answer 2

Failing to return phone calls could be considered unethical, but not necessarily incompetent or negligent. Failure to communicate may be grounds for discipline. However, if the attorney makes any attempt to communicate in writing or by phone, then he or she is probably okay.

Failure to file the proper paperwork may be malpractice (negligence). If you think your attorney has committed malpractice, you should contact a different attorney in your area to determine what options you may have.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It is an Ethics matter...it is a violation of their "Fiduciary Duty". It is often a basis for seeking other representation. You may have a suit against the specific attorney, as well. Speak with an attorney about damages arising from the attorney's failure to comply with professional standards. It needs to be reported to your state's Board of Professional Responsibility. Filing a complaint with the court is a prudent action in the scenario described above.

Let someone who is professional and qualified to actually "define" the wrongdoing...looks like you may have a basis for a Tort action against an attorney. If there is time, find another attorney to file the paperwork to the court for the specific matter. It may be necessary for you to "release" the first attorney before "hiring" the new attorney.

Answer 4

Contact your local Board of Professional Responsibility for your State Bar Association to report an attorney who fails to return calls or to file documents in a timely manner. There are reprimands and consequences as well as disbarrment for attorneys whose business practices fall into this category, but the clients have to report the infractions before anything can happen.

Answer 5

Either term could potentially be used. Both have specific legal meanings.

Incompetent is a violation of the ethical duties of compentence. Negligence (malpractice) is a tort action that can be filed against them.

Laws vary by state, and it all depends on the actual details.

Answer 6

Depending on what the paperwork was, and what you told the attorney, it could be negligence (which could lead to a malpractice case). Failure to return calls is a violation of attorney's code of ethics and you can call your state's bar association and/or Supreme Court to find out whom to call to file a complaint. Complaints to the ethics boards are taken seriously - they can get you disbarred or fined.

Answer 7

A term could be "bad lawyer". They should be reported to the local or state Bar assoc. They are not doing their job. It would be, I think, negligence as they are not doing it. Incompetent people do something very badly.

Answer 8

properly, in case you experience she isn't doing any paintings, optimistically she isn't charging you! in case you get a assertion from her, question and scrutinize each and every charge. you are able to question their accountant as properly, and there could be no charge for that. Worst case, get a distinctive lawyer, and ascertain the recent lawyer is time-honored with of what has occurred. shop good information and copies of each and every thing. do no longer overlook to get the the rest stability of the retainer cost you paid to the unique lawyer. i think of the opportunity of dropping you as a consumer will the two push your lawyer to "sh*t or get off the pot." you're paying good money and have each and every precise the assume some outcomes.

Answer 9

Mr. Coragraph is correct. There are rules of professional conduct that lawyers have to follow. The rules vary by state.

Answer 10

You called fired. And after you make a complaint to the State Bar, you can call them unemployed.

Answer 11

Neglect.

Contact the local ethics board.