I have already signed a contract with my lawyer who has agreed to take my case, although every time I call his office he is never there. I have left several messages with his personal secretary and he has not even made an attempt to call me. I am not sure if he was a good choice to hire, I need advice and he is not there to give it to me!
Question: Is there any law that requires a lawyer to contact there client to inform them of the process of their case? Also does my contract tie me into this lawyer when he has never even talked to me and I am not sure if he is even working on my case?
2006-10-19 21:05:45 · 12 answers · asked by FRIEND 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Fire him. It will only get worse.
The biggest complaint made against lawyers, especially solo practitioners, relates to non-communication. Many get censured, even disbarred, for neglecting cases.
The economics of law practice for retail lawyers is difficult. It's hard to stay in business at prices most people can afford. But that's no excuse to neglect clients.
A certain arrogance develops in most lawyers. I think the mistreatment of clients -- and the belief that unearned retainers "belongs" to them, contrary to all canons of ethics and rules of law -- stems from that.
2006-10-19 22:05:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are ethical rules that require your attorney to keep you advised of your case. The most reasonable thing to do is to write a certified letter return request receipt requesting a status update on your case. Include in your letter the amount of times you have called. Give him a chance to respond. If a week goes by and you hear nothing, write another letter telling him that he has failed to respond to your first letter, and if you fail to respond by X date, you will have no choice but to terminate the representation for cause and seek new counsel.
The most likely scenario is that nothing is happening in your case and your attorney is waiting until he has something to tell you before he calls back. If he charges hourly, do you really want him to call you to tell you nothing?
If you are past the point of trying to make it work, you are free to fire him and hire another lawyer at any time. Of course, your next attorney will want to know why you are leaving the first one, so be careful to sound reasonable when you explain it, or you will raise red flags as a "problem client."
2006-10-20 10:15:37 · answer #2 · answered by Tara P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will be fine. Your lawyer sounds like a very busy man, and that is a good thing. The more he works in the system, the more his name gets known, the more trust is established, and the more he can most likely help you with your case. Your attorney will call you when he can.
2006-10-20 04:39:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lawyers are very busy just relax he will return your call trust me you are not his only client. If push comes to shove go to his office and wait for him to come in and talk to him then but you really you should be patient i had to learn that from experience with my lawyer
2006-10-20 04:16:35 · answer #4 · answered by bouncey1yeah 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in which state do you reside?
if the problem persists, check online for your local bar association, they will have resources that can help you.
per the comment below; lady-- attorney's provide services, and are generally well compensated - neither of which serves as an exemption from maintaining communication with a paying client
2006-10-20 04:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by oracle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should call you back at least within a few days. However, if he does not call it is probably because there is nothing to tell you. If you want more personalized service, go to another attorney.
2006-10-21 01:28:50 · answer #6 · answered by Mos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would write him a letter telling him that since you can't ever reach or talk to him, you are cancelling his representation of you. If he fusses, report him to the State Bar Association in the state where you live. That's against legal ethics and they will investigate.
2006-10-20 04:08:57 · answer #7 · answered by phoenixheat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cancel the retainer check and get a new lawyer.
2006-10-20 04:08:41 · answer #8 · answered by kitty fresh & hissin' crew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should contact the judge and say what problems you are having with your lawyer and the retain another lawyer one that is willing to listen and that is good. jewish lawyers are the best
2006-10-20 06:13:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact another lawyer and contact bar association to file a report on him and verify his status
2006-10-20 04:09:42 · answer #10 · answered by tjhand5094 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋