I have court tomorrow and I already paid my Lawyer. I haven't heard from him so I called him today to see if he was going to still show up. Then I find out he isn't going to be there, his paralegal is. I feel uncomfortable about this but don't know If I should say something or even if this is normal. Can someone help me out?
2007-11-20 06:18:46 · 6 answers · asked by Nickle 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, depends on what is happening or is supposed to happen in Court. Sounds like he is not keeping you well informed, which is a sign of a poor lawyer.
2007-11-20 06:26:57 · answer #1 · answered by mikegreenwich 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If his paralegal is going instead of the lawyer it is likely he is seeking a continuance. A paralegal can not represent you in court.
2007-11-20 06:24:12 · answer #2 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't tell without knowing what you're going to court for. If a paralegal can handle it, obviously there's not going to be a full hearing, it's more likely to be a routine paperwork drill. (Example: setting a court date for a full hearing) Paralegals can't actually "appear" in court on your behalf (at least not in any state I'm familiar with), but they can pick up documents for their employer.
Without knowing what it is, my best advice is for you to show up, dress neatly, be polite, and keep any answers you are required to give as short and polite as possible (in other words, "yes, sir" and "no, sir" should cover everything).
2007-11-20 06:29:26 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shouldn't you be asking the lawyer and/or paralegal what your situation is, especially with time so short?
My guess is if you aren't managing your case, including the lawyer, closely, then it isn't really that important a case to you. the lawyer senses that and schedules his time accordingly.
If you ant his time, make sure he knows how important the case is to you by helping him to help you.
2007-11-20 07:24:42 · answer #4 · answered by Barry C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most paralegal's know more then the "lawyers," themselves.
Consider it like, most of the talk shows, are "reruns."
Because the "writers" are on strike.
Get a good haircut, shave, and dress accordingly. Because
"appearence" may, make a difference. <}:-})
2007-11-20 06:34:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand - the money you may to the lawyer is for their advice and filing papers. If you want them to attend court with you that is an additional fee and it need to be arranged well in advance of your court date.
2007-11-20 06:30:22 · answer #6 · answered by buggerhead 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋