Can a lawyer say no to a client?

Asked by: Mr. Tatum Jacobi MD  |  Last update: June 30, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (55 votes)

If you are wondering if a lawyer can refuse your case, the answer is yes, a lawyer can say “no” to taking on your dispute. Lawyers have the right to choose which cases they want to take on, and which cases they don't. If a lawyer declines their services, there are typically clear reasons for them to do so.

Is a lawyer allowed to refuse a case?

Lawyers are people too, and if a client or case conflicts with the lawyer's personal feelings (or, in some cases, inspires too much empathy or sympathy) in a way that would compromise the lawyer's ability to provide proper representation, the lawyer cannot take the case.

What is the most common complaint against a lawyer?

According to the ABA, the most common attorney discipline complaints filed with the bar association involve:
  • Neglect.
  • Lack of communication.
  • Misrepresentation or dishonesty.
  • Scope of representation.
  • Fee disputes.

Can a lawyer choose not to represent someone?

Yes, under certain circumstances, lawyers have the right to decline representation, including conflicts of interest, lack of expertise, or personal beliefs. However, they cannot deny representation based on whether the client is guilty or innocent.

Can a lawyer drop a client for being annoying?

The Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California (“Rules of Conduct”) specify three circumstances under which an attorney must terminate a client relationship: (1) where the attorney knows or reasonably should know that a client is bringing an action, conducting a defense, asserting a position in ...

Can a Lawyer Ethically Drop a Client?

19 related questions found

Can you refuse clients as a lawyer?

Within our legal practice, we hold the autonomy to accept or refuse client representation. This decision is often guided by numerous crucial considerations pertaining to our ethical and professional obligations, potential conflicts of interest, and the substantive evaluation of the cases presented before us.

How to get rid of a client politely?

When firing a client, always:
  1. Check your contract or engagement letter. What terms do you have in place to fire a client? ...
  2. Maintain your integrity. Stay calm, rational and polite. ...
  3. Follow-up with a phone call. ...
  4. Resist the urge to engage. ...
  5. Give them a referral. ...
  6. Finish the project, if at all possible.

Can your lawyer turn on you?

Answer: Yes a lawyer can turn against their client in exceptional and rare circumstances, particularly when a client employs the lawyer's services for illicit activities.

Can a lawyer go against their clients' wishes?

A lawyer has a duty to communicate with a client. This duty includes an obligation to listen to the client's objectives and wishes and to consider them thoughtfully. A lawyer should not ignore a client's wishes.

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

How Can You Tell If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out?
  • They Regularly Miss Deadlines and Appointments. ...
  • They Show a Lack of Interest in Your Case. ...
  • They Are Pushing You Too Quickly or Forcefully to Settle. ...
  • They Fail to Return or Answer Your Calls. ...
  • They're not Transparent in Billing and Payment Practices.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Eight Things You Shouldn't Say to Your Lawyer
  • Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
  • Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.

How do you know you have a bad lawyer?

Any behavior that compromises professionalism, such as rudeness, tardiness, or lack of respect for client confidentiality, should raise concerns about the lawyer's competence. Additionally, ethical misconduct or disciplinary actions by regulatory authorities may indicate a lack of integrity and competence.

Can your lawyer work against you?

[6] Loyalty to a current client prohibits undertaking representation directly adverse to that client without that client's informed consent. Thus, absent consent, a lawyer may not act as an advocate in one matter against a person the lawyer represents in some other matter, even when the matters are wholly unrelated.

What are lawyers not allowed to do?

A lawyer should use the law's procedures only for legitimate purposes and not to harass or intimidate others. A lawyer should demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers and public officials.

What to do if no lawyer will take your case?

What to Do If a Lawyer Won't Take Your Case
  1. Don't give up right away—get a second opinion. Getting rejected by one personal injury lawyer doesn't necessarily mean that no lawyer will take your case. ...
  2. Ask for a referral. ...
  3. Ask about alternative types of fee arrangements. ...
  4. Consider small claims court.

Can asking for a lawyer be used against you?

Having an attorney is always your legal right, regardless of guilt or innocence. In other words, the justice system cannot presume your guilt because you asked for a lawyer, nor can this request be used against you in court.

Can lawyers reject a client?

The quick answer is yes; an attorney can refuse to defend someone. Although attorneys have the right to decline to defend a client, they rarely do so based on whether or not the client is guilty of the crime. Because they will advocate on your behalf, the attorney you hire should be someone you get along well with.

What to do if your client lies on the stand?

Initially, an attorney must attempt to persuade the client to rectify the misrepresentation. If that fails, then the attorney must seek to withdraw, assuming that would remedy the situation.

Does a lawyer have to do what a client says?

Except as otherwise provided by law in a criminal case, the lawyer shall abide by the client's decision, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial and whether the client will testify.

Can my lawyer drop me without telling me?

If a lawyer and client cannot work together effectively, it can be difficult to achieve a positive outcome. In this case, the lawyer must notify the client of their intention to withdraw and provide reasonable notice to allow the client to find a new lawyer.

Can I tell my attorney everything?

Even if you are guilty of the charges against you, your attorney is still bound by the confidentiality requirement and cannot share your information without your consent.

Can a lawyer intimidate you?

When we talk about how an attorney's conduct is during a deposition they cannot harass you, they cannot intimidate you. Harassment is grounds to cease a deposition immedicably. The rules provide for that.

How do I dump a client?

When breaking up with difficult clients, be honest, concise, and firm, documenting conversations in writing to maintain professionalism. Ending difficult client relationships allows brokers to focus on positive working relationships, maintain their reputation, and advance their career.

How do you deal with a nasty client?

20 suggestions for how to deal with disrespectful customers
  1. Be empathetic. Empathy can be a powerful tool when discussing customers' issues. ...
  2. Listen actively. ...
  3. Separate the issue into smaller issues. ...
  4. Repeat what the customer says back to them. ...
  5. Stay calm. ...
  6. Offer solutions. ...
  7. Act quickly. ...
  8. Offer a sincere apology.

What to do if you hate a client?

Try educating and roleplaying prosocial behavior when you find that you dislike a client. Also, it may be appropriate to let the client know how their behavior impacts you. For example, when a client frequently interrupts, point it out as it happens and express that it is off-putting.