Do lawyers get to choose who they represent?

Asked by: Ms. Bulah Stokes DDS  |  Last update: August 13, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (46 votes)

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 choose who to represent?

Lawyers have the right to choose whom they represent, subject to ethical and practical considerations. Attorneys may refuse clients to avoid conflicts of interest, lack of competence, or if representation is ethically or legally problematic.

What percent of lawyers make $500,000?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for lawyers in 2022 was $135,740, with only the top 1% surpassing the $500,000 mark.

Do lawyers get to choose their cases?

Depends on whether they are self-employed or work for a law firm. Self-employed attorneys pick and choose. Underlings in law firms do as they are told. The law permits an attorney to reject any client for ethical reasons.

Can I choose anyone to defend me in court?

In court cases, you can represent yourself or be represented by a lawyer. Even for simple and routine matters, you can't go to court for someone else without a law license.

Public Defender VS Private Attorney | Pros and Cons

36 related questions found

Can you refuse to defend someone as a lawyer?

DO LAWYERS HAVE TO ACCEPT EVERY CASE? No. In fact, in some situations, lawyers cannot accept a case or agree to represent a certain client. Various laws and ethics rules govern the cases (and clients) a lawyer can–and cannot–accept.

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.

Which lawyer wins most cases?

Settings. Gerry Spence is widely considered one of the most successful trial and criminal attorneys in America. He has never once lost a criminal case — either as a prosecutor or a defense attorney — and he hasn't lost a civil case since 1969.

Can lawyers say no to a case?

There is a Potential Conflict of Interest

In addition, a lawyer could have a personal conflict of interest that would prohibit them from accepting your case. If the at-fault party in your case was or is represented by the lawyer you initially selected, they cannot represent you.

Do lawyers take cases they know they'll lose?

If an attorney thinks they will lose based on your liability, they may turn you down. If many attorneys continue refusing to take your case, you should keep looking. It might not be a lost cause and you might be able to find a lawyer willing to take your lawsuit to court.

How rich is the average lawyer?

In general, the five highest-paying states for lawyers are as follows: California ($201,530) Massachusetts ($196,230) New York ($188,900)

Do lawyers make 200k a year?

The median starting salary is $215,000 in 11 cities and geographic areas. They are Austin, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Houston; Los Angeles/Orange County, California; New York City; San Diego; San Francisco; Silicon Valley in California; and the Washington, D.C., area.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest-Paid Types of Lawyers
  • Patent attorney: $180,000.
  • Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.
  • Trial lawyer: $134,000.
  • Tax attorney: $122,000.
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000.
  • Medical lawyer: $113,000.
  • Real estate lawyer: $98,000.
  • Family lawyer: $93,000.

What happens if you tell your lawyer you are guilty?

Criminal defense attorneys have an ethical obligation to zealously represent all clients and maintain attorney-client privilege. You can admit guilt to your attorney and know that your attorney will still fight for you and won't repeat what you say to anyone without your permission.

What to do if no attorney 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 a lawyer turn against their client?

The law is clear that a lawyer cannot turn against their client, and any violation of this guideline can invite a stringent investigation from legal authorities. Accusations of treachery are taken seriously and may warrant criminal prosecution to ensure justice is served fairly.

Why would a lawyer turn down a client?

A conflict of interest could arise if an attorney has previously represented an opposing party or if the new case could somehow compromise their duties to an existing client. To maintain ethical standards and protect the interests of all clients, an attorney may decline to take on a case where a conflict exists.

Does it look bad if your lawyer withdraws from your case?

Lawyers withdraw from cases all the time, and it usually does not impact the judge's perception of the client unless the client has had multiple changes in legal counsel with attorneys that have a good reputation with the court.

Will a lawyer take a case without evidence?

Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Will FIGHT to Defend You

If there's no evidence, they can argue the charge lacks probable cause, aiming to have the case dismissed early.

What are the hardest cases to win?

A: Crimes against minors, white collar crimes, and first-degree murder are sometimes the hardest cases to defend. Due to the intricacy of the evidence, emotional prejudice, public opinion, and the seriousness of the possible penalties, these cases pose substantial obstacles.

Which lawyers get sued the most?

Areas of Practice With the Highest Frequency
  1. Personal Injury and Property Damage – Plaintiff. ...
  2. Collections and Bankruptcy. ...
  3. Real Estate. ...
  4. Estate, Trust and Probate. ...
  5. Family Law. ...
  6. Business Transaction / Commercial Law.

What's the most a lawyer can take from settlement?

Whatever the amount is, your law firm will charge you on a contingency fee basis. This means they will take a set percentage of your recovery, typically one third or 33.3%. There are rare instances where a free case is agreed to by the representing lawyers.

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 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.

How to tell if your lawyer is working against you?

If you feel that your lawyer is not keeping you informed about your case, is avoiding your calls or emails, or is not providing satisfactory explanations for their actions, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Review Your Case: Educate yourself about the details of your case and the legal proceedings involved.