Do lawyers talk to each other about cases?

Asked by: Dr. Roel Murazik  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (55 votes)

Conversations between attorneys outside of court and informally are very common. In fact, most of the real work gets done that way and it's mostly all decided outside of the courtroom.

Can lawyers talk about cases with other lawyers?

Lawyers in a firm may, in the course of the firm's practice, disclose to each other information relating to a client of the firm, unless the client has instructed that particular information be confined to specified lawyers.

Do opposing lawyers talk to each other?

For example, a party who is represented by counsel may not communicate directly to the Judge or opposing counsel. The party's attorney is responsible for communications with opposing counsel and the Judge, to avoid potential problems. Attorneys can also directly communicate with each other on behalf of their clients.

Do lawyers work together on cases?

In today's complex legal landscape, co-counsel relationships between attorneys at different law firms are increasingly common. While co-counsel arrangements are usually contrived to achieve the best outcome for the client, sometimes, they can become a disaster for both the attorneys and the client involved.

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.

Four Red Flags that you hired the wrong attorney. How to know if you hired a bad attorney.

17 related questions found

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.

Are lawyers friends with judges?

A judge and a lawyer, for instance, should be considered “acquaintances” when their interactions outside of court are coincidental and relatively superficial. “Friendship” implies a greater relationship and suggests “some degree of mutual affection,” although the opinion noted that not all friendships are the same.

What happens when 2 people have the same lawyer?

Oppositions & Conflicts of Interest

Any attorney that represents one of you will not be permitted to also represent the other because this would create a conflict of interest.

Can lawyers have affairs with their clients?

Some law firms expressly prohibit their attorneys from engaging in sexual relations with clients, but not all state bars have a total ban on intimate relationships with clients.

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.

Should you let your lawyer do all the talking?

In most cases, it is always best to let your attorney do the talking. If you hear a major issue or inconsistency, immediately alert your attorney privately.

Do lawyers sue other lawyers?

And there is a good reason for it. A legal malpractice case requires one attorney to sue another attorney on behalf of a wronged former client for representation that was substandard. In other words, representation that failed to meet the standard of what a “reasonable” attorney would have done in that situation.

Can you tell your lawyer everything?

Attorney-client privilege is a legal concept that protects communications between an attorney and their client from being disclosed to anyone else. This means that anything you tell your attorney is strictly confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else without your consent.

What to do when your lawyer stops communicating with you?

If your lawyer does not return your call, send them a letter and keep a copy. In the letter, describe what is bothering you and what you need. Suggest meeting with the lawyer face-to-face.

How confidential is a lawyer?

Client-Lawyer Relationship

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b).

Do lawyers know each other?

It is common for plaintiff and defense lawyers to know each other, especially in smaller cities.

Do I need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?

Divorcing Spouses Should Still Hire Divorce Lawyers Even if They Seem to Agree. In addition to being emotionally painful, divorcing your spouse is a legally complex process. Issues such as property division, alimony, and child support involve several legal and factual determinations.

How many cases can a lawyer handle at once?

On average, a lawyer handles a caseload of anywhere between 20 to 30 cases. No matter whether you are directly handling these cases or your team, ensuring efficiency and precision is non-negotiable. Implementing effective caseload management tips is crucial.

Are judges more powerful than lawyers?

Lawyers can argue for their client's innocence, negotiate plea deals, and present evidence to sway judges and juries. In civil cases, however, private judges may have more power than lawyers because they can provide a faster and more specialized resolution of disputes.

Is it okay to be friends with your lawyer?

However, lawyers do not have any ethical rules that prohibit attorneys from becoming friends with their clients outside of ensuring that lawyers do not have a conflict which might impair their ability to provide solid representation.

Who do lawyers argue with?

Lawyers in a trial do not argue with each other. They do not each try to persuade the other. Instead they try to persuade either the judge or the jury depending on the issue.

How do I tell if a lawyer is good?

The following are some of the most important qualities a good criminal defense lawyer in California should possess:
  • Criminal Trial Experience. ...
  • Resources To Investigate and Prepare Your Case. ...
  • Good Communication. ...
  • Negotiation Skills. ...
  • Empathy For the Situation You're In. ...
  • Making Promises They Can't Keep.

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.

What is an example of a bad lawyer?

Other signs of an incompetent lawyer include poor communication, missed deadlines, lack of knowledge about relevant laws, unpreparedness in court, and general disorganization in handling cases.