How do I know if my attorney is doing his job?

Asked by: Dorothy Lang  |  Last update: April 16, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (41 votes)

Do online research. Check your lawyer on legal sites such as Avvo or nolo, as well as on general sites like Google Places and Yelp! to see what other clients have to say. Search peer-review online databases such as martindale.com to see comments and opinions from other lawyers.

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.

What is it called when a lawyer is not doing his job?

Any time an attorney fails to meet the expected standards of his or her profession, their clients could take legal actions against them for what is called “legal malpractice.”

How to tell if your lawyer is working against you?

One way is by looking at the amount your lawyer is charging you. If he is charging you a lot more than other lawyers in the field are charging their clients for similar services, then there is a pretty good chance he is not working with the other lawyer, but against him.

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

It's not that unusual, depending on how busy your attorney is. Sometimes emailing your questions gets a faster response. If you are not happy with your current attorney, you can always talk to other attorneys and see if they will take your case instead.

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

17 related questions found

How long should I wait for my attorney to respond?

You should never feel like you can't contact your attorney to ask a question. If you call or email them, they should get back to you by the next business day. It might be two business days before your attorney contacts you on rare occasions.

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.

What not to tell your 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.

Can you sue your attorney for not doing his job?

If your lawyer is not doing his job, you may be able to sue him for malpractice.

How do you ask your lawyer for an update?

Send a Formal Letter or Email: Draft a professional letter or email expressing your concerns about the lack of communication. Clearly state that you expect regular updates on your case and specify how often you would like to be informed. This can sometimes prompt a response from your lawyer.

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.

How hard is it to sue an attorney for malpractice?

Unfortunately, it is very hard to win a malpractice case. Malpractice means that the lawyer failed to use the ordinary skill and care that would be used by other lawyers in handling a similar problem or case under similar circumstances.

Why is my lawyer not communicating with me?

Why Your Attorney May Not Be As Responsive As You Had Hoped. The first thing to remember is that you are not your attorney's only case. Something may have come up in another matter that takes precedence, or s/he may be on trial. Something may have come up in the attorney's personal life as well.

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.

What is attorney misconduct?

Attorney misconduct is unethical or illegal conduct by an attorney.

Can your lawyer work against you?

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.

What to do when you feel like your lawyer isn't doing his job?

If you think your attorney has acted unethically

You can complete a complaint form online or download a PDF complaint form from the State Bar's website. You may also call the State Bar at 800-843-9053 (in California) or 213-765-1200 (outside California) to discuss the complaint-filing process.

How do you know if a lawyer will take your case?

Factors Lawyers Consider Before Taking a Case

Legal Merit: A lawyer will first assess the legal merit of your case. This involves evaluating the evidence and determining if the law supports your claims in the lawsuit. A case with strong legal foundations stands a better chance of being accepted.

What can get a lawyer fired?

The 4 Most Common Reasons Why People Fire Their Lawyer
  • 1) Lack of Communication. ...
  • 2) Personality Conflicts. ...
  • 3) Unrealistic Expectations by the Client as to The Value of Their Case. ...
  • 4) The Lawyer is Not Qualified to Handle the Case Now That it Is “Complicated”

How do you tell if you have a good lawyer?

Do not focus solely on case outcomes; read what others say about a firm's conduct. Were they professional, punctual, and supportive? Did they go the extra mile to make the client feel included in the legal process? These reviews can be helpful as you decide whether a law firm deserves your trust.

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.

What not to say in court?

Don't mumble; speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth.

How do you know when to fire your lawyer?

Lack of communication, unprofessionalism, family law inexperience, or legal strategy differences are frequent causes for terminating your attorney relationship. Consider firing your attorney if they routinely miss deadlines, don't prioritize your case, or seem uninterested.

What makes a lawyer ineffective?

To constitute ineffective counsel, a defendant's attorney's performance must have fallen below "an objective standard of reasonableness." Courts are "highly deferential," indulging a "strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance." Strickland permits ...

How do you tell a lawyer off?

Here are some tips to keep in mind:
  1. Always terminate the relationship in writing. Even if you fire your attorney in a verbal exchange, you should follow up by sending a written termination letter. ...
  2. Get to the point. ...
  3. Be firm. ...
  4. Be polite. ...
  5. Ask for a copy of your case file.