How long should it take to get a response from a lawyer?

Asked by: Kayla Brekke  |  Last update: May 29, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)

You should generally expect a response from your lawyer within 24 hours to 2 business days for initial contact or simple questions, though a few days (up to a week) can be normal for more complex matters or busy attorneys, with no response for several days or longer often being unacceptable and warranting a follow-up or escalation to a paralegal, as lawyers have an ethical duty to keep you informed.

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

While it is normal to not hear from your lawyer with updates on your case for weeks at a time, to not hear back from your lawyer in response to a specific question like this for 11-12 days is unprofessional. Lawyers are ethically required to respond to reasonable inquiries about their clients' cases in a timely manner.

What is a reasonable response time for an attorney?

You should generally expect a lawyer to respond within 24 to 48 business hours, though a week might be acceptable if they're in trial or swamped; consistent delays beyond a few days, however, signal a potential issue, and you should follow up politely, as lawyers have a professional duty to keep clients informed. 

How long should you wait to hear back from an attorney?

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.

What do I do if my lawyer is taking too long to respond?

Send a certified mail letter to your lawyer and request the explanation for what is taking so long be put in writing. That way you have proof of your efforts. If you still aren't satisfied, you have the right to have a new lawyer look at the situation and advise you.

How Long Should it Take for My Attorney to Return My Call?

32 related questions found

Is it normal for lawyers not to respond?

No, it is not normal for your lawyer to ignore you or fail to return your calls and emails. While attorneys are often busy and may not be able to respond immediately, they have an ethical duty to keep clients informed and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Why is my lawyer taking so long to settle my case?

If you're asking, “why is my lawyer taking so long to settle my case?”, it could be because: Dispute liability or argue that others are responsible. Require separate negotiations and legal filings. The more parties involved, the longer it may take to reach a fair resolution.

What happens if your lawyer doesn't communicate with you?

If your lawyer consistently ignores you, you can send a certified letter to document concerns; if the issue persists, consider ending the relationship and consulting another attorney for guidance.

How do you know if you have a strong case?

While there are no guarantees, here are five signs that you have a strong personal injury case.

  • Irrefutable Evidence. ...
  • Medical Records Document Your Injuries. ...
  • You Were Injured After Someone's Negligent Act. ...
  • You Haven't Inadvertently Harmed Your Case. ...
  • History of a Similar Event or the Defendant Admits Fault.

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant amount for a lawyer, but whether it's "a lot" depends on factors like the lawyer's experience, location (urban areas charge more), and specialty (corporate law often costs more). While $100-$300 is a common range, $400 can be standard for experienced attorneys in complex fields or major cities, and even less experienced lawyers in big firms might bill similarly, with partners charging much more. 

How to deal with an unresponsive attorney?

If your lawyer isn't responding, document everything, send a formal certified letter demanding a response by a specific date, contact their law firm or the State Bar association for mediation or complaints, and if necessary, fire the lawyer to get your file and hire new counsel, as consistent lack of communication is unprofessional and can harm your case. 

What are delay tactics used by lawyers?

Dilatory tactics are when a party to a lawsuit abuses the rules of procedure in order to delay the progress of legal proceedings. For example, a party to a lawsuit will delay the legal process by filing a motion, which the court will need to stop the lawsuit to review.

What is the hardest case for a lawyer?

Violent offenses – The serious nature of the crimes, higher stakes, strong negative biases against such acts, and the complexity of legal issues like intent can make these offenses especially hard to defend against.

Can I sue my lawyer for not responding?

While poor communication can be frustrating, it does not automatically constitute legal malpractice. However, if the lack of communication leads to a missed deadline, a lost opportunity, or some other harm to your case, it could potentially form the basis of a malpractice claim.

Why is my attorney ignoring me?

Overburdened Caseload: Attorneys juggling multiple cases might inadvertently give less attention to your case, causing critical details to be overlooked. Conflicts of Interest: Hidden or competing interests can affect an attorney's commitment to your case, making you feel sidelined.

What is the longest a lawsuit can take?

In general, a personal injury lawsuit can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Some cases settle quickly through negotiations, while others may require a trial, adding more time to the process.

What are the signs of a weak case?

In that case, it's crucial to consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in California to evaluate your options and determine the best course of action.

  • Lack of Evidence. ...
  • Conflicting Evidence. ...
  • Inadmissible Evidence. ...
  • Excludable Evidence. ...
  • Unreliable Witnesses. ...
  • Lack of Motive or Opportunity. ...
  • Errors in the Criminal Complaint.

Do most cases get dismissed?

In the state of California, it is never guaranteed that your case will get dismissed. Generally, cases are dismissed because there isn't enough evidence for the prosecution to continue the proceedings or because it's discovered that evidence was obtained illegally.

How long is too long for a lawyer to respond?

While there is no universal standard for response times, most ethical guidelines suggest that attorneys should return client calls or emails within a reasonable time frame, typically 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, urgent matters may require even quicker responses.

What is the most common complaint brought against lawyers?

The most common complaints against lawyers center on neglect, poor communication, and billing issues, often stemming from lawyers failing to keep clients informed, missing deadlines, or providing unclear and excessive fees, with neglect and lack of communication frequently cited as the top concerns by bar associations and legal ethics groups. These issues can escalate from simple oversights to formal ethics violations, affecting client trust and case outcomes. 

How long should I wait to hear back from a lawyer?

You should generally expect a lawyer to respond within 24 to 48 business hours, though a week might be acceptable if they're in trial or swamped; consistent delays beyond a few days, however, signal a potential issue, and you should follow up politely, as lawyers have a professional duty to keep clients informed. 

How much will I get from a $25,000 settlement?

From a $25,000 settlement, you'll likely receive around $8,000 to $12,000, but it varies greatly; expect deductions for attorney fees (typically 33-40%), medical bills, and case costs (filing fees, records), with higher medical liens or more complex cases reducing your net payout more significantly. A typical breakdown might see about $8,300 for the lawyer, $7,000 for medicals, $1,000 in costs, leaving roughly $8,700 for you, though your actual amount depends on your specific case details. 

What can I do if my lawyer is doing nothing?

What To Do if Your Lawyer Is Not Helping You Before You Decide to Fire Them

  1. Ask Questions. As with any relationship, communication is key. ...
  2. Get a Second Opinion. ...
  3. Request Your File. ...
  4. Voice Concerns. ...
  5. Consider Firing Your Lawyer. ...
  6. Also consider Getting a Mediator. ...
  7. Seek Arbitration. ...
  8. File a Complaint.

What happens if a claim is taking too long?

If an insurance claim takes too long, you should first document everything, then escalate by requesting a written explanation and speaking with supervisors, and if delays persist, file a formal complaint with your state's Department of Insurance and/or consult an attorney to explore options like a "bad faith" lawsuit for unreasonable delays. Unjustified delays can harm your case, weaken evidence, and impact settlement negotiations.