What to do if your lawyer is not communicating with you?

Asked by: Ms. Abigail Lehner  |  Last update: November 29, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (60 votes)

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.

Is it normal for your lawyer to not contact you?

In short, don't worry at all. If your assigned attorney is not responding to phone calls, this is NORMAL. Go to court and, in the worst case scenario your attorney has not arrived or spoken to you when you case is called, just go up and tell the judge you haven't seen your attorney there yet.

What to do if my attorney is ignoring me?

You can report your attorney to the state Bar Association, if you believe they are ignoring your case and your requests for information.

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 doesn't do 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.”

What If Your Attorney Doesn’t Return Your Calls or Emails? | How to Handle a Lawyer Who Disappears

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Can I sue my lawyer for not doing his job?

Lawyers may make mistakes from time to time. A claim of malpractice may exist if your lawyer exhibited negligence in your representation. If your lawyer's negligence caused you to suffer harm or a less advantageous outcome or settlement in your case, you may have a claim to sue your lawyer for professional negligence.

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.

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 do you deal with a difficult lawyer?

Here are eight approaches to better handle the difficult lawyer.
  1. Point out Common Ground. ...
  2. Don't be Afraid to Ask Why. ...
  3. Separate the Person from the Problem. ...
  4. Focus on your Interests. ...
  5. Don't Fall for your Assumptions. ...
  6. Take a Calculated Approach. ...
  7. Control the Conversation by Reframing. ...
  8. Pick up the Phone.

What if your lawyer stops communicating with you?

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.

Why is my lawyer not answering?

They are busy with other clients; They are dealing with personal issues; They are out of the office; They stopped representing you (if you hired the attorney for a specific legal need);

Can a lawyer turn 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.

Why do I never hear from my lawyer?

While expecting regular contact is okay, you shouldn't expect your attorney to respond or call back moments after you reach out. There are multiple reasons your attorney may take some time to get back to you, such as having to deal with various clients, working late hours, or having family emergencies of their own.

How long should you wait for a lawyer to respond?

An attorney or paralegal may feel that responding to a question within 24 or 48 hours is sufficient, while the client is stressing out about the issue and expecting a response within the hour, or at least by close of business that day.

Why isn't my lawyer contacting me?

Something may have come up in the attorney's personal life as well. Much of the time, if your attorney isn't calling you as often as you had hoped, your case may just be at a standstill right now and there's nothing more they can do at the moment.

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.

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 do you know if a lawyer is scamming you?

For example, the State Bar of California has an Attorney Search page where you can insert an individual's name or State Bar Number to see if they really are licensed. You can also call your state Bar directly and verify that an individual has a license.

How do you know when to fire your lawyer?

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

When your lawyer doesn't fight for you?

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 to tell if your lawyer is good?

Online reviews can provide valuable information about an attorney's service. 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?

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 should you never say in court?

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. Don't argue with the questioner. Don't ask questions back: “What would you do if…”

Is there anything you shouldn't tell your lawyer?

Don't Discuss The Information You Don't Have To Share With Your Lawyer, Like Passwords Or Access To Physical Evidence. Lawyers can't break the law to get their hands on evidence related to your case, but that doesn't mean they're above sneaking around or doing whatever it takes to get a judge to sign off on a warrant.