Why do lawyers not call back?
Asked by: Prof. Jordon Stoltenberg Sr. | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (9 votes)
Attorneys often don't call back due to being overwhelmed with busy caseloads, in court, or working on urgent tasks, but also because they might not have new info, have technical issues, or prioritize billable work over calls, though ethical rules require timely communication. Poor client communication is a common complaint, but sometimes they're just busy, need to gather info first, or are dealing with personal matters.
What does it mean when a lawyer doesn't call you back?
It means your attorney isn't really interested in your case. You pay for every single minute you interact with your lawyer--texts, letters, emails, phone calls, etc. So if your attorney is ignoring you, that sends a message.
What is a reasonable time for a lawyer to respond?
You should generally expect a lawyer to respond within 24 to 48 business hours, though this can vary; expect brief updates for delays like court appearances, but more than a week without contact is a red flag, indicating potential issues requiring a formal follow-up or a new attorney. Timeliness shows professionalism, but lawyers juggle many cases, so check if they're in trial or waiting on court/insurance.
Is it normal for a lawyer not to contact you?
The short answer is it is NOT normal for an attorney to not be in contact with you, especially sign you have already signed the engagement agreement. All attorneys need to communicate with their clients regularly and this is not normal or ethical.
How long should it take for a lawyer to call you back?
A reasonable expectation is a return call within 24 hours during the business week. Attorneys strive to balance legal work with client needs, and timely communication ensures transparency and trust. For calls received over the weekend, a response by Monday is a standard practice.
Do lawyers lie about settlements?
Is it normal for lawyers to not respond?
If your lawyer is consistently failing to respond to your calls or emails, they may be violating their ethical duty of communication. While this is a serious issue, it does not necessarily mean they have committed malpractice unless their lack of communication has caused harm to your claim or case.
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.
Why is my lawyer ignoring me?
Poor communication doesn't always mean your lawyer is doing something illegal, but if they regularly fail to answer questions, ignore updates, or leave you confused about your case, it may be a sign that their professional conduct is falling short and needs to be addressed.
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 this can vary; expect brief updates for delays like court appearances, but more than a week without contact is a red flag, indicating potential issues requiring a formal follow-up or a new attorney. Timeliness shows professionalism, but lawyers juggle many cases, so check if they're in trial or waiting on court/insurance.
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 if my lawyer is not communicating with me?
If your lawyer is not responding to your calls, you should escalate the communication. Consider asking them for your file, send them a certified letter describing your issue or what you need from them. Request an in-person meeting so that you can get direct answers regarding your claim.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate.
What is the hardest case for a lawyer?
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.
How long is too long for an attorney to respond?
An attorney should generally respond within 24-48 hours to a few business days (up to a week), as they have a professional duty to keep you reasonably informed, but responses can be delayed by court appearances or heavy caseloads; if weeks pass or silence impacts your case, follow up and consider escalating if it's still unresponsive, as prolonged silence can be grounds for complaint.
What is the most common complaint brought against lawyers?
The most common complaints against lawyers center on neglect, lack of communication (unreturned calls/emails, no updates), and fee issues (excessive, unclear, or improper billing), often stemming from poor client management and unmet expectations. Clients frequently feel uninformed, ignored, or surprised by costs, leading to formal grievances about missed deadlines, lack of transparency, or attorneys failing to act in the client's best interest, says Lalegalethics.org and ABA Journal.
What do I do if my lawyer is not answering my calls?
If she does not agree to a meeting or otherwise respond to your satisfaction, contact the State Bar of California, tell them all about your difficulties with your attorney, and they will make contact for you.
Is it normal to not hear from a lawyer?
Is it normal for your lawyer not to communicate with you? 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.
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
How long should it take for your lawyer to call you back?
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.
Why haven't I heard back from my lawyer?
They may be busy with court appearances or other clients, or there might be delays in your case that they haven't communicated well. However, if the lack of communication persists, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, such as poor case management or a lack of commitment to your case.
How to tell if your lawyer is working against you?
Consider the following red flags that may indicate that your lawyer isn't fighting for you as they should be:
- Persistent Lack of Communication: ...
- Inadequate Case Preparation: ...
- Pressure to Settle Unfavorably: ...
- Missed Deadlines and Procedural Errors: ...
- Lack of Personalized Strategy:
Why is my lawyer taking so long?
Your lawyer may be taking longer to settle your case because they're prioritizing gathering robust evidence to strengthen your claim. While it may feel like a delay, this step is crucial for a successful settlement.
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.
How likely am I to get sued?
The likelihood that a debt collector will sue you over an unpaid balance depends on the debt, the amount and how collectible you appear to be. While many delinquent accounts never make it to court, debt collection lawsuits are far from rare, especially for certain types of balances.
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.