If you’re thinking, “My lawyer is not fighting for me,” you have a few options. Keep reading to find out which options are best for you and your situation.
I Feel Like My Lawyer is Not Fighting for Me
Your lawyer should be on your side
Think about why you feel your lawyer isn’t giving you their best effort. Is it the way they act around you? Or is it the way they act around the opposing counsel or the judge? Have you worked with them before, or is this your first time needing them?
Personality can often be a factor when you hire someone to help you. You want to be comfortable enough to talk to them frankly, but you also want them to do their job well. That means having the ability to talk with others involved in your case. Sometimes it depends on the type of case you are dealing with.
Who is Your Audience?
Some lawyers are dramatic, and some are more somber. This doesn’t mean they can’t both get you to the same result. It often depends on who decides your case. If you have a jury, then drama is often useful. Your lawyer needs to convince a jury of your peers that you can be trusted.
In many civil law and family matters, you’ll have a bench trial. In this case, the judge decides your fate, and a lot of drama isn’t necessary. Your lawyer will need to write well and to keep their arguments to the point.
How Much Interaction Between Opposing Counsel is There?
Attorneys are there to communicate on your behalf. This means advocating for you with lawyers from the other side. You can sometimes settle a case before the trial is done. This depends on your lawyer working with the other side to find a solution.
Are They Working for You and With You?
Lawyers have an obligation to their clients. You should expect high-quality work in the form of research and presentation of your case. They should give you multiple options and then act according to what you decide.
Every lawyer needs to work in a timely manner. If this is not possible, they should refuse to take your case. Unnecessary delays can harm your case. They should spend the required amount of time as needed.
Your lawyer should communicate with you effectively and provide you with any explanation you need. If any changes occur in your case, they should let you know as soon as they can. Loyalty is also key. Your lawyer works for you and cannot represent anyone on the other side.
If You Are Unhappy With Your Lawyer
If you have figured out why you are unhappy with your lawyer, you have choices.
Discuss Your Complaints with Them
First of all, talk it out. It may be a miscommunication, but go with your instinct. If you feel that something isn’t working, let them know. You’ll be able to discuss your expectations, and they should try to meet them.
If the Issue Cannot Be Resolved
If your lawyer is unwilling to listen to your complaints, you can take your business elsewhere. You decide who works for you, and if they aren’t doing that, find someone else. When you fire a lawyer, you may still need to settle your account. They may hold any documents related to your case until they receive payment.
If you have a valid complaint about your lawyer’s handling of your case, report it. Inform the organization in your state that handles law licenses, usually your state’s bar association. They can either look into your complaint or send you to someone who can help.
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