How can you get your attorneys to do what they were hired to do?

ANSWER by BipolarAttorney 02/06/08

Prior posts have really hit the primary issue on the head - open and informed communication. While your attorney has certain obligations to you, as his/her client, you must remember that the attorney, first and foremost, has ethical and professional responsibilities to his/her profession. Oftentimes, clients have unrealistic or impossible expectations. While it is part of the attorney's job to properly inform the client of what to expect, oftentimes, clients are too emotionally and psychologically embroiled in the issues to see things objectively.

Your question is a little vague, which may result in you not getting the answer for which you are looking. Without providing too many specific details about the case, it would be helpful if you could clarify what it is you are trying to accomplish, or what it is that your attorney is not doing, that you think they should be.

Answer

Perhaps your idea of what should or can be done, is not what actually can be accomplished in the legal sense. Having an open discussion about expectations and reality is the best option. If that fails, one can always "fire" legal counsel and find somone they feel better represents their interests. As to retainers, fees, etc. they would be addressed in the contract, as to what if any might be recoverable.

Answer

THIS IS A BIG ISSUE FOR ME EXCUSE THE LONG ANSWER The best way to get a lawyer to do what you hired them to do is to be patient and to educate yourself. There are so many lawyers out there that the legal profession is turning more and more into a service industry. Just like with any service industry if the customer demands better service or products there are only two choices: deliver, or lose the business.

Hopefully, you are not your lawyer?s only client. There are other people who also are concerned about their own case. So your lawyer may not be able to speak to you when you want them. If you can be patient, be honest and forthcoming with your lawyer, and engage them on an intelligent level you will get positive results.

Your lawyer may have the knowledge, but you have the money. Get educated as to your rights; most state/city/county bar associations have websites that will inform you as to YOUR rights. Contact the local bar association and learn your rights as a client. Your lawyer may be obligated by state law to provide you with a written copy of your rights as a client.

Once you learn your rights you can then engage the lawyer on somewhat more equal footing. Demand to see billing records and time slips; demand to see correspondence between your lawyer and the adversary; demand to see copies of papers (motions, demands, etc.) filed with the court; ask your lawyer to prepare memorandum for you explaining the issue and the law.

Demand better legal services or take you business elsewhere. If you are poor then I am sorry because the law will be of little help to you.

First answer by Claudia. Last edit by Bipolarattorney. Contributor trust: 42 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 173 [recommend question]