Millions of Americans go without professional representation each year. Those who choose representation at the last minute may not fare much better.
A bad lawyer can cause as many headaches as the case itself. You need a professional, trustworthy advocate to build confidence in your case.
Below are some signs your lawyer might be crooked. Read on for valuable tips that can save you time and money.
1. Lack of Communication
Your lawyer is there to simplify your situation. If they lack basic communication skills, you might be the last one to know important findings relating to your case.
Lawyers who show up late or don’t return your calls- those are bad eggs.
Your lawyer should touch base regularly with you about your case. This involves clearly communicating their progress.
Bad lawyers may push off your case if it isn’t promising. If you don’t have a clear layout for first steps, keep moving.
2. Excessive or Hidden Expenses
Crooked lawyers might try padding time, spending more of your money for no particular reason.
You don’t want to lose a lot of money on incompetent attorney representation. You also don’t want to spend all of your time figuring out finances as they pile up.
Ask for upfront billing when you first meet with a potential lawyer.
If your lawyer mentions excessive charges, ask when and how they would go through. A good lawyer is transparent about their fees.
3. Fails to Show Basic Empathy
You can expect your lawyer to be courteous and compassionate. Your lawyer should display strong listening skills to understand the nature of your case.
Signs of a bad lawyer include a lack of bedside manner. Every case comes with the potential to lose something important, whether it’s time, money, or personal freedoms.
Much like healthcare professionals, lawyers should show some compassion. Good lawyers proactively address your concerns about each potential move.
If you aren’t sure about a potential lawyer, ask a few questions about past cases. If your lawyer seems apathetic or uninvolved, they are probably a bad lawyer.
4. Hints at Unethical Practices
Not sure how to check a lawyer’s reputation?
If you want to win your case, you must be sure to work within the law’s bounds. If you break the law, you and your lawyer could face perjury charges or worse.
If your lawyer fails fo file paperwork correctly, that’s a red flag. If they say they can’t win your case without fudging details, you need to switch lawyers.
Look to lawyers like Gordon Thompson DUI & Criminal Attorney. Your representation should have a clear track record of clean cases.
Unlike crooked lawyers, good ones also talk with you before making important calls on your case. Ask your lawyer if they have any conflicts of interest that might inhibit them.
No Representation Without Consultation: Avoid a Bad Lawyer
Everyone deserves proper representation for their case.
If you’re worried you might have a bad lawyer on your hands, don’t be afraid to ask questions or let them go. The good news? There are more ethical lawyers to choose from than you think!
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Comments 4
Excellent advice provided.
I had a federal case out of Philadelphia. I have already completed the prison sentence. I am on probation. A white collar matter. I attempted to bring others attention to this attorney: The State attorney general; The Ethics board; the Bar…. No one wants to get near this guy. High powered law firm in Philly. I’d like to warn others about this him. Any thoughts? Thanks
JM
Most of the time, families experience a probate case due to a lack of estate planning, which is why it will be wiser to create a Will or a living trust fund. I agree with you that it will be best to observe whether the prospective lawyer will ask for an extra charge during a free consultation. We also share the same opinion that it will be a bad idea to opt for a lawyer who doesn’t have empathy to his clients.
Thanks for the reminder that checking for hidden expenses is one way to know if an attorney is reputable. I have a friend who would like to hire a bankruptcy attorney soon in order to deal with his failing business. Since he will be financially unstable for some time due to this, he would like to make sure that the expenses for hiring a lawyer would be minimal.