What Can You Do If Your Lawyer Isn’t Actively Pursuing Your Case?

Question from Zuffa, What Can You Do If Your Lawyer Isn’t Actively Pursuing Your Case?

Answer from AI:

When you’re involved in a legal matter, such as a slip and fall case, having a lawyer who is committed and actively working on your behalf is crucial. However, there are instances where you might feel that your lawyer is no longer interested or is not aggressively pursuing your case. Understanding your options in such situations is important.

Communicate Your Concerns

The first step is to communicate directly with your lawyer. It’s possible that there might be misunderstandings or miscommunications about the status of your case or the strategy being employed.

• Request a meeting: Ask for a face-to-face meeting or a detailed phone call to discuss the progress of your case and express your concerns.
• Be specific: Clearly outline why you feel the case isn’t being aggressively pursued. Is it a lack of communication, updates, or action on certain fronts?
• Discuss expectations: Talk about your expectations and see if they align with the legal realities of your case. Sometimes, legal processes naturally take time, and what might seem like inactivity could be normal procedural waiting periods.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

If communication doesn’t resolve your concerns, it’s important to know your rights as a client.

• Review your agreement: Look over the contract or agreement you have with your lawyer. It might provide information on dispute resolution or the process for ending the relationship.
• Right to change lawyers: You have the right to change your lawyer if you’re unsatisfied with their performance. However, this can have implications, such as financial costs or potential delays in your case.

Steps to Change Your Lawyer

If you decide that changing your lawyer is the best course of action, here are some steps to consider:

1. Find a new lawyer: Before terminating your current lawyer, it might be wise to find a new one who is willing to take on your case. This can help ensure a smoother transition.
2. Notify your current lawyer: Once you’ve secured a new lawyer, formally notify your current lawyer in writing of your decision to end the relationship.
3. Transfer of documents: Your new lawyer will need all the documents and information related to your case. Your current lawyer is obligated to provide these promptly.
4. Settle any outstanding fees: You may be responsible for any outstanding fees or costs owed to your current lawyer. Discuss these matters openly to avoid any disputes.

Seeking Legal Advice

Changing lawyers, especially in the middle of a case, is a significant decision and can have legal and financial implications. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional before making such a decision. They can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of your case and jurisdiction.

For more information on your rights as a client and the process of changing lawyers, you might find the American Bar Association’s resources helpful.

Please note: This information is provided as a general guide and should not be considered legal advice. Legal situations can vary greatly, and it’s important to consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.