When you need a lawyer to champion your cause or defend your rights, you want a good one.
Effective attorneys adhere to the standards of their trade and as a client, you deserve their peak performance. Therefore, it is important to know how to spot a bad lawyer before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
1. Ineffective attorney-client communication
Regardless of the complexity of your legal case, you likely have a lot of questions for your lawyer. While your attorney may have a preferred method of communication that differs from your own, they should still be making efforts to keep you informed. If your lawyer does not return your phone calls, emails or texts, then they may not be fulfilling their duties.
2. Indistinct billing practices
Legal services are not cheap, but if you suspect your lawyer’s fees are higher than they should be for the services provided, you should inquire why. Some questionable practices to watch for include:
- Inflating task time
- Hidden expenses
- Surcharges
- Vague billing
Each bill from your lawyer should clearly explain each charge, who performed the task and how much time it took.
3. Illegal or unethical behavior
Winning your case is important, but not at the expense of committing criminal acts, or breaking legal oaths. The court can take punitive action against you and your attorney if it discovers evidence of unethical or illegal tactics.
There is a lot to consider when hiring a lawyer. You deserve to work with a firm that makes you feel comfortable, confident and a part of the process.