Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, the importance of having adequate legal representation cannot be overstated. In fact, this is your legal right. However, not all lawyers are equal. So, how do you know the lawyer you have contracted isn’t up to the job?
Unfortunately, just like other professionals, it is not unusual to discover during the course of your work relationship that your attorney, in fact, does not have your interest at heart. If this happens, you may hold them liable through a legal malpractice claim.
Here are three clear signs you need to look for if you suspect your attorney could be offering inadequate representation.
1. The communication is poor
Like any relationship, communication is the key to a successful attorney-client relationship. If your attorney is not answering your calls, reading and responding to your emails, or if they are generally leaving you in the dark as far as your case is concerned, then you have valid grounds to question whether you are receiving value for your money.
2. There’s outright incompetence
Working with an incompetent attorney can cause irreparable damage to your case. Sad as it is, having a law degree does not necessarily amount to competence. Failing to remember the details of your case, missing court or showing up late are signs of incompetence. If your attorney is incompetent, you certainly need to be concerned.
3. Their conduct is unethical
Lawyers, like other professions, must adhere to state and federal professional responsibility codes. If a lawyer is mishandling your funds, aggressively combating the judge or seeking sexual relations with you, then you need to think twice about working with them.
A dedicated lawyer can mean all the difference in your legal matter. If you suffered harm because a lawyer wasn’t properly representing your case, it may be time to learn more about legal malpractice claims.