Discovering that your lawyer has mishandled your case can be frustrating, especially if their negligence has jeopardized the outcome of your concerns. Whether they missed a filing deadline, failed to communicate or provided subpar representation, you may feel – very understandably – tempted to vent your frustrations online. However, posting negative reviews or making public accusations against a negligent lawyer before your legal concerns are fully resolved can do more harm than good.
Before taking your grievances to social media or review sites, it is important to consider the potential consequences of your efforts so that you can make informed decisions about both your right to expression and your remaining legal concerns.
Public complaints can backfire
Making negative statements about a lawyer online could expose you to defamation claims if your comments are not entirely accurate or could be interpreted as misleading. Even if you believe your statements are true, the lawyer may attempt to challenge them in court, adding more legal stress to an already difficult situation.
Additionally, if your case is still pending or unresolved, publicly criticizing your attorney could make matters worse. If the lawyer you are criticizing is still in possession of your legal files or has control over certain case matters, you may risk unnecessary delays or complications after humiliating them.
And, ultimately, if you plan to pursue a legal malpractice claim, your online comments could be used against you. A lawyer facing accusations of negligence might argue that your public remarks indicate bias or a personal vendetta rather than a legitimate legal complaint. This could make it harder to prove that their actions caused you real harm that warrants a damages award.
While it is understandable that you might want to vent and/or warn others about a lawyer’s misconduct, the best course of action is to protect your legal rights first. Once your legal concerns have been resolved and you have taken appropriate steps to hold the lawyer accountable, you can make a more informed decision about whether to share your experience publicly, and to what degree.