Dissatisfied with Your Attorney

How many times do we hear “I am not happy with the way my attorney has treated me.”

Why does this happen?  Answer: In most cases its because of a misunderstanding . . . . statistics show that most client dissatisfaction is due to lack of communication.  The lawyer is not taking the time to explain to the client the “why” as to what is happening.

Another common cause is that the lawyer wrongly advises the client that he will get an inflated result.  For instance: a client is involved in an accident.  He goes to a lawyer who tells him he will get him a whole bunch of money and the lawyer doesn’t deliver.  He gets the client what the claim is worth and the client ends up an unhappy camper.  I had a partner that did that.  He was a foolish optimist and oftimes would tell the clients they had a big claim when they didn’t.  He meant well, but he disappointed a lot of people.  This was wrong even though he meant well.

Other complaints of clients stem from attorney dishonesty to instances when a client is unreasonable. 

If you have a complaint about an attorney’s misconduct you have a duty to report the breach of duty to the bar association and grievance committee.  In some egregious situations you should report this behavior to the law.

Before you do take any measures and especially extreme measures I recommend that you make an appointment with your lawyer and try to get an explanation from him.

If that doesn’t work get your file back and go to another attorney for a second opinion.