People generally consider lawyers to be highly intelligent. Lawyers have a comprehensive knowledge of the law and can understand the jargon in contracts, statutes and other legal documentation.
However, lawyers are not infallible. But there is no excuse for incompetence. A bad lawyer can cost you thousands of dollars and possibly your freedom in criminal court cases. Here are five signs indicating your lawyer may be doing a poor job representing you.
1. Missed deadlines
Timeliness is crucial. A lawyer who misses court filing deadlines, statute of limitation dates or other important milestones can cause serious damage to your case. Everyone can make a mistake, but consistent delays, missing deadlines or disregarding the law could be a sign of negligence.
2. No communication
It’s essential to have frequent communication between an attorney and their client. A lawyer who doesn’t return calls, respond to emails or provide updates about your case may be disorganized or disinterested in your case. You deserve to know what’s happening, and your attorney should keep you informed.
3. Lack of preparation
Having your lawyer attend hearings, depositions or meetings unprepared can severely impact your case. Your lawyer hasn’t done their due diligence if they have weak arguments, no supporting documentation or can’t answer legal questions.
4. Conflicts of interest
An attorney’s first duty is to prioritize their client’s best interests. If they have personal or financial interests or an obligation to another client, they may be unable to give you objective representation.
5. Unethical behavior
Lawyers have professional codes of conduct. If they lie to you, the court or the opposing counsel or mishandle client funds, there could be grounds for investigating their behavior.
If you suspect your lawyer of legal malpractice, you should seek a second opinion from another legal professional. They can determine if your situation meets the grounds for a legal malpractice lawsuit.
