Over the course of your representation, the attorney/client relationship doesn’t always run as smoothly as it could. Sometimes there are disputes between you and your attorney. Sometimes you may feel like he or she is not representing you very well.
Disagreements with your lawyer may be fee-related or about how you feel that the attorney is handling your legal matter. It can sometimes be simply that your attorney doesn’t return your phone calls or keep you up to date on what’s happening with your case.
Regardless of the nature and cause of your dissatisfaction, there are a few things you can do to help get your legal matter and your attorney/client relationship back on track. And if it’s beyond repair, you may consider speaking with a new lawyer to see if you can get them to take over the case.
If you’re not sure what to do, contact your local bar association-operated lawyer referral service to see what they can tell you about your options. Contact information for every nonprofit lawyer referral service can be found on this website. If you received the lawyer through your local lawyer referral service, please let them know and see if they can contact the lawyer on your behalf.
» What happens if I have a fee disagreement with my lawyer?
» Can I change lawyers in the middle of a case if I’m unhappy with the lawyer I’ve hired?
What if I have questions about my lawyer’s ethical conduct?
If you are uncertain about your lawyer’s ethical conduct, you can contact the attorney disciplinary authority in your state to see if you can make a complaint. A complete list of agencies can be found below.