QUESTION
How can I get my attorney to communicate with me?
Asked on Oct 11th, 2011 on Criminal Law - Kansas
More details to this question:
What does one do when one has sent emails and telephone calls regarding their case and the attorney does not get back to them? Thank you.
20 ANSWERS
You should be able to communicate with your attorney. If your attorney does not get back to you look into contacting the state bar.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
2 Awards
You try again or you fire them and get a new one.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Call the state bar's complaints hotline.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
2 Awards
Fire him and, or ask for your money back. Usually gets their attention.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Klisz Law Office, PLLC
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File a grievance with the attorney grievance commission or fire your lawyer and hire a better one.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Civil Litigation Attorney serving Salisbury, MD
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Adkins, Potts & Smethurst, L.L.P.
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I'd tell you to get another attorney, but there are some clients that tend to call their attorneys incessantly. As a general rule, if your attorney, or their office, does not return your call within a week after you've left a message, then seek other legal counsel. Some attorneys are extremely busy, but if an attorney is too busy to communicate with their client on a routine basis they should not have accepted the client's case.
Answered on Oct 12th, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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It is a vital part of the attorney's job to keep in regular communication and return your communication within a reasonable timeframe. If you are persistently having trouble or if he is just not returning your calls or emails, you can always call and say that you are giving him 24 hours to get back in touch with you or else you will file a grievance against him at the state bar. That will usually do it as no attorney wants to be grieved. Try that approach and see if it works.
Answered on Oct 12th, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Daniel Kieth Martin
It sounds like you are frustrated and I do not blame you. Attorney's do get busy, but this is the number one complaint against lawyers. (I read that somewhere, although I cannot remember exactly where I read it) My best advice would be to try to find out if there is a method that works better for your lawyer. I use text messages a lot because I can respond to them when I am in court. If you are still unable to communicate with your attorney even when you attempt to use their preferred method, then you can contact the state bar to file a complaint.
Answered on Oct 12th, 2011 at 10:45 AM
If this is a privately retained attorney, fire him/her and get your money back. If a Public Defender, make an appointment to go see him/her and discuss your issues face to face.
Answered on Oct 12th, 2011 at 2:08 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Lancaster, NH
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Harden Law Office
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Fire the attorney and hire the attorney with the best reputation. You may also contact lawyer or their boss and let him know about you lack of contact.
Answered on Oct 12th, 2011 at 1:38 AM
3 Awards
There are just some busy or bad attorneys out there. He will certainly be in court. If he doesn't communicate, fire him or report him to the State Bar of Texas.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Montrose, NY
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Law Office of Jared Altman
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Send a letter certified mail return receipt documenting the difficulties you are having and asking him to contact you. If that fails, then fire your lawyer and demand a partial refund. If he is assigned, then tell the judge what you've done to try to communicate with him and ask that a new lawyer be assigned.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Dennis Roberts A Professional Corporation
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If he was appointed you are basically screwed as the court will rarely appoint another. If he is a deputy public defender go and complain to his supervisor but that will really irritate him. If you paid him you ought to write a certified letter telling him that you are at your wits end trying to get him to communicate with you and unless you hear from him within 24 hours your next letter will be to the California Bar Association.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving New Orleans, LA
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Elizabeth B. Carpenter Law
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Under Rule 1.4 of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers, the lawyer is required to "....keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter....promptly comply with reasonable requests for information..." I would send the attorney a written letter telling her that you are not happy with her failure to communicate. I would then state that you will have no choice except to report her to the Bar Association if you do not hear from her within x number of days.... It is very important for lawyers to remain in contact with clients, especially in criminal matters.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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Generally, what I tell clients to do is to contact the attorney's office and schedule an actual face to face appointment.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 4:40 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Irvine, CA
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Todd A. Landgren A Professional Law Corporation
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Fire the attorney. hire another or complain to State Bar. That usually gets someone's attention. You can also just make an appointment at the office and ask for in charge since nobody calls back.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 3:49 PM
If your attorney will not communicate with you then you should seek counsel elsewhere. Communication is a vital part of representing any client. Other than hiring new counsel, there really is not anything you can do to get your current attorney to communicate with you.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 3:49 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
Keep calling but ask yourself first this question. Is there anything new to talk about or have you already gone over everything with him. I have some people who call almost daily asking for updates on their case when nothing new has happened that needs to be discussed. On the other hand some attorneys do not talk with their clients enough. It depends on which situation it is what needs to be done.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 3:47 PM
2 Awards
Tell him you will contact the Bar if he doesn't respond, that should get him responding.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 3:36 PM
Criminal Law (Defense) Attorney serving Overland Park, KS
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Gigstad Law Office, LLC
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Just try to be persistent, many attorneys are very busy individuals, but we all have ethical guidelines regarding timely communication with our clients. Try calling, emailing, and if necessary stop by their office.
Answered on Oct 11th, 2011 at 3:33 PM