If you are in the market for a lawyer, you probably have a lot on your mind. After all, no one decides to hire a lawyer for fun. The legal issue that you are dealing with may have you feeling overwhelmed. You are on the right track by seeking out knowledgeable legal counsel.
The process of finding the right lawyer can be difficult. There are tons of lawyers out there—and not all of them are good. Knowing the warning signs of bad lawyers will make it much easier to find a great one. This series on our blog will examine some of the most important warning signs to avoid in a lawyer.
Poor communication
No doubt your attorney has a busy schedule, but so do you. If a lawyer doesn’t return your phone calls or emails promptly, you should look for someone else. Poor communication demonstrates an alarming lack of professionalism. It could also indicate that the lawyer has too many cases on his plate, doesn’t know how to handle your case or is favoring other clients over you.
Missing important deadlines
In the legal world, deadlines can frequently make or break a case. A lawyer who misses important deadlines can seriously damage your case—no matter how valid it is. In fact, failing to meet deadlines can be an example of negligence, and may be grounds for a legal malpractice suit.
Lack of references
A reputable attorney will be able to provide a list of references or past clients. References are a useful tool for assessing a lawyer’s reputation and rate of success. If your lawyer declines to produce some solid references for you, it could mean that he is on bad terms with his previous clients or that former colleagues will not speak kindly of him.
These three examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes dealing with bad lawyers. If you have experienced any of these red flags, you may wish to consult with a lawyer who specializes in legal malpractice. In the next installment of these series, we will examine several more signals that you should beware of in attorneys.
