How To Know If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), lawyers in private practice have a 4 to 17 percent possibility of being accused of malpractice each year, depending on the jurisdiction and the scope of their work. 

If you’ve been wronged by your lawyer, or if you think your lawyer may be betraying your interests, here are some signs to look out for.

1. Your Lawyer Is Repeatedly Missing Deadlines

If your lawyer seems to be constantly forgetting about deadlines, it may be a sign that he or she is not taking your case seriously. This could be a sign that your lawyer is not adequately preparing for court, or is not keeping up with the paperwork associated with your case.

2. Your Lawyer Seems Disinterested In Your Case

If your lawyer seems bored or disinterested in your case, it may be a sign that he or she is not invested in your success. Your lawyer should be eager to fight for you, and should be passionate about getting you the best possible outcome.

3. Your Lawyer Is Pressuring You To Settle

If your lawyer is pressuring you to settle your case, it may be a sign that he or she is not confident in your chances of success. Your lawyer should only recommend settling if it is in your best interests, and should never pressure you into accepting a settlement that is less than you deserve.

4. Your Lawyer Is Not Returning Your Calls

If your lawyer is not returning your calls, it may be a sign that he or she is avoiding you. This could be because your lawyer is embarrassed about the progress of your case, or because he or she knows that you are not happy with the way things are going. Either way, this is not the type of lawyer you want to represent you.

5. Your Lawyer Seems To Be Working Against You

If your lawyer seems to be more interested in protecting the other side than he or she is in protecting you, it may be a sign that your lawyer is selling you out. Your lawyer should always have your best interests at heart, and should never put the other side’s interests ahead of yours.

6. Not Upfront and Honest About Billing

One of the most common complaints against lawyers is that they are not upfront and honest about their billing. If you feel like your lawyer is being vague about how much you will be charged, or if you are being billed for services you didn’t receive, this may be a sign that your lawyer is trying to take advantage of you.

You should always have a clear understanding of how much you will be charged for your lawyer’s services, and you should never be billed for services you didn’t receive. If you are unsure about your bill, don’t hesitate to ask your lawyer for an explanation. And if you still feel like something isn’t right, trust your gut and look for another lawyer.

7. Not Confident in Court

If your lawyer seems nervous or unsure of himself in court, it may be a sign that he is not confident in your case. This could mean that your lawyer is not adequately prepared, or that he does not believe you have a strong chance of winning. Either way, this is not the type of lawyer you want to represent you in court.

A good lawyer should always be confident in court, and should never give you the impression that he is unsure of himself. If your lawyer seems hesitant or unsure of what he is doing, it may be time to find someone new.

8. Behave Unprofessionally

If your lawyer is behaving in a way that you consider to be unprofessional, it may be a sign that he is not taking your case seriously. This could include things like showing up late for meetings, not returning your calls in a timely manner, or being rude to you or the other party.

A lawyer should always behave in a professional manner, and should always treat you with respect. 

9. Not Listen to Your Needs

A good lawyer should always listen to your needs and concerns, and should never make decisions without your input. If you feel like your lawyer is not taking your needs into consideration, it may be a sign that he is not interested in what’s best for you.

Your lawyer should always consider your input before making any decisions, and should never move forward with a plan that you are not comfortable with. 

Final Thoughts

If you are concerned that your lawyer may be selling you out, it is important to speak up. You have a right to an attorney who is working in your best interests, and if your current lawyer is not meeting that standard, you may need to find new representation. An experienced attorney can help you determine if your lawyer is selling you out, and can provide the representation you need to protect your interests.