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You probably wouldn't be reading this page if you didn't believe something was wrong with the relationship between you and your lawyer. You probably now believe more talk with your attorney will not solve the problem. If you know or believe your attorney has harmed you, you have several possible remedies. Six of them are identified below. We describe them very broadly on this page. Each remedy is linked to a sub-file containing more information.. Unfortunately, our choice of remedies is largely governed by the nature and amount of your damages.
Right from the start we must point out the hazard of working with your attorney once a mistake or other wrong has occurred. And once your lawyer learns that you have taken a step to find a remedy it becomes very complex to confront your attorney in a way that will provide a positive outcome for you. Nevertheless unless you want to hire another attorney to solve the problem, it's really worthwhile to try to keep your relationship with your lawyer on track, it it's possible.
- Confronting Your Attorney
Confront your attorney with your belief and perception of the wrongs you are experiencing and the injury caused to you. Ask that the offending behavior stop. Put it in writing, if you must say it a second time.
- Making an Ethics Complaint
Report your attorney to the state's disciplinary committee if the conduct seems unethical—for example, by lying to you, not returning your calls, or taking unearned money from you. Call the number we have listed for your state's ethics committee and ask for a copy of the ethical rules that govern the conduct of lawyers in your state and ask how to file a complaint.
- Bringing a Small Claims Case
Sue your attorney in small claims court if your damages are small.
- Requesting Fee Arbitration
Request arbitration or mediation if your dispute with your lawyer is about fees.
- Suing Your Attorney
Retain another attorney to sue your attorney in legal malpractice if your claims are substantial.
- Mounting a Pro Se Lawsuit
Bring a legal malpractice case yourself if your damages are large, but you cannot, or do not want to pay, another lawyer to sure your attorney.
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