Last Updated on: 15th October 2023, 09:15 am

What To Do When Your Lawyer Won’t Call You Back

We’ve all been there – you hired a lawyer to help with your case, but now they won’t return your calls or emails. It’s frustrating, scary, and can make you feel powerless. But don’t worry – there are steps you can take to get your lawyer’s attention again.

Why Is My Lawyer Ignoring Me?

First, don’t assume the worst. There are many reasons why a lawyer may not be communicating regularly:

• There are no pressing deadlines or updates on your case
• They are busy with other cases and clients
• They don’t have time for general chit chat
• They are dealing with personal issues
• You aren’t following their advice
• They have bad news to share

Of course, none of these excuses make it okay for a lawyer to completely ignore a client. Let’s look at some steps you can take to get their attention.

Send A Letter

First, send your lawyer a letter – preferably certified mail so you have proof it was received. Be direct but polite. Say you have not heard from them in X weeks and recount your attempts to contact them. State that you would like an update on your case and to establish a better line of communication going forward. If the silence persists, note that you will have to seek other representation if your concerns continue to be ignored.

It may feel awkward, but this letter should quickly get their attention. No lawyer wants to lose a client due to lack of communication. The letter also starts a paper trail documenting your efforts to reach them.

Schedule an In-Person Meeting

If the letter doesn’t work, try to schedule an in-person meeting at their office. This makes it harder for them to dodge you. Come prepared with a list of questions and don’t leave until you get satisfactory answers.

Before going, collect and bring any documents related to your case. Also bring copies of letters, emails, phone logs – anything documenting your attempts to reach them. If anything has changed or new issues have come up, bring documentation.

In the meeting, be calm but firm that the lack of communication is unacceptable. Get their commitment to improve going forward. Follow up any verbal promises with an email re-stating what was agreed to.

File A Complaint with the Bar Association

If face-to-face requests are still ignored, it may be time to file an official complaint with your state bar association. This signals that you are very serious about the matter.

To file a complaint, go to your state bar association’s website and look for their complaint process. For example, in California you can file a complaint online. There is no fee to file.

Your complaint should lay out specific instances of lack of communication and your efforts to resolve it. Provide supporting documentation like letters and records of calls/emails. The bar will investigate and take action if the lawyer violated rules around client communication.

Hire a New Lawyer

If all else fails, you may need to cut ties and hire a new lawyer. First settle any outstanding bills and get copies of all documents from your case. Be aware that switching lawyers mid-case can cause delays.

To find a new lawyer, ask friends and family for referrals. Look at lawyer review sites and research a lawyer’s background and experience with cases like yours. Narrow down your list and interview your top choices before deciding.

Can You Contact Their Lawyer?

You may be wondering – can you contact your lawyer’s lawyer to discuss their lack of communication? This is tricky for a few reasons:

• Your lawyer likely doesn’t have “their own” lawyer – any lawyer could represent them if needed
• Their lawyer would have confidentiality obligations and likely couldn’t discuss the matter with you
• Reaching out to their lawyer could be seen as threatening

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid contacting a lawyer on your current lawyer’s behalf. Focus instead on the steps above to resolve the communication issues directly.

Prevent Future Problems

Once you have either resumed communication or changed lawyers, take steps to avoid this issue going forward:

• Discuss communication preferences clearly up front before hiring a lawyer
• Get their commitment to a timeline for responding to calls/emails
• Confirm how often they will provide case updates
• Put these expectations in writing if possible
• Follow up verbal conversations in writing
• Keep notes from meetings and calls

Hiring a lawyer you trust and can communicate with effectively makes the process much smoother. Don’t be afraid to speak up when issues arise – this is your case and you deserve responsive representation.

With patience and persistence, you can get your lawyer to communicate with you again. Just remember to stay professional as you work to resolve the issue. Good luck!