Getting into the legal industry holds a lot of similarities with getting into the healthcare industry. While the vast majority of professionals in both industries want what is best for their clients or patients, respectively, the rotten ones in the bunch tend to give the rest a bad reputation.
It is important to take note of the signs of a potential bad attorney as soon as possible. This way, you can take action to repair the damage done before more happens.
Poor communication skills
The State Bar of California discusses the high number of active and practicing attorneys in the state. Due to the sheer number alone – 190,000 licensed attorneys with the number growing every year – you, unfortunately, will always have a handful of problematic ones in the bunch. When determining whether your attorney fits the bill or not, look at a few things first and foremost.
For example, do they have unsatisfactory communication skills? Your attorney should return messages and calls as promptly as possible, working with you regularly to keep you as up-to-date as possible on all matters of your case.
Unprofessional conduct
Do they have unprofessional or unethical conduct? Lawyers who are too lax about their scheduling may miss important filing dates, which could cause you a world of trouble. You also need to have a say in all major decisions, even if you trust in your lawyer’s expertise. They should inform you before taking any steps on their own.
Finally, how confusing do their billing practices seem? You should have an idea of the billing upfront. Shady or furtive answers about questions regarding billing might act as a red flag that something is up.