Massachusetts Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Blog
When you find yourself in need of legal representation, whether it’s after a truck accident or during a challenging legal battle, the relationship you forge with your attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust, communication, and clear expectations.
However, several factors can strain or even break this important relationship. Understanding these factors can help you work more effectively with your lawyer and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
What Are the Main Factors that Can Break the Attorney/Client Relationship?
1) Poor communication on the part of the attorney: This means the lawyer isn’t talking to their client enough or not giving them the information they need.
2) Poor communication on the part of the client: This is when the person who hired the lawyer doesn’t talk much or give enough information to their lawyer.
3) Poor communication/chemistry between attorney and client: Sometimes, even if both the lawyer and the client are talking, they just don’t get along well.
4) Client has unreasonable case expectations, goals or objectives at the start of the case: This happens when the person hiring the lawyer thinks their case will turn out much better than is actually possible.
5) Attorney does not properly inform/educate client of the strengths, and weaknesses of the case: If the lawyer doesn’t tell their client what is good or bad about their case, the client won’t really understand what to expect.
6) Case is weak and client wants day in court even when settlement offer on the table is more favorable than risks and expenses of trial: Sometimes, even if it’s better to accept a deal outside of court, the client still wants to go to trial hoping for more.
The Right to Change
Remember, clients always have the right to change their attorney if they feel the relationship is not working out, for any reason. Attorneys, on the other hand, have specific rules governing when they can withdraw from representation. They are generally required to continue representation unless doing so would violate legal ethics, they’re physically or mentally unable to continue, or if the client dismisses them.
However, as seen in legal disputes like Bartlit Beck LLP v. Okada, judges may scrutinize an attorney’s request to withdraw, especially if it appears to be strategically timed or lacking sufficient reason.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy attorney-client relationship is crucial for the success of your case. By understanding and addressing common issues such as communication, expectations, and financial obligations early on, you can work more effectively with your attorney towards a favorable outcome when represent a client. Remember, this relationship is a partnership, and both parties have roles to play in ensuring its success.
Are you facing legal challenges after a personal injury, accident, or any other legal matter? Our team at Earley Law Group, your trusted law firm, is here to help! We follow the model rules and adhere to the rules of professional conduct to provide reliable legal representation.
Prospective clients, if you need assistance navigating through your case, understanding your rights, or ensuring a positive attorney-client relationship, give us a call for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen, guide you through the process, and represent you effectively.
Contact Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers today – your ally in legal matters!