How can I tell if my lawyer is betraying my trust?

Unexplained delays and missed deadlines can be a red flag - while some delays are unavoidable, persistent and unjustified delays may signal a lack of dedication to your case.

Sudden changes in communication patterns, such as unanswered calls/emails or cancelled meetings, can indicate your lawyer is becoming less engaged.

If your lawyer pushes for a quick settlement without thoroughly exploring all options, they may be prioritizing their own interests over yours.

Conflicts of interest, where the lawyer has personal or financial interests that compete with yours, can compromise their ability to fully represent your best interests.

Lawyers with a history of disciplinary actions or client complaints should raise concerns about their integrity and commitment to their clients.

Vague or evasive updates about the status of your case can suggest a lack of transparency and potentially hidden agendas.

A lawyer who appears disinterested, fails to challenge opposing counsel, or does not explore all legal strategies may not be fully dedicated to your case.

Overbilling, where the fees charged seem disproportionately high for the services provided, can be a sign of the lawyer prioritizing their own financial gain over your interests.

Lawyers who miss important deadlines or fail to file crucial motions on time may be jeopardizing the outcome of your case.

Reluctance to provide clear explanations about legal strategies, risks, and potential outcomes could indicate a lack of transparency or an unwillingness to fully inform you.

If your lawyer has a personal or professional relationship with the opposing party, it could create a conflict of interest and compromise their ability to advocate for you.

Sudden changes in the lawyer's behavior, such as becoming more aggressive or evasive, may signal a shift in their priorities away from your best interests.

Failure to keep you informed about significant developments in your case, or to consult with you before making important decisions, can be a concerning sign.

If your lawyer appears to be favoring the interests of another client or party over yours, it could be a sign of divided loyalty or a breach of fiduciary duty.

Lawyers who repeatedly fail to return your calls or respond to your emails in a timely manner may be neglecting your case or avoiding direct communication.

Unexpected changes in the legal strategy or approach without a clear explanation can raise questions about the lawyer's motivations and decision-making process.

Refusal to provide copies of important documents or to allow you to review case files may indicate a desire to maintain control and limit your access to information.

Unexplained changes in the billing structure or unexpected additional fees can be a red flag for potential overbilling or financial exploitation.

If your lawyer appears to be more interested in winning than in achieving the best possible outcome for you, it may be a sign that their priorities are misaligned.

Sudden or unexplained referrals to other lawyers or firms, especially without your consent, could be a sign that your lawyer is trying to distance themselves from your case.