I. Introduction
When you hire a lawyer, you put your trust in them to represent you and act in your best interests. Unfortunately, not all lawyers uphold this duty and may sell their clients out for their own gain. This can leave clients in difficult positions, with legal consequences they never agreed to and no recourse for compensation. Therefore, it’s vital to maintain a comprehensive understanding of your lawyer’s actions and their potential motives. This guide will help you identify red flags with legal representation and empower you to take control of your case.
II. 10 Red Flags That Your Lawyer May Be Selling You Out
Lawyers who take advantage of their clients often follow a similar pattern of behavior. It’s critical to recognize these traits and take action if you notice them in your own representation. Below are ten red flags that suggest your lawyer may be selling you out:
A. Lack of communication
Lawyers are known for their busy schedules, but they still have a responsibility to communicate with their clients. If you’re struggling to get in touch with your lawyer, it could signify that they are avoiding you or attempting to limit the information they share with you.
B. Pressuring you to make quick decisions
Legal cases can be long and complicated, but your lawyer must not rush you into decisions. A lawyer who does this could be motivated by self-interest, with a desire to conclude your case swiftly rather than secure the best outcome for you.
C. Suggesting plea deals without fully explaining the consequences
A plea deal might be the best solution, but it’s still necessary to clarify the outcomes. If a lawyer encourages you to take a settlement without explaining how it might affect you in the future, that’s a red flag.
D. Consistently pushing you toward a settlement that doesn’t benefit you
Your lawyer’s responsibility is to represent your best interests, and this means that a lawyer who pressures you into taking a deal that doesn’t help you is likely selling you out.
E. Taking on too many cases
It’s crucial for lawyers to give their clients enough time and attention to represent them properly. If your lawyer is taking on too many cases, then they may be incapable of dedicating the time necessary to your case, endangering its results.
F. Overbilling you for services
Lawyers charge for their services, but it is necessary to ensure that their billing is reasonable. If your lawyer is overcharging you, it could be a sign that they are prioritizing their own financial gain over representing you.
G. Avoiding your questions
Lawyers must provide accurate and comprehensive information about your case. If they stall when you ask for clarification and refuse to answer your questions, this leaves you in the dark and vulnerable to exploitation.
H. Not discussing other options besides plea deals or settlements
Your lawyer should inform you of all the possible legal options available to you. If they only bring up limited possibilities like a plea deal or a settlement and don’t offer guidance on other options- this may indicate that they’re more interested in finalizing your case than fighting for your best interests.
I. Working with the opposing counsel instead of advocating for your case
Your lawyer should fight for you in and out of court, not collaborate with the opposing counsel to the detriment of your case.
J. Showing a lack of empathy
Your lawyer should understand the personal impact and emotional toll a legal case can have. If they display a lack of empathy during communication with you, this indicates that they may prioritize the case over the client’s well-being.
III. When To Be Suspicious: Signs Your Lawyer May Be Selling You Out
While there are specific red flags to watch out for when working with a lawyer, some more subtle signals also signify that your lawyer may be untrustworthy. Below are six signs to keep an eye out for:
A. Lack of communication
The absence of communication is a major warning sign for clients. Your lawyer’s inability to manage client relationships and their attentiveness to their cases is an essential aspect of the legal process.
B. Appearing too friendly with the opposing counsel
Some relationships between lawyers and opposing counsels can be cordial. Still, if your lawyer appears to be befriending the opposing counsel to the point it goes against their client’s benefit, it’s cause for concern.
C. Changing the subject when you bring up concerns
Your concerns and questions are critical, and your lawyer should take them seriously. If your lawyer tries to divert the topic or dismisses your concerns, it could signal that they aren’t taking your case seriously.
D. Ignoring your phone calls or emails
The inability to contact your lawyer when necessary can lead you to feel overwhelmed and left in the dark when it comes to your case’s progress. A consistent absence of communication is often a warning sign that your lawyer may be neglecting your case.
E. Not appearing to have your best interests at heart
Your lawyer should prioritize your best interests throughout your case. If they seem to prioritize their own interests over yours, such as taking longer to win the case to gain more pay, then they’re not putting your needs first.
F. Refusing to answer certain questions
Qualified lawyers should answer all relevant questions regarding your case and provide clear explanations. If they’re unwilling or hesitant, they may be hiding something from you.
IV. The Ultimate Guide: How to Spot a Lawyer Who is Selling You Out
If you still feel like you’re unsure about how to identify an untrustworthy lawyer, here are five additional red flags to keep in mind:
A. Missed deadlines
Your lawyer must adhere to deadlines when it comes to legal documentation and filing. If your lawyer is missing deadlines regularly, it could point to a lack of attentiveness and poor performance.
B. Not returning phone calls or emails
A lawyer that doesn’t respond to phone calls or emails concerning your case slows the progress of your case and makes you unsure about updates. It’s an obvious sign that your lawyer isn’t taking your case seriously.
C. Surprising you with unexpected charges
Providing transparent billing information is standard conduct for legal representatives. If you get unexpected bills and have vague information about what they relate to, you have the right to question your lawyer’s billing methods.
D. Refusing to provide copies of documents
Your case document copies are vital to familiarizing yourself with proceedings, and your lawyer should be willing to provide them upon request while keeping the necessary confidentiality. Their refusal to provide copies suggests that they’re trying to hide something from you.
E. Suggesting options that are not in your best interests
Lawyers should explore every legal option to fight for their client’s rights. That said, if your lawyer recommends courses of action that you don’t agree with, it’s most likely a sign that your lawyer isn’t working towards your best interests.
V. Are You Being Taken Advantage Of? 5 Ways to Tell If Your Lawyer Has Been Bought
In some instances, lawyers might use tactics to sway a case in their position beyond ethical lines. Below are five signs that your lawyer may be engaging in unethical behavior:
A. Conflict of interest
It’s critical that lawyers maintain client confidentiality. If your lawyer shows signs of a conflict of interest, such as having interests adverse to yours, it’s grounds for legal action.
B. Unethical behavior
If your lawyer is engaging in unethical practices, such as bribery, it’s essential to report them and remove them from your legal representation immediately.
C. Using scare tactics to make you agree to unreasonable terms
Your lawyer must work with you on making informed decisions that are in your best interest. However, they shouldn’t intimidate you into agreeing to unreasonable terms that may harm you or your case.
D. Advising you to take a course of action that benefits them, not you
If your lawyer’s recommended actions benefit them more than you, it’s completely counterintuitive and grounds for making a switch. Your lawyer shouldn’t offer legal advice solely for their financial benefit.
E. Taking referral fees from other lawyers without your knowledge or consent
A referral bonus should be revealed and concurred upon by the client, as it’s a financial commitment between the lawyers who are either sharing the case or passing it forward. If the client wasn’t notified beforehand of referring a case, it’s hugely mistrustful and dishonest from the lawyer’s end.
VI. Insider Tips: How Lawyers Sell You Out and What to Do About It
Awareness of these problematic behaviors is crucial, but here are a few insider tips to help you remain in control over your legal representation:
A. Conflict of interest
Suppose your lawyer appears to have a conflict of interest. In that case, you may need to consult another attorney for an independent analysis of your case and the state of this issue. That attorney can represent you in court and work to protect your interests.
B. Using legal jargon to confuse and mislead
Lawyers who use complex legal jargon may be trying to confuse you. If you’re struggling to understand the terms, your lawyer should explain everything plainly and directly, so you can make informed decisions about your case.
C. Overbilling for services
Regularly questioning your attorney’s billing is crucial. If you believe you’ve been overcharged, speak with your lawyer and request a detailed description of their charges. You can then take action through the state bar association or a malpractice lawsuit if necessary.
D. Ignoring your questions or concerns
If your lawyer fails to take your questions and concerns seriously, you may want to seek a second opinion. This individual can provide essential clarity about the state of your case and what you can do to improve it.
E. Suggesting options that benefit them, not you
If your lawyer is compromising your best interests, seek additional legal representation and work together with them for the betterment of your case outcome.
VII. What To Do When You Think Your Lawyer is Selling You Out
If you have suspected your lawyer may be selling you out, use these five steps to take action:
A. Seek a second opinion
Consult with another attorney who can provide context about your current legal situation and offer insight into different routes forward. They can assist in determining if you need to file a lawsuit or take other legal action against your current legal representative.
B. Report them to the state bar association
If your lawyer has acted unethically, file a complaint to your state bar association to prevent future violations and any potential damage to the legal profession.
C. Take Legal action
It might at times be necessary to take legal action as you have a right to recoup your losses in the event of your lawyer selling you out.
