Can a lawyer who previously represented you represent an adversary?
The answer is no if the lawyer who previously represented you received confidential information about you from you that the lawyer now is using against you. If the matters are totally unrelated, and there would be no appearance of impropriety for the lawyer to represent your adversary, then maybe.
Can a lawyer threaten to withdraw from a case?
Lawyers will often threaten to withdraw from a case or transaction when a client misses a payment or two. The client than has two potentially unpleasant options – either pay the lawyer what is possibly an unreasonable fee or spend even more money to hire another lawyer and get the second lawyer up to speed for the representation.
What should I do if my lawyer is unwilling to discuss my bills?
If your lawyer is unwilling to discuss the bills, you should put your concerns in writing, and consider ending the relationship. The downside of not raising billing concerns with your lawyer is substantial. You lose the chance to obtain a mutually-agreed upon reduction.
Can a lawyer stop representing a client in a fee dispute?
Lawyers do not have an automatic right to stop representing a client in the event of a fee dispute.
Can you get free legal advice from Avvo?
Many attorneys provide free consultations to new clients to see if there’s a good fit between need and expertise. When you decide to hire an attorney, do your due diligence and take a look at Avvo’s guide to finding and hiring a great lawyer.
Can a spouse’s attorney give you legal advice?
But remember, your spouse’s attorney cannot give you any legal advice and is not watching out for your interests. Even fair-minded, ethical attorneys have a duty to protect their own client’s best interests — not yours.
Can a lawyer refuse to help a client?
One of the few exceptions occurs when a client asks for a lawyer’s help in doing something illegal, such as lying in court or in a legal document. In these cases, the lawyer is required to inform the client of the legal effect of any planned wrongdoing and refuse to assist with it.
Is it good idea to get legal advice?
In certain matters, attorneys are required by law, whether you want one or not. In most cases, it’s a good idea to get some input from a lawyer regardless. The fact is, you don’t know what you don’t know, and that’s ok.