Table of Contents
Some Injury Attorneys Might Dislike Emailing
As a client, you may be wondering whether an accident attorney is required to respond to your emails. You may send several emails over a certain period, inquiring about updates on the case they are working on for you. Or perhaps you are wondering about the proper etiquette for communicating with your personal injury lawyer. In this article, we provide a clearer understanding of this process.
Some attorneys may prefer not to communicate primarily by email. However, a lawyer is expected to respond to clients in a reasonable and timely manner. If a client is not receiving adequate communication, they have the option to file a state bar complaint, which must be submitted in writing. It is generally advisable to inform your lawyer of your intention to file a complaint if you are not receiving responses. Keep in mind that communication can also occur through other channels, such as phone calls, text messages, or in-person meetings.
Why, When, And How Should I File A Complaint Against An Attorney?
Attorneys practicing law in California must adhere to ethical standards. Consumers expect their attorneys to be both professional and ethical when handling their legal issues. Three (3) common reasons clients file complaints against their injury lawyers are as follows:
- Your lawyer does not respond to your attempts at contact and refuses to return phone calls and emails.
- You are advised that a settlement check was delivered to your attorney, but your lawyer never informed you of it.
- Your lawyer settles your case without your consent and never informs you.
You Can Also Mail Letters To Your California Car Accident Lawyer, Wherever They May Be
There are several ways to track mail to confirm its delivery, and sending a letter can be an effective way to communicate with your lawyer. It is also a good idea to request a face-to-face meeting at the earliest possible convenience. With the complex modern world that we live in, emails, texts, calls, and even voicemails can sometimes be overlooked, not intentionally, but due to a lawyer’s demanding schedule.
However, a lawyer who fails to respond promptly is not meeting their professional or contractual obligations, which raises ethical concerns. Due to the rarity of written letters in this day and age, letters that are written may be better noticed.
The dedicated attorneys at our injury law firm maintain open communication with clients. They strive to provide professional and accessible support, responding to client inquiries about case status in a timely manner. If you have an existing case with us and require a follow-up, contact us to request a review of your case.
Attorneys Are Required To Communicate With Clients
A lawyer is required to communicate with the client they take on. The American Bar Association (ABA) has a set of rules governing professional conduct, which includes specific guidelines for the Client-Lawyer Relationship. Rule 1.4 of the ABA Model Rules addresses communication and outlines a lawyer’s responsibilities, which can be summarized as follows:
- Promptly inform the client of any circumstances or decisions that require the client’s informed consent.
- Consult reasonably with the client about how the lawyer intends to achieve the client’s objectives.
- Keep the client reasonably updated on the status of the matter.
- Respond promptly to reasonable requests for information.
- Notify the client of any limitations on the lawyer’s conduct, particularly if the client expects assistance that is not legally permissible.
If you feel your lawyer is not responding or keeping you informed, consider scheduling a direct visit to their office before deciding to terminate the attorney-client relationship.
Our California Injury Lawyers Are Committed To Timely Communication
Here at Arash Law, our attorneys prioritize keeping clients informed throughout the legal process. Our California car accident lawyers are available through multiple channels, including in-person meetings, email, text messages, live chat on our website, and by phone.
