What Are The Signs of a Bad Lawyer?

How to Identify a Bad Attorney Before It’s Too Late

Legal representation plays a key role in resolving disputes, protecting rights, and ensuring fair treatment in legal matters. A good attorney provides clear communication, timely responses, and a well-planned approach. However, not all attorneys meet these expectations. Some fail to keep clients informed, miss deadlines, or overcharge for their services.

Knowing the signs of a bad lawyer can prevent unnecessary setbacks, financial strain, and stress. A client should be able to trust that their attorney is handling their case correctly. If problems arise, recognizing early warning signs can help avoid further complications.

Lack of Communication: When Your Lawyer Won’t Return Your Calls

Effective communication is fundamental to legal representation, and the number one complaint is the lack of communication between an attorney and a client.

A lawyer should provide updates, answer client questions, and explain developments as they occur. While legal professionals often have busy schedules, repeated failures to respond may indicate neglect or disorganization.

What Are Common Signs of Poor Communication?

• Phone calls and emails go unanswered for extended periods
• Updates are vague or inconsistent
• Important case details are not shared with the client
• Meetings are frequently canceled or postponed

Some attorneys take on more cases than they can manage, causing them to deprioritize some clients. Others may avoid communication if they have fallen behind on deadlines or mishandled a case.

What to Do If Your Lawyer Is Ignoring You

• Send a formal request for updates in writing
• Review the original agreement for policies on response times
• Document all attempts to contact the lawyer
• If delays continue, consider seeking a second opinion from another attorney

Unanswered questions and missed updates create uncertainty. Clients have a right to be informed about their cases. If an attorney is consistently unresponsive, it may be time to explore other options.

Missed Deadlines and Court Filings: How a Bad Attorney Can Hurt Your Case

The legal system enforces strict deadlines for filings, motions, and responses. A missed deadline can delay a case or even lead to its dismissal. An attorney who repeatedly fails to meet these deadlines may not be managing their caseload effectively.

Warning Signs of Missed Deadlines

• Court filings are late or incomplete
• No explanation is given for delays
• The lawyer fails to appear for hearings or depositions
• The client only learns about missed deadlines after the fact

Delays can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, but consistent failure to meet obligations is unacceptable. Clients who suspect their lawyer is not handling deadlines properly should request a timeline of upcoming filings and court dates. If an attorney cannot provide a clear plan, this may indicate poor organization.

What to Do If Your Lawyer Misses a Deadline

• Request documentation of the missed deadline and the reason behind it
• Confirm the impact on the case and whether corrective action is possible
• Ask for a detailed schedule of future deadlines
• If necessary, consult another lawyer about how to proceed

Missed deadlines may result in case setbacks or legal penalties. Clients should ensure their attorney is prioritizing necessary filings and court appearances.

Overcharging and Unclear Billing: When Your Lawyer’s Fees Don’t Add Up

Legal fees should be straightforward, with itemized invoices explaining the costs. Some attorneys engage in unethical billing practices, charging for never-rendered services or inflating fees beyond what was initially agreed upon.

Common Signs of Overcharging

• Invoices contain vague descriptions of charges
• Billable hours seem excessive compared to the amount of work completed
• Charges appear for tasks that were never discussed
• Additional fees are added without prior explanation

Some lawyers take advantage of clients by charging unnecessary fees, assuming they will not question the invoice. Others may fail to provide an accurate breakdown of charges, making it difficult to verify whether the costs are justified.

How to Address Overbilling Concerns

• Request a detailed invoice listing all charges
• Compare the bill to the initial agreement and fee structure
• Ask for clarification on any unexpected fees
• If overbilling persists, consult a different attorney for a second opinion

Clients should feel confident that their legal representation is transparent and fair. If billing practices seem questionable, it may be worth reevaluating the attorney’s reliability.

Dishonesty and Misrepresentation: What to Do If Your Lawyer Lies to You

Clients trust their attorneys to provide honest assessments and accurate updates. If a lawyer misrepresents case details, fails to disclose conflicts of interest, or provides false information, this can harm a client’s legal standing.

Types of Dishonesty in Legal Representation

• Claiming that filings have been submitted when they have not
• Misleading a client about case progress or potential outcomes
• Failing to disclose conflicts of interest that could impact representation
• Providing incorrect legal advice that negatively affects the case

Some lawyers make unrealistic promises to secure clients. Others may withhold information to cover up errors.

How to Handle a Dishonest Lawyer

• Keep written records of all communications and discrepancies
• Request copies of all case-related documents
• Consult another attorney to verify the accuracy of the lawyer’s statements
• If dishonesty is severe, report the lawyer to the state bar association

A lawyer who does not provide truthful updates or misrepresents facts is not acting in their client’s best interest. Clients should take action if they suspect their attorney is being deceptive.

Unprofessional Behavior: When a Lawyer’s Actions Work Against You

Professional conduct is a key expectation in legal representation. A lawyer’s behavior inside and outside the courtroom can impact a case’s outcome.

Signs of Unprofessional Conduct

• The lawyer arrives late to meetings or court appearances
• They show up unprepared for hearings or depositions
• They are disrespectful to clients, judges, or opposing counsel
• They provide dismissive or evasive answers when asked about case progress

A lawyer’s attitude and preparedness can influence how a judge or jury perceives a case. If an attorney demonstrates repeated unprofessional behavior, it may be necessary to reconsider representation.

What to Do If Your Lawyer Is Acting Unprofessionally

• Document instances of unprofessional conduct
• Discuss concerns directly and request a change in behavior
• If no improvement occurs, seek alternative legal counsel

Courtroom etiquette and professionalism matter. A lawyer’s behavior can shape the direction of a case. If clients’ actions negatively affect proceedings, they may need to explore other legal options.

Should You Fire Your Lawyer? When It’s Time to Find New Legal Representation

Legal counsel is essential, but not every attorney-client relationship works out. If communication is poor, deadlines are ignored, fees are unclear, or misconduct is suspected, continuing with the same lawyer may not be the best option.

Signs It’s Time to Switch Lawyers

• Calls and emails are consistently ignored, and there is no effort to improve communication.
• Deadlines are missed repeatedly, leading to delays or penalties.
• The lawyer is unprepared for meetings, depositions, or hearings.
• Fees keep increasing without proper explanation or itemized invoices.
• The attorney provides misleading information or fails to follow through on commitments.

Clients should consider how these issues affect their case. Some problems can be resolved through direct discussion, while others indicate a pattern that may continue.

Steps to Take Before Terminating Representation

• Review the initial agreement to understand the termination process and any obligations regarding outstanding fees.
• Request a copy of all case-related documents to ensure no information is lost during the transition.
• Consult another attorney to discuss whether changing representation is advisable.
• Provide a written notice to end the attorney-client relationship formally.

Changing lawyers does not mean starting over. A new attorney can take over where the previous one left off, provided all necessary documents are appropriately transferred.

How to Find a Lawyer You Can Trust

Selecting a lawyer involves more than just checking credentials. A strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust, reliability, and transparency.

What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney

• Clear communication. A lawyer should respond to inquiries promptly and provide clear updates.
• Transparent billing. Fees should be explained upfront, with no hidden charges.
• Commitment to the case. The attorney should be prepared, engaged, and focused on achieving the best outcome.
• Positive client reviews. Checking testimonials from former clients can offer insight into the attorney’s track record.
• No history of disciplinary action. The state bar association can provide information on complaints or misconduct findings.

Taking the time to evaluate an attorney before signing an agreement can help prevent problems later.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

• How often do you provide updates on case progress?
• What is your preferred method of communication?
• What fees should I expect, and how will they be billed?
• Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
• What potential challenges do you foresee with my case?

A lawyer’s answers can reveal how they manage their workload, handle client concerns, and approach legal strategy.

What Are the Legal Options If a Lawyer Has Caused Harm to a Case?

Legal action may be an option when an attorney’s negligence leads to financial loss, missed deadlines, or other adverse outcomes. Clients who believe their attorney’s actions have harmed them should consider the following steps.

Request an Explanation

Before escalating the matter, it may be beneficial to ask the lawyer to explain the concerns directly. Some issues may be the result of miscommunication rather than deliberate wrongdoing.

File a Complaint with the State Bar Association

Each state has a disciplinary board that reviews complaints against attorneys. Filing a complaint can lead to investigations and, in some cases, disciplinary action.

Seek a Legal Malpractice Review

Legal malpractice may have occurred if an attorney’s actions resulted in measurable harm—such as a lost case due to missed deadlines or improper filings. Another lawyer can assess whether there are grounds for legal action.

Consider Mediation or Arbitration

Some disputes can be resolved without litigation. Mediation or arbitration may offer a way to settle disagreements over fees, case mismanagement, or other concerns.

Legal malpractice claims can be complex, requiring proof that the attorney’s actions directly caused financial or legal harm. Consulting another attorney for a second opinion can help determine the best action.

Preventing Issues When Working with a Lawyer

Many legal issues stem from miscommunication, unclear agreements, or misunderstandings about the legal process. Setting clear expectations from the start can help prevent disputes.

Establish Clear Communication Expectations

• Discuss how often updates will be provided.
• Determine whether communication will be via email, phone, or in-person meetings.
• Ask for clarification on the expected timeline for different stages of the case.

Keep Copies of All Agreements and Correspondence

• Maintain a record of all written communication.
• Request copies of filings, motions, and other legal documents.
• Keep track of payment records to verify charges.

Discuss Fees and Billing Practices in Detail

• Request an itemized breakdown of fees before signing an agreement.
• Clarify whether fees are hourly, flat-rate, or contingency-based.
• Ask about potential additional costs, such as court filing fees.

Address Problems Early

• Discuss the issue directly if a lawyer fails to provide updates or misses deadlines.
• If billing concerns arise, request a meeting to review charges.
• If problems persist, consider seeking outside advice before the situation worsens.

Legal representation should offer guidance, clear communication, and professional handling of a case. When an attorney fails to meet these expectations, the client’s legal interests may be at risk.

Warning signs such as unreturned calls, missed deadlines, unexplained charges, dishonest behavior, and lack of preparation should not be ignored. Clients recognizing these problems should protect their interests by addressing concerns directly, seeking second opinions, or changing legal representation.

Hiring the right lawyer requires careful evaluation. Researching an attorney’s background, setting clear expectations, and reviewing legal agreements thoroughly can help ensure a more reliable experience. If legal issues arise due to attorney misconduct or negligence, options are available to hold them accountable.

Clients deserve committed, professional, and transparent legal representation. When those qualities are missing, it may be time to explore other legal options.

Need a Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust? Call Ryan Orsatti Law

Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. If you have concerns about your current legal representation or need a lawyer who prioritizes communication, transparency, and strong advocacy, Ryan Orsatti Law is here to help.

Our San Antonio law firm is committed to protecting the rights of injury victims and ensuring they receive the legal representation they deserve. Contact us today if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and need a personal injury attorney to keep you informed and fight for your best interests.

Call Ryan Orsatti Law at 210-934-6957 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.