When you consult an attorney, they are supposed to be honest with you about the possible outcomes of your case. An attorney that makes false promises is only looking to make money. If an attorney falls short of the expectations they set for you, you can take action.
When you hire an attorney, you trust them to act in your best interest. If they do not, it might hurt you and your case significantly. There are many attorneys nowadays who play dirty tactics with their clients. You can avoid being a victim by knowing the signs of legal malpractice. For the best business litigation lawyers, contact Hone Law Firm.
Signs of legal malpractice
- They did not provide the attorney-client privilege.
When you officially hire an attorney to handle your case, they are bound by the attorney-client privilege not to share your private information with other parties. They cannot share the details of your case, no matter how insignificant, to any third parties without consulting you first.
You are the owner of your information, and only you can authorize who can view them. Legal malpractice occurs when your lawyer shares sensitive details about your case with outsiders without permission.
- Accepting a settlement without consent.
A big reason people hire an attorney is to get a good amount of settlement. In a case involving a settlement, you are entitled to the decision of accepting or rejecting an offer from the other party.
It is true that your attorney understands what a good and bad settlement is, and they can also help you increase the settlement. However, you are the decision-maker at the end of the day. No matter how skilled and experienced, your attorney cannot accept a settlement on your behalf.
- There is a conflict of interest.
A conflict of interest may arise if the party you are fighting has a family member, friend, or colleague. For example, suppose you are suing a company for breach of duty.
You hire an attorney without knowing that they are a close friend of the owner of the company you are suing. Here, your attorney may not try their best to protect your interests as the other side is their friend. They may even try to sabotage your case purposefully to save their friend.
If your attorney discovers that the other side is their friend or family or another close person, they must inform you about it. Then you can decide whether you want to hire them or not. However, their keeping a secret is a major red flag.