Can my attorney refuses to give me my file?

You are entitled to your files. If the attorney does not provide the files, you can hire a new lawyer who sometimes can help (you should hire a new lawyer anyway because there is no excuse for a lawyer not to return a file). You can also file a complaint.

What if you have no lawyer?

In criminal cases, if you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a lawyer for you, like a public defender. But in civil cases, you do not have the right to a court-appointed lawyer so, if you cannot afford your own lawyer, you have to represent yourself.

What should I do if my lawyer Won’t give Me a file?

The lawyer has a duty to turn over the file to you (with a few exceptions). Therefore, if you make a written demand of him, he is required to give you the file. If the attorney doesn’t surrender the file, then, I’d think that your next step would be a complaint to the Bar Association. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action.

When to file a lawsuit against your attorney?

Your lawyer has made glaringly obvious errors that a professional in his or her field should have never made Your attorney has failed to contact you – your phone calls and emails have been left unattended for a long period of time If your situation falls into any of these guidelines you may have a case.

Can a patent application be filed without an attorney?

As you begin to file your patent with the USPTO, you’ll be given a choice between filing a “regular patent application” (or RPA) or a more simplified “ provisional patent application” (called a PPA). The PPA isn’t actually a true patent application.

Can a lawyer refuse to pass along information?

He or she cannot simply refuse to pass along information or act on the client’s behalf simply because the judge has not yet granted the motion. The court can refuse to honor the request to withdraw. If the court does grant the motion to withdraw, the client may have additional time to find new counsel.

What to do if your attorney doesn’t comply with?

To that end, the attorney must be careful not to have a conflict of interest in the matter or with clients. Further, the lawyer must consult with and reasonably inform the client of information related to the legal matter at hand.

What should I do if my lawyer refuses to do arbitration?

If the lawyer refuses to do so, consider filing for a nonbinding fee arbitration with a state or local bar association. Arbitration allows an outside party to become the neutral decision maker when regarding bills and finances. It can be binding or nonbinding which allows you to reject the arbitrator’s assessment.

What happens to your file when you change attorneys?

These would include documents that reflect the attorney’s impressions, opinions, and legal theories, as well as legal research. Other jurisdictions, such as Washington, DC, say that the client must receive the entire file, including attorney notes, opinions, and strategy information.

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.