3 Things You Need To Know About Filing A Lawsuit Against A Lawyer

Posted on: 9 March 2017

There are cases where a person receives legal help and is not satisfied with their representation. In this case they might want to file a lawsuit against an attorney. Although this might sound difficult, it can actually happen. Here are some things that you need to know about the legal field and filing a lawsuit against them.

1. Lawyers Cannot Guarantee Outcomes

One of the first things that you need to recognize is that an attorney cannot guarantee any kind of outcome. When you go to an attorney you will have to sign a document saying that you understand that you must pay the lawyer regardless of whether you win or lose, since there is no way for them to guarantee an outcome. They will do their best to represent you, but you have to assume the risk that you will put money into this lawsuit and walk away with nothing.

Thus, you cannot file a lawsuit against an attorney for not liking the outcome of your case. There is no way a judge will uphold that.

2. Lawyers Have A Duty To Keep Your Information Private

One of the most important parts of the attorney-client privilege. This means that whatever you say to your attorney is completely private. In fact, they cannot even testify against you in court in some cases if you say something to them in confidence. They must be ordered in special circumstances to reveal what they know. Thus, if your attorney divulges something about you, releases your name to the public, or gives out information about you, then you may have grounds for a lawsuit. It all depends on the nature of the information. If that information harmed you in some way, or if the information cost you a lot of money, then you would have a lawsuit. If the information was of no significance, a lawyer could be reprimanded by the Bar Association, but you probably don't have a case against them.

3. The Lawyer Purposefully Lost Your Case

In very rare cases a lawyer will throw a case to benefit themselves. In this case, you might be able to file some sort of complaint or lawsuit about them if you can prove it. The attorney has a duty to protect the client over their own interests, so if you can prove that they blatantly disregarded your needs, and profited because of it, then you might be able to file a lawsuit. Each situation is so different, so if you have a complaint, talk to another attorney about options for you. 

Share