Help! My Lawyer Is Not Fighting For Me!
Posted on: March 10, 2025- You have the right to stay informed about your case.
- There are both valid and concerning reasons for delays. Some cases involve waiting on court dates or paperwork, but consistently being ignored is a red flag.
- You have the right to demand better communication. Follow up through calls, emails, and a certified letter if necessary.
- Attorney-client privilege protects you even if you switch lawyers. Your current lawyer cannot disclose confidential case details if you move on.
- You deserve legal representation that fights for you. If your lawyer isn’t meeting your needs, it may be time to find a firm that will.
You hired a lawyer to fight for you, but now they won’t return your calls. You’ve left messages, sent emails, even called the office multiple times, and still…nothing. Are they even working on your case at all?
Here’s the truth: There are both good and bad reasons why an attorney might not be getting back to you. Some delays are just part of the legal process, but others could be a red flag that your lawyer isn’t prioritizing your case.
According to the American Bar Association (ABA) and Florida’s Statement of Client Rights, attorneys are required to keep clients informed and respond to reasonable requests. But what happens when your lawyer’s idea of “prompt” communication doesn’t match yours?
If you’re wondering, “Is my lawyer even fighting for me?” or “What do I do when my lawyer stops communicating with me?”, you’re not alone. Let’s break down why this might be happening, when to be patient, and when it’s time to take action.
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Under Rule 1.4 of the ABA’s Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys are required to explain legal matters clearly, keep clients informed, and respond to reasonable requests for updates.
But what happens when your lawyer isn’t holding up their end of the deal? Here are five possible reasons why they may not be getting back to you—and when it’s time to take action.
1. There Are No Updates to Report
There are a lot of factors that can influence a case. As diligent as your attorney may be, they are sometimes at the mercy of the court system. However, your attorney is still obligated to make you aware of these time frames and when you should expect to hear from them.
Unfortunately, when it comes to personal injury cases, many insurance companies will intentionally create delays as a way of wearing you down until you are simply too tired to fight anymore. Expect for much of your case to be spent playing “the waiting game.”
2. Your Lawyer Is “Off the Clock”
Just like you, attorneys have commitments outside of work. They have families, personal responsibilities, and professional obligations such as continuing education or legal events. If you reach out late on a Friday, you may not get a response until the next business day.
However, there’s a difference between being temporarily unavailable and failing to communicate altogether. If it’s been weeks without an update (despite multiple attempts to reach them), that’s a red flag. A good attorney should keep you informed and set clear expectations about when you’ll hear from them.
3. You Haven’t Been Taking Their Advice
As unprofessional as it is, some attorneys have been known to dodge their clients’ calls if their professional advice isn’t being taken.
While your lawyer is an expert on legal matters, it is important to remember that you are ultimately the boss. You and your attorney may have a difference of opinion from time to time, but they cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do.
If you feel that your attorney hasn’t been giving you the best legal advice, you are always free to seek out a second opinion. However, if multiple attorneys are telling you the same thing, it may be a good idea to listen to them.
4. The Office Is Busy
It’s not uncommon for a message to get lost in the shuffle, but if you’ve reached out multiple times with no response, it may be time to follow up in person.
A busy lawyer isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it means they have a strong practice—but if they’re constantly unavailable, in court, or overwhelmed with cases, your case could suffer.
Even during trials, a good attorney should check messages and communicate when possible. If your lawyer is repeatedly unreachable with no explanation, that’s a red flag. You deserve to know when to expect a response.
5. They Have Bad News
Every so often, a personal injury case goes in an unfavorable direction. If your attorney is inexperienced, they may be nervous to be the bearer of bad news.
Additionally, a lot of lawyers operate small firms or even work solo. They’re afraid that an unhappy client could lead to negative reviews.
While unprofessional, this can happen. However, you always deserve the truth.
What To Do When Your Lawyer Stops Communicating With You
Good communication is essential to any attorney-client relationship. If your lawyer isn’t keeping you informed, take the following steps to get the answers you need:
- Reach out directly – Call, email, or leave a message with their office. Make sure you’ve given them a fair opportunity to respond.
- Be clear about your expectations – Politely express that you need updates and ask when you can expect to hear back.
- Follow up in writing – If you still don’t get a response, send an email or a certified letter to ensure your request is received.
- Document all attempts to communicate – Keep a record of calls, emails, and letters in case you need proof of poor communication.
- Request a formal meeting – If your lawyer’s office is nearby, schedule an in-person visit to discuss your concerns.
- Evaluate your options – If your lawyer continues to ignore you, it may be time to seek new representation.
If you’re considering switching lawyers, you might wonder whether your current attorney can disclose details about your case. Rest assured, attorney-client privilege still applies—even if you decide to part ways. Your former lawyer is legally bound to keep your case confidential.
Your lawyer should have your best interests in mind, but if they aren’t communicating, you have the right to change lawyers. The lawyer you choose plays a big role in your case’s success—make sure they’re someone who keeps you informed.
Don’t Settle for Silence—Take Action Today
Your lawyer should be fighting for you, not leaving you in the dark. While there may be valid reasons for delayed communication, you deserve updates, answers, and an attorney who takes your case as seriously as you do.
If your lawyer is not fighting for you, it’s time to take action. At Beers & Gordon, we prioritize communication, transparency, and results. Don’t waste another day wondering what’s going on with your case—call us today for a free consultation and let’s get your case moving in the right direction.
Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1997, and two years later began working at a firm in Orlando handling insurance defense matters on cases involving vehicle accidents, negligence, product liability, and more. He established Beers & Gordon P.A. with David Beers in 2009 to represent the rights of people injured because of negligence. He is a member of the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers organization and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
