Hawthorne, NJ asked in Legal Malpractice for New Jersey

Q: How long should it take for a lawyer to respond to his clients questions and inquires?

My lawyer NEVER returns voice mail or my written letter(s). What should I do?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Within a reasonable time. It doesn't necessarily mean an instantaneous response - an attorney could be in court or deposition when a voice-mail arrives. But within the same day is considered reasonable by many to return calls. If someone is very busy or has pressing circumstances, the following day could be reasonable. For letters, it could depend on the complexity of the letter and whether it involves research. What should you do? That's a personal decision and it would be difficult for someone to advise you what to do based on the brief facts at hand. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

Flavio Van Boekel agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: A good lawyer will generally get back to you within 24 to 48 hours however you never know the reason why he didn't. He could be in trial or various other reasons so keep trying and if not satisfied you can always hire a new lawyer

Flavio Van Boekel and Tim Akpinar agree with this answer

2 users found this answer helpful

Flavio Van Boekel
Flavio Van Boekel
Answered
  • East Hanover , NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return. However, if after a reasonable time your lawyer never returns your calls he or she may be violating the rules of professional conduct under a 'communication with clients' section.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

7 users found this answer helpful

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