Q: Why does opposing counsel have different people from the firm contact me instead of the lead counsel?
I am the plaintiff in a civil suit (domestic violence) and was counter-sued. I eventually had to go pro se because I ran out of money. The firm representing the other side has since taken to having multiple junior lawyers contact me and when asked about the issue, was told that rules of evidence allow them to do this as long as they are in the same firm and I am not entitled to a single point of contact. I want whoever shows up for pre-trial updates and in front of the judge to be the person I deal with as I saw them claim they were unaware of certain discussions as their colleague “handled the issue” when I was in the galley. They are now asking to have conference calls with multiple attorneys on the phone to discuss settling.
My questions: a. am I entitled to a single point of contact? b. can I insist on written communication to keep things straight? c. how do I deal with a conference call of multiple lawyers who scare me to negotiate a settlement?
I am in PA.
A:
Here are answers to your three questions:
"My questions: a. am I entitled to a single point of contact?" Answer: No.
b. can I insist on written communication to keep things straight? Answer: Yes, but they may not agree to it.
c. how do I deal with a conference call of multiple lawyers who scare me to negotiate a settlement? Answer: Hire a lawyer to do combat with the law firm on the other side.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
