Q: I have an active case with an attorney, but I haven't been able to contact him, should I hire another lawyer?

A: Depends. Has he/she previously ignored you? If so, I would consider letting them go. If not, i would speak with his assistant and relay your concerns.

Good luck!

A: You have the right in any case to terminate an attorney, but, doing so may subject you to a lien on any future recovery depending upon the stage of things and work done. If you are not receiving communication, and cannot get an appointment, then you may not have a choice. However, you should make one more attempt to meet with the attorney involved to get a status or have your questions answered. Exhaust your efforts first.

A: Based on these limited facts, it's difficult to advise you as to what you should do. It's your decision in the end, but some of the things you could consider include the following. Some might be more plausible or excusable than others, but this is just a general list of things to consider if you wish to give the situation the benefit of the doubt. The attorney could have a pressing family matter, could be experiencing administrative/technology issues in the office, be overwhelmed with work, or be experiencing other problems... or there might not be a good reason. None of us know. The fact remains that someone should be getting back to you. A good starting point might be to address your concerns to your attorney when you eventually catch up. Depending on the size and scope of the case and how far it has progressed, the decision could be one that requires some review and careful thought on your part.

Tim Akpinar