I can't reach him, and my family court date is approaching quickly. Can I sue for legal malpractice?
answered on Nov 16, 2018
Your best bet is to hire a different lawyer to take over the case immediately. You don't mention that your present lawyer's conduct has caused any damage to you, so at this point you have nothing to gain by suing him for malpractice.
answered on Oct 25, 2018
Yes. As a general rule it is two years from the time the person bringing the lawsuit knew, or reasonably should have known, of the malpractice. (It can be quite a bit more complex than the simple statement in the first sentence. Some cases involve a statute of repose which can bar the right to... View More 
answered on Sep 17, 2018
Coercion means the equivalent of putting a gun to your head, so probably not. If he or she tried to get you to sign for a low settlement, you could have looked at the lawyer and said, "If you can't get me more than that, you're fired," then looked for another lawyer. Also, bear... View More
answered on Aug 22, 2018
Generally speaking, not, you don't have to. The Illinois Supreme Court has established Rules of Professional Conduct to govern the actions of lawyers. Rule of Professional Conduct 1.8(d) provides as follows: "(d) Prior to the conclusion of representation of a client, a lawyer shall not... View More
even talk to me without me signing something - can she do that?
answered on Aug 3, 2018
Yes. I suppose it depends on what she wanted you to sign, but in general if you want to talk to someone (a lawyer or otherwise) they're entitled to set conditions on their willingness to do so.
I have a dispute with my family, they gained access to money under my name and then had me mentally committed where now they are smearing my name in court proceedings to the point where a judge is providing a waiver of service for me to attend these proceedings. According to the multitude of laws... View More
answered on Aug 1, 2018
The stakes are for too high for you to act as your own lawyer in this case. I admire your spirit, but the time has come for you to hire a lawyer. Bring him or her the research you've done, but by all means hire a lawyer. Don't risk your freedom (financial and otherwise) by trying to do it... View More
He ran my brothers name, and then came back, and said my name. Then left.
It was all for a headlight, violation.
Can I sue?
answered on Jul 16, 2018
Yes, it's legal. Can you sue? Sue for what? A lawsuit involves a claim for damages. How were you damaged? And no, your civil rights were not infringed upon by the officer merely determining who you are. The officer has a right to know whether the passenger in a car is a violent felon who poses... View More
answered on May 16, 2018
There is no official deadline, but as a general rule lawyers try to do this as quickly as possible. After all, the lawyer doesn't get paid until you do. It's possible the check had to be deposited in the lawyer's trust account and he or she is waiting until it clears the... View More
- can she do that?
answered on Apr 27, 2018
Yes. If the lawyer did the work, the lawyer is entitled to be paid for what she did (assuming it is properly billed). Think of it this way: If you go to the store and only make it halfway through your grocery list before deciding to leave, you still have to pay for the groceries in your cart when... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2018
A lawyer should be willing to discuss his or her fees with you. If the matter being handled is still proceeding, you may wish to tell him or her (in writing) that you need to meet and discuss the fees within 21 days or you'll find a new lawyer to finish the matter. If the matter is done, you... View More
answered on Mar 13, 2018
Likely they can,but that's serious and can bar you from getting proper License so time to get a consult from an attorney asap so you can get your vehicle back.
My attorney, myself, and employers attorney signed settlement contract. Although I signed November 21, 2017 it was then sent to employer attorney who sat on it until December 26, 2017. The case was dismissed November 13, 2017 so my attorney filed to reinstate it just to be on the safe side. A new... View More
answered on Feb 1, 2018
You need to understand the strategy. Your attorney could have simply had the contracts approved in January. It was prudent to file the Motion to Reinstate because that MUST be done within 60 days to resurrect the case. The fact that he filed the Motion to Reinstate, DOES NOT PREVENT HIM FROM... View More
Is that legal malpractice?
answered on Jan 12, 2018
It depends. Normally an attorney licensed in a state can only practice in that state. It is possible to get permission from a court in a second state to handle a particular case which is before that court, however. This permission will appear as a motion asking permission and an order granting... View More
What should I do if I think he may be intoxicated while at work?
answered on Dec 10, 2017
If you trust your lawyer, consider staying with him. On the other hand, if this has shaken your confidence in the lawyer, consider switching lawyers. If you believe he was intoxicated you may wish to consider contacting the Lawyers Assistance Program at (312) 726-6607. They are trained to assist... View More
The client then unwittingly signs the document with dire consequences.The attorney defense is that the client (a well educated person) should have noticed the (subtle) change in text. The judge agrees that it is the client's responsibility to have thoroughly read the document before signing.... View More
answered on Dec 2, 2017
Tough question. While it is true you should have read the document before signing it, many legal documents and the issues they address are so complex that they induce MEGO ("My Eyes Glazed Over") and significant things can be missed. When in doubt, ask your attorney, "Have any... View More
I found out approximately 4 months prior to trial that my attorney have been disbarred for felonies. I was left with a junior attorney to fight against an attorney with 30-plus years and defending corporations. The state idhr found guilty on two of my charges one sexual harassment the other racial... View More
answered on Dec 2, 2017
Don't assume your relatively inexperienced attorney is no match for the opponent with 30-plus years. The opposing attorney may underestimate the capabilities of your attorney, if nothing else.
Without details as to why your documents were turned in late, it is difficult to determine... View More
Is he obligated or he has ethical standards to report him. Of course it helps me out with my case. The reason behind this question is how I am going to decide on a attorney. I am 100% positive about the fraud, but there is a chance a legal aid in the office could have filed it without his... View More
answered on Aug 20, 2017
He is required to report known unethical conduct.
Sometimes people jump to conclusions.
How does one raise and owe. Support iv hired attorneys and then nothing ivhad all my rights violated says the ACLU but can't get n e one to help I don't no y iv lost every thing don't no were to turn
answered on Jul 19, 2017
I am having a hard time following your question but if you already have talked to ACLU maybe one of their attorneys can help
answered on Apr 27, 2017
If a attorney is holding on to your money and not giving a satisfactory explanation, you need to immediately go see another attorney.
The deadline for filing malpractice cases against lawyers is very complicated because it turns on when the time starts.
Once again, you need to see... View More
My aunt and sister's lawyer had a document forged, saying that I signed a deed in January 16th 2014, when in fact I never signed it and I have 2 letters stating that I need to come into the office to sign off on the deed.
answered on Jun 1, 2015
Forgery is a crime. If you suspect the lawyer of forgery, you should file a complaint with the appropriate bar association/disciplinary committee.
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