General Practice & Other Areas
7. Disputes with Your Lawyer
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 27 Jul 2015
- The problem that most commonly arises in the lawyer-client relationship is a failure to communicate effectively.
- Your lawyer should assist you in understanding the issues involved in the matter so that you can make informed decisions and give proper instructions.
- As the client you must ensure that you communicate your expectations effectively to your lawyer.
- If you are not happy with the service provided by your lawyer you should first speak to them directly or outline the problem in a letter.
- In many cases the issues you have can be worked through and resolved.
- At this point if you are not satisfied with your lawyer’s response to your concerns you should advise your lawyer that you wish to finalise (finish) your case.
- You must pay for the work your lawyer has done on your matter before you can retain (use) another lawyer.
- In more extreme cases you can contact the legal services commission in your state or territory for assistance.
- The commission will investigate your complaint in relation to your lawyer’s services.
- While the commission representatives cannot provide you with specific legal advice they can assist you in understanding the issues and speak to the lawyer on your behalf to try to resolve the dispute.
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