My Lawyer Won’t Call Me Back: A Common Complaint
The State Bar of Georgia hears more complaints dealing with attorneys not returning client phone calls than any other complaint. The reality is, unfortunately, some attorneys simply refuse to return client phone calls. There are a number of reasons for this, all bad. Below, I offer some suggestions on how to get your lawyer to call you back.
At Rhodes Law, take client communication very seriously. And because we despise playing phone tag with our clients, we’ve implemented a written Client Communication protocol to make sure our clients know how best to get their questions answered every time. Check out our Client Communication Policy
How Can I Get My Lawyer To Call Me Back?
1. Be reasonable in your requests.
It is critically important that you keep informed about the status of your case. It is not reasonable (or cost-effective, for that matter), to demand that your attorney speak with you 3-4 times per day. Keep in mind that unless you are paying your attorney $10,000.00 per hour, your lawyer has to take in other clients all of whom will need to meet with your attorney, talk to him/her on the phone, correspond via email, and go to court.
2. Direct most requests to your attorney’s legal assistant or paralegal.
That’s why your lawyer hired that person – to help you out when the attorney is tied up in court, depositions, mediations, or meetings. Most of the time, the legal assistant can answer basic questions regarding scheduling, copies of documents, due dates, etc. The assistant is also in the best position to make a note of your call and concern, relay it to your attorney, and provide you with direct and timely feedback. Additionally, the legal assistant is almost always in the office, whereas your attorney often is not.
3. Do not treat your attorney like your therapist.
First, this is EXPENSIVE if your lawyer bills by the hour. (We don’t bill by the hour at Rhodes Law, however. Read more about our flat legal fees.) Second, your attorney is grossly unqualified to provide psychotherapy. You hired your lawyer to provide you with sound legal advice. If you want to complain about your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, call your mother; I can almost guarantee you that she will take your side.
4. Do not abuse the word “emergency.”
In family law matters, “emergency” means you or your children are in imminent danger. Questions regarding what to wear when you exchange visitation of your child or to complain that your spouse kept one of your child’s sneakers are not emergencies. God gave you good sense; use it.
5. Pay your bill on time.
If you get behind, work out a payment plan with your lawyer, or see if you can arrange for a flat fee or other billing structure.
When Should I Get Another Lawyer?
Regrettably, even the most discerning clients can hire an attorney who simply will not call them back. It’s frustrating. As a general rule, give your lawyer 1-2 days to return your non-urgent phone call; very often, your lawyer may be out of the office for a half-day, whole day, or longer if he/she is in court. If your matter is urgent, try again in 2 hours and always ask if there is someone else in the office who might be able to help you in your lawyer’s absence.
Use your good sense (referenced above) however. If your lawyer absolutely refuses to return your calls, get another lawyer. Your family law matter is too important and lawyers are too expensive for you to be out of the loop.