What To Do When Your Lawyer Stops Communicating With You
The attorney-client relationship is built on trust, transparency, and consistent communication. When your lawyer suddenly goes silent, ignoring your calls and emails, this communication breakdown isn’t just frustrating — it can jeopardize your case and potentially violate your rights as a client.
Here’s what to do when your lawyer stops communicating with you:
- First, document all attempts to contact your attorney and maintain records of the communication breakdown.
- Send written requests for updates via email or letter to the lawyer and his/her assistant, and if that doesn’t get a response, then via certified mail. If the silence continues, it may constitute legal malpractice.
- If written requests via don’t resolve the issue, you may need to escalate the issue by filing a complaint with the State Bar, seeking new legal representation, or exploring whether your attorney’s failure to communicate has caused damages to your case that warrant a malpractice claim.
If you’re experiencing something that resembles this frustrating situation, don’t wait for the problem to resolve itself. Time-sensitive legal matters require immediate attention, and you deserve an attorney who prioritizes your case and keeps you informed.
If your attorney stopped communicating with you even after you made the above attempts to get his/her attention and response, and your case suffered, contact Ross Sears at (713) 223-3333 today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. With prompt action, you can protect your interests and ensure your case receives the professional attention it deserves.
Is it normal for your lawyer not to communicate with you?
No, it is not normal for your lawyer to ignore you or fail to return your calls and emails. While attorneys are often busy and may not be able to respond immediately, they have an ethical duty to keep clients informed and respond within a reasonable timeframe. An unresponsive attorney can create unnecessary stress, put your case at risk, and may even be a sign of negligence or malpractice.
That said, short delays in communication can sometimes happen, and they don’t usually constitute malpractice for a lawyer. For example, if your lawyer is in trial or awaiting new developments in your case, updates may be temporarily limited. However, if days or weeks pass without a response — and your messages are consistently ignored — this is unacceptable.
You have the right to a lawyer who is accessible, transparent, and proactive in keeping you updated. If your attorney is consistently unresponsive, it may be time to question whether they are the right fit for your case and consider reaching out to a legal malpractice attorney in Houston to protect your interests.
How long should you wait for your attorney to respond?
In most cases, you should expect your attorney to respond within 48 hours or reasonably soon thereafter, during the business week. While lawyers often juggle multiple cases, part of their professional responsibility is keeping you informed about the progress of your matter. A lawyer who fails to return your calls or emails for days at a time is not meeting reasonable standards of communication.
Of course, there may be exceptions. If your attorney is in trial, traveling for depositions, or waiting on important updates from the court, response times may be slightly delayed. But even then, you should receive a brief update explaining the situation. If you’ve waited more than a week with no reply, especially after multiple attempts, this could be a red flag that should not be ignored. An attorney who prioritizes their clients will make time to acknowledge your concerns and keep your case moving forward.
Can I sue my lawyer for not communicating with me?
You generally cannot sue your lawyer solely for failing to return phone calls or emails. While poor communication is frustrating and can be unprofessional, it does not automatically rise to the level of legal malpractice. To have a valid malpractice claim, you must show that your attorney’s lack of communication harmed your case.
An unresponsive attorney can, however, be a warning sign of deeper issues. If your lawyer’s silence has led to costly mistakes or negatively impacted the outcome of your case, you may have grounds for a legal malpractice lawsuit. Some examples include:
- Missed filing deadlines or court dates
- Failure to inform you of settlement offers or case developments
- Allowing statutes of limitations to expire
- Ignoring motions, discovery requests, or other critical case matters
- Failing to prepare you for hearings, depositions, or trials
If you’ve experienced any of these issues, contact Ross Sears of Sears Crawford, a lawyer that sues lawyers in Texas who can evaluate the facts, determine whether your rights have been violated, and guide you on the best next steps to protect your interests.
Continue reading: What constitutes legal malpractice and when to sue your attorney for legal malpractice
What to do if a lawyer is ignoring you
1. Document all attempts to contact your attorney
The first step when dealing with a lawyer who has gone silent is to carefully track your efforts to reach them. Keep a log of phone calls, voicemails, and every email you send. If you’re dealing with a lawyer not responding to emails, save copies in a dedicated folder so you have a clear record of your attempts to communicate. These records can serve as evidence if you need to escalate the issue later or if questions arise about whether your attorney neglected your case.
Detailed documentation also helps you stay organized and reduces the chance of miscommunication. It demonstrates that you acted in good faith to maintain the attorney-client relationship. Should you consult with another attorney or explore the possibility of malpractice, these records will be helpful when showing the breakdown of communication and its impact on your case.
2. Send written requests via certified mail
If your lawyer continues to ignore calls and emails, take your concerns a step further by sending a formal letter via certified mail, and also copy the attorney’s legal assistant, secretary, and/or partner(s) on the letter. This creates a paper trail proving that you reached out and requested updates. In your letter, clearly state the issues you’re facing, outline the attempts you’ve already made to contact your lawyer, and set a reasonable deadline for response. A written, certified letter carries more weight than an unanswered voicemail or email.
This approach also gives your attorney one last opportunity to correct the problem. Sometimes, a lawyer may be overwhelmed with other cases or dealing with personal circumstances. A formal, professional letter signals that you are serious about getting answers and gives them a chance to restore communication before you escalate further.
3. Escalate the issue if the silence continues
If your lawyer still fails to respond after repeated attempts and a certified letter, it may be time to escalate the issue. One option is to seek new legal representation from someone who will prioritize your case. You may also need to explore how to file a complaint against an attorney through your state’s bar association. Filing a grievance can hold the lawyer accountable for failing to meet professional standards and may protect other clients from similar experiences.
In more serious cases, especially if your attorney’s lack of communication caused missed deadlines or harmed your case, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. Speaking with a legal malpractice attorney can help you determine whether you should pursue compensation for damages caused by your lawyer’s neglect. Whatever route you choose, don’t ignore the problem — your legal matter is too important to leave in the hands of someone who won’t communicate.
Protect your rights when your attorney lets you down.
An attorney who ignores your calls, fails to reply to emails, or leaves you in the dark about your case is not living up to their professional obligations. While occasional delays can happen, consistent silence is never acceptable. Wondering what to do when your lawyer stops communicating with you? Call Sears Crawford.
If you’re dealing with an unresponsive attorney, don’t wait for the situation to fix itself. Protect your rights by documenting the problem, sending certified letters, and seeking help from a legal malpractice attorney if necessary. At Sears Crawford, attorney Ross Sears has over 30 years of experience holding negligent lawyers accountable and helping clients move forward with confidence.
Call (713) 223-3333 today to discuss your situation. With the right action and the right attorney, you can take control of your case and ensure your legal matters receive the attention they deserve.
More Helpful Articles by Sears Crawford:
- What to Do if Your Attorney Steals Your Settlement
- When Do You Need a Conflict of Interest Lawyer?
- Four Elements of Legal Malpractice in Texas
- Texas Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers
- How Do You Sue a Lawyer for Legal Malpractice?