Some red flags don’t wave, they scream. And there isn’t anything scarier during a personal injury case than realizing the brightest red flag is your own attorney. Here’s how to spot a bad attorney before your case gets dragged down with them.
1- He Is Rude 😒
If your attorney treats you like you’re inconveniencing him by existing, you’ve got a problem on your hands. You shouldn’t need a therapist on speed dial just to ask for a case update. If you feel like apologizing every time you call, you’re not the problem… he is.
2- He Never Calls You Back 📵
If you’re on your third week of “Just checking in again…” voicemails, he’s already checked out. You want a lawyer who returns calls, not one who ghosts harder than a JSwipe date.
3- He Wants You to Accept a Lowball 💸
If your attorney suddenly transforms into the world’s friendliest insurance adjuster (“I really think you should take their offer…”), beware! A good lawyer fights for your best interests, not just the quickest check. If you wanted a lowball, you could’ve just texted your ex after that second margarita.
4- He Has Horrible Staff Members 😤
You can tell a lot about an attorney by the company he keeps. If the receptionist acts like she’s guarding the Crown Jewels (and she’s not his wife) or the paralegal makes you want to fake your own death, consider it a warning. Toxic staff = toxic practice.
5- He Is A Control Freak 😠
Does he talk over you, ignore your input, or act like you’re not smart enough to understand your own case? Red flag. The only thing worse than being ignored is being managed like a toddler with an iPad and a sippy cup.
6- He Has Bar Complaints 🚩
A little searching goes a long way. If he has any Bar complaints… run, even if you have to use someone else’s sneakers. You don’t want your attorney’s biggest skill to be writing apology letters to the Bar Association.
7- He Is More Concerned With Appearance Than Substance 💅🏻
Does he love his own billboards, hair gel, and Instagram reels more than prepping your case? We all love a pretty boy, but if your attorney is doing more photoshoots than depositions, find the nearest exit. A good litigator cares more about your evidence than his lighting.
8- He’s a Little Too Close With His Staff 😳
If the office gossip is louder than the copy machine, and you notice your attorney spends more time in the breakroom with the paralegal than reviewing your file, watch out. When your lawyer treats “conflict of interest” like a love language, it’s a walking HR violation and it never ends well for the client. If his “work wife” is suddenly handling your case… exit, quickly.
Pro Tip:
When you hear, “We’ll fight for you like family,” just remember: not all families are healthy. Sometimes your case is getting the “drunk uncle who swears he’s 46 days sober with whiskey on his breath” level of enthusiasm.