You Like Your Lawyer. Is the Work Good Enough?

Few conversations in law are harder, and most people never have this one. Your lawyer is friendly, responsive and easy to talk to. You trust them. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you're not sure the work is good.

Here's how I'd sort it out.

Liking your lawyer is not a strategy.

Separate the person from the work.

Being pleasant is not the same as being effective. Look at what has actually happened in your case: what was filed, what was won or lost along the way, and what the other side has done in response.

Signs worth paying attention to.

None of these alone settles it. Several together should get your attention:

• Deadlines met at the last minute, or extended again and again.
• Filings or letters with errors, or language that reads like it could be about anyone's case.
• Being surprised in court or at a deposition by things they should have seen coming.
• No clear answer when you ask what the plan is.
• The other side consistently setting the pace.
• Explanations that put every problem on someone else.

Ask for the plan, in writing.

A short summary of where the case stands, what comes next and what could go wrong. A strong lawyer can write that in an afternoon. Struggling to produce it tells you something.

Have the direct conversation.

Keep it about the work, not the relationship. "I want to make sure we're in the strongest possible position. Here's what concerns me." A good lawyer welcomes that. A defensive one tells you more than any filing.

Consider adding help, not just replacing.

Sometimes the answer isn't firing anyone. A specialist or trial lawyer brought in as co-counsel can strengthen the case while keeping the relationship you value. Ask your lawyer whether that would help. A confident lawyer will consider it.

Set expectations you can check.

Agree on what happens next and by when. If the dates come and go, you have your answer.

Don't let loyalty decide your case.

It's your case, your money and your outcome. Your lawyer will be fine either way. You'll live with the result.

Where Lexmatch fits.

This is where Lexmatch Elite earns its place. One of our attorneys can review how your matter is going, help you have the tough conversations, and, if it comes to it, help you find the right co-counsel or the right replacement.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different.