One of the more common frustrations we hear from clients is how it can oftentimes be difficult to get a hold of a lawyer. Odds are they’ve had a bad experience in the past, and they want to ensure that communication is a top priority when they are working with us.
If you check our reviews, you’ll see that communication and fast response times are some of our most lauded traits, because we know how important it is that you get a response from a lawyer when you need one. We try to answer every phone call that comes our way, but if we’re in court or currently assisting another client, we strive to return your call as quickly as possible. In today’s blog, we look at some of the reasons why a lawyer may not be returning your calls as quickly as you’d like, and we explain how you can work to fix the situation with your lawyer.
Why Won’t My Lawyer Answer My Calls?
There are a number of reasons why your lawyer isn’t taking your call or getting back to you as fast as you’d like, and some of these reasons are less of a cause for concern than others. Here’s a look at some of the more common reasons why your lawyer isn’t answering your calls.
1. They Are With Another Client Or In Court – Even if the lawyer wanted to take your call, they may not be able to because other duties call. They can’t answer your questions if they are in court, and it’s rude to interrupt a meeting with a client to take a call, because if you had an appointment with a lawyer, you’d want their undivided attention. There’s a good chance that the lawyer is in court or with another client if they aren’t answering your call.
2. Your Message Could Be Clearer – If you’re leaving your lawyer a message that includes instructions to get back to you, be short and to the point with these. Don’t ramble on or assume that the lawyer has your contact information. Speak directly to the point of your call and leave your contact information so that the lawyer can have quick access to your number when they want to call you back.
3. You’re Calling At The Wrong Time – It’s also helpful to talk with your lawyer about the best ways to contact them and what time generally works best. If they generally have court in the morning, try to reach out during the afternoon. Work with them from the outset to set some clear expectations and best practices for getting in contact with one another.
4. Remember That Time Is Money – Your lawyer should be getting back to you, but also remember that if you’re constantly reaching out for updates, that is billable time. If you’re not hearing back from your lawyer, there’s a chance there’s no change in your case and they want to avoid racking up billable time responding to your inquests. Again, how often you’d like to be updated about your case is something that should be talked about during the free case evaluation so that there is no confusion.
5. They Are Overburdened – Finally, if you just can’t seem to get a hold of your lawyer, it could be a sign that they are overburdened with cases. If you suspect this is the case, let them know that you are going to start seeking new counsel if they can’t respond to your calls. That will either light a fire under them or signal that an end of your relationship is the best for both parties.
If you want to hire a law firm that ensures communication is a top priority for their clients, look no further than the team at Appelman Law Firm. Set up that free consultation by clicking here or calling (952) 224-2277.
