One of the many classes that attorneys must take in law school is one that discusses the expectations surrounding their professional conduct and the code of ethics by which they must abide. When an attorney breaches that code of ethics and violates their duty toward a client, it may result in legal malpractice.
For example, a Texas attorney was disbarred and convicted of several criminal charges for having exchanged his legal services for sex. This isn’t the first attorney in the country that has done the same thing, either. While that attorney’s victims were confident enough to step forward in their cases, wronged parties often keep quiet out of fear that anything that they say or do will cause them further harm.
Legal malpractice can include bullying and exploitation
Prosecutors presented evidence at trial that showed that the criminal defense attorney mentioned above had been extorting his female clients into exchanging sex for representation for most of his legal career. Prosecutors noted that he specifically preyed upon low-level female defendants facing low-level drug, driving under the influence (DUI) and prostitution charges.
The attorney’s female clients testified that the attorney promised them he’d make sure that they went to jail if they didn’t plead guilty to their alleged crimes. Many of his victims testified that they ultimately entered a plea despite not having committed the alleged crimes. Bullying innocent clients into plea deals is about as far from adequate representation as an attorney can get.
When you’ve been the victim of legal malpractice
You must meet at least one of three burdens to be able to bring a legal malpractice case. You must prove that they breached their contract with you, engaged in negligence or violated professional conduct standards in such a way that it led you to suffer unnecessary harm. If you believe you’re the victim of legal malpractice, an attorney here in Colorado can help you explore the options you may have.