Lawyers need to be fully honest while they’re doing their job duties. This includes what they say to their clients, as well as to the courts. It’s imperative that anyone who hires an attorney pays close attention to what the lawyer is saying and doing.
All attorneys have to follow the rules of ethics that are set by their governing agencies. They aren’t allowed to lie to their clients.
What should you do if you suspect lying?
If you suspect your lawyer is lying to you, carefully document their claims. If you’re sure there’s a problem, it’s likely time to find a new lawyer. You might even need to take legal action if the lawyer’s dishonesty caused you harm in some way.
What sort of things might an attorney mislead you about? The list is virtually endless but it includes:
- The strengths and weaknesses of your legal claims
- The work that your attorney has put in (and, therefore, the fees they have charged)
- Offers from the other side to settle your case or claim
One of the key components of a legal malpractice claim is that you have to suffer damages. In many cases, you may not realize what your attorney’s misleading statements have cost you until your case is already lost.
Your lawyer should be someone you can count on, no matter what’s going on. When you find out that your attorney has been dishonest with you about any facet of your case, you may opt to take legal action. Working with someone who’s familiar with these cases is important so you can ensure that your rights are fully protected.