When you pay someone to represent you in a California legal matter, you likely do so with the utmost confidence that the person you are trusting to advocate on your behalf will do exactly that. Regrettably, however, lawyers, like other professionals, are not immune to making errors, but certain mistakes made by attorneys can mean considerable hardship for their clients. At the Lange Law Corporation, we recognize that you only have a certain amount of time to come forward when your lawyer fails to provide adequate representation, and we have helped many clients whose lawyers dropped the ball pursue appropriate recourse in the aftermath.
Young lawyers more prone to mental health, substance abuse issues
Hiring an attorney in California involves a significant investment, so when you do so, you probably want to select someone who has considerable experience in the specific area of law in which you need assistance. While younger lawyers may have less experience than their older colleagues, a 2016 study also reveals that younger attorneys are also more likely than older ones to struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues. At Lange Law Corporation, we recognize that when attorneys have mental illnesses or substance abuse issues, it can have a direct and negative impact on your case, and we have helped many people who had inadequate legal representation take steps to pursue recourse.
When lawyers bill you for what is essentially on-the-job training
When you hire an attorney to represent you in a criminal or civil matter in California, you probably have high hopes that this person will do everything to help you due to the substantial investment typically involved. When lawyers fail to do all that you expect of them, however, it can be difficult to know where to turn. At Lange Law Corporation, we understand the frustration that you feel when your lawyer fails to live up to your expectations, and we have helped many clients after the actions of their attorneys crossed the line of legal malpractice.
When an attorney hurts their public image, they hurt clients
With how advanced the internet has gotten over the last couple of decades, people can look up everything they need to know about their lawyers with one click on Google. For most attorneys, it will lead you to their website or Facebook page featuring their contact information or advice that they are willing to share to future clients or the general populace. For others, you may come across an unsatisfactory piece on them from your local or statewide news.
California law in effect that requires disclosure for mediation
There are many ways an attorney can breach the trust of his or her clients. With legal malpractice being a particularly complex area of law, requiring skilled and knowledgeable representation, it can be easy for a lawyer to even unintentionally commit malpractice. Regardless of intent, clients should be able to rely on their lawyers for sound counsel and ethical representation, especially in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, family law and business litigation. A new California law went into effect after the first of the year, which addresses mediation agreements and can protect clients from legal malpractice, as well as assist lawyers in avoiding discipline by clarifying the correct steps.
Dementia a growing problem among attorneys
When you hire an attorney to represent you in California, chances are, you do so with the utmost confidence that the person you are investing in will perform to your expectations and advocate on your behalf. Regrettably, however, this is not always the case, and dementia is becoming an increasingly widespread issue affecting today’s lawyers. At the Lange Law Corporation, we understand that dementia can affect an attorney’s ability to do his or her job, and we have helped many people who were unhappy with their legal representation due to this and similar issues pursue appropriate recourse.
What types of things does legal malpractice insurance cover?
Before deciding to sue your California attorney for malpractice, you would do well to determine if (s)he carries malpractice insurance, also called professional liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance. Why? Because if (s)he does not, you could wind up with a jury award that you cannot collect. Few attorneys have the personal assets sufficient to personally pay a major judgment or award to someone who successfully sues them.
