Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Missouri

Re: My Rights ?

Every client has the absolute right to fire his or her attorney if the client is not satisfied with that attorney for any reason. Many attorneys do wind up getting fired largely because they do not keep the client informed. Also, if an attorney does actually engage in unethical conduct, our Supreme Court aministers a disciplinary procedure through the office of the chief disciplinary counsel. Sometimes, after investigation and an opportunity for a hearing the attorney is sanctioned, admonished, suspended, or in extreme cases, disbarred. If the issues are actually centered around fees, there are fee dispute resolution procedures admininstered by various bar associations which resolve many such disputes every year. In any event, you are entitled to seek a "second opinion" much as you would be able to seek a "second opinion" from a second doctor in a medical context. I do not wish to appear to be trying to steal another attorney's client, but I would be willing to discuss this matter with you if you wish. You may call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822.

Re: My Rights ?

Hiring an attorney is like hiring anyone else- to get the best outcome requires doing the most work on the front end! Find an attorney who is skilled in the area of your case. This means asking questions about the number of cases he has handled, and the types of matters he frequently handles. While any attorney may be competent to represent an injured client, those who do not practice in that area daily can not possible know all of the nuances that a regular practitioner will.

If your attorney is not communicating with you, let him know that you are dissatisfied! If the problem still is not resolved, it may be time to end the relationship and hire another attorney.

If the attorney had truly been dishonest or harmed you, the bar association has an office of disciplinary counsel, which will pursue your complaint.

Re: My Rights ?

You should probably contact the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel in Jefferson City, MO. The CDC office regulates attorney conduct. If you believe your attorney has taken something from you, and you desire to have that attorney investigated, that is one way to accomplish it.