Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Late feedback from a lawyer

Collapse
This topic is closed.
X
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Late feedback from a lawyer

    I have been waiting my lawyer to darft my answer for last 2 months now. I originally asked her to get it done so it could be served before christmas, but she gave me a notice it would be after new year, then another week or 2 because of the courts to attend.....my answer should have been filed long time ago, and it already looks bad. How long does it take for a lawyer to make a answer/ application in general? I know they work for multiple cases at once, but what can I do to make her focused on my case other than asking so? or I would start drafting it by myself, but I need some completed answer/applications I can refer.

  • #2
    I can't answer for others but in my experience, Lawyers take on way too many cases and this is the result. All I can say is the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Try to befriend her secretary/legal assistant as you can find out more that way. Keep after her. You're paying her salary.

    Comment


    • #3
      that is a big problem that lawyers face. They have more then one client but every client thinks their case is more important then every one else. Just make sure that things are filed before time limits run out

      Comment


      • #4
        Now she says she needs another retainer for the further service. I asked her the invoice for the details, then no reply after that. I haven't seen any document yet and it passed the due.... I am not happy this outcome. Am I judging her too early, or should I fire her? I am afraid of being stuck with a bad service for a next year or more.

        Comment


        • #5
          That is difficult to say.

          After reading your first post, it seemed like an awfully long time to wait for an answer.

          On the other hand, how much have you paid the lawyer so far? How many hours has she put in?

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks so much for the responses. The first retainer was $2500. She estimates it will cost another $2500 to finish a draft, which is double of the original estimation she gave me at the consultation. I don't know how I was charged until I see the statement, but he rate is relatively low (under $200/hr).

            Comment


            • #7
              maybe that is why the initial rate is low, she is not the greatest lawyer so she cannot charge as much as some of the others. If she missed the due date, you haven't seen any thing done and she has not given you an invoice that you requested showing what she has done for the original retainer then I would fire her.

              Comment


              • #8
                Are most of these conversations with the lawyer etc over the phone? If so try to get an appointment or go in and actually talk with the secretary in person. As many have hinted there are a variety of reasons that there is a delay. But the lawyer does have a responsibility to do things in a timely fasion and finish up what they are in the middle of. Ie filing a paper. You have to stay on top of them sometimes. Now there are lawyers that are inexperienced and then there are those who do things purposely. I was in court 2 days ago and the poor couple ahead of me have been waiting 7 yrs now for thier Case conference brief. Many reasons but in my mind that is inexuseable. The Judge gave the lawyers a blasting. But bottom line is you can be active in seeing things get done. Dont go in with a combative attitude but you do have the right to know what is happening.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Thanks for your opinion. I received the bill and found she recently spent 6hrs for the financial statement which seems to be done now. She thinks it will takes about 10 hrs to draft the rest of the answer. I still don't know what is the avarage hours they spend for drafting, but I am thinking of letting her finish it if it takes only 2-3 days. I still have a concern on her...but considering the time & work for searching a new lawyer and explaining all again, I probably better keep her unless someone referes me a guaranteed one.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Good to hear that she is still doing stuff for you. If you have been happy enough with her past work then I say stick with her. Like anyone and no one likes to work for free. I dont mean to seem harsh but I have a bit of the same happening too so I do understand. Some days though it is hard to be patient. Wishing you the best though.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      It's probably too late to tell you this, but supplying copies of all your bills, assets, property tax statements, pay and pension documents, tax forms and so on will help her do the work faster. Mine gave me a $200 discount for supplying it all and the final bill was $1000. That was for the Separation agreement. I'm in NB and did my own divorce papers (not a simple procedure and very frustrating at times) which cost me a further $125.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Hi, Thank for your info. Actually, I decided not to ask her anymore. I met her and talked again, and we couldn't agree what to put in my claim. I supplied all the financial copies, but some of them were not even viewed and she went for her own subsearches. I did not see her words were consistent and tangible enough to put my trust on, and felt she won't do good jod at a court neither.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          A proper billing of hours should state the date, the person's initials that was involved from that office, what was done, the time it took to handle that particular task, the amount per hour and the actual cost for that time to do that task Example of such 06 Aug 08 ACC telephone call from client 0.10 hrs. 125.00/hr, $12.20. The $12.50 being the cost for that particular task. I just look over our own billing from our very expensive lawyer and to do up an answer 4hrs of her assistants time billed at her assistants hourly rate, review of answer and meeting with client it took roughly 1 hr of the lawyers time bill at her time and at her rate. I hope that helps you out when trying to figure out your billing.

                          Comment

                          Our Divorce Forums
                          Forums dedicated to helping people all across Canada get through the separation and divorce process, with discussions about legal issues, parenting issues, financial issues and more.
                          Working...
                          X