Aug
7
2025
4 Signs You're Working With The Wrong Attorney
When researching potential attorneys for your case, always do your homework. There's nothing worse than feeling like you are stuck with an attorney who doesn't communicate with you at all, doesn't hear what you're saying, or charges for routine contacts you were not aware would be billable. Choosing an unqualified or dishonest attorney could not only result in a very uncomfortable relationship, but also a negative outcome for your legal situation and substantially more costs in the long run.
Here are four warning signs that you may have selected the wrong attorney to represent you.
4 Signs Your Attorney Is Not The Right Fit For You Or Your Legal Needs
1. Lack Of Communication
Communication is key to your successful attorney-client relationship. One of the most frustrating things that can happen during your case is being left in the dark. Unreturned phone calls and unanswered questions can leave you clueless about whether your legal matter is being properly handled or even at all. Feeling like you or your legal problems are not significant enough for your attorney to bother with can be very disheartening and discouraging.
Your lawyer should be available to answer your questions and keep you informed of the status of the matter on a consistent basis. Your attorney should not be offended that you have questions about complicated legal issues and procedures. He or she should be open to explaining to you what is happening. It would be reasonable, unless they have a good excuse otherwise, to hear back within one or two days at most.2. Lack Of Competence
Unfortunately, a law degree doesn't necessarily equate to competence in a particular matter. An incompetent lawyer could irreparably harm your case and may cost you a great deal of time and money to hire another attorney to correct the mistakes. And not all mistakes can be rectified. For instance, missing critical deadlines is a common form of malpractice by attorneys, which can have devastating consequences.
The lawyer you choose should stay up-to-date on their certifications, if any, or continuing legal education in the legal area for which you are seeking assistance. You can check Martindale-Hubbell and the State Bar directory for legal background information, certifications, and peer ratings. Today, Google, attorney referral services, and other social media provide ample opportunity to review how others have rated their interaction with an attorney. Pay attention to these! One bad review out of many good reviews is not that significant, but a stream of them should wave a red flag.
3. Lack Of Ethics
Lawyers are bound to a code of ethics dictated by the state in which they practice. They are required to:
- Loyally represent their clients
- Keep their clients' communications confidential
- Competently represent their clients
- Follow the law
- Place their clients' interests in front of their own
4. Lack Of Honesty About Fees
Lawyers should be open and honest about their fees. A few common complaints are:
- The bill is not what was agreed upon
- The client was charged for additional fees that were not discussed
- The bill is not itemized, and the client has no clue what the attorney has charged them for
- The client paid a large attorney's fee when the paralegal did most of the work
- The client knows the bill is padded, and the time spent on tasks billed is exaggerated
You should agree upon the fee early on in the attorney-client relationship. Additionally, your attorney should be open to discussing questions you have about their fee structure or billing.
You Deserve An Attorney Who Listens, Cares, & Knows What They're Doing
If you are in need of a qualified, honest, and competent attorney in the Amarillo area who practices estate planning, probate, or real estate law, contact Adair M. Buckner, Attorney at Law. Call 806.220.0150 or email Adair at adair@adairbuckner.com to schedule a free* consultation.*(The free consultation does not cover actual review of documents or giving legal advice on a specific situation.)
** This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, specific tax, legal, or accounting advice. We can only give specific advice upon consulting directly with you and reviewing your exact situation.
When researching lawyers, it's critical that you choose one you can trust. Download our FREE white paper, 5 Tips For Finding A Lawyer You Can Trust.
TESTIMONIALS
Mrs. Buckner did a full estate plan for me. Her work was excellent, her communication was great, and the price was reasonable. I would highly recommend her for your estate planning needs.
When my husband passed away, I contacted the attorney that we had used to prepare our wills but was unhappy with his attitude of indifference. I discovered Adair Buckner and all of my issues were resolved. Adair is professional, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. She saved me a large amount of money by processing my will in the appropriate manner to best suit my situation.
We appreciate Adair Buckner’s professional and personable service. Our legal needs were met promptly and succinctly. We would not hesitate (and do!) recommend her to our family and friends.
Adair drew up a beautiful power of attorney and Will for my father in a timely manner. I highly recommend that you use her. She’s a wonderful lady.
This was as painless as it gets to hire an attorney in Amarillo Texas. Handled all the estate needs and never had to appear in court. You won't find any better and I use Attorneys quite often in my line of work.
It was way past time to finally get our Wills completed. This was something that was extremely complicated for us, but Adair and her assistant never made us feel like we were bothering them...and we (I) bothered them...a lot! Things were explained to us in a way that we could understand easily. Extremely professional and knows her stuff!
I was meeting with a financial advisor who encouraged me to finish my Will. He offices next door to an Estate Attorney, and voila, 'one-stop shopping]! Adair and her assistant Pennye made completing my estate planning fun, easy, and pleasant. I wholeheartedly recommend Adair Buckner!!
Trying to get our LLC changed over after moving to Texas was complicated, but Adair Buckner made the process so simple! We just gave her the details, and she handled everything quickly and professionally. Thank you, Adair, for making this part of our move stress-free!
Adair is very professional. She cares about her clients and explains everything very well. She makes you feel like a friend.
Losing my Mother and being appointed as Executor of her estate was overwhelming. Adair was very professional and personable. She handled and processed the estate with ease and kindness.