The relationship between a lawyer and their client is built on trust, transparency, and effective communication. As a client, you expect your attorneys to provide honest and accurate information to make informed decisions about their legal matters. However, in rare instances, you may find yourself questioning your lawyer’s integrity, asking, “My lawyer lied to me, why did my attorney lie to me?” While it is crucial to recognize that most lawyers uphold the highest ethical standards, it’s essential to explore the potential reasons behind such conduct.
Why Did My Lawyer Lie To Me?
In this part, we will delve into ten possible explanations for why your lawyer might lie to you and what you can do about it.
1. Overconfidence and Hubris:
Confidence is a vital trait for any successful lawyer, but when it transforms into overconfidence or hubris, it can cloud their judgment. An attorney might feel pressured to project an image of infallibility, leading them to exaggerate the strength of the case or their ability to achieve a favorable outcome. This can lead to false promises and a lack of transparency.
2. Fear of Outcome Of The Case:
Lawyers, like any human being, can experience fear and anxiety, especially if the case they are handling is particularly challenging or high-stakes. When facing potential negative outcomes or consequences, a lawyer might be tempted to sugarcoat information or withhold certain details to shield you from distress. However, such actions are ethically questionable, you have a right to know the full extent of their legal situation.
3. Financial Gain:
While some lawyers are dedicated to serving their client’s best interests, there might be some instances where financial motivations cloud their judgment. Some unscrupulous lawyers could be tempted to extend a case unnecessarily or fabricate issues to increase their billable hours. Such dishonest behavior exploits the client’s vulnerability and trust, compromising the essence of the attorney-client relationship.
4. Maintaining Client Retention:
In a competitive legal landscape, some lawyers might prioritize retaining their clients over complete honesty. Fearful of losing you to a rival attorney or firm, they may resort to dishonesty to paint a more optimistic picture of the case. However, the long-term consequences of such deceit can lead to a loss of credibility and trustworthiness.
5. Protecting Prior Relationships:
Lawyers often work within intricate networks of legal professionals and stakeholders. In certain situations, an attorney might prioritize preserving relationships with other parties; they may find themselves under the pressure of losing their prior relationships and resort to concealing delicate facts. For example, a lawyer might not disclose a potential conflict of interest or a prior relationship with an opposing counsel to avoid tension but could compromise your best interests in doing so.
6. Inadequate Communication Skills:
Effective communication is paramount in the legal profession. Unfortunately, not all lawyers possess exceptional communication skills. Poor communication might lead to misunderstandings, misinformation, or a failure to convey critical details accurately. Inadvertent misrepresentations can arise from such communication breakdowns, leading to the feeling that you are lied to.
7. Ethical Dilemmas:
In certain legal scenarios, an attorney might face ethical dilemmas that require balancing competing moral principles. For instance, your attorney might be privy to information that, if disclosed, could harm your case or jeopardize the attorney-client privilege. In such cases, your lawyer might navigate a fine line between protecting your interests and appearing dishonest.
8. Personal Bias or Prejudice:
Lawyers, like all individuals, are not immune to personal biases or prejudices. Although legal ethics mandate impartiality and fairness, some attorneys might allow their biases to influence their advice or actions, inadvertently leading to dishonesty or partiality.
9. Lack of Competence:
Inexperienced or unqualified lawyers might find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of a case. To compensate for their lack of knowledge or skills, they might resort to misrepresentations or fabrications, believing that their deception will somehow benefit the client. In reality, this only exacerbates the situation and can lead to severe consequences.
10. Psychological Coping Mechanism:
Handling emotionally charged cases, particularly those involving personal injury or family disputes can take a significant toll on a lawyer’s mental well-being. As a psychological coping mechanism, your attorneys might distance themselves from the harsh realities of the case by resorting to subtle lies or omissions. While this might provide temporary relief, it can be harmful in the long run.
My Lawyer Lied To Me, What Should I Do?
Discovering that your lawyer lied to you can be a deeply unsettling experience, leaving you unsure about the next steps to take. In such distressing situations, it’s essential to remain proactive and informed. This part provides a 7-step guide on what to do if you believe your lawyer has been dishonest, ensuring you protect your rights and seek the justice you deserve.
Step 1: Confirm the Facts and Documentation
When faced with the distressing possibility that your lawyer may have lied to you, it’s essential to take a step back and objectively assess the situation. Gather all relevant documents, communications, and any evidence that may support your suspicion. This may include emails, text messages, letters, contracts, or billing records. Ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the matter at hand before proceeding further.
Step 2: Seek Legal Advice from Another Attorney
The gravity of your lawyer potentially lying to you warrants seeking advice from a different legal professional. Look for an attorney who specializes in legal malpractice or ethics cases to ensure that you receive unbiased and expert guidance. Share all the information you’ve gathered with this new attorney and seek their opinion on whether your previous lawyer’s actions constitute a breach of ethics or professional conduct.
Step 3: Document Your Concerns and Create a Timeline
To build a strong case, document your concerns and create a detailed timeline of events. Note down instances where you suspect your lawyer may have lied or acted dishonestly. Include dates, times, and any supporting evidence you have collected. This comprehensive record will be crucial if you decide to pursue a formal complaint against your previous lawyer.
Step 4: File a Complaint with the Appropriate Authorities
If your new attorney confirms that your previous lawyer’s actions were unethical or misleading, it’s time to file a complaint with the relevant authorities. These may include the state bar association, the attorney licensing board, or any other regulatory body responsible for overseeing lawyers’ conduct in your jurisdiction. Ensure your complaint is clear, concise, and supported by the documentation and timeline you’ve prepared.
Step 5: Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods
Before escalating the situation to a formal legal case, consider alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration. These processes can provide a more amicable and efficient resolution, and they may be less emotionally draining compared to lengthy court battles. However, be cautious not to compromise your rights or accept an unfair resolution in the process.
Step 6: Consult with a Legal Malpractice Attorney
If your efforts to resolve the issue through complaint procedures or ADR methods don’t yield satisfactory results, you may want to consider hiring a legal malpractice attorney. A legal malpractice attorney specializes in representing clients who have been harmed by their former lawyers‘ misconduct or negligence. They will help you assess the strength of your case, determine potential damages, and guide you through the litigation process if necessary.
Step 7: Pursue a Lawsuit for Legal Malpractice
If all else fails, and your legal malpractice attorney believes you have a strong case, you may choose to pursue a lawsuit against your previous lawyer. A legal malpractice lawsuit seeks to hold the lawyer accountable for any harm caused by their dishonesty or negligence. During the litigation process, both parties will present their arguments, and a court will make a judgment based on the evidence presented.
In conclusion, discovering that your lawyer lied to you can be a distressing and unsettling experience. However, by remaining proactive and following the steps outlined above, you can take appropriate actions to seek justice and hold the lawyer accountable for their actions.
Last updated on: April 11, 2024
