Why did the attorney not accept my case?

There is assumption among many people who seek legal representation that they are the ones in charge since they are paying the lawyer for his/her services. But, in reality, there are instances where the attorney may not take on your case. Just as you are not obligated to work with an attorney you meet with, the attorney is not obligated to take on every case. If an attorney does not accept your case, there may be very justifiable reasons for him/her to do so such as:

1. Lack of knowledge or experience – Just because a lawyer may be a personal injury lawyer, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she is well-versed in every aspect of that practice area. Legal areas are vast in nature, so there may be instances where the lawyer may not be able to address your specific needs. For instance, if you have a medical malpractice case that pertains to a birth injury, but the lawyer mainly focuses on elder abuse, that lawyer may not be the best lawyer for your case.
2. Conflict of interest – If the attorney knows or has a personal or professional relationship with the opposing side, he/she may have a bias against your case, ultimately harming your representation. For example, if you are suing a company that the lawyer has stocks in, he/she may be more hesitant to take on your case as the outcome may affect the lawyer’s relationship with the company.
3. Unworthy claim – There is a lot at stake when a lawyer takes on a case; therefore, they tend to take on cases that they believe will have a strong chance of obtaining a favorable result. That’s why it is extremely important to come prepared to your consultation with the lawyer so you can provide a sound claim for your case.
4. Strategy disagreements – Ultimately, if a lawyer agrees to take on a case, both you and lawyer must work together to see the end result. If the attorney has a strategy that you are not comfortable with, then the relationship may not be a good one.

Just because a lawyer may reject your case that does not mean that another lawyer will not represent you. At the same time, because there is a chance that a lawyer may not want to take the case, it is important to make sure you are very organized and prepared for your consultation.

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The materials in this blog are for informational purposes only, and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you need help with a legal matter and not rely on anything you read on this blog or elsewhere on the web.