Is there too much on your lawyer’s plate? – Considering the lawyer’s workload and how that affects your claim

Going through any legal matter is time-consuming and stressful, so it is useful to go over a timeline with the lawyer to help gauge the amount of time and commitment you and the lawyer need to put in. One thing to consider is the lawyer’s current workload. Does the attorney already appear to have numerous cases to handle? Would he/she be able to focus on those cases and take on yours and keep you informed of significant developments?

There are times when the lawyer’s workload may be very full and, if he/she is dealing with involved cases, then it may be challenging for him/her to put in the amount of attention in your case that you would like. For example, if you are talking with a family lawyer, his/her workload may not be as heavy if the family matters are being settled in mediation as these types of situations do not require obtaining extensive evidences and calling upon witnesses. However, if the cases are very involved and require court appearances, then the workload may be substantial as they require the lawyer to delve deeply into the issues.

While the lawyer is not able to discuss any of the cases with you, you should ask the lawyer to gauge his/her workload and the possibility of taking on your case as well. In particular, if you believe that your case is going to be involved, then you should definitely inquire if your lawyer will be able to put in the time and energy needed into your case. Being upfront about such questions is important because it will help prevent stresses later on.

If you need further assistance regarding finding the right lawyer for your case, or if you would like to talk about any questions regarding the Lawyer Referral Services, contact the Riverside County Bar Association.

If you have a legal matter outside of Riverside County, consider one of these alternatives: The Bar Association of San Francisco, The Chicago Bar Association, or the Brooklyn Bar Association.

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.