#08
During RepresentationHigh Risk
The lawyer's advice objectively benefits the other side more than you
Conflict of Interest
Why It's Dangerous
If your lawyer repeatedly advises you to abandon evidence that favors you, drop pursuit of key issues, or make concessions when you hold the advantage, this may not be professional judgment but a sign of conflicted interest. The lawyer may have some undisclosed relationship with the opposing party.
Typical Scenario
A lawyer repeatedly advised the client not to pursue the opposing company's concealed assets, calling it "too complicated." After the client found the evidence independently, the lawyer still advised dropping it. The client later had reason to believe the lawyer had a personal relationship with the opposing party.
* This scenario is illustrative, based on common patterns observed in legal disputes.
What To Do
1
Keep a record of every piece of unfavorable advice the lawyer gives2
Seek a second, independent lawyer's opinion3
If two lawyers' recommendations are completely opposite, dig into why4
Investigate whether your lawyer has any connection to the opposing partyHave you experienced this?