#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 been paid off by the other side, or may have some undisclosed relationship with them.
Real Case
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 lawyer later admitted to having a personal relationship with the opposing company's legal representative.
* This case has been anonymized. Details have been adjusted to protect privacy.
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 party