#32
Complaints & RecourseMedium Risk
The lawyer says 'there's nothing more we can do' but won't put it in writing
Case Dumping
Why It's Dangerous
If a lawyer verbally tells you to give up — 'there's nothing more we can do,' 'this is as far as it goes' — but refuses to put their opinion in writing, they may be trying to dump your case. Legitimate professional judgment isn't afraid of being documented.
Typical Scenario
A lawyer verbally told a client 'this case can't be won, stop wasting your time' but refused to provide a written opinion. After switching lawyers, the new lawyer believed the case was still winnable and ultimately succeeded on appeal.
* This scenario is illustrative, based on common patterns observed in legal disputes.
What To Do
1
Demand a written legal opinion for any major conclusion from the lawyer2
Don't take a verbal 'nothing more we can do' at face value3
Seek an independent second opinion from another lawyer4
A refusal to put an opinion in writing is itself tellingHave you experienced this?