Attorneys can’t be available at a client’s beck and call. They wouldn’t be able to complete the work that needs to be done on client cases. And if you have an attorney right now, you might be feeling frustrated because you’ve left a message, and your attorney hasn’t called you back. But before you consider firing the attorney or showing up unannounced at the attorney’s office, let’s look at a couple of things.
Think about why you’re calling your attorney. Is it because you want an update on your case? Then perhaps it’s something the paralegal can handle. While it’s understandable you want to talk to the attorney you hired, attorneys hire paralegal/legal assistants because of their ability to assist clients and handle the ins and outs of the legal office. Most of the time, they can answer your question or, at the very least, ask the attorney for an answer for you which will enable you to get what you need quicker.
And, if you’re paying your lawyer by the hour, every conversation you have is costing you money. Instead, if you allow him/her to do the work for which you hired them, you will keep your costs lower.
Finally, if you become frustrated because you can’t talk to your attorney on the phone and decide to show up at the office, you’re likely to be even more disappointed than you are awaiting a phone call. You can’t walk into your doctor’s office, your accountant’s office, or any number of other offices, and expect to be seen without an appointment. Yes, it’s frustrating, but what you see on television isn’t what really happens.
So if you really believe you need to talk to your attorney, call the paralegal or administrative assistant and schedule a telephone call or an in-person appointment. Yes, you might have to wait until the attorney has a clear spot on the calendar, but at least you’re guaranteed time to talk.