For example, say if you had to go back to court and your lawyer told you you didn't have to go, and you didn't go, can you blame your attorney and get away with it? NOTE: This does not apply to me. Please don't give specific advice relating to this situation. I'm just wondering in general.
Answer by ryanratilal
Judges will usually be forgiving in such a case. Your lawyer, however, will be in trouble.
Answer by smalco02
The lawyer could be held accountable. It's called ineffective assistance of counsel.
Answer by 48Special
If it's the lawyers mistake, then why would you even think the client would be held accountable? Just because he's a Lawyer, and they wouldn't believe the client?? Definately the lawyers fault!!!
Answer by Wintergirl
The client will be held responsible for not going and probably get a fine or some other sanction against them.
The first answerer is living in a fantasy world. Lawyers do NOT get in trouble for this unless the client goes through a lengthy reporting process to the state bar, and it takes many months and research before they'll even begin to hold the lawyer responsible.
Answer by privateye2500
When that happened to me - I was Not held accountable but my attorney had a Lot of explaining to do. I believe each type of this kind of thing warrants its own - eg: how the judge sees the situation, if the attorney LIES or not, who the judge believes, priors, all of that plus more *games* enter into it.
The answer is certainly Not cut and dried and it may even vary legally from state to state. Since your attorney works for YOU - it IS your responsibility to KNOW what is going on at all times and to inform YOUR attorney of what you want him/her to do. Sad but true - many people have the misconception that the lawyer has all the answers...well that is just not true!
it is like with going to the Dr. - how many times have you had to look up your own problems online, do alllll your own research and then tell your Dr. what you need!
Same applies here.
M/
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Orignal From: If your lawyer makes a mistake, will the courts hold the client responsible?
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