How is Communication with a Lawyer Supposed to Work?

You’ve hired a car accident lawyer to handle your case. You’ve handed over a mountain of paperwork and told them your story. Now what? Do you wait by the phone for daily updates? Should you be calling them every week? One of the biggest sources of frustration for clients is a mismatch in expectations about communication.

A good attorney-client relationship is a partnership, and like any partnership, it thrives on clear, consistent, and effective communication. Your lawyer has specific ethical duties to keep you informed, but it’s also important for you as the client to understand their role, the realities of a long legal case, and how you can be a proactive partner in the process.

This guide will help you understand the “rules of the road” for communicating with your legal team, so you can build a strong, trusting, and productive relationship from start to finish.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Lawyers Have a Duty to Communicate: Under Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct, your lawyer has an ethical duty to keep you reasonably informed about the status of your case and promptly respond to your reasonable requests for information.
• Don’t Expect Daily Updates: A legal case has long periods of inactivity (like waiting for medical records or a response from an insurer). Communication will happen when there are significant developments, not every day.
• You May Speak with Staff More Than the Lawyer: For routine updates and administrative questions, you will often communicate with the firm’s paralegal or case manager. This is a normal and efficient part of the process.
• Your Role is to Be Responsive: Your primary communication duty is to inform your lawyer of any changes in your medical condition or contact information and to respond promptly when they need something from you.
• Establish Expectations Upfront: The best time to clarify communication preferences is during your initial consultation.

Your Lawyer’s Ethical Duty to Keep You Informed

It’s important to know that communication isn’t just a matter of good customer service; it’s an ethical obligation. The Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC 1.4) require a lawyer to:

• Promptly inform you of any decision or circumstance that requires your consent.
• Keep you “reasonably informed” about the status of your case.
• Promptly comply with your “reasonable requests” for information.
• Explain matters to the extent reasonably necessary to permit you to make informed decisions.

Who Will I Be Talking To? The Role of the Legal Team

In most modern law firms, the attorney is like the lead surgeon, and they are supported by a skilled team. While the attorney is in charge of the legal strategy, negotiations, and any court appearances, your day-to-day contact will often be with a paralegal or case manager.

This is a good thing! These professionals are highly knowledgeable about your case file and are more accessible than a busy attorney who may be in court or depositions. They can answer most of your routine questions about medical bills, appointments, and the general status of your file. For major strategic decisions or significant updates, you should always expect to hear from your lawyer directly.

Your Role in the Communication Partnership

You also have a crucial role to play in ensuring communication is effective.

• Keep Your Lawyer Updated: This is your most important job. You must inform your legal team immediately about any changes in your medical condition (a new diagnosis, a referral to a specialist, a recommendation for surgery) or any changes to your contact information.
• Be Organized: When you call or email, have your questions ready. Be concise and to the point.
• Be Patient, But Persistent: Understand that there will be quiet periods in your case. However, if you feel you are not being kept reasonably informed or your calls are not being returned within a reasonable time (typically 24-48 business hours), it is okay to be politely persistent.

Setting Expectations from Day One

The best way to avoid frustration is to discuss communication during your initial consultation. Ask these questions:

• “Who will be my primary point of contact for routine questions?”
• “What is your firm’s policy on returning phone calls or emails?”
• “How will you update me on major developments in my case (e.g., email, phone call)?”

A strong attorney-client relationship is built on mutual respect and clear communication. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of both sides, you can create a partnership that reduces stress and is focused on achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

If you are looking for a legal advocate in the Tacoma area who prioritizes clear client communication, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. You can use our detailed profiles and real client Google Reviews to find a firm whose communication style is the right fit for you.

References

• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) – RPC 1.4 – Communication:The official Rules of Professional Conduct that legally and ethically require Washington lawyers to maintain clear and reasonable communication with their clients.

  https://www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/rules-of-professional-conduct/rpc-1-4

• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) – The Attorney-Client Relationship:A consumer pamphlet from the WSBA that explains the rights and responsibilities of both the client and the attorney in a legal engagement.

  https://www.wsba.org/docs/default-source/news-public/publications/pamphlets/the-attorney-client-relationship-2015.pdf