214-484-4323 | 3030 McKinney Ave, Suite 104, Dallas, Texas 75204

The Collie Firm, PLLC

Dallas, Texas 75204

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Avoiding the ‘Injury’ of Grievances Against Personal Injury Lawyers

Griffin W. Collie in Grievance Defense

Personal injury lawyers have to overcome negative stereotypes.  In order to rise above those perceptions, we are encouraged to hold ourselves to higher standards of ethical conduct. Here are a few way to avoid grievances against personal injury lawyers.

Maintain client communication

  • This may be easier said than done, but this is the number one cause for grievance complaints. You don’t have to call, you can write. Don’t assume the client knows what a great job you are doing.  Set him straight. Let him know the truth.
  • Err on the side of communicating too much instead of too little.  Neglect remains one of the most common grievance complaints filed against attorneys and is defined as “inattentiveness involving a conscious disregard for the responsibilities owed to a client or clients,” Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

Money matters

  • Don’t advance settlement funds or lend money to clients, no matter how hard they pressure you. It’s against the rules. It looks like you are buying the case with a kickback or an illegal referral fee. (Even so, there are exceptions when you can make advances for limited purposes.)
  • Outline your fees in writing.  Texas law requires us to have contingency fee contracts in writing, signed by the client. Hourly fee contracts are different.

Know when to quit

Sometimes, withdrawing a case is the right thing to do. Don’t force it when it won’t work out.

Be patient

Even though we may have handled hundreds of these cases in the past, for the majority of our clients, this is a brand new experience.  Be mindful of how long and frustrating the process can be.  Clients are unfamiliar with the way it works.

Stay informed

Click here to learn more about the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Collie Firm can help with your case

We appreciate and empathize with every aspect of the grievance defense process. Your reputation and livelihood are at stake. We have a track record for championing fellow attorneys who have diligently worked on a matter with a client only to find themselves on the receiving end of a professional ethics misconduct allegation.

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Griffin W. Collie

214-484-4323
griffin.collie@thecolliefirm.com

About The Collie Firm

Since 1992, we have been practicing in Dallas, Texas while striving to establish and maintain client relationships based on trust, understanding our client's needs, and relentless commitment to achieve our client's objectives.

Attorney At Law

The Collie Firm, PLLC
Griffin W. Collie
3030 McKinney Avenue, Suite 104
Dallas,Texas75204
214-484-4323
griffin.collie@thecolliefirm.com
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