Divoarced attorney--what's normal in terms of their responsiveness speed?

[Anonymous]

I met with a well respected attorney last week (this is Maryland). I told him I want to retain their firm. I have been following up every day since and I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone but the receptionist. Is this normal?
I get that they're busy but I am anxious to get this started. What are reasonable expectations?

[Anonymous]

My experience was contacting the lawyer by phone, paying for an initial consult ($400) and then following a few of the instructions she gave me. Then I arranged another meeting at which we reviewed the changes and I signed the retainer agreement. I brought my cheque book to the second meeting (6 months later) and paid the 5K retainer. My ex tried to use someone from her firm (he retained them); I hadn't retained her yet, but we had already been working together so her colleague stepped away.

Prior to the official agreement she had given me her cellphone number so she was available for brief consult while I completed her instructions.

What did they say at the meeting when you said you wanted to retain them? It seems odd you wouldn't just sign the agreement right then.

My lawyer is very busy but usually responds within four hours if not instantly. Sometimes it's only two words, but it's a response. What are you looking to do (draft papers, get advice, get things in order etc.)?

The biggest thing I've learned from my lawyer is that they do not do anything in a rush. This has been good for me overall, but created a lot of anxiety at times.

[Anonymous]

We had the initial consult. I want to move speedily with a settlement proposal. I'm guessing they won't work on that until I have signed the retainer which I'm willing to do as of last week. And I have yet to hear back from an attorney from the firm.

[Anonymous]

If you are not getting a response at this point before they have your money image how slow the response will be after they have your money.

[Anonymous]

Things can get busy. Be patient. A busy lawyer likely means they are good.

[Anonymous]

"Things can get busy. Be patient. A busy lawyer likely means they are good."

Are you actually a moron or just pretending to be?

OP, I think it depends on what the receptionist has told you and how you've been trying to communicate with the attorney. Have you sent emails or are just leaving messages with the receptionist? If the latter, there could be a problem with the receptionist. Or, if you're being told that the attorney is traveling or in trial, then a delay is reasonable. Otherwise, absent a good reason, it is reasonable to expect to get some sort of response within a 24-48 hour time frame. You should at least to be told what the next steps will be by someone in the firm, even if the attorney is out.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why the receptionist is unable to handle having you fill out the initial paperwork and the retainer agreement. That doesn't make any sense to me. Presumably the lawyer told you what you need to do in the short term (i.e. gathering paperwork and financial statements) during the consultation?

[Anonymous]

On the contrary, lawyers are frequently in a rush. But one cannot rush everything for everyone all the time. Physically unpossible. So lawyers need to manage expectations re: timing and responsiveness and clients need to have reasonable ones.