• Published Date

    April 15, 2019

Ad Text

Clients who Switch Lawyers Family Matters by John Syrtash "When acting as Judge, do not act as a lawyer. 3. To avoid any misunderstanding or confusion, is a strategy confirmed in writing? Rabbi Tzadok, from 'Ethics of the Fathers' (Pirkei Avot) 4. If there is a difficult question of law, was it properly researched and lients often judge their own disputes in family law, sometimes second- explained? guessing the lawyers they pay. This can lead to disastrous results 5. Does the lawyer document the important facts or just rely on the client's word? 6. If there is a trusted lover, friend, parent or other relative, does the lawyer try John Syrtash particularly when a client reflects on someone else's experiences. Someone else's dispute may appear to be similar yield very different results, even if just one fact differs. Each case is like a snowflake, always special B. A. (Hon.) LL.B to include them? Garfin Zeidenberg LLP Family Lawyer & Mediator to switch to other Counsel 7 If the client has an emotional issue, does the lawyer try to get him/her help A dlient has every right to instruct his lawyer and t when they seriously disagree. However, a large number of family law litigants switch from one lawyer to another, without really considering their lawyer's 8. Does he return calls/emailstexts within a couple of days, or have an assistant advice. I call this the revolving door client. If he has already had two or more before getting instructions? for 38 years Mr Syrtash is Senior to do so? Family Law Associate tolawyers, many Counsel will stay away. Garfin Zeidenberg LLP Every time such a client switches the new lawyer will usually charge to review the warm you of the risks and their costs before the Court date and in writing? celebrating 38 years as adispute from scratch by having to read the entire file and Court record.Why pay Did he/she really prepare? Or was it the Judge, a former real estate lawyer 9. If there is loss during the battle, do you kill the General? Or did your lawyer Family Law lawyer this year. to duplicate the work already performed it perhaps, there is no need to change? who didn't know the difference between divorce and fried pancakes? Or was Suite 800, 5255 Yonge Street t may first be wise to get a "second opinion" before switching, saving one a lot it an uncertain area of the law? Or were versions of the facts so completely (at Norton) just north of of money. If in doubt, the smart client will ask the lawyer to put his strategy in writing, with an estimate of costs before suspecting any error in judgment different that discerning the truth loomed over the certainty of a result? Mel Lastman Square, Even when losing. Napoleon held the trust and loyalty of his troops because he Civic Centre Subway stationI present a few clues they don't necessarily teach in law school: respected them. By contrast, his arch English rival, Wellington called his men "the Toronto, ON MSG 1E6. 1. Is a suggested tactic described in plain English? Is it clear? If English is a of the earth. If a dient or lawyer don't follow such basic rules a lawyer and his/her client will often have their own Waterloo and re-enter the revolving door. John Syrtash can be reached reached at (416) 642-5410, Cell (416) 886-0359 second language, does the client really understand? 2. Does the lawyer help weigh the risks? We wish you a Happy and Kosher Pesach. Visit;; Neither Garfin Zeidenberg LLP nor John Syrtash is liable for any consequences arising from anyone's rellance on this material, which is presented as general information and not as a legal opinion Sponsored by the Community for Jewish Culture of B'Nai Brith Canada