Attorney-client Relationship In South Africa In Middlesex
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Usually, 30-45 days is considered reasonable unless there is pending litigation and the client needs the file transfered to another attorney. Then the time limit can be much shorter--as little as 5 days in one case. If your attorney is dragging his/her feet, you should consider filing a complaint with the CA Bar.
The general rule in South African law is that communications between a lawyer and their client, as well as documents prepared by lawyers for their clients, may not be disclosed without the client's consent.
For example, if you've missed filing deadlines or had court requests denied because your attorney failed to communicate, you likely have a claim for legal malpractice.
Complaints about attorneys should be lodged with the Legal Practice Council. Attorneys fall under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Legal Practice Council. Complaints must be lodged with the relevant office of the Legal Practice Council.
The establishment of the attorney-client relationship involves two elements: a person seeks advice or assistance from an attorney; and the attorney appears to give, agrees to give or gives the advice or assistance.
The first thing to do is reach out to the lawyer. Try by phone first and if that fails by email. Send a follow up request. The second thing to do is send a demand letter, return receipt requested, specifying the actions you will take if the lawyer does not respond.
The general rule in South African law is that communications between a lawyer and their client, as well as documents prepared by lawyers for their clients, may not be disclosed without the client's consent.
An attorney-client relationship may be implied when: (1) a person seeks legal advice from an attorney; (2) the advice sought is within the attorney's professional competence: (3) and the attorney actually gives the advice.
Except when created by court appointment, the attorney-client relationship may be found to exist based on the intent and conduct of the parties and the reasonable expectations of the potential client.
California courts have held that an attorney-client relationship can only be created by contract.
