If you have been charged with a crime and want to request court-appointed counsel, contact the indigent defense coordinator, court coordinator or judge in the county where you have been charged. See the applicable indigent defense plan or you can call your court for instructions on local processes.
If the problem persists, take action before the situation gets worse. Do not pass the issue to someone else in your office. Instead, a frank exchange between you and the opposing counsel may be needed. Perhaps a colleague can serve as an intermediary to smooth the way to a better relationship.
Use Mr./Ms. last name for the initial email. When opposing counsel responds and signs off with a first name (e.g., "Nick"), use that going forward. ? To address a group of opposing counsel, go with "Counsel." If you find these tips helpful, please follow Nick Bullard and click the ? to get my next tip.
Although motions to disqualify counsel can be filed for a variety of reasons, two of the most common reasons are: (1) when the attorney must testify as a fact witness at trial, and (2) when a conflict of interest exists between the attorney's current client and a former client of that attorney or the law firm where ...
Send a final meet and confer letter. If you've requested dates multiple times (hopefully in writing) and still no response, unilaterally set a date. If opposing counsel then objects that he/she/the client is not available, tell them that's too bad and that they've been given multiple opportunities to set a date.
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe the opposing counsel is not being truthful, the key is to rely on evidence and legal procedures to address the issue. You can also consult with a local lawyer in the area of law your case involves to get additional advice on your specific case and this magistrate.
Do not engage. Think of her as a course hazard more than an opponent. Aim your words, always, at the judge. Be on time, be reasonable, be flexible to the extent it will not prejudice or harm your client, and do your best to keep all interactions in writing and on the record.
8 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Opposing Counsel Point out Common Ground. Don't be Afraid to Ask Why. Separate the Person from the Problem. Focus on your Interests. Don't Fall for your Assumptions. Take a Calculated Approach. Control the Conversation by Reframing. Pick up the Phone.
If opposing counsel isn't responding: Document your repeated efforts at contact, including your statement of the consequence of continued nonresponse. Wait a reasonable amount of time. To be safe, get a court order authorizing direct contact.
Typically, a former client seeking to disqualify a former attorney from representing an opposing party must identify specific, cogent information that the attorney possesses and show that the information is confidential and implicates the duty of loyalty.