In California, a defendant must prove the following to establish that their attorney was ineffective: the lawyer's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and. the attorney's failure to act competently prejudiced the defendant.
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.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, in the US, an opposing attorney does not owe you a duty that would give rise to a claim for legal malpractice. You might have some other claim against them, but not malpractice.
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.
Generally speaking, in the US, an opposing attorney does not owe you a duty that would give rise to a claim for legal malpractice. You might have some other claim against them, but not malpractice.
You want to keep it short and sweet: show the judge(s) succinctly why the argument is wrong and then move on to something else. You don't want a long, detailed response to inadvertently add credibility to the dumb argument by suggesting that it's not actually that simple.