Giving an Attorney a Referral Does Not Mean You are Involved in the Case.

It is great when any business owner gets a referral from a past client or customer. In a normal retail setting, it is natural to get updates on the person's satisfaction with the services or product.

However, in the legal and medical field, just stay out of the relationship. Once you refer someone, you have no right to receive updates from the professional. Of course, you can always ask the customer about the medical service and status, but stay away from the attorney-client case if it is in litigation.

Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product

The law protects communications between attorneys and clients so the clients can freely discuss cases, and the lawyers can freely give advice, collect information, and formulate strategies. However, the privilege can be waived by the client when he insists on (1) bringing in third parties on phone calls and meetings; (2) disclosing conversations or strategies on social media; or (3) discussing advice with friends and family. During discovery, opposing counsel can find out the identity of those individuals who had to stick their noses in litigation. This could be disastrous because once the privileged is waived, opposing counsel can learn strategies and topics of communication. 

Settlements

The nosy friend or family member could be a disaster to your settlement. Settlements are often confidential. This means the parties are prohibited from discussing the terms of the settlement. A persistent and intrusive person may push you in disclosing the terms. If your opponent learns of the settlement violation, you may be ordered to return the settlement and pay attorney's fees. If the person wants to know what happened, tell him it's been resolved and shut down the topic.

Too Many Attorneys on One Case is a Warning Sign Most Attorneys Cannot Ignore

When searching for an attorney, take your time selecting counsel. Make sure your attorney is right for your temperment, time requirements, and budget. Also, pay attention to criticisms others make about you and your case.

Once you select counsel, be mindful of warnings she gives about withdrawing from the case if (1) payments aren't made; (2) unnecessary and frequent calls don't cease; (3) disruptive behavior doesn't stop; or (4) required documents and other information aren't produced. Keep a good attorney rather than running him off. Indeed, when a potential client discloses he has gone through several attorneys through dismissals or withdrawals, red flags pop up. Many lawyers won't touch the case because it's a sign of trouble. In those instances, it is irrelevant how much money the case is worth.

After several years, I have joined the majority of my fellow attorney in heeding these red flags. As a result, effective April 1, 2016, if a person has already had an attorney on a matter, the potential client must sign a waiver to allow me to discuss the matter with former counsel. The waiver will notify counsel (s)he is permitted to speak fully and honestly with the firm. If the potential client had legitimate reasons for dismissing the first, second, or third counsel, there should be no hesitation to sign the waiver and pay for counsel's time.