Protecting Clients Left Without Representation
When you hire a lawyer, you place your trust, finances, and future in their hands. Attorneys in New York have a duty to diligently represent their clients until the case concludes or until the court grants permission to withdraw. When a lawyer abandons a client without notice or approval, it is a serious breach of duty and may amount to legal malpractice.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we fight for clients across [City] and New York who were abandoned by their attorneys and left to face devastating consequences.
Call today for a free consultation: (212) 551-PAUL
What is Attorney Abandonment?
Attorney abandonment occurs when a lawyer:
- Stops working on a case without notifying the client
- Withdraws representation without court approval
- Fails to appear at hearings or trial
- Ignores client communications for extended periods
- Leaves the client unrepresented at a critical stage
Abandonment not only violates professional ethics — it can destroy a client’s case.
Common Examples of Attorney Abandonment
| Type of Misconduct | Example | Legal Impact |
| Failure to Appear | Lawyer does not show up for hearings or trial | Default judgment or dismissal |
| Withdrawal Without Notice | Lawyer stops working on case without approval | Client left unprotected |
| Disappearance | Attorney closes office, moves, or “vanishes” | Client loses representation suddenly |
| Ignoring Clients | No responses to calls, emails, or letters | Client cannot make informed decisions |
| Failure to Act | Case deadlines ignored after taking fees | Case dismissed, rights lost |
Proving Malpractice for Attorney Abandonment
To succeed in a claim, clients generally must prove:
- Attorney-Client Relationship – The lawyer was formally retained.
- Breach of Duty – The attorney abandoned the case without proper withdrawal.
- Causation – The abandonment harmed the client’s case or outcome.
- Damages – The client suffered financial or legal losses.
Damages Available in Abandonment Cases
Clients harmed by abandonment may recover damages for:
- Value of lost claims or defenses
- Financial harm caused by case dismissal or default
- Legal fees paid to the negligent attorney
- Costs of hiring new counsel to repair the damage
- Emotional distress caused by betrayal and loss of trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer quit in the middle of my case?
Only with proper notice and, in many cases, court approval. Abandonment without this may be malpractice.
What if my lawyer stopped returning calls?
If your case was harmed by silence and neglect, you may have a malpractice claim.
What if my lawyer failed to appear in court?
Failing to show up can cause case dismissals or default judgments and may justify a claim.
How long do I have to file a malpractice claim in New York?
Generally 3 years from when the malpractice occurred or was discovered.
Serving [City] and the Greater New York Area
We represent clients abandoned by their attorneys in [City], Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and across New York.