Holding Attorneys Accountable for Ignoring Client Decisions
When you hire an attorney, you expect them to provide guidance — but certain decisions remain yours to make. Lawyers in New York are ethically and legally required to follow a client’s lawful instructions. When an attorney disregards or overrides a client’s decisions without consent, it may amount to legal malpractice.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we represent clients across [City] and New York who were harmed because their lawyer failed to follow their directions. If your attorney ignored your instructions and it cost you money, rights, or justice, we can help.
Call today for a free consultation: (212) 551-PAUL
What Does It Mean to Fail to Follow Client Instructions?
Clients control major decisions in a case, including whether to:
- File or dismiss a lawsuit
- Accept or reject a settlement
- Enter a plea in a criminal case
- Authorize financial transactions
- Approve legal strategies that directly affect their rights
When an attorney makes these decisions without client consent, they may breach their fiduciary duty and commit malpractice.
Common Examples of Failure to Follow Instructions
| Type of Misconduct | Example | Legal Impact |
| Unauthorized Settlement | Lawyer agrees to settlement without client’s approval | Client loses rightful compensation |
| Ignoring Client’s Wishes | Client instructs lawyer to file a claim, but lawyer refuses | Rights lost due to missed deadlines |
| Improper Plea Agreement | Lawyer enters plea deal without consent | Serious criminal consequences |
| Disregarding Strategy Choices | Ignoring client’s decision to go to trial | Breach of duty & loss of client’s rights |
| Financial Missteps | Lawyer mishandles funds or transactions without direction | Financial loss to client |
Proving Malpractice in These Cases
To succeed in a claim, a client must generally prove:
- Attorney-Client Relationship – The lawyer was formally retained.
- Breach of Duty – The lawyer ignored or overrode instructions.
- Causation – The failure directly harmed the client’s case or outcome.
- Damages – The client suffered financial, legal, or emotional harm.
Compensation for Victims of Attorney Misconduct
Victims of lawyers who failed to follow instructions may recover damages for:
- Lost settlements or verdicts
- Financial harm caused by unauthorized decisions
- Legal fees wasted on negligent representation
- Costs of repairing the harm with new counsel
- Emotional distress caused by betrayal of trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a lawyer settle my case without my consent?
No. Settlement decisions belong to the client — doing so without permission is malpractice.
What if my lawyer refused to file my case?
If this caused you to miss deadlines or lose rights, you may have a malpractice claim.
What if I gave instructions but they were ignored?
Lawyers must follow all lawful client instructions. Ignoring them may be malpractice.
How long do I have to bring 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 malpractice victims across [City], Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and throughout New York when attorneys fail to follow client instructions.