With so many lawsuits and attorneys out there, it's hard to tell when you are in the hands of someone whose scruples may be less than shining. Predatory attorneys look for opportunities to exploit their clients (contrary to the ethical standards many attorneys in the field use in their practice) and the law in order to win the biggest payments.

If you think it's possible you are being exploited by a predatory attorney, you must take steps to protect yourself in order to avoid losing money or even your case. Your first step should be to consult with another attorney in the area. Explain in detail the behavior you feel your attorney is engaging in which you feel to be predatory. Are they encouraging you to file additional suits which you feel are inappropriate? Do their billing hours seem to be higher than they should? Have you been asked to participate in a legal action which you feel is inappropriate to either your situation or your potential litigation? Discuss the behavior of your attorney with an independent consultant in the field, and see if they can give you a second opinion on the manner in which your attorney is conducting him- or herself. Once you have discussed this with another attorney, you should have a good basis for comparison.

Should you find that your attorney's judgments are brought into question by the second opinion, it may be time to contact your state bar association and report your predatory attorney and their actions to that bar association. Like any other licensed professional, attorneys are subject to rules and regulations within their field and are licensed by their state bar. When attorneys misbehave or act unethically, the state bar association can help act to stop their predatory or illegal practices.

Some predatory attorneys make a point of going to elderly or infirm individuals and trying to pressure them into taking legal actions with which they are uncomfortable. Other predatory attorneys can represent their clients at your expense, perhaps threatening inappropriate lawsuits. In this case your only recourse may be to retain an attorney of your own in defense. Should this happen, the attorney representing you may be able to assist in stopping predatory behavior by the other attorney, as they will know the best channels to move through when looking for ways to prove the other attorney's inappropriate behavior to the courts.