Replacing your Lawyer
As a consumer and as a customer, you have the right to replace your attorney whenever you want for whatever reason. Remember, even though you hired a legal professional, you are still ultimately responsible for your own legal affairs. If you believe there is a problem with your lawyer or they are unresponsive and not meeting the objectives that you outlined in the first meeting, than you may need to speak up and take on the responsibility of fixing it.
There are several things you should keep in mind when deciding whether to replace your attorney:
- Think it through. If it's the day before an important court appearance know what the consequences of changing your lawyer at this time may be. Be clear. Write a letter and terminate your lawyer’s services in writing, keeping an original copy for yourself. Don't just stop returning phone calls and assume he'll get the hint.
- Act as soon as you are aware of a problem. You may want to discuss it first with your lawyer before deciding to terminate their services. However, the longer you wait to replace your lawyer, the more difficult it will be to bring another lawyer up to speed in time to help you. Also, this solution may not always be cost effective.
- Be able to articulate, at least to yourself, what the problem is with your lawyer.
- Find a new lawyer as soon as possible and provide them with the former lawyer's contact information, particularly if work has already been performed.