QUESTION
Can I change my law firm after signing with them?
Asked on Sep 21st, 2011 on Personal Injury - New York
More details to this question:
The staff of my lawyer is not being very helpful. They are not answering my questions. I would like to know if after signing the documents with this firm, I can go ahead and change law firm. I feel like this is a legal clinic instead of personalized services. Can I change to another Law Firm?
26 ANSWERS
Personal Injury Attorney serving New York, NY
at
Rothstein Law PLLC
Update Your Profile
Yes.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 2:54 AM
Workers Compensation Attorney serving West Palm Beach, FL
1 Award
Yes.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 2:53 AM
Bad Faith Attorney serving Orlando, FL
at
Riley Allen Law
Update Your Profile
Yes, you can. Any time.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 2:53 AM
Steven D. Dunnings
Yes.
Answered on Jun 03rd, 2013 at 2:51 AM
2 Awards
Absolutely you can. I suggest you seek out the advice and guidance of another attorney who is willing to take on your case prior to you terminating the relationship. Also, it would be important for your new attorney to understand the agreement/contract you signed with the previous law firm so that it is fully understood if there are any claims for payment the prior attorney can make. In a contingency fee agreement, this is generally called a claim for quantum meruit.
Answered on Sep 07th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
General Civil Trial Practice Attorney serving Beaverton, OR
at
Vincent J. Bernabei, LLC
Update Your Profile
Yes. Tell them you are changing firms.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 6:32 PM
Clients can always change their lawyers. However, there are costs and benefits to doing so. First, if the case hasn't been filed but you're close to the statute of limitations, there may not be enough time for a new lawyer to get up to speed to file before the expiration of the statute. If you're close to trial, it may not be possible for a new lawyer to be ready to try the case. And in Oregon, lawyers are not supposed to talk to the clients of another lawyer about their case without the other lawyer's consent. Sometimes, a lawyer has actually done the work, but done a poor job of communicating. In that situation, you're better off letting the lawyer know that you are unhappy, and giving a lawyer a chance to make you happy. A lawyer who has done the work, but not communicated with you will usually respond positively when he or she hears your concerns. But sometimes a lawyer hasn't done the work, and so is blowing the client off. The only way to find out is to let the lawyer know that you're unhappy. If the lawyer keeps dodging you after you let them know you're unhappy, the lawyer either has terrible people skills or has just has not done the work. In either event, you are probably going to want a different lawyer. If you do decide to change lawyers, the lawyer you fire is still entitled to a reasonable fee for his or her efforts. If you do decide to get a new lawyer, remember that lawyers don't want bad clients. When a lawyer knows that a client fired his last lawyer, it raises an alarm. A client who complains that their lawyer was telling them that the case was not worth what the client thought it was worth may be the unreasonable one, not the lawyer. On the other hand, a client who can't even get a return phone call from the lawyer probably has a legitimate concern. So if you are unhappy with your lawyer, call or write to the lawyer and give them a chance to fix the problem. If they can't you can speak to other lawyers in general terms, but you won't be able to discuss your case specifically until you have discharged your current lawyer.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Communicate both orally and in writing with a partner or the head of the law firm regarding your displeasure with the firm's legal representation on your case, the specific way in which you are treated,and your decision to terminate the attorney/client arrangementnt. Perhaps, after this takes place, you may change your mind or the law firm will improve its relationship and communications with you.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 1:08 PM
Brain Injury Attorney serving Baton Rouge, LA
at
The Lucky Law Firm, PLC
Update Your Profile
Yes, you may change attorneys at any time. I am not sure what type of agreement you signed with your current firm - for example, a contingency fee agreement, hourly agreement, etc.; however, depending on the type of agreement will depend on how your current attorney will receive money for the work done on your file. You simply have to send a letter to your current attorney advising that you no longer need his/her services. You may contact my office once you have done this to see if I or someone I know can assist you in a more personalized manner. At The Lucky Law Firm, our client is our number one priority.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 1:01 PM
4 Awards
In Louisiana you may fire the attorney or firm you have hired at any time. You should do so in writing, and advise the firm that you want to pick up your file within a specified period of time. The attorney or firm may be entitled to some compensation for the work they have done, depending on the work done, the type of contract and fee arrangement you have, and whether or not you have a reason for firing them. If you feel the firm/attorney is not communicating properly, that is one reason for firing "for cause."
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Lawyers are no different from dentists, plumbers, painters, etc. If you are unhappy with their services at any time, you are free to leave them and go to another law firm. If the lawyer is owed any money for his/her services, it typically would come out of the attorney fees of your new lawyer. In other words, it should NOT cost you anything to make that change. My office takes many cases over from other law firms where the client is unhappy for a variety of reasons, and the switch is typically smooth and painless.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Plaintiff Animal Bites Attorney serving Missoula, MT
at
Bulman Law Associates PLLC
Update Your Profile
Yes you can. Read your contract first. You may be responsible to reimburse your current lawyer for costs advanced to develop your case. This would include medical records, expert witnesses, etc. Usually when a client fires an attorney, the next attorney contacts the first atty to make arrangements about costs and transfer of your file. You should also think about how many times you have contacted the staff and whether you are a pest. Developing a case takes time. During your initial interview with your attorney, he/she should have given some timeline for completion. Contested matters, like child custody, can drag on for years. Keep your lawyer paid and things will get done.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Litigation Attorney serving Olean, NY
at
Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP
Update Your Profile
You can fire your attorney at any time for any reason. Just make sure it is best for you as sometimes the grass is not greener. You should have a discussion with your attorney before you do this and also consider how quickly and easily you will be able to acquire a new attorney. Look before you leap. Good luck.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC
at
Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
Update Your Profile
Yes. I would write them simply and tell them you would like to terminate their services and would like the return of your file. They are required to comply with your request.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
at
Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
Update Your Profile
Yes. A client always has the right to change lawyers. "Their" file belongs to you. You can get it and take it to another lawyer.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Worcester, MA
at
Gregory Casale, Attorney at Law
Update Your Profile
Yes you can. Make an appointment with the new lawyer you want to hire and he or she should be able to take care of notifying the old firm. I do it all the time for clients unhappy with other lawyers.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Automobile Negligence Attorney serving Orlando, FL
at
Kelaher Law Offices, P.A.
Update Your Profile
You certainly have the right to change your lawyers whenever you want. You need to know, however, that if you are being represented on a contingent fee basis, the lawyer has the right to put a charging lien on your file and be paid when the case resolves. If you discuss this with the lawyer who takes over your representation, they can probably work something out with that lawyer so it won't cost you any more money. Legal representation is a personal service, and you should feel comfortable not only with your lawyer but his or her staff, as well, and if you don't feel that way, then you have the right to change lawyers.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
at
Klisz Law Office, PLLC
Update Your Profile
Yes you can. As long as a new attorney can come to terms with your expectations.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Civil Practice Attorney serving Redmond, WA
at
Magnuson Lowell P.S.
Update Your Profile
Under almost all circumstances, the answer is "yes." You need to review the retainer agreement you signed - to see what the possible ramifications might be. It would make sense for you to consult with another attorney, and ask that attorney to review the signed retainer agreement for you. The attorney can either then tell you what obligation you might have; or help you avoid any such obligation if legal appropriate.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Anderson, SC
at
The David F. Stoddard Law Firm
Update Your Profile
Yes. Just tell them you want a copy of your file and inform them that you no longer need them. Depending on your agreement, you may or may not owe them money.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Marietta, GA
at
Law Office of Ronald Arthur Lowry
Update Your Profile
You always have the right to discharge the lawyer if you are not happy just like you can change doctors, plumbers or any other service providers.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:31 AM
2 Awards
Yes, you have a right to terminate your agreement with a personal injury lawyer in Ohio. The lawyer has to provide you with a free copy of your file so that you can take it to a new lawyer of your choice. Keep in mind though, that the lawyer may have a right to the reasonable value of his or her services to date, so your new attorney would want to work something out at the end of your case to be sure your first attorney is compensated appropriately, if the first attorney has not waived any right to be partially compensated.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Yes. You have the right to change your lawyer at any time. The lawyer has to provide you with a copy of your file. You should document the reasons you are discharging the lawyer in a letter. I hope your new lawyer is more responsive.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Absolutely. Your lawyer has both legal and ethical duties to represent your interests and to keep you informed of the progress of your case. If you are uncomfortable with the representation, check the contract you signed retaining the attorney for any possible fees due for services provided. If it is in the early stages of litigation, there should be few to none. You have a right to a copy of your file. The attorney is allowed to charge a reasonable fee for making copies. (Although you may think it is outrageous.) You may wish to shop around for new counsel before jumping ship as there may be deadlines for filings coming up you shouldn't miss.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Real Estate Litigation Attorney serving Newport Beach, CA
at
Fink & Abraham LLP
Update Your Profile
You can change firms. However, the current firm will have a lien on any money recovered in the new case. Find your new attorney and let them deal with the old firm and make sure the new fee agreement shows the fee split.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:07 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Montrose, NY
at
Law Office of Jared Altman
Update Your Profile
Yes. You can fire your lawyer at any time for any reason or for no reason at all, though you may owe for services rendered. How that is handled can depend on the kind of case that's involved. Also, you sometimes need court approval to change lawyers.
Answered on Sep 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 AM