As a client you deserve the best lawyer for you and for your case. Sometimes the attorney you hired, maybe from an advertisement or your cousin’s wife’s sister’s recommendation, does not turn out to be the best lawyer for your case. If you have a great lawyer then don’t change; however, if you don’t, you can get the best lawyer for YOU! It’s perfectly legal and smart to do so.
Some attorneys will try to convince their clients that it’s too complicated to switch attorneys, that it will cost the client too much money, and that it’s better to just stick with the devil you know, rather than hope for the devil you don’t. But Smarter Clients know that they only get one shot at winning and, in the personal injury area, a bad settlement is forever.
So whether your attorney is incompetent, or lacks compassion, or doesn’t understand your case, or won’t return your calls, or whatever the reason might be, Smarter Clients should know that they only get one settlement so they better get the best lawyer for the job.
THE PROCESS TO REPLACE YOUR LAWYER WITH THE RIGHT LAWYER FOR YOU
There are several things Smarter Clients do before they fire an attorney. The first step is to TALK. Your lawyer may be doing a fine job, so meet in person and discuss the case. If you are not satisfied with the case plan (is there even such a thing?) or you can’t reach your lawyer — only a staff person — then consider getting a new lawyer.
Second, review your agreement with your current attorney. Find out if there is a process in place for terminating the agreement. If not, it does not matter, Attorney Ethical Rules prevent your lawyer from holding you or your case hostage. Third, contact other lawyers about the case confidentially to see if they are a better fit for you and your case. Fourth, hire the new lawyer based on a detailed case plan that works for you and your family. And, finally, work with your new lawyer to transition your case from the old lawyer.
Your new lawyer should do the transition work for you. You just need to help the new lawyer explain the transition to minimize any fees or costs owed to the former counsel.
Your new attorney should do the following: First, send a letter to the current attorney notifying the lawyer of your decision. Second, request the case files or request that the attorney cooperate with your new attorney regarding handing over the case files. Third, work out any agreements to reimburse the former lawyer for any fees or costs that they are entitled to. Fourth, your new lawyer will go to Court if necessary to make sure that the case is transferred properly and at fair and reasonable terms.
In conclusion, Smarter Clients will remember that it’s their case, not the lawyer’s case. They won’t allow the wrong attorney to convince them that switching attorneys is not permitted, too much of a headache, or wrong. What’s wrong for you is having the wrong lawyer for your case.
For more information or a free consultation on your legal issue contact Normand PLLC at 407-603-6031.
The material on this web site has been prepared by Normand PLLC (“Normand PLLC”). The material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Normand PLLC or any of its attorneys or clients, and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. Transmission of the material on this site is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. This information is not intended to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney. Each person’s legal needs are unique, and these materials may not be applicable to your legal situation. No person should act or rely on any information in this site without seeking the advice of an attorney.
