How to Get Another Lawyer
No matter how it might seem, the client is the boss in the lawyer/client relationship. If you're not satisfied with your attorney and feel you are not getting adequate or sufficiently professional attention, it's perfectly natural to get another lawyer. In fact, it's a pretty good idea.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Lawyers traditionally don't rely heavily on advertising or marketing to bring in business. But, several professional organizations keep online directories of lawyers and law firms and make it easy to search for a new attorney in your area and in the appropriate specialization. A quick search and a few phone calls should put you in touch with several prospects (see Resources).
-
2
Review the agreement. Before you sever the connection with your old lawyer, it's a good idea to go back over any agreements you might have signed when you hired or retained him. Not only might this contain some directions as to how to proceed if you want to terminate the relationship, it can also give a clear understanding of what fees or costs your current attorney is going to expect and whether you might be able to get a refund on any retainer. Chances are he will be owed for any services rendered, and the easiest thing to do is pay. If he was working on a contingency basis, ask for a detailed invoice.
-
-
3
Get your file. Assuming you've paid your old attorney, your file and the work product it contains is your personal property. Plus, your new lawyer is going to need it. Have the old attorney ship your entire file to your new lawyer, or, better yet, pick it up in person. Be sure to also obtain any discovery or evidence gathered in your case.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you're still on good terms with your former attorney, ask for a referral. Chances are, this could be the best way to keep your case on track. If your case has gone to trial, it will probably be necessary to file your change of representation with the court and serve notice to all interested parties. Your new lawyer should be able to handle this.
Most lawyers in the same field in a given area tend to communicate with each other. Burning your bridge with one lawyer can give you a bad reputation and make it unnecessarily difficult to find a new advocate.
Resources
- Photo Credit Jost Amman
