Although it’s not something you should do on a whim, switching attorneys can be a smart move in some cases. How do you know if you should fire your attorney? Red flags include a complete lack of communication, unprofessional or rude conduct, or a gut feeling that you hired the wrong person. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you find yourself in this situation.
- It’s allowed. Usually, you can switch attorneys at any time. It’s up to you, the client.
- Sooner is better than later. Although there technically isn’t a deadline, sooner is better. The quicker you realize you need a new attorney and get one set up, the quicker you can get your case back on track. If things need to be undone and redone, giving your new attorney plenty of time is a good idea. Many cases have various deadlines, so keep that in mind when considering a switch.
- Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns first. It could help. You don’t want to go through the process of changing attorneys if your issue is just a misunderstanding that can be fixed. On the other hand, if bringing it up makes things worse, then maybe it’s a sign that you should switch.
- Do your homework when finding a new attorney. When you’re looking for a lawyer, whether it’s an initial search or you’re looking for a replacement, we usually recommend a few key things. First, make sure they handle lots of cases just like yours. Experience is a predictor of success, in our opinion. Also, ask about their past success.
- It shouldn’t cost you more in the end. You can expect your legal fees to be the same whether you switch or not. Your new and old attorney should work out the details. The first attorney will probably expect to get paid for the portion of the work they did on your case.
If you are worried about the logistics, consider finding a new attorney before letting the old attorney go. This way, your new attorney can handle the switch.