They’re not returning your calls, you don’t know what’s happening in your case, and you have the feeling that you could get better legal help elsewhere. Can you fire your attorney? Should you switch lawyers?
Clients do have the power to change their lawyer at any time. Here’s what you need to know about changing attorneys.
Good Reasons to Switch Attorneys
- They never call you back. Not getting a call back from an attorney is upsetting and frustrating. Allow them two to three days to respond. They may be ill, in trial, traveling or unresponsive for another valid reason. Don’t worry if a paralegal calls you back instead: as long as they’re knowledgeable, helpful and can answer your questions, you shouldn’t expect to get a second call from the lawyer themselves. However, if you haven’t heard from your attorney’s office in weeks, you may want to consider switching.
- They have gotten into legal or ethical trouble. While all lawyers are held to strict ethical standards, some still get in trouble. That can negatively affect your case—especially if their license was suspended as a result.
- They can’t answer your questions. A lawyer needs to be knowledgeable about the law. They should be able to explain to you what’s happening in your case, why and what to expect, in terms you can understand. If you get the feeling that your lawyer doesn’t know the law, look for a second opinion elsewhere. On the other hand, if your attorney offers to research the answers to complex issues that they’re not sure about, that’s a good sign.
- They don’t treat you professionally. If a lawyer makes you feel uncomfortable, unintelligent, traumatized or otherwise devalued, you may want to look for a new attorney. After all, their job is to be your advocate.
How to Switch Attorneys
First, look for another attorney before you fire your old one—you don’t want to miss an important legal deadline while searching for another attorney. Once you’ve found a better fit with someone who agrees to take your case, you can go ahead and dismiss your old lawyer. This is best done in writing—email ensures you both have a time-stamped copy. They’ll seek permission to withdraw from the case, and your new lawyer can take over.
Discuss Your Case with an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’re looking for a dedicated, seasoned and communicative attorney, give my office a call. When you’ve suffered thanks to another person’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call us at 877.944.4373 to talk about what your options may be.