How do you fire your accident attorney?

There are several important things you need to know about how to fire your attorney in an accident case, and questions you need to consider before taking action. First, you are the client so you do have the right to terminate the relationship but it should be done only after you have carefully thought out the reasons you want to fire your attorney and what the potential negative effects this could have on your accident case.

The Customer Is Always Right

Your attorney is one of many different professionals who earns a living based on their reputation, and relies on references from satisfied former clients. If you are unhappy with your attorney you should attempt to discuss the situation with your attorney, explain why you feel there is a serious issue and give your attorney an opportunity to turn you into a satisfied client.

If you have already done this, or you truly believe this business relationship is fractured beyond repair, then do your homework before you do any firing.

Get Your Agreement Out of the Drawer

Pull out the contract or retainer that you signed with your attorney. Chances are the contract covers termination by either party, and how it should be handled. Review this carefully and make sure you understand it, and follow the outlined procedure.

Find a New Attorney

Before you leave yourself without representation, interview and select a replacement attorney. This attorney will probably want to understand why you want to fire your current attorney, so be honest. It may be that the thing you are so unhappy about would not change even if you change attorneys. If you do decide to make a switch, ask the new attorney how the transition should be handled as far as getting records and notifying the court.

Put it in Writing

Send your attorney a certified letter letting them know you are terminating the relationship so they should cease working on your behalf. The letter should direct the attorney about what you want done with your records, and where they need to be transferred to.

Severing a relationship is never easy, but if you are convinced that you cannot work with your current attorney any longer you should handle the termination in a courteous, professional manner.