Firing Your Lawyer

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Here you can find info on firing your lawyer.

One thing people often fail to realize is that they can fire their lawyer. It's not a great option, of course, but if you hire an attorney, you can also terminate your relationship with one. If your case is not pending in court, you can fire your lawyer anytime. If it is, you may have to receive permission from the court to do so.

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Of course, firing your lawyer can be costly, as its likely you'll have to hire a new one as a replacement. But if you're truly unsatisfied (or believe your attorney has acted unethically), it's an option worth pursuing. There are certain things you should expect from your counsel and if you are not getting them, it's recommended you first confront your lawyer about this before acting rashly.

Keep in mind that you must pay your attorney for all services they've performed up to the time of firing, as agreed upon in your original engagement letter.

If you do decide to fire your lawyer, you should send him or her a certified letter stating plainly that you are terminating your relationship and that the attorney should cease working on your case. Request your files back or ask that they are sent to your new lawyer; you are entitled to the work product you and your lawyer have created up till the point your relationship is terminated.

But be professional. No one likes being fired and the more direct, forthright, and professional you are, the easier the process will be.

Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.

Written and Reviewed by Experts This article was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language.

At Rocket Lawyer, we believe legal information should be both reliable and easy to understand—so you don't need a law degree to feel informed. We follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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