[featured_image]I’ve had lots of calls recently from people who already have a lawyer representing them in their Georgia personal injury case but are not happy with that lawyer and want to change. I tell these folks that since they are currently represented it is not appropriate for me to give advice concerning their case, but I do tell them generally my thoughts about changing lawyers.
- I’m not in favor of firing your lawyer without a very good reason. Sometimes, there are good reason to fire your lawyer. However, it is not typically a good reason to fire your lawyer if you just do not like your lawyer’s opinion about the value of your case when your lawyer explains it to you. On the other hand, it could be a good reason if your lawyer can’t or won’t explain to you how she arrived at that value.
- Like everyone, lawyers only have so many hours in a day. Your lawyer may not get things done as quickly as you like, but if he or she is working on your case, be patient. While it’s certainly alright to inquire what work is being done, be reasonable in the number of times you call. If every client called us every day for an update, we would never get anything done.
- Don’t fire your lawyer until you are sure that is the right decision. You may not find another lawyer who will take the case. I think the better course of action is to tell your current lawyer that you are not happy and that you want a copy of your file so you can get another opinion about whether what your lawyer is telling you is the best course.
- Before you fire your lawyer, I believe it is very important to ask for a face to face meeting to discuss your dissatisfaction. If you can’t get a face to face meeting, that may also be a sign you need to change.
While firing your lawyer may be what you need to do, it is very important not to make a rash decision. For one thing, there are downsides to firing your lawyer. If you do decide to fire your lawyer (or if you have not hired one yet), the key to getting a good lawyer is doing your homework.
