How To Change Your Lawyer
What If Your Lawyer Is No Good?
In an ideal world, the first lawyer you hire will work hard for you and give you their full attention. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world. At The Weinstein Law Group, PLLC we get calls all the time from people who are frustrated with their current lawyer and are thinking about switching. This process is much easier than it sounds.
There are many reasons you may be unhappy with your current lawyer:
- The attorney is rude
- They talk down to you
- You can never get a hold of them on the phone
- You always end up talking to their paralegal and never the attorney
- You get a different lawyer every time you call
- They try to sell you on more services you don’t actually need
- They don’t keep you informed about your case
- They don’t listen to your input on how you want the case to go
Any of these sound familiar to you? If so, it’s important to remember that your lawyer is your employee and you can fire them any time you want. You are not stuck with a bad attorney just because you signed a contract. If your lawyer has shown their true colors and isn’t making your injury a priority, it’s time to clean house.
No Penalty For Switching
You have the right to change lawyers at any time and for any reason. Changing lawyers can seem like a daunting proposition—but it happens all the time. There are two important things you need to know about changing lawyers:
#1: Changing Lawyers Does NOT Cost You More Money. Presumably, when you hired your first lawyer you signed a contingency agreement. This agreement states that your lawyer gets one-third of your verdict or settlement (if any). When you change lawyers, your new lawyer and your old one will share this fee. The total amount you pay is exactly the same; the two lawyers split it according to how much work each did.
#2: Changing Lawyers Will NOT Set Back Your Case. Switching lawyers does not harm or affect your case. In fact, if you switch to someone who works harder for you, it may actually help your case. Your old lawyer is required by law and best practice to turn over all records. Your new lawyer can pick up exactly where the old one left off. You lose nothing.
An Easy Process
Changing lawyers is as simple as sending a letter called a “stop work letter.” It’s nothing more than a two-line letter to the old lawyer saying, “I’ve changed lawyers. I’ve hired this new person, so stop working on my case and send all of the paperwork to the new lawyer.” Your new lawyer can send this for you and you never have to confront your old lawyer or talk to them ever again.
The new lawyer will also send a “consent to change attorney” form, which you sign to prove to your old lawyer that you’ve made the change. The old lawyer signs to prove they received the form before it is filed with the court.
Making the Right Choice
Above all else, you need a lawyer you can trust. Sooner or later, your lawyer may make a tough recommendation, such as accepting or declining a settlement. You should trust that your lawyer’s advice is being given with your best interest in mind.
If you’re fed up with your current lawyer, talk to Steve Weinstein about your options. He will give you a free consultation exactly as we would with a brand new case. Even if you decide to stick with your current lawyer, this is your chance to see for yourself if the switch is worth it. Contact us for your free consultation today, before you pay another penny to someone who isn’t looking out for you.