Often even after careful selection you may find that you and the lawyer you have hired have tangential views and cannot see “eye to eye.” If this happens however hard you try and resolve differences the chances are that your case will suffer. It is best that you gather all your guts and fire the attorney and right off any expenses you have incurred and start a fresh.
When you hire a lawyer to work on legal matters you have the right to professionalism and a commitment on part of the lawyer. Every state has laws on rights of consumers and what a lawyer must do. So, check with the Bar Association or on the World Wide Web what your rights are.
Never be afraid or passive you have a right to: set deadlines, receive copies of all documents, ask for an itemized billing, and get a second opinion when in doubt.
When a conflict on any matter occurs, the first thing to do is communicate. Sulking or speaking behind the back of the lawyer will not help. Be courageous and speak your mind. Many a time just laying the cards on the table can clear matters. If at the end of the meeting the problem remains unresolved you and your lawyer may mutually decide to part ways.
In order to fire a lawyer you must:
o Follow to a’t’ the agreement made between you and your lawyer. You must include a disagreement clause in your contract and specify clearly the financial liability.
o Have on tab all the papers pertaining to the case and notes of why in your opinion things are not right.
o State clearly in writing why you need to fire the lawyer. And request the lawyer to hand over your file, give you a detailed bill of expenses, and return any retainer he may have in excess of the bill. In case you owe the lawyer money then he has the right to hold on to your file until you settle the dues.
Find a replacement before firing the first lawyer. And ensure that you are not delaying legal process by firing your lawyer in the middle of a series of hearings.
It is not prudent to fire a lawyer verbally. It is best done in writing stating clearly the reasons for firing a lawyer and outlining the payments made as well as terms and conditions determined when hiring the lawyer. Also make sure he receives your letter.
In case of any difficulties approach the courts or ask another lawyer to send him a legal notice. In many states you can submit a complaint about lawyers. Check out the guidelines by the Bar Association of the state you reside in. The law states that lawyers need to follow a code of conduct and must be professional in every way.
Just as it is up to you to hire a lawyer so also it is your choice to fire a lawyer too.
By: Aaron Brooks
If you have made the decision to file for bankruptcy, finding a Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney is the most important and first step in the filing process. It is critical to understand that not all attorneys are equally qualified. Having a knowledgeable attorney can end up saving you a lot of grief and money in the end. Take the time to research potential attorneys before choosing one. The following are four common ways to find an attorney to handle your bankruptcy case.
The Yellow Pages
There are several qualified Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorneys listed in the Yellow Pages. Pickup a phone book and search through its ads. Larger, more prominent and successful attorneys tend to boast bigger, brighter, flashier type ads. This is not to discredit those attorneys with smaller ads. However, an attorney who takes the time to invest in a little marketing is more likely a professional individual who is serious about business.
Internet
The World Wide Web is an excellent tool anyone can use to find a Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney. With the help of a search engine, look for lawyers in your area. For example, you can use Google and search for “Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorney” to find local lawyers.
Ask an Attorney
If you already have an attorney for a different matter, he or she is a great resource in the search for a bankruptcy attorney. Your attorney is likely to know a qualified colleague who would be more than happy to assist with your bankruptcy filing. Also be sure to ask what qualifying values the attorney has. How many years of experience? Does your attorney have any personal affiliations with the individual? Would your attorney utilize this person if he or she had to file bankruptcy? These are all important questions that provide you with an overall view of the bankruptcy attorney.
Ask Family and Friends
Perhaps the best way to locate a bankruptcy attorney is to request referrals from friends and families. The people you know and trust may already know a perfect Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney that fits your needs. When someone suggests a specific attorney, ask him or her what makes the attorney qualified for the job? What did the referrer like or dislike about the attorney? Would this person use the attorney again if needed?
Regardless of how you locate a Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorney, take the time to learn as much as possible about the individual before ever stepping into his or her firm. You want to know what kind of lawyer and person past clients and colleagues believe this individual to be. The more you know the better.
Once you have narrowed down the pool of perspective attorneys, it is time to attend a consultation or introduction meeting. Use this time to get to know the attorney. How do you feel about him or her? What is your first impression? What type of education and work experience does the attorney bring to the table? How can he or she help you in your current situation? How much are these services going to cost? Lastly, it is a great idea to interview at least two if not more prospective attorneys before deciding on a Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney.
By: Marius Leopold
