Can I Change Lawyers in the Middle of a Case?

Yes, you can generally change lawyers in the middle of a case. It is your right to choose your representation. You may change attorneys if you are unhappy with your lawyers for any reason. 

Reasons You May Change Lawyers

Poor communication causes problems between lawyers and their clients. If you experience poor communication with your law firm, the issue may not get better with time. You may choose to move on from your current lawyer rather than hoping that they’ll suddenly change their ways.

Other reasons you may choose to change lawyers include:

Your Attorney Has Not Lived Up to Their Promises

It’s common for law firms to make certain pledges during the consultation stage. These pledges are easy enough to make but not as easy to live up to. A lawyer may fail to honor their promise to:

• Prioritize your case
• Utilize certain resources, like experts, in service of your case
• Keep you updated about your case
• Be transparent about the facts of your case
• Complete certain steps in the legal or insurance claim process

Miscommunications happen. When a lawyer fails to honor clear promises, though, that may signal a bigger issue. You may even change lawyers if you sense your lawyer is not trustworthy.

Your Attorney Is Pressuring You to Accept an Unfair Settlement

Settlement can be a viable option in civil cases and insurance claims. However, you shouldn’t settle for less than you deserve. If you believe a settlement is too little and your lawyer pressures you to accept, this is a red flag. Don’t accept any amount you’re not certain will cover your losses. An attorney who presses you to accept a low settlement may not have your best interests at heart.

You Feel Your Attorney Is Unprepared for Your Case

Some personal injury lawyers are exceptionally busy. This is not always a problem. The best attorneys delegate responsibilities, put in extra hours, and take other steps to serve each client capably. This is not true of every attorney, though.

You may sense your attorney is unprepared if:

• They misstate the facts of your case.
• You have to remind them repeatedly of your case details.
• They have not produced evidence or documentation related to your case.
• They fail to inspire confidence in you, the client.

A lawyer’s lack of preparedness is a good reason to change lawyers, even in the middle of a case.

You Cannot Get Straight Answers to Your Questions

Though this issue may be related to poor communication, it could signal incompetence, as well. When you ask your attorney clear questions, they should be able to answer. If they won’t answer, they should have a valid explanation as to why. A lawyer who cannot answer your basic questions may not be the right lawyer for you.

These are just a few reasons why you might change lawyers mid-case. There are other reasons to consider making a change.  

How Can You Find a New Lawyer?

You may find a new lawyer on the internet, through radio or TV advertisements, through recommendations from colleagues, or another channel. You can hire our lawyers for a case in Pennsylvania or Ohio.

Before hiring a new lawyer, voice the concerns you’ve had with your previous attorney.  You don’t want to have to change attorneys twice. During the vetting process, you may ask:

• Whether the attorney has handled cases like yours
• Whether they’ve handled clients’ who were transitioning from another lawyer
• What they will do to address your concerns
• How they’ll prevent the same issues you had with your old lawyer

Client reviews are a helpful resource when choosing a lawyer. Pay attention to testimonials, both good and bad. If you see red flags, you may ask the firm to address them before you hire an attorney. 

How Will You Transition From One Lawyer to the Next?

Your new lawyer should handle this process. If the attorney is worth hiring, then they’ll be familiar with the process of transitioning between lawyers. If a lawsuit has been filed, steps in this process generally include:

1. A notice of appearance of lead counsel
2. A motion to substitute counsel
3. A proposed order on substitution
4. Signing of the proposed order on substitution by all attorneys and a judge

Your new attorney may then obtain your case file from your previous lawyer. They will then be legally allowed to resume your case.

Call Berger and Green To Discuss Changing Lawyers—The Consultation Is FREE

Changing lawyers is a significant decision. It may be a necessary one, though. Berger and Green can discuss your specific circumstances at no cost. Contact our team as soon as possible. We’ll review your case and provide advice that you may find helpful.

Call Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400 for your FREE consultation. Don’t wait to call. Though you may change attorneys at any time, it’s best to make the switch as soon as you can.