Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia
fire my lawyer
how do I fire my lawyer
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: fire my lawyer
You pick up the phone and have a conversation with him or her.
Re: fire my lawyer
If you want to fire your lawyer, write a letter informing him/her that you no longer require his/her services and requesting immediate return of all file materials. The lawyer would have a professional duty to turn over the file so as not to prejudice your rights in your case. In Georgia there is no "retaining lien" enabling the lawyer to hold the file until paid. However, the attorney may file a lien against any case in litigation for the value of his/her services. Unless there is a specific formula in your fee contract for calculating the value of services upon discharge, an attorney representing you on a contingent fee (percentage) basis would be entitled to a lien for the contract percentage of any amount that has been offered by the defendant prior to discharge of the attorney.
Re: fire my lawyer
Just like you fire your plumber or anyone else. You tell him/her you no longer need his/her services. However, check your contract carefully; it may contain language to the effect that the attorney has a lien against certain proceeds.