You can stop working with your lawyer, as you don't have a contract preventing you from doing so. Firing your attorney before a settlement pays out might not cut them out of the settlement entirely, though.
The best way to do this is to send a letter (email is fine). All you have to say is Dear Lawyer, I am terminating the attorney-client relationship effective immediately. Please send my client file to ADDRESS by DATE.
1. Terminating Your Current Attorney: You can terminate your attorney-client relationship at any time. However, it is crucial to do so in writing. A formal letter stating your intention to end the relationship should be sent to your attorney. This letter serves as a record of your decision and its date. 2.
LAWYERS HAVE A DUTY TO REFUSE CERTAIN CASES AND CLIENTS Various laws and ethics rules govern the cases (and clients) a lawyer can–and cannot–accept.
Send a Termination Letter to Your Attorney You do not need to follow any sort of specific template—just simply state that you are no longer in need of their services and that you are terminating them. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself, and provide your new lawyer with one, too.
If you terminate your lawyer and do not hire another attorney, your old lawyer will have a right to place a lien on your claim. This means that you will owe your former attorney for the work they performed prior to the termination of your contract.
Also, if after you hire an attorney you decide that you no longer want legal representation, you can send a basic letter to your lawyer directing him or her to immediately stop working on your case.
I am writing to officially notify you that I am terminating your services immediately. This is because {reason(s) for terminating the representation}. You do not have permission to send any demands on my behalf and I am advising the insurance company that you no longer represent me for this personal injury claim.
“Sincerely,” “Regards,” and “Appreciatively” are all appropriate closings for formal letters.
Your attorney can help you assess the situation and come up with a strategy and documentation to terminate the agreement if the law allows you to do so.