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 your concerns are not resolved or if you have made the decision to terminate your attorney, you will need to provide a termination notice. This can be done through a formal written letter, clearly stating that you are terminating their services and the reasons behind your decision.
Always terminate the relationship in writing. Even if you fire your attorney in a verbal exchange, you should follow up by sending a written termination letter. Be sure to send the letter by “certified mail with return receipt requested” so there's proof your lawyer received the letter.
Even if the matter is not pending before a tribunal, the ethics rules of most states provide that a lawyer cannot withdraw until he or she has taken reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable prejudice to the rights of his client, such as giving notice to the client, allowing time for employment of other counsel, delivering ...
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 You do not have permission to send any demands on my behalf and I am advising the insurance company that you no longer represent me for this personal injury claim.
Typically, you should send the attorney written notice of termination of services unless the contract requires other types of notice. If the attorney has entered an appearance in a Court action, the attorney will be required to file a formal withdrawal as well.
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.
If your lawyer doesn't seem to be working on your case, sending a polite but firm letter expressing your concerns should get your lawyer's attention. Don't threaten to file a malpractice lawsuit or complain to the bar association; such threats will probably make your lawyer angry and defensive, not attentive.
The lawyer should send a disengagement letter to establish that the relationship is no longer continuing, and to refer the client to another lawyer. In the disengagement letter, the lawyer should warn the client of applicable time limitations, deadlines, and uncompleted investigation or casework.
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.