All you would need to do is notify your current attorney that you would like to terminate services, ask for a detailed final bill, and have your retainer balance returned.
Once a contract or retainer agreement has been signed between both parties, there's no question that privilege applies. Nonetheless, it generally starts before a contract is officially signed, even if you ultimately do not hire the attorney you had a consultation with.
This is a legal contract between the law firm and the client setting forth the terms of the legal services to be provided and how the client will be charged for the services.
A retainer agreement is a work-for-hire contract. It falls between a one-off contract and permanent employment, which may be full-time or part-time. Its distinguishing feature is that the client or customer pays in advance for professional work to be specified later.
Generally, engagement letters are not privileged; however, if legal advice or strategy is conveyed in the letter, those portions of the letter may be privileged.
Generally, engagement letters are not privileged; however, if legal advice or strategy is conveyed in the letter, those portions of the letter may be privileged.
While litigation privilege offers wide-ranging protection, it's not absolute. There are certain exceptions and limitations, such as: The privilege does not extend to crimes or acts of fraud unrelated to the judicial proceedings. Statements that are not pertinent or relevant to the litigation might not be covered.