Yes, and here’s what you need to know
Hiring a lawyer often brings a sense of relief. You’re no longer alone. Someone with experience and authority is finally handling the problem that’s been keeping you up at night. But sometimes, that sense of security fades. Maybe your calls aren’t returned. Maybe deadlines are missed, or you just feel ignored. And if you’ve already signed a contract with that attorney, it’s easy to wonder: Am I stuck with them?
The answer—reassuringly—is no. You’re not stuck.
In the United States, clients have the legal right to fire their attorney at nearly any point in the process. Contracts don’t override that right. They simply set expectations for things like billing, scope of services, and termination terms. The reality is, that a legal contract with an attorney isn’t a one-way street—it’s a professional relationship. And if that relationship breaks down, you can walk away.
What actually happens when you fire your lawyer?
Firing your lawyer doesn’t erase their work or their right to compensation. If you’ve been billed hourly, you’ll likely owe them for the time already spent on your case. If it’s a contingency arrangement—common in personal injury or civil lawsuits—your former attorney may be entitled to part of your future settlement or verdict.
But this doesn’t mean you’re locked in. Most new attorneys know how to deal with these transitions, and many will help negotiate or even split the fee with the previous lawyer.
Also, if your case has already gone to court, your attorney may need permission from the judge to withdraw formally. Judges usually grant this—unless the change would seriously delay proceedings or harm the case. In criminal matters, the court may require stronger reasons, but you still have options, especially if your defense has been compromised.
And here’s where it helps to stay organized: there are clear steps to take if you want to fire your attorney, and following them carefully can save you from stress and unnecessary costs. Knowing when and how to make the move is as important as the decision itself.
Think before you leap
Don’t rush the decision. Take a breath. Review the contract you originally signed. Are there specific termination clauses? Will you owe immediate fees? Are any documents or funds being held by the attorney’s office?
If you’re unsure, consider a consultation with another lawyer before making the call. A second opinion can help confirm whether you’re being unreasonable—or if your concerns are valid.
Once you decide to proceed, here’s what to do:
- Draft a formal letter ending the relationship. Keep it respectful.
- Request a complete copy of your file.
- Ask for a final invoice or fee summary.
- Line up your new attorney (if you haven’t already), and share your case materials with them.
This process doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs to be clean and clear.
What if you’re in the middle of a trial or litigation?
It’s more delicate, but not impossible. Your current attorney will need to file a motion to withdraw, and the court will have to approve it. Judges are often willing, especially if the lawyer-client relationship has truly broken down.
In criminal cases, you’ll need a valid reason—like a conflict of interest or ineffective representation. If the court agrees, they may appoint a new public defender or allow you to hire someone else. But be prepared: courts don’t like delay tactics or last-minute changes without good cause.
In the end, it’s about trust
You hired an attorney to be your advocate—to fight for you, guide you, and give you confidence in a system that’s often overwhelming. If that trust breaks, you have every right to move on. You are not bound to a relationship that no longer serves you, no matter what the contract says.
Because this isn’t just a case. It’s your future. And you deserve someone who treats it that way.