There may come a time when you are dissatisfied with the service you received from your law firm, and it is not uncommon when the case drags on for years. When that time comes, don’t think in terms of firing your law firm. That approach is only appropriate if the firm has been dishonest or real incompetent. Instead, think of it as changing law firms. A normal practice in the business world.
Before it goes that far, if you are dissatisfied about your service, have a talk with the lawyer you are working with, or the partner in charge of your relationship if that’s a different person. Tell them about your issue, whether it’s responsiveness, open communication, quality of work, or unexpected expenses-which are the most common complaints. Ask what they can do to help. That’s what they’re there for. If they won’t help, or don’t improve, it’s perfectly reasonable to move on. Good lawyers are on the lookout for clients that switch firms based on unrealistic expectations, or to avoid paying bills, but switching firms for a good reason, in an extended case is perfectly reasonable and normal.
Think about what the firm has done for you so far, and what your agreement is. How did you hire the firm, hopefully in writing? If so find the agreement and read it. What does it say? Has the firm lived up to its end of the contract? If not in what areas? Also consider if this is the right times to change your law firm. We have had people want to fire their previous attorney and hire us just a few days before a very complicated trial. Finally, let me suggest that you quietly interview lawyers to whom you may want to switch, and discussed to matters with them. What services they will render at what cost, and (2) what is their advice about when and how to switch firms. This thing happens all the time, and there is a standard practice for sending your client files from one firm to another. Remember, your files are yours, a law firm can charge you for copying, but it cannot refuse to give them back even if you are behind on the bill.