Q: I was not given any advance notification that my attorney was leaving the law firm, is this acceptable?
I retained an attorney in Iowa (I live in Montana) to represent me in a real estate matter concerning property in Iowa, in March 2016. I have sent a $12,500 retainer, and about half of it has been spent. Today I was informed the the attorney has left that firm and another attorney is picking up where she left off. No hint of this was ever presented to me prior to today...aren't I suppose to be provided options? Hasn't the opposing attorney already gained an advantage by this knowledge alone? What should I do?
A:
You should have been told in advance, but if there was an emergency--illness etc--then advance notice need not be sent.
As they have your file assuming things are moving along, you need to speak with them find out what their background is what their plans are etc.
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