Q: Attorney dropped me without valid cause. I cannot find another atty. Does the firm have responsibility to represent me?
My attorney has put my current legal case in jeopardy. I cannot find other representation nor do I have the money to start over. This attorney exhibited lack of knowledge of my case, he miscommunicated terms, and was not transparent in relaying settlement terms. He pushed the agenda of opposing counsel and ignored my wishes. Disclosed to defendant we were suing her and she can no longer be found. His boss began handling the case. There was both a civil and criminal aspect to my case. The attorney did not like that I was pursuing the criminal case and thought it might come back on his boss. The criminal case does not involve them, it is my right to pursue. For these reasons he dropped my case. I have tried to find another firm but noone will take the case. What steps should I take? I am so upset.
A: If a lawsuit has been filed then the attorney needs to file a motion to withdraw and the court must grant the motion before the attorney is off the case. You may oppose the motion to withdraw; however, given your dissatisfaction with the attorney I don’t believe you’ll be satisfied with continued representation and bills from the law firm.
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