Queens, NY asked in Personal Injury for New York

Q: Can I get out of my contract with a lawyer even though my case is still pending

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2 Lawyer Answers
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: You have a right to change lawyers at any time, for any reason. If you are not satisfied with your current legal representation, find a new lawyer. You can find many excellent attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. Keep in mind that your new lawyer will have to reimburse your old lawyer for any expenses he or she incurred on your behalf. Additionally, the old lawyer will have a lien for the value of the work he or she performed (also known as quantum meruit). Although this will not affect your recovery, it will affect your new lawyer's recovery and will need to be resolved if and when your case is resolved.

Stephen Arnold Black and Tim Akpinar agree with this answer

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: Yes, clients are free to change attorneys. As my colleague correctly points out, there could be lien issues that must be resolved between outgoing and incoming attorneys. Good luck

Stephen Arnold Black agrees with this answer

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