Switching Lawyers Can Be Expensive
Like any other professionals, lawyers can be hired (retained) and fired before the conclusion of the retainer. However, firing a lawyer can result in duplicated costs.
For example, if you hire a lawyer to handle the legal work associated with the purchase of a home or investment property, or even to review documents, such as a status certificate for a condominium purchase, and then decide to switch lawyers, you may incur duplicative billing between the two lawyers. Often hard costs, such as obtaining documents including title searches are incurred and the lawyer will bill you for those disbursements. The new lawyer may also need to obtain those documents thereby incurring double billing.
Similarly, if you decide to transfer a litigation file to a new lawyer, additional costs may be incurred by a new lawyer needing to review the file, or incur costs to review a court file and obtain documents that may not be in your possession. This case occurs most often when you dispute the accounts of a previous lawyer and s/he places a solicitor's lien on the file. A lien means that your former lawyer retains the file pending payment of his/her account.
The Lesson: Communication with both your former and potential lawyer is crucial in order to reduce costs. Have conversations with both to find out what costs will be duplicated and what additional costs you may expect to receive. In the case of a single transaction such as the purchase of a residential dwelling, it may be unwise to switch lawyers mid-transaction due to the increase in costs. Have the conversation and make an informed decision.
The content and the opinions expressed here is informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Nor does reading or commenting on it create a lawyer/client relationship with the author. I encourage you to contact me directly at adrianlawoffice@gmail.com if you have specific legal questions or concerns.
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If you are an individual looking for assistance with a legal problem, contact Adrian Law for professional and cost-effective advice. adrianlawoffice@gmail.com
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