Absolutely if you’re not satisfied with your current representation, you have the legal right to switch attorneys at any point during your personal injury case. Whether your current lawyer isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for your best interests, or you’ve simply lost trust in their ability to get results, you’re not stuck.
At Hillstone Law, we understand how important it is to feel confident in the legal team handling your case. If you’re questioning your current representation, here’s what you should know.
Why Clients Switch Personal Injury Lawyers
Choosing the right lawyer is critical to your case. Unfortunately, many clients hire the first attorney they speak with only to find out later that they aren’t a good fit. Some of the most common reasons clients decide to change their personal injury lawyer include:
- Poor communication or lack of updates
- Feeling neglected or like “just another case”
- Unclear legal strategy
- Lack of progress in the case
- Loss of trust in the attorney’s ethics or judgment
- Discovery of a conflict of interest
- A gut feeling that the lawyer isn’t fighting hard enough
If you’ve experienced any of these, you’re not alone and you’re not powerless.
Do I Need a Reason to Change Lawyers?
No. You do not need to justify your decision to change lawyers. Your right to choose your legal representation is protected, and you can switch firms at any time even in the middle of your case.
However, there may be a few rare circumstances where the court could deny a change in representation, such as if your case is already in the middle of trial and the switch would cause significant delays. In most cases, especially if you already have a new attorney ready to take over, courts allow the change without issue.
What Happens When You Switch to Hillstone Law?
Switching personal injury lawyers can feel intimidating but our team at Hillstone Law makes it simple. If you decide to leave your current lawyer, we’ll handle:
- Notifying your previous attorney
- Collecting your case file and paperwork
- Coordinating the transfer of any liens or agreements
- Getting up to speed on your case quickly
We do everything possible to make the transition seamless, so you can focus on your recovery while we focus on your results.
Will I Have to Pay My Old Lawyer?
If your previous attorney worked on a contingency fee (meaning they only get paid if you win), they may be entitled to a portion of the legal fees once your case resolves. However, this does not increase your total fee your new attorney will coordinate the fee split, and it will come out of the original contingency agreement, not out of your pocket.
You should not be billed twice.
Tips for Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re making the switch, make it count. Use the following tips to find a lawyer who truly fits your needs:
- Ask friends, family, or colleagues for referrals.
- Check online reviews and legal directories.
- Look at each firm’s case results and client testimonials.
- Speak directly with the attorney, not just their staff.
- Pay attention to how well they listen and explain your options.
At Hillstone Law, we pride ourselves on clear communication, aggressive representation, and a client-first approach.
Ready to Make a Change? We’re Here to Help.
If you’re considering changing lawyers, our team at Hillstone Law is ready to step in and give your case the attention it deserves. We offer free consultations, and we’ll walk you through every step of the transition.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.