Firing your client
Sometimes in a Lawyer’s career he or she is faced with the rare decision to fire a client. Yes, you read that right, not the client changing counsel but the Lawyer firing a client. In a recent situation on the Prairies, 37 Regina lawyers refused to act for a person because his reputation as a very bad client had preceded him. In that case the person had numerous Lawyers in the past and had gain a reputation as being completely uncontrollable.
There are many reasons why a Lawyer may consider this drastic step. Normally, it involves lack of payment of the Lawyer’s bill. Lawyer’s, just like everyone else have the right to be paid for their services and can refuse to act when they are not paid on a timely basis. Occasionally though the reason for refusing to act stems directly from the client’s attitude or conduct. The Law Society of B.C. has set up rules on how Lawyers disengage themselves from clients when involved in litigation. Timing is very important and preventative measures are in place to ensure that no party is unduly prejudiced by the withdrawal.
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