Changing lawyers

A client's right to end services with an attorney is absolute, with or without cause,. This right can be exercised at any point prior to the conclusion of a case. The right exists even if the attorney rendered valuable services or the client owes money. Although a client doesn't need to have a reason, common circumstances for discharging an attorney include: personality conflicts, increased legal needs, different case strategies, change in court and others.

In a criminal matter, if the attorney is court appointed or a public defender the accused does not have the right to demand a different lawyer. Unless the accused can show the court that the attorney is not able to serve their case, the accused has a right to an attorney but not to their choice of an attorney. However, alhough the accused does have the absolute right to fire an attorney and at the same time it could happen where the court will not appoint a new attorney to represent the accused.