Description:
How to remain professional, stay in compliance, and prevent pitfalls when terminating a relationship with a client.
Chances are that you've experienced an attorney-client relationship that either makes you uncomfortable, makes you scream, or makes you wish you'd never taken the case. Attorneys often face situations where they need (or want) to terminate a client relationship for one reason or another.
These reasons may range from conflicts of interest, unlawful behavior, inability to fulfill obligations (by either client or attorney), or fundamental disagreements. When is withdrawal from a case required? When is it optional? What ethical obligations must be considered in the termination of such a relationship? What steps can be taken to stay in compliance with ethical rules and avoid discipline or professional liability and prevent the pitfalls that may occur when firing a client?
This topic will reveal guidelines for deciding when to fire which clients and how to go about it if the relationship has become problematic.
Areas Covered in the Session:
Guidelines for Deciding IF or WHEN to Fire a Client
- Rules of Professional Conduct
- When You Must Withdraw
- Violation of Law or Ethics Rules
- Impairment
- Discharged
- Violation of Law or Ethics Rules
- When You Can Withdraw
- Client Consent
- No Adverse Affect
- You've Been Used
- Fundamental Disagreements
- Unfulfilled Obligations
- Unreasonable Burden
- Client Consent
Guidelines for Deciding WHO to Fire
- The Pareto Principal
- Opportunity Costs and Cost Benefit Analysis
- Lead, Follow, or Get out of the Way
- Communication and Expectations
- Resolution With Updates to Written Contracts
Guidelines for HOW to Fire a Client
- When to Get Court Approval
- Protect the Client's Interests
- Remain Professional
- Consider a Referral
- Review Your Contract!
- End It Quickly
- Accommodate Unstable Clients
- Plan Ahead, Make It a Process
Credit Information (Sponsored by Lorman Education Services):
- CLE
- NALA
Only registered attendee will receive continuing education credit.
Instructor Profile:
Noel Reese Bagwell, III, Executive Legal Professionals, PLLC
- President and chief legal counsel for Executive Legal Professionals, PLLC
- Provides business legal services and strategic legal counsel to business leadership
- Serves as the Start-Ups & Small Business Aspect of Practice leader for the National Center for Preventive Law (NCPL)
- Frequent speaker at numerous professional business educational events
- Can be contacted at 615-669-6566 or contact@executivelp.com
(Not available outside the US)