Contingency Agreements when your attorney switches law firms
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Contingency Agreements when your attorney switches law firms
My attorney switched law firms while
working on my claim. I was given
basically given two days notice. If I
leave to follow him, I have to pay the
contingency fee to the initial law
firm. Would it be best to remain with
the original firm?
Asked on March 9, 2017 under Accident Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If the agreement is with the firm, then yes--you would have to pay the agreed-upon contingency fee (assuming, of course, that you win) to the firm. When you contract with any company or business, unless the contract guarantees you the work/services of a specific employee, the fact that an employee or even partner (e.g. a lawyer) leaves does not invalidate or terminate the agreement, or give you any right to go with the departing employee. So unless you want to pay this firm and also separately pay the attorney for his work if you go with him, stay with the firm.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If the agreement is with the firm, then yes--you would have to pay the agreed-upon contingency fee (assuming, of course, that you win) to the firm. When you contract with any company or business, unless the contract guarantees you the work/services of a specific employee, the fact that an employee or even partner (e.g. a lawyer) leaves does not invalidate or terminate the agreement, or give you any right to go with the departing employee. So unless you want to pay this firm and also separately pay the attorney for his work if you go with him, stay with the firm.
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