Page 55 - The Circle of Life

need for unpleasantness. In some cases it will cause hard feeling but it really

should not for it is just business and the relationship between you a professional
one based on contract. It will have consequences though but the consequences
are all legal. I was fired on more than one occasion and every time when the

client came back I refused to see him or accept his case. It is obviously a matter

of pride but even more one of trust. Simply, I don't want to go through that
again and I most certainly will not trust such a client ever again. Thus I cannot
help him and more importantly have no wish to do so.

Most lawyers will walk away if a breach of trust is created or he feels you are not

taking his advice seriously for they tend to be honourable men. Never go to
another lawyer without ending you relationship formally for that is plain

offensive and if you want a second opinion then please ask your lawyer to refer
you. It is the correct way to do things. He is not as thick-skinned as Hollywood

makes out in lala land.

I can tell you the first thing good lawyers learn is never to take over another
colleague's case for a client who jumps ship every now and then is the type who

will never be satisfied. We have a policy at JKLS never to take over running
cases. I was bitten too many times by such clients and want nothing to do with

them. No money in the world is worth the agro. However, sometimes this is the
way it is and in such a case let the lawyer know with a phone call and be nice

though you don't need to give reasons. Just ask him to send you his final
account and after you pay it retrieve your files. Once paid he must give you the

complete file and withdraw as attorney of record! Your new guy will place
himself on record and the case go forward.

The problem always comes in with the final account for you may feel your ex-

lawyer is taking you to the cleaners and honestly he may be. To make sure, if
you feel aggrieved, refer the matter to the local law society and they will look at
the file to see if he charged you reasonably or not. You will be very surprised

how many are hammered for this type of thing and how suddenly you get an

80% discount. In such cases always lay a charge and refuse payment.

In law, like a panel beater and others, lawyers may keep the file until paid for

they did work on it. In such a case let your new lawyer write to the other side

54