What happens if my family solicitor leaves the firm during my case? Should I follow them?

A solicitor leaving the firm before a case has finished is commonplace. People no longer remain committed to the same firm for their entire career, and regularly move between practices. If your family solicitor leaves the firm during your case, you have several options:

1. Remain with the firm

You can choose to remain with the law firm and be assigned a new solicitor who will take over your case. It is important to ensure that you are comfortable working with the new solicitor and that they have the necessary expertise and experience to handle your case effectively.

It is worth noting that if your case is ongoing, your solicitor’s departure may cause some delays in the progress of your case. This is because the new solicitor will need time to familiarise themselves with the case and any relevant documentation. However, the new solicitor should work to minimise any disruptions and ensure that your case is handled as efficiently as possible.

2. Follow your solicitor

You can choose to follow your solicitor to their new firm. However, it is important to note that this may not always be in your best interests. Your solicitor may have been working with a team of lawyers at their previous firm who are familiar with your case, and this knowledge and expertise may not be available following a move. In addition, if you decide to follow your solicitor, you may cause them issues regarding any non-compete clause they have entered into. Although there would be no repercussions personally for a client, there could be some professionally for the solicitor.

3. Find someone new

You can choose to find a new solicitor to take over your case. This may be a good option if you are not happy with the service you received from your previous solicitor or if you do not feel comfortable working with the new solicitor assigned to you by the law firm.

What should I think about when deciding to follow my solicitor?

If you decide to follow your solicitor to their new firm, it is important to ensure that the new firm can handle your case effectively. You should ask your solicitor about their team and their experience in family law, and make sure that you are comfortable with the new firm’s approach and working style.

Here are several factors you should take into account before making a decision:

  • Ensuring the new firm has the necessary expertise and experience to handle your case effectively.
  • Ensuring you are comfortable with the new firm’s approach to communication. Your solicitor should be easy to reach and responsive to your needs, and the new firm should have a clear process for keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
  • Consider the cost of following your solicitor to their new firm. It is important to understand the new firm’s fee structure and ensure that you are comfortable with the costs involved.
  • Research the new firm’s reputation and track record in family law. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients and make sure the firm has a good reputation for handling cases similar to yours.
  • Consider the location of the new firm and whether it is convenient for you to travel to meetings and court hearings. For example if the solicitor has moved from Liverpool to Birmingham for example, can your case be handled primarily by video/telephone calls)?
  • Think about whether the timing of your case is appropriate for a move to a new firm. If your case is at an advanced stage, it may be more disruptive to move to a new firm than to stay with the current firm and be assigned a new solicitor.

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