Yes, just as you may discharge your lawyers any time, they can also discharge themselves on certain grounds:
- His discharge does not cause harm to your interest and the discharge is mutually agreed
- Your lawyer believes that the engagement will bring about a serious adverse effect upon his/her health
- You breach an agreement with your lawyer – it can be with regards to fees or expenses to be paid, or simply your conduct in your dealings with him/her
- You make significant misrepresentations about the facts of the matter to your lawyer
- The lawyer may discover that he has an interest in the matter that is adverse to your interest
- This is a necessary discharge to avoid contravention by your lawyer under the Legal Profession Act
Although the lawyer can choose not to work with you, they still have to take reasonable care to avoid foreseeable harm to you, so it is important that they:
- Give you due notice
- Allowing reasonable time for you to find a substitute lawyer
- Cooperate with your new lawyer to take over, subject to you fulfilling your part as a client
This article is written by Adrian Mah from Asia Law Network.
This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and practice in this area. If you require any advice or information, please speak to practicing lawyer in your jurisdiction. No individual who is a member, partner, shareholder or consultant of, in or to any constituent part of Interstellar Group Pte. Ltd. accepts or assumes responsibility, or has any liability, to any person in respect of this article.