QUESTION
What can I do if my lawyer quit during mediation.
Asked on Mar 30th, 2014 on General Practice - Wisconsin
More details to this question:
I am the plaintiff and was scheduled to go to a jury trial. I was encouraged to go through mediation first. My lawyer quit in the middle of ongoing mediation with no explaination except that he feels it is his professional opinion that I retain another lawyer. After spending 3 years in litigation with no resolution along with huge expenses I am devestated he would do this. What are my rights and where does my case go from here? The longer I wait the more damages will occur by dragging this out.
1 ANSWER
Things may be different in Wisconsin, but where I practice a lawyer can't just "quit" a case wtihout the client's consent. If you don't consent, the lawyer will have to seek the Court's permission. If the case is that close to trial, he may not get it (although, to be honest, I very much doubt that the lawyer just quit for no reason, and the reason he quit will probably be sufficient for the Court to allow it). However, even if he does get permission to withdraw, the Court will give you time to get a new attorney and for him/her to get up to speed.
Answered on Mar 31st, 2014 at 12:57 PM