He adds that some lawyers are so hungry for a fee that they are willing to endure intolerable behavior. Some also fear that terminating a bad client relationship will result in a malpractice claim or a disciplinary action. She also wouldn't follow the directions I gave her. I made sure to send a polite letter telling her why I couldn't represent her anymore. I think it's time when the client is not candid and truthful with you, they do not honor your fee agreement even though they have the ability to do so, the client is not cooperating in preparation of the case, or any of the other reasons found in Rule 1.16 of the Rules of Professional Conduct are violated.
Bad clients can damage a lawyer's practice, staff, finances and personal life.
Like Stevens, Foonberg advocates terminating deteriorating client relationships before they become professionally and personally destructive. How a lawyer terminates a client relationship is important, Foonberg cautions. Soured attorney-client relationships are a leading cause of meritless malpractice suits and disciplinary complaints. Firing a client is always awkward. Va. Daniel says she writes the client a short letter that clearly states she is ending representation.