By Talk to a Lawyer · Published 20 September 2026 · 3 minute read
You may consider changing lawyers because of communication, availability, scope or a loss of confidence. Before moving the matter, identify what you need to change and whether it can be addressed with the current office. If you decide to approach another provider, plan the handover as a separate task. A new enquiry does not itself transfer responsibility for a hearing or deadline.
Define the problem you want solved
Write down the concern in concrete terms: unanswered questions, unclear bills, a change in the work required or difficulty understanding the proposed plan. Ask for a clarification or discussion if appropriate. Keep the desired improvement separate from a disagreement with an unwelcome legal assessment.
If you need independent advice about service or costs, consult the relevant legal-services regulator or assistance resource. A complaint and appointing a new lawyer are different processes. Ask which immediate practical tasks still need attention while you consider either route.
Prepare a focused enquiry for the new office
Explain the current stage, the other parties and every known upcoming date. Supply identifying information for a conflict check before sending the full file. Ask whether the new office has capacity and relevant experience for the work that remains.
Describe what has already been done and what you want reviewed. A new adviser may need time to understand existing records, and an initial assessment may carry its own cost. Ask whether the quote includes reviewing previous work, taking over representation and communicating with the former office.
Clarify files, costs and authority
Ask what documents can be transferred, how the request should be authorised and whether any issue about outstanding fees or release of material needs resolution. Keep your own copies of engagement letters, bills, orders and important correspondence available.
Do not assume the new lawyer has received the whole file because a transfer was requested. Confirm what arrived, what is missing and what is needed before the new office can act. Ask about any formal change-of-representation steps relevant to the proceeding.
Close the responsibility gap
Obtain clear confirmation of when the former engagement ends and when the new office accepts the specified work. Ask who is dealing with each urgent date during the transition. If there is a gap, seek advice about protecting your position rather than assuming one office will cover it.
Once the handover is complete, agree the communication method and next update. A concise written task list can address the problem that prompted the move and give both you and the new office a practical basis for the relationship.
Keep this checklist beside you
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A preparation aid, not confirmation that a legal requirement is complete.
Common questions
Will the new lawyer redo everything?
Ask what needs independent review and why. Some existing work may be usable, while the new adviser needs enough information to take responsibility for the agreed task. Clarify the review cost before authorising it.
Does a complaint transfer my matter?
No assumption should be made that it does. Confirm representation, file arrangements and deadlines separately from any complaint process.
Sources and scope
General appointment preparation, not advice about your individual circumstances. Examples are illustrative, not client case studies. Sources provide further reading; confirm current requirements with the relevant service or adviser.
- Legal Aid NSW: dealing with your lawyer
NSW legal-profession complaints and service issues; other professions have different regulators and rules.
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