Why Might You Want to Switch Attorneys?

There are several reasons why you might decide to switch your Social Security Disability attorney, including:

• Lack of communication: If you feel like your attorney isn’t keeping you informed about the status of your case or isn’t answering your calls and emails, it can be frustrating.
• Unsatisfactory progress: If your attorney isn’t making the progress you expect or doesn’t seem motivated to get results, you might want to seek a different lawyer.
• Differences in strategy or approach: If your attorney’s approach to your case doesn’t align with your expectations or goals, switching may be the right move.
• Personal reasons: Sometimes personal factors or a difference in communication style can make the working relationship difficult.

How to Switch Your Social Security Disability Attorney

Switching attorneys is relatively straightforward, but there are important steps you should follow to ensure a smooth transition:

• Notify your current attorney: Before making any changes, inform your current attorney of your decision to switch. This is typically done in writing, so there’s a record of your request.
• Request your case file: Ask your current attorney for a complete copy of your case file, including all correspondence, medical records, evidence, and other documentation related to your claim. You have a right to these materials.
• Sign a new retainer agreement: Once you’ve selected a new Social Security Disability attorney, you’ll need to sign a new retainer agreement. This will outline the terms of the representation and the attorney’s fees.
• Notify the SSA: Your new attorney will file a notice of representation with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to officially represent you in your case.

Make sure the transition is seamless, so your case doesn’t experience unnecessary delays.

Will Switching Attorneys Affect My Case?

Switching Social Security Disability attorneys won’t automatically hurt your chances of success, but there are a few considerations:

• Potential delays: Changing attorneys can cause some delay as the new lawyer reviews your case, gathers evidence, and gets up to speed. However, your attorney will typically do this as quickly as possible.
• Missed deadlines: If the transition is not handled properly, there’s a risk of missing important deadlines for submitting documents or filing appeals. Make sure you work with your new attorney to stay on top of these.
• Continuity of your case: Your new attorney will need to review your case thoroughly to ensure that all necessary information and evidence are in place. Switching shouldn’t affect the strength of your case as long as your new attorney is well-prepared.

Will I Have to Pay for Both Attorneys?

In most cases, if you switch attorneys:

• Payment obligations: You generally only pay the attorney’s fees for the time they worked on your case. This fee is subject to approval by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is typically taken from your backpay if your claim is successful.
• Fee-sharing: If your previous attorney has already worked on your case, they may be entitled to a portion of the fee when you win your case, even if you switch attorneys. The SSA will typically divide the fee between the two attorneys.
• No double payments: You should not have to pay two attorneys for the same work. The SSA typically ensures that only one fee is paid, and it will be divided appropriately.