Legal Definitions - substitution of attorney

Substitution of Attorney is when a client decides to change the person who is representing them in court. This can happen at any stage of the case if the client is unhappy with how their case is being handled. There is a process that needs to be followed for the substitution of attorney to be successful.

Usually, both the departing attorney and the incoming attorney need to sign a form. This form must then be filed with the court clerk, along with a notification of the substitution to the other party's lawyer.

There are also situations where an attorney may request substitution. For example, if a client is doing something illegal, not cooperating, or refusing to pay their fees.

For instance, if a client feels that their attorney is not doing a good job, they can substitute their attorney. They would need to find a new attorney and have them sign the necessary forms. Then, they would file the forms with the court clerk and notify the other party's lawyer.