A Change of Counsel Requires a Continuity Plan
A client can generally consider changing a personal injury lawyer during an Albuquerque case, but the current agreement, court procedure, fee or lien issues, and the risk of a representation gap must be reviewed first. The safest transition identifies the concern, confirms new counsel, transfers the complete file, assigns every deadline, and gives required notices. It should not begin by simply stopping communication with the current lawyer.
Before a Change, Define the Problem and Read the Agreement
Write the concern in concrete terms: unanswered status questions, disagreement about authority, strategy, staffing, cost, communication, or trust. Request a current case summary, calendar, offers, cost ledger, court docket, discovery status, and the governing fee agreement. Some problems can be clarified; others may support a transition.
An accident lawyer being considered should complete a conflict check and review the matter before promising to take over. Ask whether the lawyer can meet existing obligations, what information remains missing, and what engagement terms would apply.
During the Transition, Prevent an Unassigned Deadline
Coordinate the new engagement, written termination notice, file authorization, insurer or opposing-party notice, and any court substitution or withdrawal process. Do not assume the prior lawyer is off the case or the new lawyer is responsible until the required documents and procedural steps are effective.
Create a deadline transfer sheet listing limitations, notices, discovery, depositions, examinations, mediation, motions, hearings, trial settings, offer expirations, and client tasks. Each entry needs an owner and written acknowledgment.
Transfer the Entire File With an Inventory
Inventory pleadings, correspondence, native media, reports, medical and billing records, policy material, expert files, discovery, transcripts, offers, releases, research, notes, costs, trust items, and property held. Identify missing or inaccessible material and preserve the transfer confirmation.
Confidentiality and privilege continue to matter. Use authorized channels and verify recipients. A partial download or informal email chain should not be treated as proof that the new personal injury lawyer received the complete working file.
After the Change, Reconcile Authority, Cost, and Status
Confirm who communicates with insurers and opposing counsel, which offers remain open, what strategy decisions are pending, and which immediate tasks will be completed. Review any asserted fee, cost, or lien position without assuming the ultimate allocation. The final continuity check should show effective substitution, complete transfer, accepted deadlines, current settlement authority, and a shared understanding of the next milestone. At S&S Law, we help Albuquerque clients with changes in counsel.