Can I change lawyers in the middle of my case?

Yes. The relationship is yours to end.

How it works. New counsel appears, prior counsel withdraws, and the file transfers. You're entitled to your file regardless of any fee dispute.

In a contingency case, the prior attorney may assert a lien for work performed. That's generally resolved between the attorneys out of the eventual recovery rather than by you paying twice — but confirm that with new counsel before switching.

In a flat fee criminal case, whether any portion is refundable depends on the agreement and on work performed.

Timing. Courts generally permit substitution, but may not grant a continuance for it close to trial. A change on the eve of trial can leave new counsel with inadequate preparation time.

Before switching, consider whether the problem is fixable. Most complaints are about communication. A direct conversation asking for a status update and a plan resolves many of them.

When it's genuinely warranted: missed deadlines, no meaningful work over months, or a loss of confidence that a conversation didn't repair.