Attorney and Client Relationship: If It Don’t Fit, Don’t Force It!

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Jun 23, 2021 | 0 Comments

Recently, when reading the news, I came across a headline stating that R. Kelly had parted ways with his attorneys ahead of his federal trial. The story was unclear about who parted with who, alleging that R. Kelly had fired his attorneys, while also going on to say that his attorneys had already filed a motion saying they wanted off the case. Whoever wanted out first is not what is important, what is important however is understanding that the attorney-client relationship is just like any other relationship. If either party cannot work with the other, they have the right to say, “You know what? I don't want to be in this anymore.” If there has been an extreme erosion of trust in the relationship, attorneys can always file a motion to withdraw, and let the client know they are asking the judge to take them off the case.

The same thing goes for the client. If the client has an issue with their attorney, or feels they cannot trust them, they can discharge that attorney at any time and let them know their services are no longer needed. I share this because time and time again I have heard people express that they didn't trust their lawyer, or that they didn't feel their lawyer was working on their behalf. I want to impress upon you, if you ever find yourself in a situation like that, you have the right to communicate to them that their services are no longer needed and terminate the relationship.

If the relationship is a bad fit, it is always better to act before something happens, rather than waiting until after. It is more difficult to undo something that has already been done than it is to part ways in a hopefully reasonable and civil manner.  If the attorney-client relationship is not working, get the heck out. If you have any questions related to this or anything else, feel free to reach out to me. I'd be more than happy to talk.

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

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