Tips for Disengaging a Client Relationship:
Sometimes firms are challenged with having to disengage a client. This task is not easy and often firms do not utilize proper communication skills to effectively terminate the professional relationship. Disengaging with a client can be a smooth process if an effective and professional disengagement letter or agreement is used. The following tips for disengaging a client relationship will allow a cordial detachment between both parties.
- The disengagement letter should include a concise list of reasons why the firm must disengage.
Example: “The first reason is that while you were referred to our firm, we were not given adequate and proper understanding of how intricate and detailed your legal issues are and unfortunately we at (firm name) are ill-equipped to handle your legal matter at this time.
- The disengagement letter should explain that the client issue(s) require immediate handling and offer an explanation as to why that does not work for your firm.
Example: “Another reason that we (firm name) are unable to service your legal needs is that your issue(s) need immediate attention and my firm does not have the capacity or availability to devote the entire office to your pressing issues at this time.”
- The disengagement letter can address the current global pandemic and the firm’s inability to take priority over other mandated client work.
Example: “In addition, (firm name) has received a multitude of motions and other related trial dates that have been continued (due to COVID) and are no on schedule and those deadlines must take first priority over new client intake matters.”
- The disengagement letter should always include a paragraph understanding the difficulty for the client and offer any available remedies for engagement with another firm to ease the transition.
Example: “We at (firm name) appreciate the situation that you are in, but we are dealing with various degrees of emergencies with current client. You might want to reach out to (recommended firm name). We sincerely appreciate you reaching out to us and wish you the best of luck with your legal issues.”
For more Tidbits & Thoughts, please click here.
