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Issue: I have a district court criminal case. My lawyer on the case has been charged with ethical violations by the state lawyers review board for issues not involving my case. Does my lawyer have to tell me about the case against him, and can I fire him and get my money back because of his problems?

Insight:  Unless it would have some impact on your case, your attorney is not obligated to notify you of his pending disciplinary proceedings. You are always entitled to terminate your attorney’s services and hire another lawyer.  However, if you choose to do so, you likely will not be reimbursed for services already performed.

If your attorney is ultimately suspended or disbarred, he would have to notify you that he can no longer represent you, and you might arguably be entitled to reimbursement of your retainer, since he cannot complete his representation.