I was assigned a Legal Aid lawyer and I’m not convinced he is particularly experienced in criminal law. I would prefer to have a lawyer who specialises in criminal law. Do I have the right to ask for a new lawyer and do I have to explain to them why?
Lawyer Answers (1): Answers from lawyers are general preliminary responses. They are not formal legal advice and cannot taken account of all your circumstances. They do not create a lawyer–client relationship.
Answer by Lisa Wulfsohn, Malvern 3144 VIC
- You will need to tell Legal Aid that you want to change your lawyer. You must provide the following information:
- why you want a new lawyer;
- how much work your lawyer has done so far;
- how much Legal Aid has paid to the lawyer so far (if they are not a Legal Aid lawyer);
- when the next stage of the proceeding is such as the next court date; and
- whether your current lawyer is still willing to act for you.