Last updated September 06, 2023

Can I change lawyers during my claim?

You can change lawyers or switch lawyers at any time during your claim. This applies to any workers’ compensation claims, motor vehicle claims, or public liability claims.

In fact, switching lawyers to a new lawyer is a relatively straightforward process in a personal injury claim. Personal Injury Law firms are well versed in this process, clients change lawyers, it is relatively common practice between personal injury lawyers. The original law firm must continue to act in the best interests of the client in their compensation claim while the clients decide on a potential new lawyer, on a No Win No Fee basis.

If you decide to change lawyers you should not need to pay your current Lawyer anything at the time the file is transferred to your new Lawyer.

If you are unhappy with your Lawyers’ performance and have lost confidence in their ability to achieve a great result for you, then you should speak to other Lawyers to see if they can do a better job. It is imperative that you have clear communication and your lawyer is able to explain the whole process to you. You need to be confident they are going to achieve the best outcome on your behalf.

It is very important that you are 100% happy with your Lawyer and the results they are getting for you as some claims can only be made once, and the difference between a Lawyer achieving average results and a Lawyer achieving great results could cost you thousands in compensation.

Changing Lawyers is a relatively simple process. If you've lost confidence in your personal injury lawyer, make sure to obtain a second opinion from a different Lawyer.

Changing Lawyers

In most personal injury matters, you need to sign a No Win No Fee costs agreement or what is known as a Conditional Costs Agreement. This means that you do not pay any legal costs until the conclusion of your claim. If you have signed a No Win No Fee costs agreement, then there is usually no difficulty in changing to another Lawyer.

In order to change lawyers you will need to:

Find another Lawyer to take over the conduct of your claim;
Sign a document authorising your new Lawyer to take over the conduct of the claim from your old lawyers.

Once your previous Lawyer receives that authority, you are no longer their client and they are not entitled to contact you, other than to send a bill of costs for work completed to date.

What happens next?

The original Lawyer should then forward the file to your new Lawyer on the undertaking that the original lawyers’ reasonable costs and disbursements will be paid at the end of the claim.

Often a Tripartite Deed, also known as a Tripartite agreement, is entered between the original Lawyers, new Lawyers, and the client to ensure that reasonable costs and disbursements will be paid to the old Lawyers at the conclusion of the claim when changing firms.

Sometimes difficulties can arise where the original Lawyers refuse to release their file and require payment of disbursements, such as the cost of medical reports. In No Win No Fee costs agreements, you do not need to repay the disbursements until the conclusion of the claim, in most circumstances.

We recommend an Accredited Specialist when choosing a Lawyer

An Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law is the most Senior Lawyer in personal injury law. This is an industry recognition, by The Law Society of NSW, that your lawyer has undertaken specialist training and has deep experience in personal injury law to qualify them as an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.

Changing Lawyers is a relatively simple process. You do not need to repay any legal costs until the end of your claim. If you have lost confidence in your lawyer, then you should seek further obtain further legal advice, a second opinion from a new lawyer. You are in no way obliged to move firms after this first consultation, but it can help you decide if you do need to switch lawyers.

We always recommend that any Lawyer you chose to act on your behalf in a claim for personal injury should be an NSW Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.

Please see our article here on why you need an Accredited Specialist.

Changing lawyers 5 point summary –

Why Change? – If you are unable to get an update on your case or you do not have confidence in your lawyer. You should be able to change lawyers at any time.
Which Lawyer? Read google reviews for independent feedback from previous clients.
Legal Qualifications? Always choose an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.
Authorisation – Provide the signed document to your new lawyer to take over your claim.
Agreement – agree on costs and disbursements to be paid to the original lawyer. These will not be paid until the end of your claim. (this will depend on the type of cost agreement you signed with your lawyer)

Terms and Definitions

Tripartite deed – this is an agreement between your old lawyer and the new lawyer on costs and disbursements.
Legal costs and disbursements – are usually paid at the end of the claim when you are successful.

Contact Garling and Co today for your confidential free case appraisal. Your journey to recovery starts now.

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...

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Alina S.

03:51 26 Mar 26

I can’t thank Mr Garling and his team enough for the incredible support they provided throughout my case. From the very beginning, they showed genuine compassion, professionalism, and a strong... commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me - and the result they achieved in the end was far beyond my expectations!What stood out most was their clear and prompt communication, customer-focused approach and kindness. At every stage, they made sure I understood what was happening and what to expect. This made a very difficult and emotionally challenging process a lot more manageable. Whenever I had questions or felt anxious they were responsive, patient, and reassuring.Thanks to Mr Garling, I felt empowered and confident navigating the complex, opaque and overwhelming workers compensation system. His dedication and expertise, along with the hard work of his entire team, helped me achieve an outstanding outcome.I cannot recommend Garling & Co highly enough, to anyone in need of personal injury legal assistance, and especially those dealing with a workplace injury / workcover. You’ll be in very capable and caring hands!read more

sidney C.

02:14 05 Mar 26

From the Moment we seek out a lawyer all we expect from them is Honest,Efficient,Competentce,and Dedication.I Found All of That in These Lawers.

YKHADZ

00:11 25 Feb 26

I can’t thank Garling & Co lawyers enough!they turned what felt like an impossible situation into a life changing result.After my back injury forced me to stop working, I was terrified about how... I’d support my family.Kerry, Myriel and the team kept me updated every step without me having to chase. If you’re considering a TPD claim and feel like the insurer is making it deliberately hard, do yourself a favour and call these guys first. They know exactly what evidence matters and they fight hard without ever making you feel like just another file.Highly recommend worth every single star!!!Thanks again Kerry, Myriel & the team absolute legends 🙏read more

Howard P.

00:54 23 Feb 26

So thrilled with Garling & Co. Particularly Kerry Byrnes. Right from the first time I called for some advice to our favourable outcome she has had a listening ear, empathy and on the money with all... of her advice. I would gladly recommend their services.read more

Fiona C.

05:55 19 Feb 26

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this workers Compensation team. When I first reached out, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure about the process. I hit rock bottom - unable to... return to work, struggling emotionally, and feeling like I had no direction. From the very beginning, the solicitors were nothing short of amazing. They were patient, understanding and incredibly supportive at a time when I needed it most. They took the time to explain every step in a way I could understand, never making me feel rushed or alone. Their professionalism was matched only by their compassion and that combination made all the difference.Throughout the entire journey, I felt heard, respected and genuinely cared for. They fought for me when I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself and thanks to their dedication, I was able to get the outcome I needed to rebuild my life. If you’re unsure, scared or feeling lost like I was, I can confidently say you will be in the best hands with this team. They helped me through one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I am truly grateful. I can’t thank or recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough.read more

E.B

01:02 04 Feb 26

We initially contacted Matthew after my husband’s injury, he was so helpful and gave us all the information about my husband’s workers comp situation, he took the time and explained where my husband... was at with his claim and what we needed to do moving forward. This was even before we became a client which was refreshing and honest… Navigating a workers compensation claim is hard and really confusing, the team at Garling and co are so helpful and professional they really make the process easy and smooth!! We knew we could always call or email and ask questions about anything at any time. My husband doesn’t speak English fluently and Allison and Matthew catered to that in any ways possible.My husband was happy with the outcome of his claim, and he felt like he ended up with best possible outcome thanks to Matthew and the team.Thankyou Garling and Coread more

Alyssa F

08:02 31 Dec 25

Matthew Garling and his team have provided incredible support and guidance throughout my MVA damages claim this year, and I can’t thank them enough for making this journey feel like such a breeze.... When I initially engaged Garling & co, I had no understanding of what was ahead. I was anxious and unsure about the process, while also navigating the physical challenges of my injuries. With assurance that my matter was being handled with high level of expertise, professionalism and integrity, I was able to focus on recovery instead. Throughout the process, Matthew and Allison have been honest, straightforward and efficient in all communication; being a supportive buffer in all dealings with the insurer, and consistently committed to a successful outcome. The outcome was excellent, and it is with huge relief and great thanks that I can put this matter behind me. I would highly recommend the services of Garling and co for any injury claims of a similar nature, and I’m forever grateful to Matthew and his team.read more

David Y

21:33 15 Dec 25

A big thank you to Matthew for his expertise, dedication, and genuine care in handling my matter. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I am truly grateful for the excellent work of his entire... team. Outstanding results - highly recommended.read more

Richard R.

07:58 02 Dec 25

I needed urgent, clear advice regarding a Workers Compensation claim and "cold-called" Garling & Co.I was put through to Kerry Byrnes, and from that moment, my stress began to lift.I explained my... scenario which was causing me huge anxiety and Kerry listened intently. She provided simple, clear, and authoritative advice on my legal standing, the correct next steps, and what to realistically expect.Crucially, she reassured me that everything I had done to that point was correct.This initial consultation, which I later learned was provided at no cost, gave me perfect guidance and an immense sense of relief.There is truly no price you can put on that level of reassurance and peace of mind from an expert and Kerry delivered both instantly.Should my claim proceed and I need further legal insight, I will choose Kerry and the team at Garling & Co without hesitation.Their focus is clearly on the client and getting the right outcome.I recommend Kerry and the firm 100%.Thank you, Kerry!read more

Graeme M.

04:22 29 Oct 25

Matthew Garling and his team have been excellent in dealing with my case. I am very happy with the result and the process to guide me through everything over the last two years. Most importantly... happy with the payout. Highly recommend if you’re thinking of claiming for an injury caused by another party.read more

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Workers Compensation Lawyers

Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Sydney

Medical Negligence Lawyers Sydney

Public Liability Lawyers

Superannuation Lawyers Sydney

Can I change lawyers during my claim?

Changing Lawyers is a relatively simple process. If you've lost confidence in your personal injury lawyer, make sure to obtain a second opinion from a different Lawyer.

Changing Lawyers

What happens next?

We recommend an Accredited Specialist when choosing a Lawyer

Changing lawyers 5 point summary –

Terms and Definitions

Matthew Garling

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You might also be interested in…

What is an accredited specialist in personal injury law?

5 reasons why you need an expert lawyer in your public liability claim

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