If you merely wish to inquire about the status of your case, a formal letter is not necessary. Your lawyer is obligated to keep you reasonably informed about the status of your case and will likely contact you whenever there is news to report. If you have not heard from your lawyer in a while, send him a quick email or leave him a voice mail message asking for an update. If your lawyer has requested that you write him a letter, follow his instructions his exactly. For example, if he sends you a list of questions to answer, simply answer his questions one by one as clearly as possible. Do not worry about formatting the letter in any special way or typing it unless your attorney requests that you do so. If your lawyer has asked that you write him a letter giving your consent to his requesting documents on your behalf, you should ask your lawyer to write the letter for you. This kind of letter may need to meet certain criteria to be effective and your lawyer is the one who will know what the letter needs to include. Your only role should be to revise and sign the letter once you have received a draft. If you are concerned your lawyer is not working on your case, write him a polite but firm letter explaining your concerns. If you feel more comfortable emailing or calling him, that would be fine as well. You are under no obligation to express your concerns in a formal letter. [2] X Research source If you want to fire your lawyer, send him a letter that clearly states you are terminating the relationship and that the lawyer is to cease working on any pending matters. You should also ask that he return all of the documents regarding your case and pay you refund for any unfinished work. [3] X Research source
If you wish to fire your attorney, state that clearly in your opening paragraph: “I’m writing to terminate our attorney-client relationship. " If you have a legal question for your attorney, ask it up front: “I’m writing to ask you a question about my immigration case. I’m wondering how my departure from the U. S. will affect my legal residence status. "
If you begin your letter with a paragraph stating that you would like to terminate your relationship with your attorney, write one or two paragraphs that explain why you are unhappy with him. Wherever possible, refer to specific examples. If you are writing your attorney with a question, provide your attorney with the necessary context for understanding why you are asking your question. For example, “The reason I am asking this question is that I’m planning to leave the United States next month to care for my mother who is sick. "
For example: “For these reasons, I would like to terminate our attorney-client relationship and I ask that you return my file to me as soon as possible. "
For example, instead of “enclosed herewith please find,” just say, “I’ve enclosed” or “Here is. . . . ”
Avoid unnecessary tangents, like telling your attorney about problems you have been having with your wife, unless they relate to your case.
Full block format means that all elements of the letter are left-justified so that the start of each line is at the left-hand margin. Modified block format means that some elements of the letter are shifted over to the right.
If applicable, also include your e-mail address and cell phone number.
The date should be placed on the left regardless of whether you are using full block or modified block format. Write the date in word rather than number form, as in June 8, 2015 instead of 6/8/15. Allow for two spaces beneath the date.
Your attorney’s name and address should be placed on the left regardless of whether you are using full block or modified block format. If there is a paralegal that is working on your specific case, you may wish to write to include it in parenthesis next to the attorney’s name.
Highlight the subject line in bold so that it appears prominently on the page. If you don’t have a case number, write out your name (or the name of the main client on the case) in the subject line. This will help the attorney and the attorney’s staff locate your file.
For example: “Dear Mr. Jones” or “Dear Ms. Fisher” Position the greeting on the left side of the page. Follow the greeting with a colon, i. e. “Dear Ms. Fisher:”
Lead with the main purpose of your letter and then explain the reasons for your question or request. [12] X Research source Be specific when referencing relevant information including names, dates and places. The more information you include, the better your attorney will be able to assist you. Keep to one main topic per paragraph, even if you have several issues to discuss in the letter. End the letter in two or three sentences as politely as you can, even if your letter to your attorney is a complaint about the service you have received.
“Sincerely” is an example of an appropriate closing phrase. Place a comma after the closing phrase (i. e. “Sincerely,”). The closing should be aligned with your address. If you are using full block format, place it on the left side. If you are using modified block format, place it on the right.
Align your name on the same side as your closing phrase. If you are using full block format, place it on the left side. If you are using modified block format, place it on the right. Insert several blank lines between your closing phrase and your name.
