Sometimes attorneys are not in the starting lineup but are called in when a change is needed. Taking over a client representation from other attorneys can create risk for the replacement.

When taking on a standard representation at its inception, there may be time to fully evaluate the case and craft the appropriate strategy. Depending on the circumstances, that time may not exist when jumping in as replacement counsel. Moreover, the replacement attorney may need to address urgent issues or deadlines right out the gate. If the client has switched representation because of a suspected error by the prior attorney, that can also have an impact on strategy, on client management, and on the potential risk that the attorney could compound, or share responsibility for causing, the perceived error.