Intro
The benchmark for the end of service varies and depends on the type of service. The same can be said for the grounds for early termination of service.
End of service
For representation, service ends once the Client's Case is resolved.
For an evaluation, service ends once the evaluation is over, including the initial consultation, the follow up consultation, and everything in between.
For a consultation, service ends once the consultation is over.
Grounds for early termination of service
The grounds for early termination of representation are different for the Client than they are for SRL. The Client has a right to terminate representation at any time for any reason. SRL must and/or may withdraw from representation pursuant to the grounds in Rule 1.16 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct or at SRL’s discretion.
For example
Rule 1.16 authorizes a lawyer to withdraw from representing a client if “the client fails substantially to fulfill an obligation to the lawyer regarding the lawyer’s services and has been given reasonable warning that the lawyer will withdraw unless the obligation is fulfilled.”
The grounds for early termination of an evaluation are the same for both parties. Both can terminate the evaluation at any time and for any reason.
The grounds for early termination of a consultation are the same for both parties. Both can terminate the consultation at any time and for any reason.
Note
If the Client ends service early, the Client is normally not entitled to a refund of any flat fee payment for standard services except for breach of contract.
Obligations upon termination
If the representation is terminated before the Case is resolved, the Client is obligated to pay for all standard and non-standard services and expenses covered by all relevant Terms forms, up until the time the representation actually ends.
If permission from a court is required for SRL to withdraw from the representation, this means that the Client’s obligation continues up until the time such permission is granted.