General information only — not legal advice. Search Solicitors is a directory and information resource, not a law firm. Laws and procedures vary across Australia and may change. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified Australian legal practitioner about your own circumstances. A listing is not an endorsement or a guarantee of qualifications, availability or outcomes.
The practical takeaway
What work needs attention during the proposed transition? What remains to be done before the handover is complete?
Before changing firms, clarify who will handle current work, what information must move and what each firm understands about the transition. This guide does not advise whether you should change lawyers.
Identify the reason and the immediate work
Write down whether your concern is communication, cost, availability or the approach being taken. Ask for an explanation if something is unclear. Separately list upcoming dates and unfinished tasks. A decision to explore another firm should not be confused with confirmation that another practitioner has taken responsibility.
- What work needs attention during the proposed transition?
Ask the prospective firm about acceptance
The new firm may need a conflict check and an initial review before deciding whether it can act. Explain that another firm is currently engaged and ask what information is needed first. Obtain clarity about when any new engagement would begin and what its initial scope would cover.
- What must happen before you can confirm that you act for me?
Discuss the file and outstanding costs
Ask both firms about the process for transferring records, any authorisation they need and any issue involving outstanding fees or file access. Do not assume all documents will move immediately or without a question to resolve. If a problem arises, seek advice or contact the relevant local regulator about available assistance.
- Who will arrange the records, and how will I know they have arrived?
Confirm the transition in writing
Ask the firms to clarify the handover date, responsibility for upcoming events and which contact you should use. Keep your own copies of the engagement documents and correspondence. Check any court or agency steps with the lawyer rather than assuming a private email completes all required changes.
- What remains to be done before the handover is complete?
Worked example · hypothetical
The new firm has offered a consultation only
A person believes booking a meeting has automatically replaced their current representative.
The new firm has offered a consultation only
Ask: Have you accepted the matter, or is this an assessment before acceptance?
Why it matters: Clarifying the proposed service prevents a comparison based on different assumptions.
The initial discussion leaves a task unclear.
Ask: What must happen before you can confirm that you act for me?
Why it matters: Record the answer so you can distinguish confirmed arrangements from an expectation.
Further work has not yet been agreed.
Ask: What remains to be done before the handover is complete?
Why it matters: A specific next step helps you understand who is responsible and what has been accepted.
Your next step: Write down the answer, ask for unclear terms to be explained, and compare the written proposal before engaging the provider.
Open the private comparison worksheet →Your private preparation
Turn this guide into your enquiry
Print this page using your browser, or copy the prompts into your own private notes. This page does not collect your answers.
- What work needs attention during the proposed transition?
- What must happen before you can confirm that you act for me?
- Who will arrange the records, and how will I know they have arrived?
- What remains to be done before the handover is complete?
Common questions
Will my file transfer immediately?
Do not assume that. Ask what authorisation, outstanding-cost issues or practical arrangements must be addressed, who handles the transfer and how receipt will be confirmed.
Who handles dates during the handover?
Ask both firms to clarify responsibility in writing. A consultation with a prospective firm is not confirmation that it has taken over current work or upcoming events.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 2026-09-20. Read each source in its own jurisdiction and context. Examples and worksheets are original editorial aids, not actual client stories. How we prepare our content.
General information only — not legal advice. Search Solicitors is a directory and information resource, not a law firm. Laws and procedures vary across Australia and may change. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified Australian legal practitioner about your own circumstances. A listing is not an endorsement or a guarantee of qualifications, availability or outcomes.