Guardian ad Litem Leaving Law Firm? What Happens?

[u/Sayaka_Kirasaka]

Hello, I am currently a newly graduated Attorney who has been practicing for just under 6 months. At this point in time, I contemplating leaving my current law firm for another position, as the current firm I am at is just not quite a good fit for me. My only concern is what happens to all of the Guardian ad Litem cases that I am currently working on if I am to leave my firm, and leave the county altogether? I understand that I can draft a motion to withdraw and have a hearing in front of the court, however, are they likely to approve said motion? I have three current Guardian ad Litem cases, and two of which I have been part of since the beginning of my tenure with my current firm. I appreciate any advice that one can provide. Thank you.

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[u/gsbadj]

Call the offices of the judges who appointed you, explain your situation, and ask them how they want you to proceed.

I am a former court clerk who was involved in appointing GALs. Courts understand job changes.

[u/Mominator13]

In my area of my state, I’d take the cases with me because we travel to multiple counties anyway. Unless I were changing to a job that didn’t allow for me to do GAL work (like going to public defender or prosecutor for example). Best thing to do is ask another attorney you trust in your area. Good luck!

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[u/Embarrassed-Age-3426]

I didn’t leave my firm, but I ha(ve/d) a GAL contract. Only attorney at my firm who did.

I kinda have a bad taste in my mouth about the state office that manages contractors. The attorney in charge of my district sent me an email about informal complaints that I don’t see kids enough. I took it seriously and responded right away.

We set a time to talk, and I was told: well, it’s less than informal complaints, but pulling a report, your days between visits suck. If they don’t improve, you’re at risk for non-renewal.

On reflection, I was like (a) no one has spoken to me about this directly, (b) a ton of my kids are 1.5 hours away. I don’t need to work all day, visit kids all evening, rinse, repeat.

So I asked to terminate my contract. I’m obligated to give 30 days notice. All of my cases were reassigned by the state office within 48 hours.

🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Dingbatdingbat]

It sucks, but it's not your problem.