Termination
	Termination of the Attorney-Client Relationship:
	The attorney-client relationship is essentially a contractual matter. Both the attorney and the client have rights in this relationship, subject to their contractual obligations. The attorney-client relationship can be terminated in any one of the following three ways: (1) completion of the legal service to the fee agreement; (2) discharge by the client; or (3) withdrawal by the attorney. These are discussed, in sequence, in the following paragraphs.
	(1) Where the legal service has been fully completed, as detailed in the initial agreement, Kura & Wilford Co., L.P.A. will forward written notification to that effect, and further notify the client that the case file is closed.
	(2) Since the attorney-client relationship is essentially consensual in nature, the client has the right to discharge the attorney from further representation. Such a request must be made in writing and received by the attorney. The attorney must thereafter forward written acknowledgment of the discharge and note that the case file is closed, and shall discontinue further representation.
	(3) In the event that the client has failed to honor or perform his obligations under the attorney-client agreement, the attorney has the right to withdraw from further performance of legal services. Such services will not be withheld unless the attorney has forwarded, and the client has received, written notification of withdrawal and closure of the case.
	Refund of Legal Fees:
	An area of possible confusion concerns the client’s right to refund of legal fees paid, and the attorney’s right to compensation for legal services delivered and expenses incurred prior to discharge or withdrawal, whether or not a fee invoice has been received by the client at the time of discharge/withdrawal.
	If the fee agreement was an hourly billing arrangement, a final billing statement will be prepared and forwarded to the client, along with a trust account check in the amount of the remainder of the client's funds held in the account.
	If the fee arrangement was a flat fee, a final billing statement will be prepared and forwarded to the client, along with a trust account check in the amount of the “appropriate refund.” The “appropriate refund” is the balance remaining from the total amount of fee payments made, after deduction of the initial retainer, expenses incurred, and hourly billing for the time and effort of the attorney and/or paralegal to the legal matter.
	While it is our intention to try to reach a mutually satisfactory accord with the client with respect to reimbursement of excess fees paid upon termination of the attorney-client relationship, we understand that you may disagree with the amounts billed. Should you feel that you are entitled to a refund in excess of the amount you receive, you have the right to pursue the matter by contacting The Columbus Bar Association, either by postal mail, at 175 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, or by telephone at 614.221.4112.