[header] How to know when to change lawyers [title] Study the ethical rules. [step] Lawyers must abide by certain rules when representing clients. These rules are called the rules of professional conduct. 
If you spot that your attorney has violated an ethics rule, then it may be time to get rid of him or her. To find your state's rules of professional conduct, follow the link listed under your state on the american bar association's (" aba ") page.