Lawyers have a duty to advise and help their clients understand the legal system. In doing so, lawyers work to protect the legal rights of.35.3 Irrelevance of an Attorney-Client Relationship. In this article, we'll explain when and how you should terminate your lawyer-client relationship. We'll even provide a sample termination letter. A lawyer's failure to know or apply the law can amount to legal malpractice when the lawyer's failure is either procedural or substantive. Throughout the legal profession, it is well-known that legal malpractice claims in Ohio must be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrued. Learn about Ohio domestic relations attorney Jeff Hawkins, his experience and what he can do for you in all types of domestic relations matters. Attorneys and law firms that plan ahead have many ways to mitigate the risk of clients who fail to pay. One example is to request an upfront cash retainer.