Re: firing a client: more facts

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Curmudgeon -- Thanks for the advice - I appreciate it! I've set
out the facts before, but it's a little lengthy.

This client started an EEOC claim with one attorney 2 years ago;
that firm merged with another, causing a conflict, so client had
to get a second attorney. Second attorney probably committed
malpractice, and because of that, client is stuck in arbitration
(client wanted to fight a mandatory arbitration clause in her
employment contract, and had a good chance of winning that
fight). I've met with client several times - she came to me
through a someone who's referred several other clients to me --
but have made no filings or appearances. I also found her a job
with a guy that I partner with in a tax preparation business
that is unrelated to my law practice - I am not her boss,
however. She has been very bossy with my partner in that
business - telling her what she would do, refusing to do certain
reasonable tasks, etc...., and has been near-abusive to several
co-workers. We met last week to discuss her case. I did not
discuss her conduct at the tax prep job because I felt it would
be inappropriate. During the discussions, I told her that I did
not feel that I could present some of the arguments she was
suggestioning, since I felt they were without merit. She became
extremely irate, and proceeded to tell me what I would do. I
left, and have not spoken with her since that time. It's now
obvious that she is a bad client. I haven't collected any fees
from her, and her next arbitration hearing has not even been
scheduled. The reason this situation worries me is that I do
not believe she will be able to find any other attorney to
represent her. She looked for 9 months before finding me. Now
that she's in arbitration, the potential fees are greatly
reduce, and it will take a significant amount of time to handle
her case. Do I have an ethical obligation simply because I do
not think she will be able to find another attorney? Sorry for
the long e-mail, but the facts seem important.