What kind of recourse to recover fees if unhappy with lawyer? -

I recently hired a lawyer with a verbal go-ahead (no papers signed). The first half of the fee was charged to my credit card. Since then, I have not been pleased with his effort and would like to consider other options. Is there any recourse where I could recover all or most of the first payment (either by refund or credit card chargeback)? I am hesitant to inquire about this with the lawyer until I know my options.

if you are in the u.s., each state has an ethical rule indicating that he may only retain a reasonable fee for the amount of work he actually performed before being fired. Of course, reasonable minds might differ on what constitutes a reasonable fee for what he has done. For that reason, each state bar has a fee dispute resolution committee. In general, those committees tend to be quite generous toward clients and pretty stingy toward the lawyer who is trying to get paid for nothing. Look up your state bar in the phone book. Call, Ask if they have a fee dispute resolution committee.