Im not sure about firing a laywer after you sign a contract with them, but I would assume if your not happy you can just about do anything you want.
I was just awarded Social Security in May. It took me two years........mostly just procedure. I was initially denied. I chose not to hire a laywer and handled it all myself. It is my opinion that I felt better able to explain my health and suffering better than a lawyer could. Why should some lawyer capitialize off my pain and suffering. Everytime you go to the dr. ask them for a copy of their dictation. The receptionist will mail it to you. Get copies of all you tests. You don;t need a lawyer to do this for you. The application is self explanatory. Why do you need to tell a lawyer how you feel when you can explain it to a law judge better. How the **** do they know how you feel.
Well, it certainly paid off. The administrative law judge was suprised to see me with no representation and told me he could postpone the hearing until I got one. He was very suprised when I told him I would be representing myself. His attitude was pretty lousy at first (he sees a hundred cases a day) probably thinking "just another loser who doesn't want to work."
The hearing ended after about 15 minutes and he told me twice that I did a wonderful job representing myself. By the time I was finished I practically reduced him to tears. He was fully understanding of my situation and awarded me a fully favorable outcome.
The whole Social Security process is meant to intimidate you. Don't be intimidated, no need to be. Fight for what you deserve. Mostly everyone gets denied. Basically, the process wants you to get frustrated and go back to work because you cant live without money. Believe me it was getting really difficult toward the end, but I held out. I just knew I simply couldn't work anymore. You need strong medical evidence and will get approved in 2 yrs. Good luck to you.