Which of the following is a mandatory ground for withdrawing from representation?

Which of the following is a mandatory ground for withdrawing from representation?

• A. Representation would violate Rules or law
• B. The client insists on actions the lawyer finds repugnant
• C. The client fails to pay fees
• D. The matter becomes too long

Answer: (A)

A lawyer must withdraw when continuing representation would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. This mandate exists to prevent the lawyer from aiding illegal activity or from being complicit in ethical breaches, preserving the integrity of the profession. For example, if a client requests the lawyer’s help to commit perjury or to engage in fraud, the lawyer is required to withdraw. The other scenarios may lead to permissive withdrawal or other ethical concerns, but they do not create an automatic obligation to withdraw.

A lawyer must withdraw when continuing representation would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. This mandate exists to prevent the lawyer from aiding illegal activity or from being complicit in ethical breaches, preserving the integrity of the profession. For example, if a client requests the lawyer’s help to commit perjury or to engage in fraud, the lawyer is required to withdraw. The other scenarios may lead to permissive withdrawal or other ethical concerns, but they do not create an automatic obligation to withdraw.