Advisory Opinion: 1169

Year Issued: 1988

RPC(s): RPC 1.15(c)

Subject: Withdrawal; refusal of trial judge to permit withdrawal

The Committee reviewed your inquiry concerning the conduct you should pursue in a situation where you had sought to withdraw from representation of a client on the eve of trial, and trial judge refused to allow your withdrawal. The Committee was of the opinion that you were obliged to follow the order of the Court and that nothing in the RPC 1.15(c) would permit you to withdraw under those circumstances.

Advisory Opinions are provided for the education of the Bar and reflect the opinion of the Committee on Professional Ethics (CPE) or its predecessors. Advisory Opinions are provided pursuant to the authorization granted by the Board of Governors, but are not individually approved by the Board and do not reflect the official position of the Bar association. Laws other than the Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct may apply to the inquiry. The Committee's answer does not include or opine about any other applicable law other than the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct.