Advisory Opinion: 1720

Year Issued: 1997

RPC(s): RPC 1.15(a)(3); 1.15(c)

Subject: Defendant is client for court appointed attorney; duty upon discharge

[The inquiry concerned who is the client for a court appointed attorney.] It is clear that appointed counsel represents the criminal defendant; when the client demands the attorney to withdraw, then the attorney must comply with the relevant court rules regarding withdrawal and seek the court's permission to withdraw under RPC 1.15(a)(3). Under RPC 1.15(c), the attorney shall continue to represent the client if ordered by the court to do so.

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.