ISBA Ethics Opinions on Withdrawal from Representation

Opinion 20-05 | Client Fraud | Confidentiality | Withdrawal from Representation
Obligations when lawyer learns of client fraud in nonlitigation matter.
Opinion 13-05 | Client Fraud | Court Obligations | Withdrawal from Representation
Lawyers discovery that client has submitted false evidence to a tribunal
Opinion 12-10 | Confidentiality | Impaired Client | Withdrawal from Representation
Withdrawal from representation and disclosure to court of client's increasingly impaired mental capacity
Opinion 03-04 | Communication With Client | Withdrawal from Representation
Missing client

A law firm generally has no ethical obligation to file a lawsuit on behalf of a missing client to satisfy an impending statute of limitations. There may be exceptions, however, if the client specifically authorizes the filing of a lawsuit prior to the client’s disappearance and provides the law firm with sufficient information with which a complaint can reasonably be prepared and filed.
Opinion 01-02 | Client Files | Client Funds and Property | Withdrawal from Representation
Failure to pay legal fees, disposal of files
Opinion 90-26 | Conflict of Interest | Fees and Expenses | Withdrawal from Representation
Entitlement to fee upon determination of conflict and subsequent withdrawal
Opinion 89-11 | Conflict of Interest | Disciplinary Proceedings | Withdrawal from Representation
Continuing representation after client files disciplinary charge against lawyer

ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct are prepared as an educational service to members of the ISBA. While the opinions express the ISBA interpretation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant materials in response to a specific hypothesized fact situation, they do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice. For more information, call the ISBA Legal Department at (217) 525-1760 or (800) 252-8908.