Which scenario triggers mandatory termination of representation?

Which scenario triggers mandatory termination of representation?

• A. The attorney requests disclosure of confidential information
• B. The client insists on pursuing a course that would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct
• C. The client demands an illegal retainer arrangement
• D. The client tries to sue the lawyer

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that a lawyer must withdraw from representation when continuing would require the lawyer to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. If the client insists on pursuing a course of action that is illegal or unethical, the attorney cannot ethically stay on the case and must terminate the representation. In this scenario, the client demands a path that would breach the Rules, so the attorney is obligated to step away. The other situations don’t create an automatic obligation to terminate: handling confidential information, even if the client asks for something improper, can often be addressed within the rules (and the lawyer may seek protective measures); an illegal retainer or a personal dispute with the client doesn’t automatically compel mandatory withdrawal in every case; and suing the lawyer does not by itself trigger mandatory termination of representation.

The main idea here is that a lawyer must withdraw from representation when continuing would require the lawyer to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. If the client insists on pursuing a course of action that is illegal or unethical, the attorney cannot ethically stay on the case and must terminate the representation.

In this scenario, the client demands a path that would breach the Rules, so the attorney is obligated to step away. The other situations don’t create an automatic obligation to terminate: handling confidential information, even if the client asks for something improper, can often be addressed within the rules (and the lawyer may seek protective measures); an illegal retainer or a personal dispute with the client doesn’t automatically compel mandatory withdrawal in every case; and suing the lawyer does not by itself trigger mandatory termination of representation.