Letter to Client - Withdrawal of Representation
Definition and meaning
The Letter to Client - Withdrawal of Representation is a formal communication from an attorney to a client indicating the attorney's decision to cease representation in a legal matter. This letter serves to notify the client of the withdrawal, outline reasons for the decision, and provide essential information regarding the status of the case.
How to complete a form
To properly complete the Letter to Client - Withdrawal of Representation, the following steps should be taken:
- Date: Enter the date of the letter at the top.
- Client Information: Fill in the client's name and address details.
- Re: Clearly state the subject of the letter, including case name and court information.
- Body: Explain the reasons for withdrawal and include any relevant account balances.
- Deadlines: List any upcoming deadlines or scheduled events related to the case.
- Closing: Use a professional closing statement before adding the attorney's name.
Who should use this form
This form should be used by attorneys who need to formally withdraw representation from a client due to reasons such as non-payment, conflicts of interest, or other professional considerations. Clients receiving this form should be aware of the implications of the withdrawal and take necessary actions accordingly.
Key components of the form
The Letter to Client - Withdrawal of Representation typically includes several vital components:
- Date: The date when the letter is sent.
- Client's information: Name and address of the client.
- Case details: Information regarding the legal case, including court specifics.
- Reason for withdrawal: Clear explanation for the attorney's withdrawal.
- Next steps: Guidance on what the client should do next, including finding new representation.
Form popularity
FAQ
Yes a lawyer may, generally speaking, refuse to represent a client for any reason they choose (or no reason at all), even (in most jurisdictions) reasons that would be otherwise illegal for someone providing a public service to refuse for (such as racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or other reasons).
Be respectful. Make it simple. Don't feel you must explain or justify. Assign responsibility for your refusal to something else. Stand firm. Refer, refer, refer.
It's not necessary, or suggested, to include a reason for the termination. Tell the client what they need to do to move forward without you and what could happen if they don't. Termination means it's the end. Send the letter via a traceable delivery method. Be wary of terminating a client right before a deadline.
Lawyers typically withdraw for cause from representing difficult clients citing the permissive grounds of the representation 2026 has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client or other good cause for withdrawal exists. Examples of withdrawal for these reasons include a client that withheld material
The court may request an explanation for the withdrawal, while the lawyer may be bound to keep confidential the facts that would constitute such an explanation. The lawyer's statement that professional considerations require termination of the representation ordinarily should be accepted as sufficient.
Representation of the client does not terminate unless and until the court, after notice and written motion, grants withdrawal. If the court does not allow the attorney to withdraw, the representation must continue.
If you decide to decline representation after research or investigation, you should protect yourself and your client by (1) promptly advising the client in writing of your decision not to take the case or matter; (2) be certain to inform the client of his or her right to contact another lawyer for a second opinion;
First, you can hire a new attorney and ask the new attorney to contact the former attorney and inform the former attorney of his or her termination. Second, you can write a letter to the attorney informing the attorney that you are terminating the attorney client relationship.
It is difficult for a lawyer to withdraw from representing a client. Judges have discretion in appointing guardian ad litem or indigent cases to attorneys. Judges have discretion in appointing guardian ad litem or indigent cases to attorneys.
