For the Public

Common Concerns

Withdrawal

The lawyer who withdraws from the solicitor-client relationship should take precautions to protect the client's interests. The lawyer who withdraws from employment should act so as to minimize expense and avoid prejudice to the client, doing everything reasonably possible to facilitate the transfer to the client's new lawyer. There are duties imposed upon the lawyer following withdrawal which facilitate the return of the file to the client and/or to transfer of the file to another lawyer.  Please see File Transfer for more information.

There are certain circumstances where a lawyer may withdraw and other circumstances where the Code imposes a duty on the lawyer to withdraw. Some examples of circumstances in which a lawyer may withdraw include but are not limited to: 

• the client has a serious loss of confidence that goes to the basis of the relationship
• the lawyer is deceived by the client
• the client refuses to accept advice of lawyer on a significant issue
• the lawyer is unable to obtain instructions from the client

Some examples of circumstances under which a lawyer must withdraw include but are not limited to:

• the client fires the lawyer
• the lawyer is instructed by the client to do something that goes against the lawyer's duty to the court despite the lawyer indicating same
• the client is guilty of dishonorable conduct in the proceedings or taking a position for malicious reasons
• a conflict of interest arises
• the lawyer is not competent to handle the matter

The client may terminate the solicitor-client relationship at will.  However, the client's right to have the file information returned following the lawyers' withdrawal or termination is subject to the lawyer's right to a solicitor's lien.  Please see File Transfer for more information.