What is required for a mandatory withdrawal from representation in Georgia?

A mandatory withdrawal from representation in Georgia occurs when a lawyer is required to cease representation under certain circumstances, specifically when continuing the representation would result in a violation of professional conduct rules or law. The Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct outline situations in which a lawyer must withdraw, including instances in which a client engages in illegal or fraudulent conduct related to the legal representation or if a lawyer's physical or mental condition impairs their ability to represent the client competently.

In these cases, the attorney has an ethical obligation to withdraw to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and to protect the client and the legal system from potential harm that could arise from continued representation. This withdrawal is not contingent on the client's desires, financial status, or even court approval; rather, it is governed strictly by ethical obligations that attorneys must follow to uphold the law and their professional standards.

The other options do not provide a basis for mandatory withdrawal under Georgia law. Client agreement or financial incapacity might be relevant in determining whether withdrawal is permissible or advisable, but they do not constitute a requirement for obligatory withdrawal. Similarly, while judicial approval can be sought in some cases, it is not a prerequisite for this type of mandatory withdrawal. Thus, the stipulation for withdrawal based on violations of professional conduct or