When may a lawyer decline or terminate representation of a client?

A lawyer is permitted to decline or terminate representation of a client primarily when continuing the representation would violate ethical rules or applicable laws. This principle reflects the overarching responsibility of lawyers to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and to adhere to legal and ethical standards.

For instance, if a lawyer is asked to engage in conduct that is illegal or that contravenes the Model Rules, such as assisting a client in committing fraud, the lawyer must cease representation to avoid complicity in that misconduct. This obligation serves both to protect the lawyer’s own professional integrity and to ensure that the legal system operates within lawful parameters.

Regarding the other options, while a lawyer may have practical reasons to terminate representation due to uncooperative clients or fee disputes, those do not necessarily impose an absolute ethical duty to end the relationship. A lawyer is generally expected to work through client issues when possible. Disagreement with a client's personal beliefs does not justify terminating representation either, unless that disagreement leads to an inability to effectively and competently represent the client or results in an ethical conflict.