A lawyer may withdraw from representing a client so long as it can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the client's interests. Specific grounds that may require termination of the relationship by the attorney include, but are not limited to:
" a client's persistent criminal and fraudulent activity;
" the use of the lawyer's services to perpetuate a crime or fraud;
" a client's actions that the attorney considers repugnant or imprudent;
" a client's failure to fulfill a substantial financial or other obligation that the attorney has previously warned the client could lead to attorney withdrawal; or
" an irreparable breakdown of the attorney-client relationship due to the client's difficult behavior.
Of course, if the matter handled by the attorney is in litigation, the attorney must seek the entry of an order permitting his withdrawal or substitution of other counsel.
An attorney has an obligation when he terminates the relationship to allow
reasonable time to secure other counsel, to return all of the client's papers and
property, and to refund all fees and costs not earned by the attorney.
Arizona Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship is a legal document that serves as a formal notification to inform clients that an attorney is ending the attorney-client relationship. This termination can occur for various reasons, such as conflicts of interest, non-payment of legal fees, failure to cooperate, or ethical considerations. When drafting an Arizona Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship, it is crucial to include specific information to ensure the termination is legally binding. The document should include the attorney's name, contact information, the client's name, and case reference numbers if applicable. Additionally, the notice should clearly state the reason for terminating the attorney-client relationship to provide transparency to the client. There are several types of Arizona Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship that can be used based on the specific circumstances: 1. Notice of Termination Due to Conflict of Interest: This notice is used when the attorney identifies a conflict of interest that prevents them from adequately representing the client's best interests. The notice should detail the nature of the conflict and provide reasons why the attorney-client relationship cannot continue. 2. Notice of Termination Due to Non-Payment of Legal Fees: If a client fails to pay their legal fees as agreed upon, an attorney can issue this notice to terminate the attorney-client relationship. The notice should clearly state the outstanding balance, any attempts for payment, and the deadline for payment before termination occurs. 3. Notice of Termination Due to Failure to Cooperate: This notice is used when a client consistently fails to cooperate with their attorney, hindering the progress of the case. The notice should outline the specific instances of non-cooperation and explain how it has negatively impacted the attorney-client relationship. 4. Notice of Termination Due to Ethical Considerations: In certain situations, an attorney may need to terminate the attorney-client relationship due to ethical concerns. This notice should reference the specific ethical rules or guidelines violated and explain the potential consequences of the violation. It is essential for attorneys to follow all relevant laws and regulations when terminating an attorney-client relationship in Arizona. By utilizing the appropriate type of notice and providing sufficient detail for the termination, the attorney can ensure the process is legal and protects both their professional reputation and the client's legal rights.
