Under what circumstance can a lawyer withdraw from representing a client in Mississippi?

A lawyer may withdraw from representing a client in Mississippi when the withdrawal is possible without harming the client's interests. This principle is grounded in the ethical obligations of attorneys to act in the best interests of their clients. The Mississippi Rules of Professional Conduct stipulate that a lawyer must consider the potential impact of their withdrawal on the client’s ongoing legal matters.

If the lawyer’s withdrawal will not negatively affect the client's rights or interests—such as timing that allows for the client to find another attorney without jeopardizing their case or any critical deadlines—then the lawyer can proceed with withdrawal. This ensures that clients are not left without representation in critical phases of their cases and helps maintain the integrity of the legal process.

Withdrawal solely based on feelings of being overwhelmed with workload does not justify a lack of consideration for the client’s interests, and there is no requirement for a lawyer to withdraw for any reason without client consent, especially if it could negatively impact the client's situation. Additionally, while notifying the judge might be necessary in certain circumstances, it is not a standalone requirement for all withdrawals. Thus, the essence of the answer centers on the importance of balancing the lawyer’s needs with client interests to ensure ethical practice.