N.D. R. Ct. 11.2

As amended through March 18, 2024

Rule 11.2 - Withdrawal of Attorneys

(a) Notice of Withdrawal. An attorney's appearance for a party may only be withdrawn upon leave of court. Reasonable notice of the motion for leave to withdraw must be given by personal service, by registered or certified mail, or via a third-party commercial carrier providing a traceable delivery, directed to the party at the party's last known business or residence address. If the notice is undeliverable, the attorney must submit a declaration to the court reciting the efforts made to give notice.

(b) Motion to Withdraw. The motion for leave to withdraw must be in writing and, unless another attorney is substituted, must state the last known address, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of the party represented.

(c) Withdrawal on Appeal. If a notice of appeal is filed in a matter, any attorney seeking leave to withdraw must file the motion with the supreme court clerk.

(d) Limited Appearance. Rule 11.2 (a), (b), and (c) do not apply to attorneys representing a party under a notice of limited appearance served under Rule 11.9 unless the attorney seeks to withdraw from the limited appearance prior to its completion.

(e) Unfiled Cases. This rule does not apply to attorneys representing parties in civil actions that have not been filed with the court.

N.D. R. Ct. 11.2

Joint Procedure Committee Minutes of January 12, 2023, page 3; September 29, 2022, pages 15-16; April 24, 2020, pages 4-5; January 28-29, 2016, page 24; September 24-25, 2015, pages 11-12; April 23-24, 2015, pages 16-25; January 29-30, 2015, page 22; September 25-26, 2014, pages 3-4; April 24-25, 2014, pages 26-27; January 24, 2008, pages 2-7; October 11-12, 2007, pages 20-26; September 23-24, 2004, page 29; May 6-7, 1999, pages 15-16; January 29-30, 1998, page 22.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rule 11.2 was amended, effective 3/1/1999;3/1/2000;3/1/2006;3/1/2009;3/1/2015 8/1/2016; amended by Order dated December 22, 2016 effective 3/1/2017; 3/1/2021; 3/1/2024.

The 3/1/1999, amendments allow notice via a commercial carrier providing a traceable delivery service.

The3/1/2000, amendments are stylistic.

Subdivision (a) was amended, effective 3/1/2015, to require the attorney, when notice of withdrawal cannot be delivered, to submit a declaration regarding the efforts made to provide notice.

Subdivision (b) was amended, effective 3/1/2015, to require the attorney to provide the court with any known party e-mail addresses or telephone numbers.

Subdivision (c) was added, effective3/1/2006, to make it clear that an attorney seeking to withdraw from representation in a matter that is on appeal must file a motion for leave to withdraw with the supreme court clerk. The supreme court clerk will refer withdrawal motions involving court appointed attorneys to the trial court for decision and appointment of new counsel.

Subdivision (d) was added, effective3/1/2009, to make it clear that an attorney who serves a notice of limited representation to represent a party for one or more matters in a case is not required to formally withdraw upon completion of activity covered by the notice. Under Rule 11.7, however, the attorney must serve a notice of termination of limited representation when the attorney's involvement ends.

Rule 11.2, Rule 11.9 and N.D.R.Civ.P. 5 permit attorneys to assist otherwise unrepresented parties on a limited basis without undertaking full representation of the party.

Language in subdivision (d) about an attorney's responsibilities upon completing a limited appearance was transferred to new Rule 11.9 effective 3/1/2024.

Subdivision (e) was added, effective 3/1/2017, to clarify that an attorney is not required to seek leave to withdraw under this rule if the action has not been filed. Subdivision (e) does not modify an attorney's obligations under N.D. Rule of Prof. Conduct 1.16.

Rule 11.2 was amended November 25, 2020, effective 3/1/2021, to delete the term "affidavit" and replace it with "declaration." This amendment was made in response to N.D.C.C. ch. 31-15, which allows anyone to make an unsworn declaration that has the same effect as a sworn declaration, such as an affidavit. N.D.C.C. § 31-15-05 provides the required form for an unsworn declaration.

STATUTES AFFECTED:

CONSIDERED: N.D.C.C. ch. 31-15.

N.D.R.Ct. 11.9 (Limited Representation); N.D.R.Civ.P. 5 (Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers); Representation to Court; Sanctions); N.D.R. Prof. Conduct 1.2 (Scope of Representation); N.D. Rule of Prof. Conduct 1.16 (Declining or Terminating 69 Representation).