Wash. Admi. And. Prac. R. LLLT RPC 1.16

As amended through November 7, 2024

Rule LLLT RPC 1.16 - DECLINING OR TERMINATING REPRESENTATION

(a) An LLLT shall not represent a client or, where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a client if:

(1) the representation will result in violation of these Rules or other law;

(2) the LLLT's physical or mental condition materially impairs the LLLT's ability to represent the client; or

(3) the LLLT is discharged.

(b) An LLLT may withdraw from representing a client if:

(1) withdrawal can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the interests of the client;

(2) the client persists in a course of action involving the LLLT's services that the LLLT reasonably believes is criminal or fraudulent;

(3) the client has used the LLLT's services to perpetrate a crime or fraud;

(4) the client insists upon taking action that the LLLT considers repugnant or with which the LLLT has a fundamental disagreement;

(5) the client fails substantially to fulfill an obligation to the LLLT regarding the LLLT's services and has been given reasonable warning that the LLLT will withdraw unless the obligation is fulfilled;

(6) the representation will result in an unreasonable financial burden on the LLLT or has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client; or

(7) other good cause for withdrawal exists.

(c) [Reserved.]

(d) Upon termination of representation, an LLLT shall take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests, such as giving reasonable notice to the client, allowing time for employment of a lawyer or another LLLT, surrendering papers and property to which the client is entitled, and refunding any advance payment of fee that has not been earned or incurred.

Wash. Admi. And. Prac. R. LLLT RPC 1.16

Comment

[1] This Rule was adapted from Lawyer RPC 1.16 with no substantive changes except to reflect the limited scope of representation that an LLLT provides to pro se clients and that an LLLT does not enter a notice of appearance. For this reason, paragraph (c) is reserved. Otherwise, Lawyer RPC 1.16 applies to LLLTs analogously.