Under what circumstances is a lawyer required to withdraw from representation?

A lawyer is required to withdraw from representation when the continued representation violates ethical rules or law. This obligation is grounded in the principles of professional conduct that ensure lawyers maintain integrity, uphold the legal system, and act in accordance with the law. If a lawyer finds that their actions or the actions of their client conflict with legal obligations or ethical standards, they must disengage to avoid complicity in unethical or illegal activities.

In scenarios where ethical considerations are breached, such as representing a client in a fraudulent scheme or engaging in conduct that compromises the lawyer's ability to fulfill their obligations under the law, withdrawal is not only permitted but mandated. This ensures that the lawyer remains compliant with professional responsibilities and protects the interests of the legal profession as a whole.

The other options presented do not meet the criteria for mandatory withdrawal. A lawyer's personal feelings about a client's personality do not warrant withdrawal unless those feelings interfere with the lawyer's ability to provide competent representation. Similarly, a client's refusal to communicate does not automatically necessitate withdrawal, as the lawyer may still be able to represent the client effectively. Lastly, the potential inability to win a case does not constitute a valid reason for withdrawal; lawyers are not required to only take cases they believe they can win, as every client