What constitutes a good cause for a lawyer to avoid an appointment?

A good cause for a lawyer to avoid an appointment is indeed grounded in the reasonableness and fairness of the professional responsibilities involved. An unreasonable financial burden on the lawyer suggests that taking the case would impose a considerable strain on the lawyer's resources or financial stability. The ethical obligation of lawyers includes ensuring they can adequately represent their clients without compromising their own financial well-being or the quality of their legal services. If assuming the case would lead to significant financial hardship, that directly impacts the lawyer's ability to fulfill their responsibilities competently and could justify a refusal of the appointment.

In contrast, personal opinions about the case, personal feelings toward a client, or simply being busy with other cases do not generally provide justifiable reasons for declining an appointment. A lawyer's role requires them to put aside personal biases and provide unbiased legal representation. Similarly, managing a heavy caseload is part of a lawyer's profession; they are expected to prioritize and manage their time effectively. Therefore, while a busy schedule might create challenges, it does not, in and of itself, constitute a valid reason to refuse a case unless it leads to an inability to provide competent representation.