In the course of representation of a client, an attorney may be required or permitted to withdraw from representation of the client in situations such as where a client demands that the lawyer engage in conduct that is illegal or violates applicable rules of professional conduct, the client discharges the lawyer, or the attorney and the client have a disagreement and applicable ethical rules permit the attorney to withdraw. See, e.g., ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.16.

Attorneys or representatives who intend to withdraw from representation, should note the OALJ Rule of Practice at 29 C.F.R. § 18.22(e), which states: “A representative who desires to withdraw after filing a notice of appearance or a party desiring to withdraw the appearance of a representative must file a motion with the judge. The motion must state that notice of the withdrawal has been given to the party, client or representative. The judge may deny a representative's motion to withdraw when necessary to avoid undue delay or prejudice to the rights of a party.”