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A substitution of attorney is an American legal term that refers to "the right of a client to change the person who is representing them before a court of law," [1] and also the legal document to effectuate their right, which may be drafted during a lawsuit if a party wishes to replace its attorney with another one. [2] Both attorneys and the "affected client" must sign the document (which is otherwise void); many courts require a specific form for that court or jurisdiction. [3]
In certain cases, the "attorney may also request substitution under certain conditions. Some examples being a client’s illegal course of action, mistrust, lack of cooperation, or a client’s refusal to pay attorney’s fees , etc." [1] There is a whole body of case law in each state about when that is possible. The American Bar Association Rules of Professional Conduct has a specific rule, Rule 1.16, that explains when and how an attorney may or may not withdraw ethically from representing a client. [4]
