SECTION 155.203. Withdrawal of Counsel

(a) An attorney may withdraw from representing a party only if a written motion showing good cause for withdrawal is filed by the withdrawing attorney, the substituting attorney, or the client.

(1) If another attorney is to be substituted as attorney for the party, the motion shall state: the substituted attorney's name, address, telephone number, and email address; that the substituting attorney has been notified of all pending settings and deadlines; and that the substituting attorney approves the substitution.

(2) If the party has no substitute attorney, the motion shall state: the party's last known address, telephone number, and email address; that the party has been notified of all pending settings and deadlines; and whether the party consents to the withdrawal. If the party does not consent to the withdrawal, the attorney also must affirm that the party has been served with a copy of the motion and informed of the right to object to the withdrawal.

(b) A motion to withdraw must be served on all parties and must comply with §155.305(b)(2) of this chapter.

(c) An attorney will remain a party's attorney of record until a filed motion to withdraw has been granted by the judge.

(d) If the motion to withdraw is granted, the withdrawing attorney shall immediately notify the party or substitute attorney in writing of any settings or deadlines of which the attorney has knowledge at the time of the withdrawal and about which the attorney has not already notified the party or substitute attorney.

(e) A state agency may substitute one attorney for another by providing written notice to all parties and the judge without necessity for a motion or order.

Source Note: The provisions of this §155.203 adopted to be effective January 1, 2017, 41 TexReg 8593; amended to be effective November 29, 2020, 45 TexReg 8295