Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

The attorney may ask a client to sign a substitution of attorney. If the client does, that's all that's needed once it's filed with the court and a copy is served on opposing counsel.

If the client refuses to sign, the attorney will file a motion seeking a court order permitting the attorney to withdraw. The client would be provided notice of the hearing on the motion. Typically, a court would not require the attorney to continue representing a client unless a trial is imminent and the client would suffer severe prejudice by the withdrawal.