Ethical and Procedural Consideration when Terminating a Client in a Case

Offered by Anne Arundel Bar Association, this seminar focuses on ethical and procedural considerations when terminating a client in a case Every attorney eventually faces a client relationship that goes wrong. This program covers how to spot problems early and how to end a representation ethically when you have to. The Anne Arundel Bar Association has brought together Maryland Bar Counsel Thomas M. DeGonia II, Esq., the Honorable Donna M. Shaeffer, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, and Deborah Howe, Esq. with Michelle Smith, Esq. moderating. The panel starts with prevention: screening prospective clients, setting clear expectations, drafting retainer agreements (including limited-scope agreements), and documenting your advice. The panel will explain the Maryland ethics rules on mandatory and permissive withdrawal, your duties after the representation ends, and when you can simply say no to a client. It also covers best practices when drafting a termination letter. Finally, the panelists will walk through the procedural pitfalls of withdrawing from a civil case, when court permission is needed, how to handle approaching deadlines, and what to do if a judge denies your motion to withdraw. Attendees will leave with practical, ethics-based strategies for protecting themselves, their clients, and the court. Our Speakers: Honorable Donna M. Schaeffer Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Administrative Judge Thomas DeGonia, Esq. Maryland Bar Counsel Attorney Grievance Commission Deborah Howe, Esq. Franke Beckett, LLC 151 West Street, Suite 301 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Michelle D. Smith, Esquire Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, LLP 116 Cathedral Street, Suite E Annapolis, MD 21401