What must a lawyer do if they have a mental or physical condition that affects their ability to represent a client?

A lawyer has a professional and ethical obligation to provide competent representation to their clients. If a lawyer has a mental or physical condition that affects their ability to do so, they must assess the impact of that condition on their capacity to effectively represent their client.

Withdrawing from representation becomes necessary when the lawyer recognizes that their ability is impaired to the extent that it could compromise the quality of legal services provided. This duty to withdraw ensures that clients receive the level of competence they are entitled to while also upholding the integrity of the legal profession. It is crucial for the lawyer to prioritize their client's best interests and act accordingly to avoid any harm that could arise from inadequate representation due to the lawyer's condition.

Continuing representation without withdrawal, even if there has not been a formal complaint, fails to address the potential issues caused by the impairment. Seeking assistance while remaining in representation may not adequately resolve the situation if the condition genuinely affects the lawyer’s ability to perform effectively. Ignoring the condition is detrimental and unethical, as it disregards the responsibilities a lawyer has towards their clients.

In summary, the correct course of action when a lawyer's mental or physical condition affects their ability to represent clients is to withdraw from that representation to maintain professionalism and protect the interests of