What must an attorney do if their mental or physical condition hinders their ability to continue representation?

When an attorney's mental or physical condition significantly impacts their ability to competently represent a client, the appropriate course of action is to withdraw from the representation. The fundamental duty of an attorney is to provide competent and diligent representation in accordance with the ethical standards established by the California Rules of Professional Conduct. If a lawyer’s condition hinders their ability to fulfill this obligation, withdrawal becomes necessary to protect the client’s interests and ensure that they receive effective legal representation.

Withdrawing from representation helps to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and safeguards the client's rights and interests. Continuing to represent a client without the ability to competently do so can lead to subpar legal outcomes and potential harm to the client.

While seeking assistance from another lawyer can be a supportive action, it does not address the immediate need for the attorney to step back from their responsibilities. Notifying the client directly about the attorney's condition or merely documenting the condition without action does not fulfill the attorney's responsibilities and can lead to ethical breaches or negative consequences for the client. Thus, withdrawal is the most appropriate and ethical response when an attorney's condition affects their capacity to represent a client effectively.