Local Rule LR83.5: Attorneys: Appearances, Substitutions, and Withdrawal of Attorneys.

LR83.5. Attorneys: Appearances, Substitutions, and Withdrawal of Attorneys.

(a) Appearances.

When a party is represented by an attorney, the party may not act on his or her own behalf in the action unless an order of substitution shall first have been made by the court, after notice to the attorney of such party, and to all parties; provided that the court may in its discretion hear from a party, notwithstanding the fact that the party has appeared or is represented by an attorney. The court may strike any document filed by a party on his or her own behalf when the party is represented by counsel in the action.

(b) Substitution and Withdrawal.

No attorney will be permitted to be substituted as attorney of record in any pending action without leave of court. An attorney who has appeared in a case may seek to withdraw on motion showing good cause. A motion to withdraw must specify the reasons for withdrawal, unless that would violate the rules of professional conduct, and the name, address, and telephone number of the client. Notice to the attorney's client must include the warning that the client personally is responsible for complying with all court orders and time limitations established by any applicable rules. When the withdrawing attorney's client is a corporation, partnership, or other business entity, the notice shall state that such entity cannot appear without counsel admitted to practice before this court, and, absent prompt appearance of substitute counsel, pleadings, motions, and other documents may be stricken and default judgment or other sanctions may be imposed against the entity. It is within the court's discretion to hold a hearing on a motion to withdraw as counsel. Withdrawal shall be effective only on court order entered after service by the withdrawing attorney of a notice of withdrawal on all counsel of record and on the withdrawing attorney's client.