Local Rule 83.5.2: APPEARANCES
D. Mass. — Attorney rule
RULE 83.5.2 APPEARANCES
(a) Appearances Generally. The filing of an appearance or any other pleading signed on behalf of a party constitutes an entry of appearance for that party. All pleadings shall contain the name, bar admission number, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the attorney entering an appearance.
(b) Appearances by Law Firms. When a party is represented by a law firm, the appearance must include the name and the signature of at least one individual attorney. When a party is represented by more than one attorney from the same or different law firms, the attorney entering the appearance must designate the individual attorney who is authorized to receive all notices in the case. Any notice sent to an attorney so designated shall be deemed to be proper notice unless the court finds that notice was not properly sent.
(c) Withdrawal of Appearance. An attorney may withdraw an appearance on behalf of a party by either of the following procedures.
(1) Appearance of Successor Counsel. An attorney may file a notice of withdrawal of appearance that is either preceded or accompanied by the appearance of successor counsel; provided, however, that leave of court must be obtained if:
(A) any motion is pending in the case;
(B) a trial date has been set;
(C) an evidentiary hearing has been set; or
(D) any reports, written or oral, are due.
(2) Leave of Court. An attorney may seek leave of court to withdraw his or her appearance for good cause shown.
(d) Notice of Withdrawal. Any notice or motion to withdraw an appearance must be served on the party whom the attorney represents and all other parties to the case. Any objections to the withdrawal shall be filed within 14 days after service, unless the court shortens the period for good cause shown.
Effective September 1, 1990, amended effective January 1, 2015.