Opinion ID: 1122740
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Impairment of Professional Judgment

Text: Defendants argue that Burk violated DR 5-101(A) and DR 2-110(B)(2) by continuing to represent them despite the opposition of his office staff and despite his own inclination to withdraw. DR 5-101(A) provides: Except with the consent of his client after full disclosure, a lawyer shall not accept employment if the exercise of his professional judgment on behalf of his client will be or reasonably may be affected by his own financial, business, property, or personal interests. DR 2-110(B)(2) mandates withdrawal when an attorney knows or it is obvious that his continued employment will result in violation of a Disciplinary Rule. We do not believe that the above disciplinary rules prescribe an attorney's conduct when his office staff objects to representing a client who is not paying his bill. As to Burk's own inclinations, the record indicates that he attempted to withdraw, contingent upon arranging substitute counsel. Such conduct comports with the standards of the legal profession designed to protect the client. See DR 7-101(A)(2).