What duty does a lawyer have when terminating an attorney-client relationship?

The duty of a lawyer when terminating an attorney-client relationship includes the responsibility to mitigate any adverse impact on the client. This means that when a lawyer decides to end the relationship, they must take steps to minimize any potential harm or negative consequences that may arise for the client. It's essential for the lawyer to ensure that the client is not left without support or in a vulnerable position, particularly if the client has ongoing legal matters.

This duty encompasses various responsibilities, such as providing the client with adequate notice of the termination, facilitating the process of transferring the client's case to another lawyer if necessary, and ensuring that the client has access to their file and records to continue their legal matters without interruption. This principle is rooted in the obligation of lawyers to act in the best interests of their clients, even when ending the relationship.

The other choices do not align with the ethical responsibilities of a lawyer in this context. Disregarding the client's needs would clearly violate the duty of care inherent in the attorney-client relationship. Charging additional fees solely for termination is generally not an acceptable practice, as it could impose unfair burdens on the client. Recommending another lawyer without the client's consent can compromise the client's ability to make informed decisions about their representation. Therefore, the duty to mitigate