What does "mandatory withdrawal" refer to in legal practice?

Mandatory withdrawal refers to the required cessation of representation under certain conditions, which is crucial for maintaining ethical standards and compliance within the legal profession. This obligation arises in situations where continuing to represent a client would lead to a violation of the law or ethical rules, such as when a lawyer learns that a client is engaged in criminal activity related to the representation, or if the client's demands are unreasonable and contrary to the lawyer's professional judgment.

Understanding this concept is vital for legal practitioners, as it emphasizes the importance of ethical obligations over client interests. By requiring withdrawal, the legal system aims to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure that legal representation is conducted within the bounds of the law and ethical standards.