When a client uses a lawyer to commit a crime, withdraw from representation.

Outline in brief

• Hook: Ethics isn’t optional; it’s the air lawyers breathe.

• The core question: When a client uses your services to commit a crime, what should you do?

• The right move: Withdraw from representation — why this matters and what it protects.

• The rules behind it: A look at the Model Rules and the idea of not aiding criminal activity.

• What withdrawal looks like in practice: concrete steps you can take.

• Common missteps and why they backfire.

• Real‑world analogies to keep it relatable.

• Takeaways you can carry into your daily work.

When ethics isn’t just a checklist—it’s the compass

Let’s face it: your moral compass matters as much as your skill set. A lawyer’s job isn’t just about arguing a case; it’s about keeping the system honest. So, what happens when a client uses your services to push a crime forward? The instinct to help a client can tug at you—after all, you met them, you understand their story, and you want to be useful. But in the world of law, usefulness has a boundary. That boundary is the line between legitimate advocacy and aiding illegal activity.

The right move is clear: withdraw from representation. Yes, it’s straightforward on paper, but it also protects you, the client, and the integrity of the profession. Continuing to represent a client who is using your services to commit a crime isn’t just risky; it can make you complicit. And complicity is the last thing any lawyer wants on their record.

Let me explain the core logic in plain terms

• You don’t assist crime. The ethical rules don’t permit a lawyer to help a client plan or carry out criminal acts.

• You don’t stay in a way that signals agreement. If you keep representing someone who’s clearly using your services for wrongdoing, you risk becoming part of the problem.

• You owe confidentiality, but not at the expense of legality. There are exceptions where continuing to assist a crime becomes impossible or inappropriate, and withdrawal helps you navigate those boundaries cleanly.

• You protect yourself, your client, and the system. Removing yourself from the scene reduces temptations and reduces risk for everyone involved.

Why withdrawal is the wise, professional move

Here’s the thing: staying in a representation where illegal acts are afoot blurs the line between advocate and participant. That’s a dangerous place to be. By withdrawing:

• You avoid becoming an accessory. Once you know a crime is being planned or carried out with your help, staying on risks you being charged or disciplined.

• You preserve the client’s rights. A clean withdrawal helps ensure the client can seek new counsel who can address the case without the taint of improper conduct.

• You keep ethical integrity intact. The legal profession thrives on trust; a clean break when criminal activity is involved preserves that trust for everyone else who relies on the system.

What the rules actually say (in practical terms)

Most of us know the big umbrella: lawyers must not assist in criminal activity. The Model Rules emphasize that a lawyer should not participate in or facilitate ongoing criminal acts. When a client uses a lawyer’s services for wrongdoing, the prudent move is to step back. Withdrawal is a recognized remedy, and it’s typically the safest path to avoid crossing lines that could lead to disciplinary action or worse.

This doesn’t mean the lawyer becomes a snitch or abandons the client in a tough spot. It means you terminate the relationship in a professional, orderly way and lay down a clear boundary: you won’t participate in illegal activity. If the crime is ongoing or imminent, you may need to take additional steps—like ensuring you’re no longer involved in the matter and coordinating with new counsel—but withdrawal is the first, most important move.

What withdrawal looks like in real life

If you find yourself in this tricky scenario, here are practical steps to follow. Keep in mind that these aren’t rigid rules; they’re guidelines to help you act ethically without creating chaos for your client or yourself:

• Stop taking on new tasks related to the crime. You don’t want to be seen as supporting ongoing wrongdoing.

• Notify the client you cannot continue representation due to ethical concerns. A brief, clear letter or email often does the trick.

• Seek permission to transfer the file. If the matter is in litigation or administrative proceedings, you’ll likely need to file a motion to withdraw and arrange for transfer to new counsel.

• Preserve confidentiality. Don’t disclose more than what’s legally required. You can maintain attorney‑client privilege while you transition.

• Return or transfer documents responsibly. Make sure the client has access to necessary files so they aren’t unfairly disadvantaged.

• Coordinate with the court or agency when appropriate. If a case is already filed, you may need to inform the court with a formal withdrawal notice, keeping deadlines and filings intact.

• Advise the client to seek new counsel or ask for a public defender if costs are an issue. The aim isn’t punishment; it’s ensuring the client’s rights are preserved while you step away.

Common traps to avoid

People often trip over a few predictable missteps when a client leans into criminal activity as a reason to keep you on board:

• Hanging around to “gather more information.” That smells like you’re gathering intel for the crime itself, which is a big no.

• Believing you can “police” the client’s behavior. The legal system isn’t a private detective agency, and you’re not paid to supervise your client’s choices.

• Delaying withdrawal in hopes of steering outcomes. Time is not your ally here; delays can deepen risk.

• Assuming confidentiality covers illegal acts. There are exceptions when the crime-fraud scenario kicks in, and you don’t want to be on the wrong side of that line.

A few real‑world analogies to keep it human

Think of it like this: you’re a mechanic who discovers a car being built from stolen parts. You’re not going to help assemble the car, even if the owner promises it will be used “for good.” You stop the job, you return what you can, and you help the owner find a legitimate shop for legitimate work. Or imagine you’re a doctor asked to participate in a treatment plan that’s illegal. You don’t keep quiet and pretend it’s all normal; you step back, explain the boundary, and refer to someone who can responsibly handle the situation. In both cases, your role isn’t to enable wrongdoing—it’s to protect the integrity of your profession and the safety of the people involved.

What this means for you as a professional

If you’re building a career rooted in clear ethics, this scenario is a reminder that boundaries matter. Withdraw isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of care. It’s a sign that you’re serious about doing the right thing, even when it’s uncomfortable. And it’s a signal to clients that you won’t be drawn into illegal acts, no matter how compelling the story might sound.

If you’re in a position where a client’s plans are shadowed by crime, remember:

• Act promptly. Don’t wait for the problem to grow.

• Be clear and professional. A straightforward withdrawal letter does more good than a long, tense conversation.

• Protect confidentiality, but don’t pretend the risk isn’t there. If the crime is real and ongoing, you’re likely not bound to stay silent about facilitating it.

• Get new counsel on board. A fresh start for the client is often the fairest path forward, and it helps you maintain your own professional standards.

Takeaways you can apply tomorrow

• When a client uses your services for crime, withdraw from representation. This is the responsible, ethical route.

• Don’t assist, don’t participate further, and don’t try to “manage” the crime from within the relationship.

• Preserve confidentiality while you shift away, and make sure the transition is smooth for all parties involved.

• Use the transition to reinforce the principle: the lawyer’s job is to advocate within the boundaries of the law, not beyond them.

• If you’re ever unsure, seek quick guidance from your state bar association or a trusted mentor. It’s better to pause and confirm than rush and regret.

A closing thought

Ethics isn’t the flashiest part of the job, but it’s the backbone. When a client aims to do wrong with your help, the courageous move is to step away, clearly and professionally. You protect yourself, you guard the client’s future options, and you uphold the trust long after the case has faded from the headlines. That’s how lawyers keep the system working for everyone.

If this kind of scenario feels familiar, you’re not alone. The more you wrestle with these questions, the sharper your ethical instincts become. And when those instincts are clear, your professional life—and the people you serve—benefit. After all, integrity is the quiet engine that powers real, lasting impact in the legal world.