Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 16, April 20, 2024
Rule 120 - Attorneys-Appearances and Withdrawals(A) ENTRY OF APPEARANCE(1) Counsel for defendant shall file an entry of appearance with the clerk of courts promptly after being retained, and serve a copy of the entry of appearance on the attorney for the Commonwealth.(a) If a firm name is entered, the name of an individual lawyer shall be designated as being responsible for the conduct of the case.(b) The entry of appearance shall include the attorney's address, phone number, and attorney ID number.(2) When counsel is appointed pursuant to Rule 122 (Appointment of Counsel), the filing of the appointment order shall enter the appearance of appointed counsel.(3) Counsel shall not be permitted to represent a defendant following a preliminary hearing unless an entry of appearance is filed with the clerk of courts.(4) An attorney who has been retained or appointed by the court shall continue such representation through direct appeal or until granted leave to withdraw by the court pursuant to paragraph (B).(B) WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE(1) Counsel for a defendant may not withdraw his or her appearance except by leave of court.(2) A motion to withdraw shall be: (a) filed with the clerk of courts, and a copy concurrently served on the attorney for the Commonwealth and the defendant; or(b) made orally on the record in open court in the presence of the defendant.(3) Upon granting leave to withdraw, the court shall determine whether new counsel is entering an appearance, new counsel is being appointed to represent the defendant, or the defendant is proceeding without counsel.The provisions of this Rule 120 amended February 26, 2002, effective 7/1/2002, 32 Pa.B. 1391; amended June 4, 2004, effective 11/1/2004, 34 Pa.B. 3105; amended April 28, 2005, effective 8/1/2005, 35 Pa.B. 2855; amended December 10, 2013, effective 2/10/2014, 43 Pa.B. 7545.