When used in these Rules, the word "counsel" or "attorney" includes a partnership, a professional corporation or an association of members of the Virginia State Bar practicing under a firm name.
"Counsel of record" in any case includes an attorney who has signed a pleading in the case or who has notified the clerk or judge that the attorney appears in the case and also includes a party who appears in court pro se. Except as provided in § 16.1- 69.32:1, counsel of record may not withdraw from a case except by leave of court with such notice as the court may require to the client of the time and place of a motion for leave to withdraw.
Va. Sup. Ct. 7A:3