What Is an Attorney of Record and Why It Matters in Your Arizona Case
When you’re involved in a legal case—whether it’s a criminal charge, divorce, custody matter, or civil dispute—you may hear the term “attorney of record.” But what exactly does it mean, and how does it affect your case in Arizona?
At Rideout Law Group, we believe in clear legal communication, so you know exactly who’s responsible for representing you, and what your rights are throughout the legal process.
Understanding the Role of an Attorney of Record
The attorney of record is the official lawyer listed in court documents as representing a party in a legal case. Once an attorney formally appears on your behalf—either by filing a notice of appearance, signing your pleadings, or being appointed by the court—they become the attorney of record.
This designation isn’t just procedural; it has important implications for how your case proceeds.
Responsibilities of an Attorney of Record
In Arizona, the attorney of record has legal and ethical obligations to their client and the court. These responsibilities include:
- Receiving all court communications: The court will send hearing notices, orders, and deadlines directly to the attorney of record, not the client.
- Handling filings and motions: The attorney of record is responsible for drafting and submitting all documents on behalf of the client.
- Representing the client in hearings and trial: They must attend all court appearances and advocate for the client’s interests.
- Advising the client: They are ethically required to communicate all case developments, legal options, and risks to their client.
Once an attorney is the official representative of record, no other lawyer can appear in that case unless they file their own notice, or the original attorney is formally withdrawn.
Can You Change Your Attorney of Record?
Yes. In Arizona, you have the right to change attorneys at any time, with few exceptions. However, there’s a formal process:
- Substitution of Counsel: A new attorney can be added as the attorney of record by filing a substitution form, usually signed by the client and both the incoming and outgoing attorney.
- Motion to Withdraw: If the current attorney needs to step away from the case (due to conflict, non-payment, or other issues), they must request permission from the court to withdraw as the attorney of record.
Until the court grants that withdrawal or substitution, the original attorney remains responsible for the case.
Why the Attorney of Record Matters
The attorney of record is your legal voice in the courtroom. Judges and opposing counsel rely on that official designation to determine who they should be communicating with. If you miss a hearing, deadline, or fail to respond to legal actions, it could seriously affect your case—even if you thought your lawyer was handling it but hadn’t officially entered as your attorney of record.
That’s why it’s critical to confirm your attorney has filed a notice of appearance or is otherwise officially on record.
Rideout Law Group: Attorneys of Record You Can Trust
Whether you’re dealing with a complex criminal case in Scottsdale, a custody dispute in Lake Havasu, or filing for divorce in Phoenix, the legal team at Rideout Law Group is ready to step in as your trusted attorneys of record.
Our experienced attorneys appear in courts throughout Maricopa and Mohave counties and ensure your rights are protected from day one. With decades of combined experience, we take pride in responsive communication and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
📍 Scottsdale Office:
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu Office:
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 (928) 854-8181
Need legal representation?
Make Rideout Law Group your attorney of record today.
📞 Contact us for a free consultation