Final answer:
The client-lawyer relationship can be terminated if the client dismisses the lawyer, the lawyer withdraws from representation, or if the court dismisses the lawyer due to conflicts of interest or other legal grounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three ways in which a client-lawyer relationship can be terminated are as follows:
The client may discontinue the relationship by dismissing the lawyer, which is their right.
The lawyer may withdraw from representation with reasonable notice to the client if it does not cause material adverse effect on the client's interests or if the client consents after consultation.
A court can also terminate the relationship, for example, if a conflict of interest arises that violates the Assistance of Counsel Clause of the Sixth Amendment, as was highlighted in the case of Glasser v. United States.
In addition to the reasons for termination, there are certain obligations a lawyer has to their client. As established in cases like Strickland v. Washington, the lawyer must provide quality representation below an objective standard of reasonableness; otherwise, it could be grounds for relief due to ineffective assistance of counsel.
The case of Padilla v. Kentucky emphasizes a lawyer's duty to inform the client of specific risks, such as deportation consequences following a conviction.