The Superior Court abused its discretion when it denied an attorney's motion to withdraw as counsel without conducting a proper inquiry into the circumstances giving rise to an alleged conflict, any waiver thereof, and any effects on the attorney's ability to zealously represent the client, in light of applicable Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Accordingly, orders denying the motions to withdraw and two orders imposing monetary civil contempt sanctions are reversed. On remand, the Superior Court is directed to conduct the appropriate evidentiary and factual inquiry into the alleged conflict of interest.
Supreme Court Of The Virgin Islands