Subject to the provisions of Rule 17, attorneys having matters on calendars, or who are otherwise directed to do so, unless excused by the court, are required to be in court at the call of the matter and to remain until otherwise directed by the court. Should the judge excuse counsel from the courtroom before the matter is concluded such attorney(s) shall return as directed. So that the court can provide timely direction, counsel shall contact the trial court daily during the remainder of any ongoing calendar. Failure of any attorney in this respect shall subject that attorney to the contempt powers of the court.
Rule 4.11.Attorneys: Appearance, Withdrawal and Duties; to Attend and Remain
Rule 4. ATTORNEYS APPEARANCE, WITHDRAWAL AND DUTIES · Last amended 2005 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4.11 requires Georgia attorneys with matters on a superior court calendar to show up when the case is called and remain until the court excuses or directs them otherwise, checking in with the trial court daily during an ongoing calendar, or risk being held in contempt for failing to comply.
Full Text of Rule 4.11
Plain-English Summary
Once a matter lands on a Georgia superior court calendar, showing up is not optional and neither is staying put. Rule 4.11 requires attorneys with matters on the calendar — or who are otherwise directed to attend — to be in court when the case is called and to remain until the court says otherwise, unless the court has excused them.
Even an excuse from the courtroom doesn’t end the obligation. If a judge lets counsel step out before a matter wraps up, that attorney must return whenever directed, and during an ongoing calendar counsel must check in with the trial court every day so the court can reach them with instructions. Skipping any of this exposes the attorney to the court’s contempt power. The whole duty operates subject to Rule 17, which the rule cross-references directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must an attorney do once their matter appears on the court calendar?
Be in court at the call of the matter and remain there until otherwise directed by the court, unless excused.
If the judge excuses an attorney from the courtroom before the matter is finished, is that the end of the obligation?
No. The attorney must return as directed by the court once excused.
What must counsel do daily during an ongoing calendar?
Contact the trial court daily so the court can provide timely direction.
Does this rule operate independently of other rules?
No. It is expressly made subject to the provisions of Rule 17.
What is the consequence for an attorney who fails to attend or remain as required?
The attorney becomes subject to the contempt powers of the court.
Amendment History
Amended effective October 9, 1997; November 10, 2005.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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