Part I · Rule 55: Pleadings, Motions and Hearing · Last amended July 1, 2025 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceRule 55.035 explains how an attorney enters an appearance in a Missouri case, full or limited, and lays out the procedures for withdrawing — a memorandum when a matter is complete, a court-approved motion when it isn’t, and required notice to the client throughout.
(a)Entry of Appearance of Counsel. An attorney who appears in a case shall be considered as representing the parties for whom the attorney appears for all purposes in that case, except as otherwise provided in a written entry of limited appearance. If an entry of limited appearance is filed, service shall be made as provided in Rule 43.01(b). An attorney appears in a case by:
(1)Participating in any proceeding as counsel for any party unless limited by an entry of limited appearance;
(2)Signing the attorney's name on any pleading, motion, or other filing; however, if an attorney is identified on a pleading, motion, or other filing as having only assisted in the preparation of the pleading, motion, or other filing, the attorney has not entered an appearance in the matter; or
(3)Filing a Written Entry of Appearance. A written entry of appearance may be limited by its terms to a particular proceeding or matter and may be further limited to a particular time or for a particular purpose within that proceeding or matter. If so limited, the written entry of appearance shall be titled "Entry of Limited Appearance" and shall state the physical and mailing addresses, telephone number, facsimile number, and electronic mail address, if any, of each person for whom the attorney is making a limited appearance.
(b)Withdrawal of Counsel. An attorney may withdraw from a case:
(1)When a matter is completed, upon filing a withdrawal memorandum demonstrating that there are no pending claims or issues in the matter;
(2)When a matter is not completed, with leave of court after filing a motion to withdraw showing compliance with Rule 4-1.16; or
(3)Upon the filing of a "Termination of Limited Appearance" by an attorney who had filed an entry of limited appearance. The "Termination of Limited Appearance" shall demonstrate that the attorney has completed the duties set out in the entry of limited appearance. Withdrawal memoranda, motions to withdraw, and notices of Termination of Limited Appearance shall include the client's last known address and shall be served on the client in addition to all others required to be served.
Amendment History
Adopted Sept. 3, 2024, effective July 1, 2025.
Plain-English Summary
An attorney enters an appearance by participating in a proceeding as counsel, by signing a pleading or motion, or by filing a written entry of appearance. That appearance covers the case for all purposes unless it’s expressly limited. A limited appearance has to say so in its title, describe the scope of the limitation, and give the attorney’s contact information for the client being represented in that limited capacity.
The rule also protects unbundled legal help: an attorney identified on a filing as having only assisted in its preparation for an otherwise self-represented person hasn’t entered an appearance in the matter. That distinction matters because entering an appearance carries ongoing obligations that mere drafting assistance doesn’t.
Withdrawal follows one of three tracks. If the matter is finished, the attorney files a withdrawal memorandum showing there are no pending claims or issues left. If it isn’t finished, withdrawal requires a motion, leave of court, and a showing of compliance with the professional-conduct rule governing withdrawal. And an attorney who filed a limited appearance can end it by filing a termination notice once the limited duties are complete. All three routes require serving the client at their last known address, in addition to everyone else who must be served.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an attorney enter an appearance in Missouri?
By participating in the case as counsel, signing a filing, or filing a written entry of appearance.
What is a limited appearance?
An appearance restricted by its own terms to a particular proceeding, time, or purpose, titled “Entry of Limited Appearance” and listing the attorney’s contact information.
Can an attorney help draft a document without entering an appearance?
Yes. An attorney identified as only having assisted with preparation, for an otherwise self-represented person, hasn’t entered an appearance.
How does an attorney withdraw from a case in Missouri?
By filing a withdrawal memorandum if the matter is complete, or by motion with leave of court and compliance with the professional-conduct withdrawal rule if it isn’t.
Must the client be notified of the withdrawal?
Yes. Withdrawal memoranda, motions to withdraw, and limited-appearance termination notices must include the client’s last known address and be served on the client.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Missouri State & Federal Court Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Missouri. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:entry of appearancelimited appearancewithdrawal of counselmotion to withdraw as attorneyunbundled legal assistanceappearance and withdrawal