Last amended January 1, 1988 · Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 8 designates the attorney whose signature first appears on a party’s initial pleadings as the “attorney in charge” — responsible for the case and the recipient of all court and counsel communications — unless another attorney is named, with changes made only by written notice under Rule 21a.
Full Text of Rule 8
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On the occasion of a party's first appearance through counsel, the attorney whose signature first appears on the initial pleadings for any party shall be the attorney in charge, unless another attorney is specifically designated therein. Thereafter, until such designation is changed by written notice to the court and all other parties in accordance with Rule 21a, said attorney in charge shall be responsible for the suit as to such party. All communications from the court or other counsel with respect to a suit shall be sent to the attorney in charge.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 8 answers a practical question: when a party has more than one lawyer, who speaks for the case? The attorney whose signature appears first on the party’s initial pleadings is the “attorney in charge,” unless the pleadings specifically designate someone else.
That lawyer stays in charge until the designation is changed by written notice to the court and every other party, given under Rule 21a. The attorney in charge is responsible for the suit for that party, and all communications from the court or opposing counsel are to be sent to that attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the “attorney in charge” under the Texas rules?
By default, the attorney whose signature first appears on a party’s initial pleadings, unless another attorney is specifically designated. That lawyer is responsible for the case and receives all communications from the court and other counsel.
How do you change the attorney in charge?
By written notice to the court and all other parties, given in accordance with Rule 21a.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 8), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:attorney in chargelead counseldesignation of attorney in chargeresponsible attorneyTRCP 8