A notice of appearance is a filing by an attorney informing the court and all parties that the attorney now represents a specific party in the case. Once a notice of appearance is filed all communications from the court and from opposing counsel go to the attorney rather than directly to the party.

A notice of appearance also puts opposing counsel on notice that they cannot contact the represented party directly. Direct contact with a represented party by opposing counsel violates the rules of professional conduct.

When an attorney withdraws from a case a notice of withdrawal or a substitution of counsel replaces the notice of appearance. Until a withdrawal or substitution is filed the attorney of record remains responsible for the case.