(a) As used in this Code section, the term "leading counsel" means the person who, at the time of the trial or the raising of any issue connected with the case, is, in the judgment of the court, the counsel upon whom the client relies more than any other.

(b) When two or more attorneys employed on the same side dispute about the direction to be given to their case and the client is not present, the judge shall hear all the facts and give preference to the leading counsel.

(c) If there is more than one leading counsel, the court shall, as between them, give preference to the counsel who was first employed.