bar_prep_copy_20190711104745 Flashcards
What types of discipline for breaking rules?
Private or public reprimand/censorSuspension for finite periodDisbarment
Requirements for admission to bar?
Rational: law school, oathIrrational: citizenship or state residencyRequirements for you to apply: duty to fully cooperate, truth and full disclosure
What is your duty when you know of violation?
Actual personal knowledgeReport what you know UNLESS protected as confidenceAvailable to testifyDuty to report is 24/7 worldwide duty
Can duty to report be trumped by another duty?
Yes. Duty of confidentiality OR membership in approved lawyer assistance program
When is multi-jurisdictional practice allowed?
General rule is can’t practice where not admitted.Temporarily permissible when: with local counsel, special permission, mediation or arbitration, anything “reasonably related” yo home practice Permanently permissible as: in house or federal government
When is supervisor responsible?
Knew of misconduct at time when consequences could have been mitigated AND lawyer fails to take remedial action.OrViolation raises substantial question to supervisor honesty or character/fitness to practice law AND you were told to do it.
Remember subordinate is not responsible when…
Told to do it AND arguable that you thought it was ok.
These activities require a law license
Appearance in judicial proceeding/depositionsNegotiate settlementsDrafting documents that effect substantial legal rights
These activities do not require a law license
InterviewFilling in formsWriting legal memos
Fee division with non-lawyer
General rule is fee division is not allowed with non-lawyer.Exceptions:Heirs of deceased attorneyEmployees- salaries, pension, bonus
Law firm and partnerships
Only lawyers can be partners in business that involves practice of law. Except s/hNo implication of partnershipYou can list dual professions, but solicit rules apply like lawyer, and attorney/client privilege does not apply
Contractual restrictions on practice
Generally not allowed, except retirement or withdrawing from firm
General rule for accepting or rejecting clients
Generally, lawyers have freedom to reject cases.Exceptions: Defenseless or oppressed (should)Pro bono (should, also fulfill pro bono in other ways)Appointments (must accept unless GOOD CAUSE)
When does lawyer have duty to reject cases?
Physical or mental inabilityConflict of interstStrong feelings or biasFrivolous claim or frivolous motionIncompetenceExceptions to duty to reject, take ALE.AssociationLearn it in timeEmergency
What decisions belong to client?
Sue, settle, testify, please, jury or bench, appeal
What decisions belong to lawyer?
Procedural and tactical decisions, to file, depositions, discovery, continuances
Within the bounds of the law
Means e honest and truthful, subject to discipline for knowingly making a false statement of fact/law to court or failing to correct previously made false statement of material fact/law
When can lawyer withdraw - terminate AC privilege?
Withdraw is judge’s decision, depending on stage of matter.Mandatory withdraw (“must see withdraw”):Duty to reject situationsClient fraud and refusal to rectify fraudClient insists on violation of law/ethical provisionClient has begun new illegal course of actionPermissive withdraw (lawyer may leave):Any reason that will not harm the clientIf client consentsIn one of these conditions: client persis in criminal or fraudulent conduct, client has used attorneys services to commit past crime or fraud, client objective is imprudent, client breaks promise to lawyer to pay the fee, unreasonable financial hardship on attorney practice, client will not cooperate.
Client may not abandon client, must a lid material adverse effect on client by…
Dissuade clientRequest permission to withdrawDo as instructedIf permitted to withdraw give clien reasonable notice to get new lawyer
Client lawyer contracts
Lawyer can limit representation through k
Quick advice programs
Conflict of interst ruled are relaxed, bc lawyer does not have time to run conflict checkActual knowledge can be inferredRules change if lawyer actually hired.
When shall fee arrangement be determined?
Arrangement (which includes scope of representation, basis or rate of fee, and expenses for which client will be responsible) shall be communicated to client BEFORE representation starts.
Factors in setting reasonable fee.
Time and laborDifficulty and novelty of questionsExperience, reputationRelationshipsExclusionsFixed or contingentFees customarily charged
Contingent fee agreements, when are they allowed?
Must be reasonable, signed by client (watch out for making promise - then breaking)Must not use in criminal case (no incentive fee AND no % of publication rights based upon representation - But client can take interest in book unrelated to representation watch for undue influence.)*Mustnot use domestic relations case