CA PR Flashcards
Professional Responsibility
Formation of lawyer client privilege?
In general no duty to accept representation. However, there is a duty to reject it if it would violate and ethical rule.
In CA, a lawyer is not permitted to represent a client if he knows or should know there is no probable cause to bring an action and that the action is being is being brought to harass or maliciously injure.
When can’t an attorney not present a claim or defefense?
The attorney must not present a claim or defense that is not warranted under existing law, unless it can be supported by a good faith argument seeking to change the law.
When does attorney client relationship begin
When client reasonably believes the relationship exists
What is the scope of relationship and duties of attorney and client
Client has attorney to make decisions that accept the settlement.
The attorney must communicate all bonanfide offers to the client.
Attorney- alls strategic decisions he is the means to clients end.
Assisting client in criminal/fraudulent conduct?
A lawyer must not counsel or assist the client in criminal or fraudulent conduct.
If the client is currently engaging in such conduct, the attorney must stop assisting the client and WITHDRAW from representation.
When shall an attorney mandatorily withdraw
1) if failure to do so would result in a violation of ethical rules or law;
2) Assisting in criminal conduct
3) In CA, a lawyer must withdraw if he knows or should know the client is asserting a claim or defense without probable cause AND for the purpose or harassing or maliciously injuring a person
Permissive Withdrawal- Model Rea
At Anytime, without material harm to client
Permissive Withdrawal- CA
A lawyer is not permitted to withdraw. A lawyer must seek to withdraw under the following basis:
Client insists on presenting a claim or defense not warranted under existing law and no good faith argument on the law exists.
Client seeks to pursue a criminal or fraudulent course of conduct or the client has used lawyers services a to advance a course of conduct that the lawyer reasonably believes is crime/fraud.
Client insists lawyer pursue a course of conduct that is criminal or fraudulent
Continue representation is likely to result in violation of CA rules or State Bar Act.
Withdrawal even with harm to client model rules
Client engages in criminal or fraudulent action
Attorney learns that client used his services for crime or fraud
Client insists on course of action that lawyer finds repugnant or lawyer has a fundamental disagreement with
The client has made representation unreasonably difficult
The representation will result in financial burden on lawyer (not a basis for withdrawal in CA)
Procedure for withdrawal
Give client reasonable notice and reasonable opportunity to fine new representation
When litigation pending must obtain court approval
Duties upon termination
Lawyer must safeguard and return all papers and property to the client; this includes the duty to safeguard such
Under model rules an attorney may retain papers to obtain payment-
I’m California attorneys cannot retain poets and must return all papers and property.
Attorney must return advanced fees which were not earned.
Fee’s under model rule- cost
Charge a fee reasonable under the circumstances
Fees- CA rules
Attorneys fees must not be unconscionable
Writing of fee agreement
In CA if fees exceed $1,000 they must be in writing- The agreement must be in writing; state free and services and be signed by both parties with a copy of the agreement given to the client.-
Contingent fee agreements required…
To be in writing, Signed by client
Terms of calculations fees and expenses client is liable for.
CA also provides that a duplicate signed by attoenunbe provided to cleaner at time if signaling
What happens if fee agreement doesn’t comply with formalities?
Voidable by client but attorney gets reasonable fee for work done.
If Criminal Defendant wants to testify?
May counsel them not to but have to assent to them testifying if they so wish.
When are contingent fees prohibited?
Criminal Cases and domestic relations cases