Huge Deck Flashcards
You are a law student preparing to apply for admission to the bar. You just read the application. It asks if you have used illegal drugs in the last three years. If so, it wants details. During law school, you have smoked marijuana several times,most recently three weeks ago. You heard that if you tell the bar examiners, they will reject you. What should you do?
What rule applies?
Rule 8.1 - “An applicant for admission to the bar . . . shall not:
(a) Knowingly make a false statement of material fact; or
(b) Fail to disclose a fact necessary to correct a misapprehension known by the person to have arisen in the matter, or knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand for information from an admissions or disciplinary authority …”
You are members of the law school Honor Board. You have been asked to hold a hearing on the case of Erica Kass, a third year law student. She has been charged with deliberately altering her resume and her law school transcript to improve her credentials.
Now that you have the allegations, we will convene as the honor board. You can interview Erica and then you can decide what to do.
What are your options and what rule applies?
Options:
- expel her from law school
- suspend her from law school for a year or two
- require her to take a course in ethics, go to counseling, or make a public apology
- public or private reprimand (to be sent to a bar admissions authorities)
Grounds for Discipline
Rule 8.4
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to:
(a) Violate or attempt to violate the rules . . . knowingly assist another to do so, or do so through the acts of another;
(b) Commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects;
(c) Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation;
(d) Engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice . . . .
“I’m not driving” hypo:
You see a fellow law student getting wasted on a regular basis, what should you do?
What rule applies?
Only have to report if it raises a “substainal question” of the person’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness.
Rule 8.3 - Reporting Professional Misconduct
(a) A lawyer who KNOWS that another lawyer has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Misconduct that raises a substantial question as to the …blah blah blah
What if the information that you feel like you should reveal in order to report professional misconduct under Rule 8.3 is also information classified as confidential under Rule 1.6.
Official Comment #2.
A report does not need to be made when revealing the information would violate Rule 1.6.
Remember confidentiality is more important than telling on someone.
Also the comment suggest lawyer’s should encourage a client to consent to disclosure where prosecution would not substantially prejudice the client’s interest
“Exculpatory Evidence” Hypo:
An old law school friend tells you after he finds out he’s dying that he suppressed evidence that would have gotten a guy off… ; )
What rule applies?
Rule 8.3(a)
A lawyer who knows that another lawyer has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct that raises a substantial question as to that lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects, shall inform the appropriate professional authority. . . . [but a lawyer need not report client confidences.]
Official Comment #3 - not every violation has to be reported
Do you have to report professional misconduct of lawyer that you happen to be representing because of his professional misconduct?
No, normal lawyer-client relationship rules apply.
Do supervisory lawyers in a law firm have a responsibility to makes sure subordinate lawyers abide by the PR rules?
Yes under Rule 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3
- 5.1(a) - they shall make reasonable efforts to ensure the firm has in effect measures giving reasonable assurance that all lawyers in the firm conform to the PR rules.
just remember REASONABLE EFFORTS
“The Little Hearing” Hypo:
A new attorney gets a job and on the second day her boss makes he show up alone at an immigration hearing in which she is totally unprepared for and he wants her to do two more hearings tomorrow. What should the new attorney do?
What rule(s) apply?
The new attorney should probably notify the judge of the situation, and make a “good faith” effort to make sure the client gets competent representation.
Rule 1.1 - Competence
- A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client.
- Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.
Also Rule 5.3
What rule governs client confidences?
Rule 1.6
- don’t reveal anything that could REASONABLY LEAD TO THE DISCOVERY of such confidential information
What information MAY a lawyer reveal?
Rule 1.6(b)
- a lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary
- (1) to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm
- (2) & (3) if the client is involved in fraud and using your services to assist the fraud
Can a lawyer enter into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client?
Yes, only if the client gives informed consent. Rule 1.8
Can a lawyer counsel a client to engage, or assist a client, in conduct that the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent
No under Rule 1.2(d)
In the course of representing a client, can a lawyer make false statements of material fact or law to a third person?
No under 4.1(a)
- a lawyer shall not knowingly makes false statement of material fat or law to a third person
When shall a lawyer withdraw from representing a client?
Rule 1.16 states a lawyer shall withdraw if the representation will result in violation of the rules of professional conduct or other law
According to the ruling in Togstad, when does a client-lawyer relationship begin?
When a person seeks and receives legal advice from an attorney in circumstances in which a reasonable person would rely on such advice.
What makes someone a prospective client?
Rule 1.18(a)
When the person consults with a lawyer about the possibility of forming a client-lawyer relationship with respect to a matter.
Can a lawyer reveal learned information from a prospective client even when no client-lawyer relationship ensued?
Rule 1.18(b)
- No a lawyer shall not use or reveal that information except as Rule 1.9 would permit with respect to information of a former client
When can a lawyer continue employment in a legal matter when he knows he is incompetent?
Rule 1.01
When another competent lawyer is also handling the matter
In emergency situations and the lawyer only limits the advice to what is reasonably necessary
Must a lawyer promptly inform a client of any decision or circumstances in regards to their representation?
Yes under Rule 1.4 - Communication
(a)(1) - lawyer shall promptly inform client…
Must a lawyer reasonably consult with the client about the means by which the client’s objectives are to be accomplished?
Yes under Rule 1.4(a)(2)
Must a lawyer keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter?
Yes under Rule 1.4(a)(3)
Must a lawyer promptly comply with reasonable requests for information?
Yes under Rule 1.4(4)
Must a lawyer consult with the client about any relevant limitation on the lawyer’s conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects assistance not permitted by the PR rules or other law?
Yes under Rule 1.4(5)
To what extent does a lawyer have to explain information about a matter to the client?
Under 1.4(b)
- to the extent that is reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation
In representing a client, shall a lawyer exercise independent professional judgment and render candor advice?
Yes under Rule 2.1 Advisor
In rendering advice, must a lawyer refer only to the law?
No under Rule 2.1
- A lawyer may refer to other considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors, that may be relevant to the client’s situation
When can a lawyer limit the scope of the representation of a client?
Rule 1.2 Scope
(c) when it is reasonable and with the client’s informed consent
When is a client’s capacity diminished?
Rule 1.14(a)
- When the client cannot make adequately considered decisions
When can a lawyer take reasonably necessary protective action against a client with diminished capacity?
Rule 1.14(b)
- When the lawyer reasonably believes the client is at risk of substantial physical, financial or other harm
When taking reasonably necessary protective action against a client with diminished capacity, can the lawyer reveal information about the client?
Yes, Rule 1.14(c)
- the lawyer is impliedly authorized under rule 1.6(a) to reveal information about the client BUT ONLY to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the client’s interest
When determining a client’s diminished capacity, what should the lawyer consider?
Rule 1.14 Official Comment #6
Should consider factors such as:
- the client ability to articulate reasoning leading to a decision
- variability of state of mind and ability to appreciate consequences of a decision
- the substantive fairness of a decision
- the consistency of a decision with the known long-term commitments and values of the client
When determining a client’s mental capacity, may a lawyer seek guidance from an appropriate diagnostician?
Yes under Rule 1.14 Official Comment #6
When does a concurrent conflict of interest exists?
Rule 1.7(a)(1-2)
- When the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client
- there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more client will be materially limited by the lawyer’s responsibility to another client, a former client or a third person or by a personal interest of the lawyer
When may a lawyer represent a client?
Rule 1.7(b)(1-3)
- the lawyer reasonably believes that he will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client
- the representation is not prohibited by law
- the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client against another client represented by the lawyer in the same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal unless the affected clients give informed consent
When can a lawyer provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or contemplated litigation?
Rule 1.8(e)(1-2)
- A lawyer may advance court costs and expenses of litigation, the repayment of which may be contingent on the outcome of the matter
- a lawyer representing an indigent client may pay court costs and expenses of litigation on behalf of the client
When can a lawyer accept compensation for representation from one other than the client?
Rule 1.8(f)(1-3)
- When the client gives informed consent
- When there is no interference with the lawyer’s independence of professional judgment or with the client-lawyer relationship
- When the information relating to representation of a client is protected as required by Rule 1.6
When can a lawyer acquire a proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of litigation?
Rule 1.8(i)(1-2)
- acquire a lien authorized by law to secure the lawyer’s fee or expenses
- contract with a client for a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case
When can a lawyer have sex with a client?
Rule 1.8(j)
- When a consensual sexual relationship existed between them when the client-lawyer relationship commenced
lame
“Belief”
The person involved actually supposed the fact in question to be true.
A person’s belief may be inferred from the circumstances
“Confirmed in writing”
Informed consent that is:
- Given in writing by person
OR
- A writing that a lawyer transmits to person confirming an oral informed consent
“Fraud”
Conduct that is:
- Fraudulent under the substantive or procedural law of the applicable jurisdiction and has a purpose to deceive
AND
- Has a purpose to deceive
“Informed Consent”
Agreement by person to proposed conduct after a lawyer has:
- Communicated adequate information
AND
- Explained material risks and reasonably available alternatives
“Knowingly”
- Actual knowledge of fact
- May be inferred from circumstances
“Reasonable”
Conduct of a reasonable prudent & competent lawyer
“Reasonable belief”
- A lawyer believes the matter in question
AND
- Circumstances are such that a reasonably prudent & competent lawyer would believe
“Screened”
- The isolation of a lawyer from any participate in a matter
- through timely imposition of procedures within a firm
- that are reasonably adequate under the circumstances to protect information that the that the isolated lawyer is obliged to protect.
“Substantial”
Of clear and weighty performance
“Writing”
Tangible or electronic record of a communication or representation, including:
- Handwriting
- Typewriting
- Printing
- Photograph
- Audio or video
“Signed Writing”
- Electronic sound, symbol, or process
- Attached to or logically associated with a writing
- Executed/adopted by a person
- With intent to sign the writing
Rule 1.1 - Competence
A lawyer SHALL provide competent representation to client
“Competent representation”
Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation
Rule 1.2(a) - scope of representation and allocation of authority between Client and Lawyer
- A lawyer SHALL abide by the Client’s decisions regarding the object of representation
- A lawyer SHALL consult with the Client as to the means by which they are to be pursued
- A lawyer MAY take action on the Client’s behalf as impliedly authorized to carry out representation
Rule 1.2(b) - representation and endorsement
A lawyer’s representation of a client DOES NOT constitute an endorsement of the client’s political, economic, social or moral views or activities.
Rule 1.2(c) - a lawyer may limit the scope of representation if:
- Reasonable under circumstances
AND
- The Client gives informed consent
Rule 1.2(d) - Client Lawyer relationship; crime/fraud conduct
- A lawyer SHALL not knowingly counsel to engage/assist client in conduct if the Lawyer knows conduct is criminal/fraudulent
- A lawyer MAY discuss legal consequences of any proposed course of conduct
- A lawyer MAY counsel or assist a client to make a good faith effort to determine the validity, scope, meaning or application of the law
Independence from client’s views or activities
Rule 1.2 Comment 5
Legal representation should not be denied to people who are unable to afford legal services, or whose cause is controversial or the subject of popular disapproval. By the same token, representing a client does not constitute approval of the client’s views or activities.
Rule 1.3 - Diligence
A lawyer SHALL act with reasonable diligence & promptness in representing the client.
Rule 1.4 - Communication with client
A Lawyer SHALL:
- inform the client of any situations with respect to which the client’s informed consent is required
- consult with the client about the means by which the client’s objectives are to be accomplished
- keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter
- promptly comply with reasonable requests for information
- consult with the client about any relevant limitation on the lawyer’s conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects assistance not permitted by the Rules or other law.
- explain to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation