Lawyer's Duties to the Public/Legal System Flashcards
Pro Bono Services
Recommended to provide 50 hours of pro bono services per year, but not subject to discipline if lawyer fails to do so
Political Contributions
A lawyer or law firm shall not accept a government legal engagement or an appointment by a judge if the lawyer or law firm makes a political contribution or solicits political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or being considered for that type of legal engagement or appointment.
Avoiding Appointments Except for Good Cause
A lawyer must not seek to avoid such an appointment except for good cause. One example of good cause is when representing the client would require the lawyer to violate a law or disciplinary rule, in which case the lawyer must decline the appointment, severe illness, conflict of interest, or financial burden.
Nonprofit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs (quick advice programs)
A lawyer who provides short-term limited legal services to a client without expectation by either the lawyer or the client that the lawyer will provide continuing representation in the matter:
-Is subject to duty of competence, conflict of interest penalties + duties to former clients when the lawyer knows that representation of client involves a conflict of interest
-Is subject to imputation only if lawyer knows that another lawyer associated with the lawyer in law firm is disqualified
Serving as Director/Officer of Legal Org
Lawyer can serve as a member, director, or officer of an organization as long as the org does not serve persons whose interests are adverse to lawyer’s clients. Subject to conflict of interest rules!!!
Lawyer shall not knowingly participate in a decision or action that:
-Would harm lawyer’s regular clients
-Would harm persons served by org
Legal Org Reform
Permitted even if reform will harm interests of client
Must disclose to organization if client may benefit from reform but do not need to identify the client
Responding to Questionnaires about Bar Applicants
A lawyer who is properly asked for information about a bar applicant’s character has a duty to respond and to do so accurately.
Responding to questions on state bar appilcation
