Mistakes from Qs Flashcards
Can a lawyer represent a prospective client who’s interests are materially adverse to a former client’s interest in same/substantially related matter?
Only if lawyer gets former client’s informed consent, confirmed in WRITING.
Even if 10 years later and relationship was expressly terminated, lawyer needs former client’s informed consent IN WRITING
A lawyer who lacks legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and prep reasonably necessary to represent a client is subject to discipline unless lawyer…
(1) declines or withdraws from representation,
(2) gains competence by reasonable prep, or
(3) associates with other lawyers of established competence.
Must an attorney disclose his lack of experience?
Nope, not necessary
Is a subordinate lawyer subject to discipline if he acts according to his supervising lawyer’s reasonable resolution of an arguable q of professional conduct?
NO! An associate is NOT subject to discipline for acting according to his partner’s reasonable resolution of an arguable question of professional conduct— Even if associate believed actions taken violate a professional duty.
A subordinate lawyer is not subject to discipline if:
(1) issue giving rise to violation posed an arguable question of professional duty and
(2) subordinate lawyer acted in accordance with supervising lawyer’s reasonable resolution of that question.
A lawyer who reasonably believes their client (1) has diminished capacity, (2) is at risk of substantial harm unless action is taken, and (3) cannot adequately act in his own interest, should?
1) determine if a person or entity is likely to act adversely to client’s interests.
2) If they will act in client’s best interests, lawyer should consult with them.
Does a lawyer need to obtain court approval before disclosing the client’s confidential info to a person who can protect a client?
NO! A lawyer need not obtain court approval before disclosing the client’s confidential inf to a person who has ability to protect client.
Does apparent authority extend to accepting settlements?
NO!!!
A lawyer must promptly inform client of a settlement offer unless client has previously:
(1) indicated offer would be acceptable or unacceptable or
(2) authorized lawyer to accept or reject the offer.
A lawyer may disclose confidential client info if
(1) client used lawyer’s services to further a crime/fraud
(2) crime/fraud will or has resulted in substantial injury to another’s financial interests or property, and (3) lawyer reasonably believes disclosure is necessary to prevent, mitigate, or rectify injury.
Does a lawyer owe former clients a duty of confidentiality if he learns new info before or after representation ends?
YES! A lawyer owes former clients a duty of confidentiality regarding any info relating to representation, REGARDLESS of if lawyer learns info before or after representation ends.
Can a lawyer solicit family members for legal work?
YES
Can a lawyer solicit a gift from a client or preparing an instrument that gives the lawyer a gift?
ONLY if the client is a family member.
When can a 3P pay a lawyer on behalf of another…
If: (1) client gives informed consent,
(2) there’s no interference with lawyer’s professional judgment or client-lawyer relationship, and
(3) lawyer protects client’s confidential info
Can a father pay for his son’s legal fees?
Only with the son’s INFORMED CONSENT
When is a lawyer’s conflict of interest NOT imputed to lawyer’s firm?
if (1) based on a personal conflict and
(2) doesn’t present a significant risk of materially limiting client representation by remaining lawyers in firm.
Does an associate’s owe a duty of confidentiality to the other members of his firm?
No - just the client
When is a conflict based on a lawyer’s personal interest is imputed to firm?
If it presents a significant risk of materially limiting client representation by other lawyers at firm.
What does civil liability for legal malpractice based on a theory of negligence require?
Proof lawyer breached a duty of care: failed to exercise competence and diligence normally exercised by lawyers in similar circumstances—owed to P and caused P harm.
What is a lawyer’s duty of care?
A lawyer must act with competence and diligence normally exercised by lawyers in similar circumstances.
What is a lawyer’s duty of care?
A lawyer must act with competence and diligence normally exercised by lawyers in similar circumstances.
A lawyer who Ks with a 3P on the client’s behalf is liable under the K if:
(1) client’s existence or identity was not disclosed to 3P or
(2) 3P provides goods or services used by lawyers and, as lawyer knows or reasonably should know, is relying on lawyer’s credit.
Whose performance is a 3P relying on if the 3P doesn’t know of the client’s existence when the K is made?
The lawyers.
Who is liable on a K with a 3P if the lawyer is acting on an undisclosed client’s behalf?
The lawyer.