Module 1 (Regulation of Legal Profession) Flashcards
who regulates lawyers?
the states’ highest court
what references does the state use to decide conduct?
1) ethical rules (ABA)
2) case law
3) rules of the court
what are 2 things that the Bar’s fitness and character Dept not admit you for?
1) false statements (knowingly false)
2) failure to disclose information
what constitutes violating the professional of misconduct?
1) violating or attempting to violate the rules of conduct
2) assisting or inducing another person to violate the rules
3) using the acts of another person to violate the rules
what constitutes professional misconduct?
1) violating the rules of professional misconduct
2) certain criminal acts
3) dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation
4) harassment
is a lawyer subject to discipline for practicing in a jurisdiction outside their own?
Yes but there are exceptions
what must the unadmitted lawyer to that jx not do?
1) represent that they are admitted to practice in the jx
2) establish an office or have continuous presence in that jx
what are some reasons that a lawyer would be able to have dealings in a state that they are not admitted to?
1) association with a local lawyer that actively participates in the matter
2) they have special permission
3) for mediation or arbitration
what is it called when a lawyer has permission to temporarily practice in another jx?
pro hac vice
when may a lawyer be admitted to a jx pro hac vice?
when it is for the purposes of the matter ONLY and they intend to engage in preliminary activities in the state
what do preliminary activities include to be admitted pro hac vice?
1) meeting with clients
2) reviewing documents
3) interviewing witnesses
may a foreign lawyer be admitted pro hac vice?
Yes the same circumstances need to apply as for those who are not foreign and they need to be in good standing in their jx
what law will govern when a foreign lawyer is temporarily admitted into a jx?
the international law or the foreign jx
does the judge have discretion to limit the foreign lawyer’s participation in the matter?
Yes, they are subject to stricter scrutiny
when can a lawyer establish a systematic or continuous practice in a different jx?
1) when a lawyer is employed by their only client
2) foreign lawyers advising on US law
3) federal or local law authorizes it
when a lawyer is employed by their only client and they establish a practice in another jx, are they allowed to litigate in that state?
Yes but they must seek admission via pro hac vice
may a foreign lawyer directly advise their client on the law of the US?
NO, they must consult a lawyer that is licensed by the relevant jx
what disciplinary rules is a lawyer subject to when admitted pro hac vice to another state?
Both jurisdictions
what are in-house or government lawyer who practices in a different jx subject to when their client is their only client?
the 2nd jx’s client security assessments and continuing legal education requirements
what is considered “the practice of law”
1) an activity involving legal knowledge and skill beyond what a layperson would know
2) the activity constitutes advice or services concerning binding legal rights
3) the activity is traditionally performed by lawyers
what are some activities that is not considered “the practice of law”
1) an acct representing a client assigned by a state or federal agency
2) a nonlawyer drafting legal documents
what is giving tax law advice considered?
an unauthorized practice of law but accountants or other lay people can prepare tax returns and answer questions incidental to the preparation of tax returns
can a lawyer delegate tasks to another person such as a paralegal or intern?
Yes but they must supervise the work carefully and be ultimately responsible for the results
may a lawyer advise and instruct non lawyers whose employment requires knowledge of the law like claim adjusters, band trust officers, social workers, accountants, and government employees?
Yes