MPRE Flashcards
Do AGGREGRATE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS require signed writing?
Yes
What are the req’ts for aggregate s’ment agmt?
- L must DISCLOSE terms
- L must make sure C’s COME TO AGMT about how s’ment to be divided
- INFORMED CONSENT IN WRITING
Can a L represent 2 C’s on opposite sides of the same TRANSACTIONAL matter?
Yes, but must get informed consent and believe you can competently and diligently represent both parties.
In class action, are UNNAMED members of the class considered clients for DIRECT ADVERSITY rule?
NO
When does rule for biz transx and adverse FIN’L interests NOT apply?
- Ordinary fee agmt btwn L & C
2. STD COMM’L TRANSX in which L buys goods/servs that C ROUTINELY MARKETS to the public
Can a L take a proprietary interest in a CoA or subject matter of litigation?
NO, but can when it’s not litigation.
When is it okay for L to acquire literary or media rights to a story?
After matter is completed (including appeals)
When rights are NOT substantially based on info relating to the rep’n
Is informed consent req’d for a 3rd P paying C’s fees?
Yes
When can L represent C against FORMER C w/o informed consent?
When it’s not SAME OR SUBSTANTIALLY RELATED MATTER
What’s the rule re rep’n against former C while at former firm?
Can’t work on opposite side if ACTUALLY ACQUIRED conf’l info while at former firm.
What’s involved w/ SCREENING L w/ former C conflict?
Can’t SHARE FEES
No ACCESS TO CASE FILES
NOTICE to former C w/ disclosure about procedures
UPDATES to former C
When would there be conflict w/ prospective C?
When there’s no adverse rep’n in SAME OR SUBSTANTIALLY RELATED matter if CONF’L INFO would be SIGNIFICANTLY HARMFUL to prospective C.
Note: Significantly harmful standard unique to prospective C
When can a L going from gov’t to private practice not rep C?
If SAME MATTER
L worked PERSONALLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY on matter
But CAN GET AGENCY’S CONSENT
When can’t L rep private C when they previously worked for gov’t?
When they gained CONF’L GOV’T INFO against the other party
When are matters SUBSTANTIALLY RELATED?
- They involve the SAME TRANSX OR LEGAL DISPUTE, or
- there’s SUBSTANTIAL RISK that CONF’L FACTUAL INFO as would normally have been obtained in the prior rep’n would MATERIALLY ADVANCE the new C’s position.
When is a L’s former firm prohibited from representing a person w/ interests materially adverse to those of a C of the formerly associated L?
When: 1. the matter is the SAME OR SUBSTANTIALLY RELATED to the one the formerly associated L rep’d the C, and
- ANY L remaining in the firm has MAT’L CONF’L INFO
When L goes from pvt practice to gov’t agency, whose consent must be obtained when he works on a matter he previously worked PERSONALLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY ON?
BOTH former C AND GOV’T AGENCY
What must L ensure re aggregate s’ment offers?
That C’s come to agmt as to how to split the money THEMSELVES
Under duty of candor, when must L make correction?
When it’s MATERIAL false statement to TRIBUNAL
Does NOT apply to pleadings or court documents
What’s rule re offering false E?
CAN’T offer any E L KNOWS TO BE FALSE
MAY REFUSE to offer E L RSNY BELIEVES to be false
What should L do when he finds out C offered false E?
Take RSN REMEDIAL MEASURES
Does duty of candor trump duty of confidentiality?
Yes
When does duty to rectify false E end?
When case is resolved, including all appeals.
What’s the approach when criminal D wants to offer false E?
ABA View:
Convince Client not to
Consider W/D
Tell the Ct
Some states: Narrative approach (L doesn't ask Q's on those topics)
Whats rule on paying W?
ONLY Expert W
Or expenses for a non-Expert W (not for servs of testifying)
When can’t L make a public stmt about case?
Applies to L connected to the case (including other L’s in firm), must not make public stmt outside the courtroom that L RSNY should know would have a SUBSTANTIAL LIKELIHOOD of MAT’Y PREJUDICING the case.
CANNOT discuss CHARACTER OR CREDIBILITY of a party or W, the performance or results OF AN EXAMINATION, the possibility of a GUILTY PLEA, or the existence or contents of a CONFESSION.
When can L make a public stmt about case?
When the other side started it, to the extent needed to protect C
May publicly state DRY FACTS about case (how J ruled on a motion, time and place of arrest)
Rule re L being W?
Can’t be L in a case where you’re LIKELY TO BE A NEC W.
What are exceptions to rule that L can’t be W?
- Uncontested matters or mere formality
- Testimony pertains to LEGAL SERVICES in current case
- DQ would cause SUBSTANTIAL HARDSHIP to C
When can a L advise a person to not voluntarily give info to an opponent or other party?
When they’re:
1. C or a RELATIVE, EE, or AGENT of C, and
- L RSN BELIEVES person’s interests won’t be harmed by not volunteering the info.
In a civil matter, when must a L volunteer facts that are harmful to his C’s case?
Ex parte proceeding
Can a L use threats against an adversary to gain an advantage in a civil case?
Yes, but on threats to bring CRIMINAL CHARGES, provided the crim and civil matters are CLOSELY RELATED and WARRANTED BY LAW AND FACTS.
Can a L give legal advice to unrep’d person?
Not if RSN’Y POSSIBLE their interests will CONFLICT w/ C
When a L talks to a W, do they have a duty to investigate whether that person is represented by a L?
No, no duty to investigate. Rule applies where L KNOWS PERSON IS REP’D BY COUNSEL.
May a L give advice to unrep’d person who’s interests are in conflict w/ their own C if they explain they are disinterested?
No, can only tell them to get a L.
When must a L disclose facts to a 3rd party?
When NEC to avoid assisting C in a crime or fraud.
When is a L impliedly authorized to give info about C to a 3P?
When NO SIGNIFICANT RISK TO C
When is C’s informed consent req’d before disclosing info to a 3P?
When info is MATERIALLY HARMFUL TO C.
What type of stmt must prosecutor refrain from making publically?
Can’t make any stmt that’s likely to PREJUDICE A TRIAL
Any public stmt that would heighten PUBLIC CONDEMNATION OF ACCUSED, unless legit law enforcement purpose
What must L’s disclose when testifying before non-adjudicative proceeding?
That they’re there on behalf of a C (but don’t have to identify C).
What’s L’s duty when they rep organization and they learn someone in that org violated a duty or law that may cause substantial harm to org?
Duty to report inside org
If no action taken, L MAY report to outside party (even if confidentiality applies) if L RSNY BELIEVES it would harm org
Does L have authority to report outside org if they were hired for internal investigation?
NO