PEE ARRRR! Flashcards
Lawyer Client Relationship
Lazy Cows Shoot Confident Atty’s From Cars. Digital Safety Restraints Worthless
Loyalty Communication Scope Confidentiality Atty-Client Privilege Fees Competence Diligence Safekeeping Relationships Withdrawal
Loyalty
A lawyer has a duty to maintain the interests of his client above all other interests and to avoid any conflicts of interest
11 Loyalty Issues
Con-Agra Insures Business Farms So Property Advances Compensate Organizations Nicely
Concurrent Conflict Aggregate Settlements Insurance (CEC) Business Transaction Former Govt Employee Solicitation of Gifts Proprietary Interests Advances to Client Compensation from Third Parties Organizational Clients No Limiting malpractice liability
Concurrent Conflicts
c, c&a, exept: ABA, exept: CEC
Generally, a client can not represent a client where there is a conflict of interest. Exists if:
Current Clients - the representation of one client is directly adverse to another client
Current Client and Another - there is a significant risk of that the representation of a client will be materially limited by the responsibilities of another client, former client, third person, or personal interests
Exception ABA - can still represent if : reasonably believes can provide competent and diligent rep without adverse effect, not prohibited, not claims against each other, IWC
Exception CBA - can still rep if: IWC, written disclosure of lawyer’s relationship with a party or client in the same matter that would materially affect rep. (NO consent necessary if no problem)
Aggregate Settlements
A lawyer who represents two or more clients shall not participate in making an aggregate settlement (criminal guilt or pleas) unless each client gives IWC
Insurance (CEC only)
L is permitted to represent both insurer and insureds whereby the insurer has the contractual right to unilaterally select counsel. No conflict
Business Transaction
L shall not enter into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquire an adverse interest unless: terms fair terms fully disclosed advised to seek independant counsel IWC that L represents client
Former Govt Employee
L shall not represent in a matter in which L participated personally and substantially unless IWC from agency
Solicitation of Gifts
ABA: shall not solicit any (or prepare any instrument to convey) substantial gift from a client unless the lawyer is related
Ca Rule: A lawyer may accept a gift if it is fair and and there is no undue influence
Proprietary Interest
L shall not acquire any proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of litigation unless:
Lien to secure fees
Reasonable contingency fee
Advances To CLient
ABA: L shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with litigation unless:
contingency. court costs and litigation expenses dependent on outcome of case
indigent: court costs and litigation expenses
CA: may lend after employment if in writing
Compensation from 3rd PArties
L shall not accept compensation from 3rd parties unless:
informed consent by client
no interference L/c relation or L’s pro. judgment
info is confidential
Organizational Client
L employed by an organization represents the organization must act in the best interest of the organization.
report to higher authority - L knows someone in org. who is engaged in an action that will cause substantial harm to the organization then: refer to higher authority unless it’s no good,
failure to act by highest authority:
ABA: may reveal information if necessary to prevent the injury
CEC: may not disclose outside of org. but urge reconsider or resign.
Can represent individuals of company if all four exceptions to conflict of interest are met
No Limiting malpractice liability
ABA: may not limit unless advice to seek independent counsel is sough in writing
CEC: may not prospectively limit liability
Imputed DQ
occurs when any conflict of interest occurs and results in all atty’s being disqualified from representing client
UNLESS:
-based on personal interest and does not represent a significant risk of materially limiting representation
-former client from a prior firm and atty is timely screened from participation and client is provided written notice as well as compliance with screening procedures
-client may waive with IWC