PR Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Loyalty

A

An attorney owes a duty of loyalty to the client, including the duty to put the client’s interest ahead of her own

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Fairness to Opposing Counsel

A

An attorney owes a duty of fairness and good faith when dealing with opposing counsel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Scope of Legal Advice

A

An attorney has a duty to make all decisions re a case’s legal analysis and issues re procedure and strategy.

The client has a responsibility to make decisions re substantive issues of his case, including whether or not to go to trial, whether or not to accept a settlement, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Duty of Competence

A

An attorney owes a duty of competence in her practice to her clients

knowledge, skill, preparation, thoroughness, training

CA: L subject to discipline if intentionally, repeatedly, and recklessly undertakes representation she knows is not competent to handle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Maintain Legal Activities/Conduct

Decorum

A

An attorney has a duty to encourage and insist upon her client to maintain the law and not deliberately tell lies or do any illegal activity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Withdrawal - Permissive

A

If an attorney cannot be adequately represent a client bc of his repugnant conduct, she must tell the client to refrain from such conduct. If the client does not refrain, she may decide to withdraw permissively from representing the client.

ABA: if based on repugnancy, she must tell the court specific reasons

CA: if based on repugnancy, she may not divulge specific reasons if at all possible, but try to describe that she cannot represent client bc of repugnant conduct

Think of unreasonably difficult clients

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Confidentiality

A

An attorney has a duty to maintain a client’s confidential information even after representation ends

This duty begins even before representation begins and ends even after death

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Obtaining a Pecuniary Interest in the Outcome of a Case

A

Under the ABA, a lawyer cannot obtain a pecuniary interest in the subject matter of a case other than in the case of a contingency fee arrangement or an attorney’s lien. However, in CA, attorneys’ liens are impermissible.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q
A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Misappropriation of Confidential Information

Loyalty

A

An attorney has a duty to keep client information confidential and to not act on that information for personal and/or illegal gains

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

To Prove Malpractice

A

Client would have to show that lawyer owed a reasonable duty of care, lawyer breached, causation of injury, and actual injury occurred as a result of the malpractice

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Organizational Clients

Relationship/Scope

A

Under the ABA and Ca, if an attorney is dealing with an organization, it must act within the best interest of the organization. Duty is to the officers, directors, and SHs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Attorney sitting on Corp. Board

Loyalty

A

Under the ABA and CA, an attorney may not sit on a board of an organization, especially one he is representing, except if the organization of a non-profit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

DOL/Conflict of Interest

Loyalty

A

If the interests of a former, current, or TP client materially limits the attorney’s representation, then the attorney must inform the client of an actual or potential conflict

If the conflict becomes an ACTUAL conflict, must gain consent in writing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Duty of Care

A

Under the ABA and CA, an attorney has a duty to act in the best interest of the client and must carry out the representation zealously and diligently

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Duty to keep client informed

A

Under the ABA and CA, an attorney has a duty to keep their clients reasonably informed about the case

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Limiting Liability Agreements

A

When L is contemplating entering to agreement that will limit their liability, the L must withdraw or

  1. advise the client in writing to seek independent counsel and give them a reasonable opp to do so
  2. disclose the terms of agreement in writing to the extent he can understand the limiting liability
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Sexual Relationships - ABA and CA

A

The ABA prevents a L from entering into sexual relationships with client unless the relationship existed prior to the commencement of the action. Also prohibits if L allows relationship to affect representation

CA allows SRs unless obtained as a condition, by coercion or undue influence, or affected representation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Continued Representation despite competence - ABA and CA

A

If L does not have competence, can still represent if

  1. learns necessary material without undue cost or delay
  2. associates w an experienced attorney
  3. emergency situation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Fee Arrangement - ABA and CA

A

ABA: If L has not regularly represented client, L must communicate the fee preferably in writing within a reasonable time after start of action

CA: Fee arrangement must be in writing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Reasonable Fees based on…

A

Based on:

  1. difficulty in the matter
  2. the prevailing rate in the locale
  3. the length of the case

CA: does not allow unconscionable fees

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Contingent Fees - ABA and CA

A

Must be in writing and state:

  1. how fee is calculated
  2. what expenses are to be deducted
  3. whether the contingent fee is on the net or the gross
  4. what the client would have to pay if they lose
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Client Trust Account

A

A L must hold a client’s funds in a separate trust account. Any disputed amount can stay in the trust but all other amounts must go back to the client

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Conflicts of Interest

A

A conflict of interest arises when there is a potential for the lawyer to not have the ability or capability to act in the best interests of their client, due to personal, professional, or inter-client conflicts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Despite COI - ABA

A

If one reasonably believes that despite the conflict they can still uphold their duty, they must disclose the conflict to the client and get written and signed acceptance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

COI - CA

A

If there is a personal COI for the lawyer, the lawyer must only give the client written disclosure of the conflict

If ripens to actual conflict, then need to re-disclose with client for approval

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Disclosure of Imminent Death or Harm

A

If a L finds out that their client is about to engage in the death or substantial bodily harm of another…

ABA: L may breach to inform appropriate authorities

CA: L may not immediately breach, first try to counsel client, then inform they will breach, then if no action or statement, L may breach

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Disclosure of Confidentiality re Financial Harm

A

ABA: L may breach only if client is committing acts with or under L’s control - has to be serious financial loss

CA: L may not breach DOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Retainer Agreement

A

ABA: require that the agreement specify the terms of the agreement, fee, etc.

CA: requires disclosure and written informed consent of the agreement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Post-withdrawal - Evidence

A

After withdrawing from a case, the L must return the evidence, documents and other information pertaining to the clients case, to the client (ABA and CA)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

L Testifying - Attorney/Client Priv

A

A L may not be compelled as a witness to testify about matters that are protected by A/C Priv

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

A/C Privilege

A

A/C privilege provides that all confidential communications between an attorney and their client are privileged and therefore may not be disclosed by the attorney without consent of the client or another applicable exception

Confidential info only extends to the parties who are represented or parties to whom the L may need to assist them in their representation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

A/C Scope - Death CA

A

Unlike FRE, in CA, the A/C scope ends when the client’s estate is settled

34
Q

Attorney Work Product

A

L’s work product is privileged information. It is not admissible unless the opponent can show a necessity for the information inside as it is not available by any other means

35
Q

Financial Responsibility - Reasonable Fees, Conscionable Fees

A

ABA: L fees must be reasonable in light of the L’s skill, experience, and time to prep for case

CA: fees must not be unconscionable

36
Q

Non-Contingency Fee Agreements - writing

A

ABA: fee agreements are not required to be in writing

CA: must be signed in writing if more than $1000

37
Q

Duty of Candor and Fairness

Evidence to the court

A

Under both CA and the ABA, an attorney must not knowingly offer false evidence to the court. An attorney also has a duty to correct a previous incorrect or false statement offered to the court

38
Q

Duty of Competence - subordinate Ls

A

CA: the duty of competence also includes the duty to supervise subordinate Ls and non-Ls

39
Q

Contingency Fees in Crim cases

A

ABA: not allowed

CA: allowed

40
Q

Advancing litigation costs

A

ABA and CA: an attorney is permitted to advance litigation costs of indigent clients so long as the client agrees in writing to repay the attorney

CA: attorney may lend money to client for any purpose so long as the client agrees to repay the attorney

41
Q

PR - Discharge and Fees

A

ABA and CA: When a L is discharged, either by the court or the client, the attorney is entitled to payment for the reasonable value of his services

42
Q

Sharing of Law Practice with a Non-L

A

ABA and CA: an attorney may not enter into a partnership with a non-L if it solely operates to offer legal services

Only between lawyers exclusively

43
Q

CA - Notification of Non/Disbarred A work

A

CA requires an attorney to notify the bar association about employment of disbarred attorneys working as legal clerks and that the scope of their tasks would be

44
Q

Unauthorized Practice of Law

A

Under ABA and CA, an attorney should refrain from assisting a non-L in the unauthorized practice of the law

Providing legal advice, quoting a legal fee, representing a client in a legal fee without legal counsel present

45
Q

Duty to the Public - Client

A

ABA and CA, an attorney must refrain from advising the client to act in violation of the law and rules of court

46
Q

Attorney Communication with Represented Parties

A

Generally an attorney may not communicate with a party on the opposite side of the case if they are represented by an attorney

47
Q

Threats of Legal Process

A

CA: an attorney may not communicate an improper threat to use legal proceedings for an improper purpose to gain an advantage in litigation proceedings

48
Q

Frivolous Claims

A

ABA and CA: attorney may be sanctioned under Rule 11 and CA’s mirror rule if they file a claim with no good faith supported argument to modify the law or set new precedent

49
Q

Associate Attorney Duties

A

If an associate attorney feels like the supervising attorney is actually acting in an unethical manner, they must report (ABA) or may report (CA) but L has a duty to self-report (CA)

50
Q

Discovery - Disclosures

A

ABA and CA: L must disclose any and all exculpatory evidence (good and bad) if it absolves the other from meritless prosecution or litigation

But cannot breach A/C privilege in doing so

51
Q

Duty of Confidentiality

A

The duty of confidentiality protects all communications made by the client to the attorney

52
Q

Conflicts: imputed and screening

A

ABA and CA: if a L joins a firm and a client that is with the firm hs a conflict of interest with a past client that the L had represented, then a COI exists and will be imputed on the firm. If the conflict is not materially adverse to the former client that the L represented, he may not be imputed

53
Q

Organization as a Client

A

A L that represents an organization as a client must report to the board of directors.

L may not speak to employees unless given permission by the board of directors

54
Q

COI - Organization

A

A COI may arise in an organization when an employee interests are in conflict w corporation interests

55
Q

Discussing Matters w Unrepresented Parties - Organizations

A

When discussing a matter with an unrepresented party, an L should advise the party that they are representing organization, not client

56
Q

Duty to Disclose/Inform

A

A L has a duty to disclose and keep the client informed of important information about their case

57
Q

Duty of Confidentiality - Organization

A

A L owes a duty of confidentiality to the client (org). A L must not disclose information re a matter with an employee of an organization without being given permission by a board member

She should recommend they consult their own attorney

58
Q

Duty to Communicate

A

ABA and CA: L has a duty to communicate to their client about all COIs and important aspects of their case

59
Q

Duty of Due Diligence

A

ABA: a L should act with reasonably diligence and promptness in representing client

CA: a L shall not intentionally fail to act with diligence

Diligence: the L acts with commitment and dedication to the interests of the client

60
Q

Withdrawal - Mandatory

A

ABA and CA: a L must withdraw from representation if the L does not have the capacity to represent the client anymore, the client discharges the L, or the court asks the L to withdraw

61
Q

Referral Agreements

A

ABA: referral agreements are allowed if in writing, signed by the client, who understands the nature of the referral agreement and it is not exclusive

CA: some referral services may be disclosed by the state bar and allowed

62
Q

Fee Splitting between Non-Ls

A

Ls are not allowed to split fees with non-Ls unless they are staff and paralegals working jointly with the L for the law firm

63
Q

Partnership w Non-Ls

A

Partnerships are allowed between Ls exclusively

64
Q

Duty of Confidentiality - Safe Guarding Information

A

A L has they duty to keep all client information private and non-disclosed

L has a duty to keep all files safe from exposure or destruction

65
Q

Duty of Care - Protection of evidence

A

Ls have a duty of care to protect the client’s case, evidence, and information

66
Q

Duty of Loyalty - Belief in Client/Validating claims

A

L fails to look into facts about client made by others

Look for Ls accepting accusations without cosulting client

67
Q

Duty of Loyalty - withdrawal without cause

A

simply withdraws without cause or worthy cause

68
Q

Firing Ls

A

A client can fire an attorney at any time but withdrawal…(go into withdrawal analysis)

69
Q

Candor to the tribunal

A

An A has a duty of candor to the tribunal. He has to be honest, tell the truth, never mislead, and inform of all relevant laws or cases that will be adverse to his case

Must not. hide or destroy evidence

70
Q

Accepting cases that lead to L breaking the law - CA

A

CA: an attorney must withdraw from representation if the client seeks to file a claim not supported by the law or the facts to hurt the other client

Go into withdrawal analysis

71
Q

Duty to the Public

A

ABA and CA: an attorney must refrain from advising the client to engage in conduct that would violate the rules of the court and the law

72
Q

Supervising Attorneys

A

A supervising attorney must not engage in the assistance of unauthorized practice of the law. In addition, a L is allowed to have employees that are non-Ls working on the matter but they cannot engage in the actual substantive practice of law

ABA and CA: supervising attorneys have the duty to diligently supervise his associates and ensure that they are ethically in compliance with the rules of a fair judicial process

73
Q

Associate’s Duty

A

If an associate feels that the supervising L is actually acting in an unethical manner, he or she may not act freely to violate such ethical rules

Duty to report misconduct under ABA

CA: not required to report but L has a duty to self-report

74
Q

Privileged Communication

A

A/C privilege begins at the start of any communication in seeking legal or counsel advice for services pending a legal matter

75
Q

Inadvertent Disclosure of Material Facts (non breaching party)

A

Even if privileged info, if material facts in case, duty to report to courts

76
Q

Initial Charges - Probable Cause

Prosecutor Rules

A

A prosecutor must not file a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause.

77
Q

Extra Judicial Statements: Prejudicial Statements

Prosecutor Rules

A

The MR and the CA RPC prohibit a lawyer involved in a case from making an extrajudicial statement that the lawyer knows or reasonably should know will be disseminated by means of public communication and will have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding in the matter.

Moreover, the MR prohibit prosecutors from making or allowing others assisting in the case from making extrajudicial statements that would have the substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused.

78
Q

Extra Judicial Statements: Permitted Statements

Prosecutor Rules

A

A lawyer may state basic facts concerning the case, such as the claim, offense, or defense involved, and, except when prohibited by law, the identity of the persons involved. She may also identify the investigating and arresting officers.

79
Q

Disclosure of Exculpatory Evidence to Opposing Counsel

Prosecutor

A

A prosecutor is required to timely disclose all known exculpatory evidence or information that tends to disprove the guilt of the accused or mitigates the offense.

80
Q

Ex Parte Communications w Judge

A

A lawyer is not permitted to communicate ex parte with persons serving in an official capacity in the proceeding, such as a judge. However, ex parte communications involving logistical matters that do not involve the merits of the case and emergency communications authorized by law or court order are permitted.

81
Q

Solicitation of Employment

A

CA: lawyer may not solicit professional employment by live person to person, telephone, or email contact unless the person contacted is another lawyer or a close friend or family member

ABA: same but real time electronic contact ok

82
Q

Runners and Cappers

A

Ls who employ agents to monitor accidents is prohibited. In CA, can be held criminally liable.

Bar Association referral services are ok