PR Flashcards
to passs
rule 1: competence
1.0(e): informed consent denotes the agreement by a person to a proposed course of conduct after the lawyer communicated adequate info. & explanations about the material risk AND reasonable available alternatives
1.1
an attorney shall have the learning, skills and mental, emotional and physical ability to represent a client (thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation)
1.16 (A) Mandatory Withdrawal:
Must withdraw from client if representation will result in violation in PR rules, lawyer mental or physical condition impairs ability to represent or lawyer is discharged
1.16 (A) Mandatory Withdrawal:
Must withdraw from client if representation will result in violation in PR rules, lawyer mental or physical condition impairs ability to represent or lawyer is discharged
1.16 (B)
7 situations when a lawyer must voluntarily withdraw
1.16 (C): withdrawal
Representation is before the court and attorney must request permissions from judge before being terminated as representation
Court denies lawyer request the lawyer must remain counsel even if good cause for termination
1.16(d):
Upon termination a lawyer shall take steps to reasonable protect client’s interests
1.18(a):
a person who consults with a lawyer about the possibility of forming a lawyer- client relation. To prospective client
1.18(b):
no client-lawyer relation. Lawyer learned of info from a prospective client shall not reveal info except 1.9 would permit
1.2 a
A lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out representation (implied auth.)(representation and allocation of authority). A lawyer shall abide by a client’s decision concerning the objectives of representation AND shall consult with the client as to the means. Lawyer make take action on behalf of the client as is impliedly auth.
1.2 c
may limit scope of representation if limit is reasonable & client gives informed consent
1.2 c & d
abide by a clients decisions w objectives and shall consult client ( whether to settle a matter, plea, jury ect)
1.2 c & d
abide by a clients decisions w objectives and shall consult client ( whether to settle a matter, plea, jury ect)
1.3 Diligence
a lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in presenting a client
1.4 Candor
promptly inform client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client’s informed consent, reasonably consult with the client about the means by which the client’s objectives are to be accomplished, keep the client informed about the status of the manner, promptly comply with reasonable requests for information and consult with client about any relevant limitation on the lawyer’s conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects assistance no permitted by RP (duty of candor)
1.4 b
shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation
1.6: confidentiality
a lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless client gives informed consent (exceptions 1.0(e) , consent implied auth., 1.6(b))
1.6 b
A lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary ( duty of confidentiality) ( death 1.6(b 1-2), financial loss 1.6(b)(2-3), attorney defense 1.6(b)(5), compliance 1.6(b)(6), ethics 1.6 (b)(4), law firm conflict 1.6(b)(7)
1.6 b 1-3
lawyer may reveal info if they reasonably believe necessary:(1) to prevent reasonably certain death, (2)prevent client from committing crime,(3) prevent substantial injury to financial interests
1.6(b)(a)
establish claim on behalf of attorney : controversy between attorney and client Or respond to the allegations in any proceeding
1.6(c)
a lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of information
1.8 h
a lawyer shall not make an agreement limiting the lawyers liability to client for malpractice unless the client is independently represented & settle a claim for liability with an unrepresented client unless advised in writing and given opportunity to seek advice
1.9 c
a lawyer who formerly represented the client in a matter shall not: use info relating to the representation to disadv. The former client OR reveal information relating to the representation except as these rules would permit or require with respect to a client
rule 5: responsibilities of subordinate lawyer
5.2(a):
A lawyer is bound by the rule of PC notwithstanding that the lawyer acted at a direction of another person
5.2(b):
Subordinate lawyer doesn’t violate rules of PC if that lawyer acts in accordance with the supervisory lawyer’s reasonable resolution of an arguable ? of professional duty (objective standard)
rule 8.1
applying for admission to the bar
Application for the bar shall not: knowingly make a false statement of material fact or fail to disclose a fact or knowingly fail to respond to lawful demand of info
exception: doesn’t require disclosure of info otherwise protected in Rule 1.6
8.4 a
Lawyer violated the rules of professional conduct or knowingly assists someone to violate rules, The uses of acts of another person to commit the violation then they have committed professional misconduct
exception: lawyer was advising a client
8.5 a
Disciplinary authority for jurisdiction: to hold lawyers admitted to a jurisdiction and those practicing law in juris. accountable
Fiduciary Duty: 4 duties
Status ( look at scope of engagement)
Circumstances (confidential relations)
- beneficiary offers and fiduciary accepts: based on nature of relation. Skills in area or entrusting secret/ confidential info
Loyalty: treat beneficiaries atleast as well as they treat themselves
Lawyer must not act in manner adverse to interest of clients
Must not act for their own benefit in relation to engage: Except for comp. For service— parties must have understanding
Duty of care: Requires layer to exercise skill, diligence, care & posses level of knowledge that is RP and care lawyer would under similar circumstances
Enforced by consequence of civil liability of Prof. neg.
duty of confidentiality
a lawyer shall not reveal any confidential information relating to representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent
Includes all info of any kind (when representing a client)
Can’t disclose confidential info unless client authorizes it or some other exception
CA duty of confidentiality is stricter than ABA
3 ways to terminate this duty:
Current client, former client or prospective client can waive confidentiality:
Confidential info: cease to be protected and become generally known
Death of a client ( not applicable in CA)
Duty of Candor:
Fully, honestly, and promptly provide client with all info w engagement- client requests or reasonably needs to make an informed decision
agency
One person (principal) auth. Another agent to act on behalf of the principal within the scope of the authority the principal confers on the agent
Agency Authority
statements, agreements, and conduct within scope of lawyer agent’s auth are binding on the client-principal, while those outside the scope of the lawyer agents authority are not
implied auth
expressed by circumstances “what a lawyer-agent reasonably understands is implied by or contained in the broader grant of actual authority that the principal-client has explicitly conferred” : often used to mean actual auth.
apparent auth
There is not implied or actual auth: the agent seems to have authority
EX: Opposing counsel didn’t know that the attorney couldn’t accept that sum bc of apparent auth (which would be outside the scope)(client may be bound by apparent auth)
ratification
can ratify the authority after the apparent auth.: Section 4.01
1. affirmance of a prior act done by another, is given effect as if done by an agent acting with actual authority
2. Ratifies an act by manifest assent affect legal relations OR conduct that justifies a reasonable assump. That the person so consents
3. Rat. doesn’t occur unless: act is ratifiable, person ratifying has capacity, is timely, ratification encompasses the act in its entirety
duty of competence
a lawyer shall provide representation to a client: requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for representation OR with the association of a lawyer established with competence in the field
diligence
Act with diligence & promptness in presenting a client
For Competence & diligence the consequences are professional discipline
Ineffective Assistance Per se:
defense attorney actions are so offensive that no competent lawyer could have assisted (this is rare) (strickland test isn’t needed in this case)
1.2 c
lawyer may limit the scope of representation if the limit is reasonable under the circumstances & client gives informed consent
1.16 B: 7 situations when a lawyer must voluntarily withdraw
- w/o material adverse effect on interest of client
- Client persist in course of action: lawyer believes clients actions to be criminal
- Client has used lawyer’s service to perpetuate a crime
- client insists on taking action & lawyer disagrees
- Client fails substantially to fulfill an obligation & has given reasonable warning
- Unreasonable financial burden on lawyer or difficult for client
- Other withdrawal cause exits
4.1: truthful statements to 3rd party while representing client
Can’t Knowingly make material misreps. That would assist client in crime
1. Can’t knowingly make false statement of fact to 3rd person OR fail o disclose a material fact when saying would avoid assisting in criminal conduct by client ( unless 1.6)
4.2: can’t communicate directly w 3rd party
Covers: people who have retained their own counsel & type of relation outline w represent by counsel
Conseq: professional misconduct, professional negligence, evidentiary sanctions & agreement recissions
4.3
lawyer must not state or imply that they are disinterested( dealing w unrepresented people)
must make reasonable efforts to correct a misunderstanding
If a person’s interest could be in conflict w the attorney’s client: then you can’t give any legal advice
Att. must not request a person other than a client - refrain from voluntary info release to another party
1.0 f
knowledge means actual knowledge inferred from circumstances
1.1
an attorney shall have the learning, skills and mental, emotional and physical ability to represent a client (thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation)
1.3 a
an organization has a lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean that ever organizational member is represented by that lawyer
1.3 a
an organization has a lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean that ever organizational member is represented by that lawyer
1.2d framework
- Explain bounds of the law 2. List risks of violating the law in a way that the client is truly informed
Lawyer should investigate suspicions of illegal conduct of client & reject decisions of client conducting illegal activities : obligatioin on attorney to withdraw if client has implicated attorney in illegal conduct or attorney may withdrawl if client isn’t implicating attorney in illegal conduct : will have consequences of professional discipline & criminal & civil liability
1.3 f
lawyer must tell a corporate constituent that their client is the corp & lawyer knows that the constituents interests are adverse to the company
3.4
a lawyer shall not request a person other than a client to refrain from voluntarily giving relevant info to another party unless:
The person is a relative or an employee or other agent of a client &
The lawyer reasonably believes that the person’s interest will not be adversely affected by refraining from giving such information
3.5
A lawyer shall not seek to influence a judge or juror
by other official means prohibited by law
Communicate ex parte: with person during proceeding unless auth. To do so
Communicate w/ juror after discharge of jury if:
Communication is prohibited by law
Juror has made known a desire not to communicate or
Communication involves misrep, coercion OR
Engage in conduct intended to disrupt a tribunal
3.8 d: prosecutor in criminal case
Prosecutor shall make a timely disclosure to the defense of all evidence known that negates the guilt of the accused & with sentencing disclose to the defense the unprivileged mitigating info known to prosecutor : prosecutor relieved of responsibility
3.8 g: when a prosecutor knows of new evidence that a def most likely didn’t commit a crime: the prosecutor shall:
Promptly disclose the evidence &
Disclose to the def unless court delays auth & investigate if a def was convicted of a crime they didn’t commit
3.8 h- prosecutor knows of clear & convincing evidence:
Def was convicted of an offense that the def didn’t commit & the prosecutor shall seek to remedy the conviction
4.4 a- embarass or burden 3rd party
Lawyer shall not use means to have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass or burden a 3rd person to violate a person’s legal rights
Fact pattern: look to see if something triggers a disgust level response from a sophisticated legal observer
8.3 a: Reporting another lawyer’s wrongful conduct
Lawyer knows that the other lawyer committed a violation of PR that raises a substantial ? as to the lawyer’s honesty (moral turpitude) & shall inform prof. Auth.
8.3 c: Exceptions to a mandatory reporting requirement
Rule doesn’t require disclosure of info protected by Rule 1.6: info gained by a lawyer while participating in a lawyer assistance program
8.3 c: Exceptions to a mandatory reporting requirement
Rule doesn’t require disclosure of info protected by Rule 1.6: info gained by a lawyer while participating in a lawyer assistance program
8.4 g professional misconduct
Engage in conduct lawyer should reasonably know is harassment or discrimination on several basis: race, sex ect in conduct related to law
Doesn’t limit the ability of a lawyer to accept, decline or withdraw from rep.
Lawyer may engage in conduct undertaken to promote diversity & inclusion w/o violating this rule
8.4.1 Prohibit Discrim & Retaliation
Lawyer shall not: unlawfully harass & unlawfully discriminate against on basis of characteristics or retaliate: whether category is actual or perceived
Knowingly permit: failed to advocate for corrective action
Unlawful is determined by statutes
Retaliate is an adverse action against a person b/c person has participated in action conducted in discrim or harass.
8.5 disciplinary authority
for jurisdiction: to hold lawyers admitted to a jurisdiction and those practicing law in juris. accountable
Threats of criminal or quasi charges
- Criminal matter related to the civil claim
2. Lawyer has well founded belief that civil claim and possible charges are warranted by law & facts
3. Lawyer doesn’t attempt to exert or assert improper influence over criminal process
why are lawyers threats allowed
b/c: lawyers make legitimate threats to pursue civil causes of action or remedies which the client has a substantial claim: negotiated resolution ( promises & consequences allowed)
conseq. for improper threats
Prof. Discipline: improper threats are frequently found to violate 4.4: b/c an effort to secure an unfair advantage in a civil manner - has no substantial purpose other to embarrass
Tort liability & court imposed sanctions
threats never allowed
To make criminal charges unrelated to disclose embarrassing or prejudicial facts not relevant to the civil dispute threats to engage in lawful conduct w/o actual intention on doing so
Threats based on improper influence of govern. Officials
CA distinction
No mandatory requirement report another lawyer or judge for violations that raise a substantial ? of a lawyer’s honesty & trustworthiness
CA doesn’t mandate attorneys reporting each other
Report if: been sued 3x for malpractice in the year, civilly liable for fraud or breach of fiduciary duty, sanction for more than 1,000$, charged w/ felony or convicted of serious crime, disciplined in another jurisd.
competence & diligence the conseq. are professional discipline: ineffective counsel per see
defense attorney actions are so offensive that no competent lawyer could have assisted (this is rare) (strickland test isn’t needed in this case)
6th Amendment: right to effective assistance (strickland case)
In all criminal defense cases: the counsel is to be competent with this law “ effective assistant” unless there is
1. Deficient performance: unconstitutionally ineffective - no reasonable attorney would have done this &
2. Deficiency is prejudicial to outcome : error prejudiced the defendant’s ability to receive a fair trial” burden of ineffective assistance is on the def.
Ineffective assistance per se: exception to strickland: when a def. Attorney actions are so offensive that no competent lawyer could have provided constitutional effective assistance
lawyer client relation
Agrees to take on the representation
Lawyer fails to make clear that she doesn’t want to undertake representation and the lawyer knows or should reasonably know that client is reasonably relying on the lawyer
vicarious criminal liability: aid & abbet
Specific intent to facilitate person’s commision of crime
Asst in crime and
Commission of underlying crim by aid & abbet
Vicarious Criminal Liability: Conspiracy
Agreement w people that 1 person or more will commit a crime or assist in planning
Commision of an overt act in conspiracy by conspirator
7.1: misleading statement
communication that truthfully reports a lawyer’s achievements on behalf of client may be misleading id it lead a reasonable person to form an unjustified expectation - for results that could be obtained for other clients based on similar situations
Unsubstantiated claim on lawyers services or an unsubstantiated comparison ( has to be presented with specificity)
1st ammen: protect attorney speech
If its an advertisement then it is protected: immediate scrutiny make sure it isn’t false or misleading
Must show it was adopted in substantial state interest
Direct advances- government interest &
No more extensive than necessary
Truthful statements that are objectively misleading( look closer at this)
Misleading if it omits a fact necessary to make a lawyer’s communication - considered as a whole not materially misleading : substantial likelihood that a RP would make a conclusion on the lawyer’s services
CA restriction on adv.
Contingency fee: prohibits stating no fee w/o recovery unless communication explains whether or not client is liable for litigation cosys
Restricts Adv contain: guarantee of case outcome. Allusion to quick cash settlement, requirement of disclosure of actors , impersonation of an att. Or contingency fee
7.3 Solicitation
Defines solicitation as a communication initiated by a lawyer that is directed to a specific person & the lawyer knows that person needs legal services in that area & offers to provide legal services
solicitation restrictions
Lawyer shall not solicit professional employment by a live person to person contact when a significant motive is for the lawyer’s financial gain UNLESS contact is
Lawyer
Person who family ect has personal relationship with lawyer
Person who routinely uses business for specific legal services
Shall not solicit professional employment IF
Target made known a lawyer desires not to be solicited by a lawyer OR
Solicitation involves a coercion or harassment
solicitation restrictions
Lawyer shall not solicit professional employment by a live person to person contact when a significant motive is for the lawyer’s financial gain UNLESS contact is
Lawyer
Person who family ect has personal relationship with lawyer
Person who routinely uses business for specific legal services
Shall not solicit professional employment IF
Target made known a lawyer desires not to be solicited by a lawyer OR
Solicitation involves a coercion or harassment
7.1
a lawyer shall not make a false or misleading communication about the lawyer or services- material misrepresentation of fact or omits a fact necessary
Scope: all advertisements/ communications of lawyer’s services
Ex: having an attorney on your letterhead who is no longer there anymore, look at puffing, former client testimonials, claiming of specialization, statement that is true but is likely misleading
specific rules for lawyer advertisements
Shall not compensate or promise anything of value to a person recommending the lawyer’s services except a lawyer may:
Pay a reasonable cost of adv.
Pay charges of legal service or qualified lawyer referral service
Pay for a law practice
Refer clients to another lawyer - pursuant to an agreement not prohibited by law to refer clients IF
Reciprocal referral agreement is not exclusive &
Client is informed of the existence and nature of the agreement AND
Give gifts as appreciated - not expected to be compensation for lawyer services ( if paid by referral)
Shall not state that a lawyer is a certified specialist in a particular area UNLESS
Lawyer has been certified and approved
Name of the certifying organization is clearly identified
- any communication must include the lawyers name and contact info: they are responsible for the content
1.5: shall not make an agreement for unreasonable fees
The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following:
(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
(2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer;
(3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
(4) the amount involved and the results obtained;
(5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
(6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;
(7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and
(8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent.
1.0c (competence)
1.0(c): firm denotes a lawyer which is authorized to practice law OR lawyers employed in legal services org OR the legal department of a corporation
1.0 k: Ethical Screens
Isolation of a lawyer from any participation in a matter through timely imposition procedures within a firm that are reasonably adequate under the circumstances to protect info.
1.1
an attorney shall have the learning, skills and mental, emotional and physical ability to represent a client (thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation)