Public Service

Question 1

Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service

Answer 1

1. Aspiration: Aim for 50 hours of pro bono legal services yearly.
2. Priority:
   Majority of time for:
   - Persons of limited means.
   - Organizations serving those in need.
3. Additional Services:
   Legal services for civil rights or public rights causes.
   Reduced fee services for limited means.
   Activities to improve the law and legal profession.
4. Financial Support: Contribute to organizations serving persons of limited means.

Question 2

Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments

Answer 2

A lawyer shall not seek to avoid appointment by a tribunal to represent a person except for good cause, such as:

(a) representing the client is likely to result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law;

(b) representing the client is likely to result in an unreasonable financial burden on the lawyer; or

(c) the client or the cause is so repugnant to the lawyer as to be likely to impair the client-lawyer relationship or the lawyer’s ability to represent the client.

Question 3

Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization

Answer 3

Lawyer can serve in an organization even if it serves clients adverse to the lawyer’s own clients.

2. Restrictions:
   Don’t participate in decisions if:
   - Conflict of Interest: Incompatible with duties under Rule 1.7.
   - Adverse Effect: Could harm representation of the organization’s client.

Question 4

Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Answer 4

Lawyer can be involved in law reform organizations even if reform impacts a client’s interests.

Disclosure Required: If client’s interests could be materially benefitted, the lawyer must disclose this, but does not need to identify the client.

Question 5

Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs

Answer 5

1. Limited Scope Representation:
   Applies to short-term legal services through a nonprofit or court program, without expectation of ongoing representation.
2. Conflict Rules: Subject to Rules 1.7 & 1.9(a) only if aware of a conflict.
   Subject to Rule 1.10 only if aware of a firm lawyer’s disqualification under 1.7 or 1.9(a).
3. Firm Disqualification (1.10):
   Not applicable unless specified by (a)(2).