THEMIS OUTLINE Flashcards
What are the requirements to practice law?
- Education—graduation from an ABA-accredited law school
- Examination—an applicant must pass a written exam (may be waived if a person is a member in good standing of another state’s bar association with reciprocity and is otherwise qualified)
- Character—past conduct may be considered
- Pro hac vice—a lawyer licensed in another state may file a motion for admission to practice pro hac vice at the discretion of the presiding judge
What behaviors are prohibited during the application process?
- Knowingly making a false statement of material fact
- Failing to disclose a fact necessary to correct a misapprehension
- Failing to respond to a lawful demand by an admissions authority
What is the effect of violations in the application process?
Violations may prevent admission and subject an applicant to discipline.
What constitutes unauthorized practice of law?
A lawyer not admitted to practice in a jurisdiction is subject to discipline and shall not establish an office or other systematic and continuous presence in GA, or hold out to the public that he is admitted to practice in GA.
What are exceptions permitting temporary practice?
- Pro hac vice appearance—’for this turn only’
- Association with a local lawyer—who actively participates in the matter
What is the regulation after admission regarding professional misconduct?
A lawyer does not have to be engaged in the practice of law to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) and be subject to professional discipline.
What actions constitute professional misconduct?
- Violate or attempt to violate any of the RPC
- Be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
- Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
- Fail to pay any final judgment for money collected by him as a lawyer
- State or imply an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official
- Knowingly assist a judge in conduct that is a violation of applicable rules
- Commit a criminal act that relates to the lawyer’s fitness to practice law or reflects adversely on his honesty or trustworthiness
What is the reporting requirement for lawyer misconduct?
A lawyer should report misconduct by another lawyer when the lawyer has actual knowledge of the misconduct that constitutes a violation of the RPC and raises a substantial question as to the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or professional fitness.
What are the responsibilities regarding law-related services?
A lawyer is subject to the RPC with respect to law-related services that are indistinct from the lawyer’s legal services and must take reasonable measures to ensure that the client knows that the services are not legal services.
What is required for the sale of a law practice?
Must provide written notice to all current clients regarding the proposed sale, any proposed changes in the fee arrangement, the client’s rights, and the fact that consent to the new representation will be presumed.
What are the rules regarding fees?
Fees must be reasonable based upon the amount and nature of the fees; contingent-fee arrangements must be in writing.
What are the requirements for contingent fees?
Contingent fees must be in writing and must include the calculation methodology for the fee, whether expenses are to be deducted from the recovery, and whether such expenses are to be deducted before or after the fee is calculated.
What is the rule regarding client funds accounts?
Client funds must be placed in either an interest-bearing account with the interest paid to the client or an IOLTA account; lawyers must keep client property and funds separate from their own.
What are the conditions for mandatory withdrawal from representation?
A lawyer must withdraw from representation when: 1. Failure to withdraw would result in violating the RPC or other law.
2. The lawyer’s physical or mental condition materially impairs his ability to represent the client.
3. The client has an absolute right to discharge the lawyer for any reason or no reason.
What must a lawyer do if a client or third person has an interest in property?
The lawyer must promptly notify the client or third person.
What is a lawyer’s duty upon termination of representation?
A lawyer has a duty to mitigate any adverse impact upon the client.
When is mandatory withdrawal required for a lawyer?
Mandatory withdrawal is required when:
• Failure to withdraw would result in violating the RPC or other law.
• The lawyer’s health materially impairs his ability to represent the client.
• The client has an absolute right to discharge the lawyer.