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Professional Responsibilities
Flash Cards for Professional Responsibility
67
Law
Graduate
03/07/2011

Additional Law Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
**MR 1.1 Competence
Definition
A lawyer SHALL provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.
-Decline rep
-Become comp quickly
-Associate a comp counsel
-Emergency OK - no more than necessary under circumstances.
Term
MR 1.2(a) Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority between Client and Lawyer
Definition
Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), a lawyer shall abide by a client's decisions concerning the objectives of the representation and, as required by Rule 1.4, SHALL consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued. A Lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as impliedly authorized to carry out the rep. A lawyer SHALL abide by the client's decision whether to settle a matter. In a Criminal case, the lawyer SHALL abide by the client's decision, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial, and wether the client will testify.
Term
MR 1.2(b) Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority between Client and Lawyer
Definition
A lawyer's representation of a client, including representation by appointment, does not constitute an endorsement of the client's political, social, or moral views or activities.
Term
MR 1.2(c) Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority between Client and Lawyer
Definition
A lawyer may limit the scope of the representation if limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent.
Term
MR 1.2(d) Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority between Client and Lawyer
Definition
A lawyer SHALL not counsel a client to engage, or assist a client, in conduct that the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent, but a lawyer may discuss the legal consequences of any proposed course of conduct with a client and may counsel or assist a client to make a good faith effort to determine the validity, scope, meaning, or application of the law.
Term
**MR 1.3 Diligence
Definition
A lawyer SHALL act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.
- Carrying through the rep or terminated.
- Diligence = Zeal and Dedication, and completion of the work.
-Promptness - efficiently without unreasonable delay
Term
MR 1.4 Communication
Definition
(a) a lawyer SHALL:
(1) promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client's informed consent, as defined in MR 1.0(e), is required by these Rules;
(2)reasonable consult with the client about the means by which the client's objectives are to be accomplished;
(3) keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter;
(4) promptly comply with the reasonable requests for information; and
(5) Consult with the client about any relevant limitation on the lawyer's conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects assistance not permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law.
(b) A lawyer SHALL explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.
Term
**MR 1.6 Confidentiality
Definition
A lawyer SHALL not reveal information relating to the representation of the client, and MAY (NOT REQUIRED) disclose information where the client gives informed consent (1.0e), or the disclosure is impliedly authorized, or to the extent necessary to prevent reasonably certain death or bodily harm, to prevent the client from committing a crime fraud that is reasonably certain to cause financial injury to another, to prevent financial or property harm as a result of a client's fraud, to secure legal advice about the rules, or to establish a claim or defense, or comply with a law.
Term
MR. 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation
Definition
A lawyer SHALL not represent a client, or withdrawal from representation when the representation will violate the rules of professional conduct, the mental or pyscial condition of the lawyer impares the lawyer's ability, or discharged, the withdrawl can be accomplished without material or adverse effect on the client's interests, client criminal or fruadulent behavior, uses laywer to commit crime or fraud, repugnant action or fundamental disagreement, client fails to substantially fulfill an obligation to lawyer, financial burden, other good cause. The lawyer must comply with applicable law of a tribuneral and take steps to protect client's interest.
Term
MR 3.4(a) Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
Definition
A lawyer SHALL not unlawfully obstruct another party's access to evidence or alter or destroy evidence, or counsel another to do such act.
Term
MR 3.7(a) Lawyer as Witness
Definition
A lawyer SHALL not act as advocate at a trial in which the lawyer is likely to be a necessary witness unless the testimony relates to an uncontested issue, testimony relates to the nature and value of the lawyer's leagal serices, disqulification would work a substantial hardship on the client.
Term
MR 8.4 Misconduct
Definition
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to violate or attempt to violate the rules of professional conduct, or induce another to do so, commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthness, or fitness, engage in fraudulent or deceit, or misrepresentation, prejudicial, state or imply an ability to influence a government agency, and knowingly assist a judge or judicial officer in violating applicable rules.
Term
MR 1.8 Conflict of Interest - Current Clients
Definition
A L SHALL not enter into a business transaction with a client or enter a business deal unless:
-the transaction and terms are fair
-the client is advised in writing
-the client gives informed consent
-SHALL not use information against client unless client consents
-SHALL not solicit a gift
-SHALL not make a media deal prior to representation end
-SHALL not provide financial assistance except when it is a reimbursement of costs, indigent client, informed consent.
-SHALL not accept payment by a third-party unless consent, no interference, does not violate 1.6
-TWO or more clients, no agg settlement
-Cannot limit malpractice
-Gain a proprietary interest in matter unless for lien, contingent fee
- NO Sex
Term
MR 4.2 Communication with represented client
Definition
A L shall not communicate with a client represented by another counsel unless the L has consent from the other counsel.
Term
MR 4.2(b)4 Withdrawal due to repugnant client.
Definition
A L may withdraw from a client if the L finds the course of action proposed by client as repugnant or there is a fundamental disagreement.
Term
MR 4.2(b)6 Withdrawal due to financial hardship.
Definition
MR 1.16(b)6 A L may withdraw from a client if the L finds the course of action to be a unreasonable financial risk.
Term
MR 1.16 Withdrawal due to violation of MR or law.
Definition
MR 1.16(a)1 A L must withdraw from representation of a client if the representation will result in a violation of the rules of professional conduct or a law. However, L must protect client’s rights during the withdrawal as is reasonable.violation of the rules of professional conduct or a law.
Term
MR 1.1 Continuing Education
Definition
MR 1.1 Comment 6. A L Shall provide competent representation. L should keep abreast of current developments in the field of law for which the lawyer practices.
Term
MR 1.3 Diligence
Definition
MR 1.3 A L SHALL act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.
Term
MR 1.3 Carry Through
Definition
MR 1.3 cmnt 4. Unless the relationship is terminated, a L should carry the case through to conclusion.
Term
R 68 Attorney-client privilege
Definition
The Attorney-client privilege may be invoked with respect to a communication, made between privileged persons, in confidence, for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal assistance.
Term
**MR 7.1 Communication about L's Service
Definition
L SHALL not make a FALSE or MISLEADING communication about L or L's Services. F or M if:
- Material Misrepresentation of fact or law;
- Omits a fact necessary to make the statement as a whole not misleading
-- truthful statements that are misleading
-- leaves a person with an "unjustified expectations"
--unjustified endorsement
--unjustified comparison
Term
**MR 7.2 Advertising
Definition
L can advertise thought public media.
-L must not give anything of value except the cost of advertising.
Term
**MR 7.3 Direct Contact
Definition
No live in person contact for pecuniary gain and no relationship.
(b) client does not want to be solicited, or involves coercion.
-Material must be labeled "advertisement".
Term
Spaulding V Zimmerman
Definition
Lost his voice - failure to disclose his condition.
Term
MR 3.1 Meritorious Claim
Definition
It is impermissible for a lawyer to file a frivolous claim, must be based in law and fact.
Term
MR 3.5 Impartiality & Decorum
Definition
L SHALL not:
- seek to influence Judge, Juror, or official.
- Communicate ex parte
- Communicate with Juror after discharge if the com is prohibited, juror wants to be left alone, com involves misrep, coercion,
- engage in disruptive conduct
Term
MR 1.5 Fees
Definition
A L SHALL NOT request an unreasonable fee.
-Time
-L could have other work
- Customary fee
- amount and results
- time limitations
- Nature and length
- Experience
- fee is fixed or cont
Term
MR 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation - MUST Withdraw
Definition
A L MUST withdraw from representation when discharged by client, L has a physical or mental condition that interferes with the L representing the client, continued representation will cause a violation of MR or law, sexual relations with client, that in CA would impair L's judgment.
Term
MR 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation - MAY
Definition
L MAY withdraw when it does not materially harm the client, undue financial burden on L, client acts against L's judgment, illegal acts, refuses to cooperate, repugnant or fundamental disagreement.
- MUST GIVE REASONABLE NOTICE
Term
MR 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation - TRIBE
Definition
Must notify tribunal and remain if they deem it so absent a good reason for withdrawal.
Term
MR 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation - Protect
Definition
L must take reasonable steps to protect client's interest.
Term
MR 1.8(f) Conflict of Interest - Current Client - Accepting compensation from a third party
Definition
A L SHALL not accept compensation from somebody other than the client unless the client is consulted and notified the identity of the payee, and the payment does not interfere with the L's judgment.
Term
*MR 1.13 Organization as the client
Definition
A corp lawyer must act for the benefit of the corp, explain that to an employee of the corp that the corp and employee may adverse positions, L should advise of the conflict or potential conflict and that L cannot advise constituent, and advise constituent that they may want to obtain other counsel.
-Information between L and constituent may no longer be privileged.
- L can represent both if no violation of MR as to multiple client representations (1.7)
- If the L knows that the constituent intends to act in a way that is likely to result in substantial injury to the org,L must proceed as reasonably necessary in the best interest of the org.
Term
MR 1.7 Conflict of Interests - SHALL NOT REP
Definition
A L SHALL not represent a client where there is a concurrent conflict of interest where the representation of one client is directly adverse to another client, or where there is a risk that the L's representation will be limited by representation to a former client, third person, or a personal interest of the L.
Term
*MR 1.7 Conflict of Interests - Lawyer and Client are ADVERSE
Definition
A L SHALL not represent a client if the representation of that client maybe materially limited by the L's own interest, unless the L reasonably believes that the representation will not be adversely affected by the L's interests and the client consents after consultation.
Term
*MR 1.8 Conflict of Interests: Current Clients - Lawyer and Client are ADVERSE
Definition
A L MUST not use information relating to representation of a present or former client to the disadvantage of the client unless the client consents after consultation.
Term
*MR 1.8(a) Conflict of Interests: Current Clients - Client Business Transactions
Definition
A L MUST not enter into a business transaction with a client, acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other interest adverse to the client unless the transaction is fair and reasonable to the client, the terms are fully disclosed in a manner that the client can understand, client has an opportunity to consult with other counsel, and the client consents in writing.
Term
*MR 1.8(e) Conflict of Interests: Current Clients - Financial Assistance
Definition
A L SHALL not provide financial assistance to a client in connection to a pending or contemplated litigation except for costs such as court costs, the repayment of which may be contingent on a successful outcome of the litigation.
- The L is permitted to pay the court costs and expenses for an indigent client.
- L MAY NOT obtain a proprietary interest in the subject matter of the litigation for which he represents the client.
Term
*MR 1.7(a)(b) Conflict of Interest: Between Clients
Definition
A L MUST not represent a client where the representation will be directly adverse to another client, or be materially limited by the L's responsibilities to another client or by L's own interests, unless the L reasonably believes that the representation will not adversely affect other clients or be adversely affected by other interests and the client consents after consultation.
-OBJECTIVE test - if a disinterested L would conclude that the clients should not agree to the representation under the circumstances, then the involved L should not even ask for such agreement or provide representation on the basis of the client's consent.
- Client consent is subjective - mental state. RULE 1.6 may prevent all the facts from being disclosed in order make an informed consent.
Term
*MR 1.7(a)(b) Conflict of Interest: NON Litigation - other matters
Definition
To determine if there is a conflict the L must consider the functions being performed by the L, the duration and intimacy of the relationship with the involved client, the likelihood that a conflict will arise, and the extent prejudice will occur if a conflict arises.
Term
*MR 1.9(a) Duties to Former clients: Present and Former Clients - adverse to a former client
Definition
A L who has formerly represented a client as to a matter must not thereafter represent another person in the same or substantially related matter in which the new clients interests are materially adverse to the former client unless the former client consents in writing.
- Direct involvement in a specific transaction followed by representation of a new client with adverse interests as to the same transaction is within the rule.

-Representation of a new client in a matter similar but wholly unrelated to a matter handled by a former client is not in the rule.
Term
*MR 1.9(b) Duties to Former clients: Present and Former Clients - previous information.
Definition
A L who has formerly represented a client MUST NOT use information relating to that representation to the disadvantage of the former client except when the information could otherwise be properly revealed under 1.6 or if the information has become generally known.
Term
*1.11 Special Conflicts: Government - L was Gov employee
Definition
A L SHALL not represent a private party as to a matter in which that L participated personally and substantially as a public officer, unless the government agency consent in writing after consultation.
- SEE MATTER
- IF L IS DISQ - ANY L IS DIS UNLESS SCREENED, no FEE, GOV agency is notified.
Term
*MR 1.8(f) Conflict of Interest: Current Clients - third-party payee
Definition
A L SHALL not accept compensation from a one other than the client unless the client gives informed consent and there is no interference with the Ls independent judgment or the client-L relationship and confidential of information is preserved under 1.6.
Term
**Confidences and Secrets
Definition
In a judicial proceeding where the L is a witness or called upon to produce evidence regarding the client, question of whether the L must disclose information is covered by the rules covering attorney-client privilege.
- In all other situations the rules of confidentiality apply.
-Attorney-client privilege rules determine when a L must disclose information.
-Rules of professional conduct determine when a L may Voluntarily disclose information.
Term
**MR 1.0(e) Informed Disclosure
Definition
Informed consent denotes the agreement to a course of conduct after the L has communicated adequate information and explanation about the material risks of and reasonably available alternatives to the proposed course of conduct.
Term
*MR 7.1 Advertising
Definition
A L must not make a false or misleading statement about the L or Ls services.-
- False or misleading - a material misrepresentation of law or fact or which omits a fact that taken as a whole makes the statement misleading.
Term
*MR 1.8 Conflict of Interests: Current Clients - Payment by 3rd party
Definition
A L SHALL not accept compensation from a person other than Client unless, the client gives informed consent, there is no interference with the L's judgment, and there is no violation of 1.6.
Term
MR 4.3 Unrepresented persons
Definition
A L in dealing with a person on behalf of the client shall state or imply the L is disinterested and SHALL not give legal advice other than the advice to secure counsel.
Term
MR 5.4 Independence of L
Definition
A L SHALL not share legal fees with a non-lawyer.
Term
Conflict
Definition
A lawyer may not be a party to an agreement that restricts his right to practice law, unless the restriction is part of a retirement benefits agreement, or is part of a valid agreement, authorized by the Model Rules, for the sale of a law practice
Term
8. Scope of Representation: Client authority
Definition
The client has final authority over what plea to enter, whether or not to settle, whether or not to take the case to trial, whether or not to demand trial by jury, whether to appeal, etc.
Term
Scope of Representation: Attorney authority
Definition
The attorney has decision-making authority over legal strategies and tactics, for example, what witnesses to call and what order to call them in.
Term
Client confidences
Definition
Under the rules of professional responsibility, an attorney may not improperly reveal client confidences.
Term
Attorney client privilege
Definition
The attorney-client privilege covers all confidential communication between the attorney and the client.
Term
Secret information:
Definition
Information gained in the professional relationship that the client has requested by kept secret, or that would be embarrassing or detrimental if disclosed.
Term
Client evidence - smoking gun
Definition
Look don't touch. If you touch the evidence you must disclose the evidence. Don't tell the client what to do with the evidence.
Term
Selling law practice
Definition
Must send client letter to approve transfer to new attorney or give file back.
Term
Exceptions for breaking confidences
Definition
1. the client consents to disclosure, either expressly or impliedly;

2. disclosure is necessary to collect a fee or respond to charges of wrongful conduct; or

3. disclosure is necessary to prevent the client's criminal act that would be likely to result in death or substantial bodily harm.
Term
Confidences:
Definition
An attorney has a duty to not disclose confidences of a client forever. Confidences arise as oral communication during the attorney’s representation of client and include any material items discovered or observed by the attorney as a direct result of the client communication.
Term
Competence:
Definition
An attorney has an affirmative duty to utilize the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for representation
Term
Attorney Client Privilege:
Definition
The attorney-client privilege prevents compelled disclosure of confidential communication
Term
Illegal Acts (Zealous rep):
Definition
Lawyers must not counsel/assist client in an illegal act.
Term
Non-contingency fee agreements:
Definition
The model rules prefer non-contingency fee agreements be in writing. In CA non-contingency fee contracts over $1,000 must be in writing.
Term
Conflict of interest:
Definition
As a general rule, when there is a potential conflict of interest, the attorney must disclose such in writing.
Term
Conflict of interest - lawyer's interest:
Definition
A lawyer must not represent a client if the representation of the that client may be materially limited by the lawyer's own interest, unless the lawyer reasonably believes there will be no adverse affect, and the client consents after consultation.
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