Articles Posted in Legal Ethics

avoiding-malpractice-claims-in-litigation This program is designed for the attorney who wants basic beginning principles on how to avoid malpractice claims. I would describe it as a beginner-level program.

In a story that is sadly all too familiar, the Oregon Supreme Court has issued an opinion and public reprimand of Brian Conry, an immigration lawyer who had the temerity to respond to three negative reviews posted online by a former client. In re Conry (OSB 18-104) (SC S067502). Conry…

The case is captioned In re Gary K. Davidson, 2017 PR 00099. There were two charges of misconduct: (a) failing to disclose a fee arrangement with a land surveyor; and (b) falsely certifying compliance with MCLE requirements. The first charge was not proven but the second charge was proven and…

Over the years, I have thought about this a bit. My current answer to this question is to be mindful of your own emotions when dealing with clients. If a client criticizes you unfairly or makes you angry, stop writing that letter or email and let things cool off. You…

Two law professors, Robert Anderson IV and Derek Muller, have published “The High Cost of Lowering the Bar,” in the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics. It can be found in Volume 32, page 307 of that law review. Anderson and Muller argue, based on statistical evidence that lowering the bar…

One issue that arises frequently is whether an agreement between two lawyers to share fees on a case is enforceable. Rule 1.5(e) provides that: (e) A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if: (1) the division is in proportion…

Disciplinary investigations can be frustrating and time-consuming. Responding poorly to one can have serious consequences in that the punishment is often increased for those who do not acknowledge that they made an error. In Debra Cohen v. Patricia King, AC 40834 Connecticut Court of Appeals, Debra Cohen attempted to bring…

The case is GB v. Christine Rossi, A-240-17T3. The case was decided in New Jersey and is an unpublished opinion. The case illustrates one problem with legal malpractice cases – there may be wrongful conduct, but the plaintiff must tie the wrongful conduct to her damages. Plaintiff was getting divorced.…

One question which comes up frequently is whether a client can sue his former lawyer for legal malpractice based on what the client believes is an inflated legal bill. A legal fee dispute is essentially a breach of contract case filed by the lawyer against the former client. Here the…

The case is Bar Counsel v. Peter Farber, SJC 11171 (Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court).  This post is a repeat from a few years ago. I regard the opinion highly and think every lawyer should read it before taking any action adverse to an unhappy client. Farber was the subject of…