Promoting better supervision; N.Y. bar committee recommends ethics rule changes to permit law-firm sanctions

Article Abstract:

A New York local bar association has recommended changing ethics rules to allow the sanction of law firms for misconduct by their employees. The recommendations came in a report authored by the Assn of the Bar of the City of New York's Committee on Professional Responsibility. The changed rules would make firms responsible for the conduct of both attorneys and support staff. The changes would promote self-policing and improve the practice environment. The report points out that some sanctions imposed on individual attorneys, such as private or public reprimands and fines, would also work for law firms.

Reports, Law firms, New York City Association of the Bar

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Touting affiliates creates ethical problems; ABA opinion advises lawyers to disclose to clients nature of firm affiliations

Article Abstract:

The ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility has issued formal opinions regarding poorly defined relationships among law firms, and on contingency fees. Many small and mid-size law firms form groups of varying size and closeness to become more competitive. The committee noted that such firms must inform clients of their own actual size and resources. It also endorsed the use of contingency fees, adding that they are only appropriate when the client is fully informed of alternatives.

Ethical aspects, Contingency fees, A.B.A. Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility

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Long arm of the law: new statute covers carpetbagger solicitations, court holds

Article Abstract:

The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled in Lawyer Disciplinary Board v. Allen for the defendants, law firm Coale, Allen & Van Susteren, on jurisdictional grounds but suggested that in the future out-of-state law firms would be subject to discipline. The D.C. law firm solicited families of accident victims in West Virginia over the telephone. The Court found that under a new statute out-of-state lawyers practicing law in West Virginia could be subject to the disciplinary rules of the state.

Legal services, Attorneys, Offices of Lawyers, Cases, Lawyers, Jurisdiction, West Virginia

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