Attorney-Client Relationship
A lawyer meets briefly with a walk-in, hears facts, and says, “You may have a claim.” No agreement follows.
Client later relies on this. What type of relationship was created?
What is a prospective client relationship creating limited duties?
A lawyer fails to define scope and later refuses to handle a related issue the client assumed was included.
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.2, failure to define scope of representation?
Lawyer takes a “non-refundable” fee before earning it
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.5 and Rule 1.15, fees and safekeeping?
Lawyer does not return client calls or emails for weeks
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.4 regarding reasonable communication?
Lawyer meets deadlines but provides minimal communication with client.
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.3 and Rule 1.4, regarding diligence and communication?
A lawyer gives tailored advice during a “free consultation” but declines representation.
The person later claims reliance. Was there a relationshp formed, and if so, what type?
What is an implied attorney-client relationship despite no agreement?
Lawyer fails to clearly decline representation after consultation
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.18, regarding clear communication with prospective clients as to declination?
Lawyer places client funds into operating account instead of trust
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.15, regarding safekeeping of client property?
Lawyer uses legal jargon without ensuring client understanding
What rule was violated?
Whati s Rule 1.4, regarding duty to explain matters so client can make informed decisions?
Lawyer relies on memory instead of systems for deadlines?
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.1 and Rule 1.3, regarding competence and diligence in practice management ?
A lawyer represents Client A.
Prospective Client B shares confidential info about the same dispute.
Lawyer declines B. But can he still represent A?
No.
What is a conflict due to duties owed to a prospective client?
Lawyer handles additional legal issues the client reasonably believed were included, but were not
What rule was violated here?
What is Rule 1.2, regarding scope and informed consent?
Lawyer withdraws money from trust before work is completed.
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.15?
Lawyer tells client “you have a strong case” but does not clarify uncertainty or limits.
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.4, regarding truthful communication and avoiding misleading statements?
Lawyer avoids difficult conversations about fees or bad case outcomes.
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.4 and 8.4c regarding honesty and communication with clients ?
A lawyer posts specific legal advice in response to a detailed online question.
The user follows it and is harmed.
Is lawyer liable?
Yes. What is risk of forming an attorney-client relationship?
Lawyer gives advice in consultation that reasonably causes client reliance, but no engagement is confirmed or declined clearly.
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.18 and Rule 1.2?
Lawyer bills multiple clients for the same time spent once.
What rules were violated?
What are rules 1.5 and 8.4 regarding reasonable fees and honesty in billing?
Lawyer fails to inform client of major developments in the case
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.4, regarding duty to keep client reasonably informed?
Lawyer prioritizes efficiency over ensuring client understands key decisions.
What rule was violated?
What is Rules 1.2 and Rule 1.4, regarding informed consent and communication?
A client believes representation exists based on the lawyer’s conduct, but the lawyer subjectively disagrees.
Who is right? Was a relationship formed?
What is client is right?
Relationship is based on objective reasonable belief standard controlling formation?
Lawyer fails to document scope limits and later disputes what was agreed.
What rules were violated?
What are Rules 1.2 and 1.4 regarding communication and informed consent to scope (?
Lawyer fails to clearly explain fees and expenses at the start of representation.
What rule was violated?
What are Rules 1.5 and 1.4, regarding communication of fee terms?
Client later claims they never understood risks of a legal strategy they approved
What rule was violated?
What is Rule 1.2 and 1.4 regarding informed consent.
Lawyer performs competently but repeatedly receives complaints due to poor communication systems
What rule was violated?
What is Rules 1.3 and 1.4, regarding communication and diligence in representation ?