Client Protection

102 ABA Journal Client Protection articles.

Judge accused of bullying behavior and demeaning comments gets suspension

The Arkansas Supreme Court has ordered a judge to be suspended without pay after he was accused of making negative comments to unrepresented defendants about their appearance, background, residency and ethnicity.

Aug 12, 2022 11:32 AM CDT

Lawyers can hold cryptocurrency in escrow for clients, with safeguards, state ethics opinion says

Lawyers may hold cryptocurrency in escrow for clients, but they must have technical competence and safeguard against losses, according to an Ohio ethics opinion.

Aug 12, 2022 9:13 AM CDT

Sharing fees with nonlawyers is inconsistent with profession’s ‘core values,’ ABA House says

Additional language reaffirmed the “core values” in the ABA’s Model Rule of Professional Conduct 5.4. and said that “nothing in the resolution” should be interpreted as undermining a 2020 House resolution that encouraged regulatory innovation to expand access to justice.

Aug 9, 2022 2:43 PM CDT

New York is first state to require CLE course in cybersecurity

Lawyers in New York will have to take at least a one-hour cybersecurity course as part of their continuing legal education requirements beginning in July 2023.

Aug 8, 2022 9:51 AM CDT

Avoiding Unlawful Client Solicitation: Attorneys must ensure subordinates know the dos and don’ts

Most attorneys understand they must refrain from improper solicitation of potential clients for pecuniary gain, but a new formal opinion clarifies that practitioners must go even further. Beyond their own actions, lawyers are obligated to train their employees to avoid similarly unlawful solicitous behavior.

Aug 1, 2022 1:40 AM CDT

Self-described ‘lottery lawyer’ is found guilty in scheme to defraud his lottery-winner clients

A former Rivkin Radler partner who marketed himself as the nation’s leading lottery lawyer was convicted Tuesday for defrauding his winning clients.

Jul 27, 2022 2:31 PM CDT

10 tips for lawyers to establish self-confidence and client compassion

Check out some tips to establish yourself as a competent and compassionate lawyer to potential clients, from North Carolina lawyer James Gray Robinson.

Jul 19, 2022 10:25 AM CDT

How to manage client expectations with help from the film ‘Michael Clayton’

“I want this case dismissed.” That’s how many of my new client intakes start, to one degree or another. It may not be the first phrase out of my prospective patron’s mouth, but it comes quickly nonetheless. The demand is often followed by an explanation of the person’s perspective: “I looked at the results on your website, and I know you’ve gotten these types of cases dismissed before,” or “I know (insert previous client’s name), and they said you’re the best and can get rid of this.”

Jun 27, 2022 1:32 PM CDT

Stormy Daniels’ former lawyer pleads guilty to allegations he stole from other clients

Criminal Justice

Jun 17, 2022 2:21 PM CDT

Law firm partners accused of ethics violations for ‘anti-competitive’ employment contracts

The name partners of the law firm Tully Rinckey have been accused of ethics violations for allegedly adding anti-competitive terms to attorney employment agreements and impeding clients’ ability to follow departing lawyers.

Jun 7, 2022 3:40 PM CDT

Weekly Briefs: Michael Avenatti sentenced in money theft of Stormy Daniels; Reagan shooter released without restrictions

Lawyer Michael Avenatti gets more prison time

Suspended lawyer Michael Avenatti was sentenced Thursday to four years in prison for stealing nearly $300,000 in book-deal payments intended…

Jun 3, 2022 12:41 PM CDT

Lawyer is accused of having sex with clients on office video, including while he awaited online hearing

A Las Vegas lawyer has been accused of having sex with clients on a live office video, sexually harassing his employees, and trying to kiss an undercover officer posing as a client. The allegations surfaced in an arrest report and during a court hearing.

Jun 1, 2022 12:05 PM CDT

7 tips to handle those ‘just one question’ potential clients

There is always going to be the "just one question" potential client who makes initial contact with you. Often, they may not paint the whole story for you, and you in turn may give advice on incomplete facts. In essence, you may well find yourself in a dilemma.

May 25, 2022 8:34 AM CDT

What happened to convicted cop’s missing wife? Suspended lawyer can’t tell, judge rules

An Illinois judge last week told suspended lawyer Joel Brodsky that he can’t violate a former client’s confidences by revealing what happened to a missing woman.

May 23, 2022 8:21 AM CDT

Lawyer pursued future pain compensation for client who had died, ethics complaint says

A Chicago lawyer sought compensation for “future pain and physical limitations” in settlement negotiations for a client who had already died, according to an ethics complaint.

May 11, 2022 12:10 PM CDT

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