Q. I regularly fly to depositions for a client that pays for my time in transit. If I work on another client’s case during the flight, may I bill that time as well?
A. Before researching this issue, I would
Continue Reading Mile High Profits
Q. I’ve always heard that referral fees are forbidden. But I know lawyers who routinely refer cases for a share of the profit, even if they’re not licensed where the cases are pending. Isn’t this unethical?
A. Not if you do
Continue Reading Fee Splitting
Q. To help me celebrate April Fool’s Day, the local sheriff will have my law partner detained as he walks into court today. When he asks why, the sheriff will say he’s being arrested for the prank he pulled on me last
Continue Reading April Fool's for Lawyers
Q. I’ve had my fill of ignorant and arrogant judges who disgrace the ill-fitting robes they wear. As lawyers, isn’t it time we speak out and post about judicial incompetence so we may improve justice for all?
A. Unless you plan to retire,
Continue Reading Anti-Social Courts
Q. I’m not inclined to make excuses. But things have been so hectic in my office that I let a nice accident case slip through the cracks and failed to file suit by the limitations deadline. My head is spinning.
Continue Reading So you committed malpractice …
Q. My online reputation is everything to me. So how should I respond to a scathing review that called me an “awful” and “dishonest lawyer” who cares more about money than people?
A. Once you’re caught in the world wide
Continue Reading Online Review Rebuttals
Q. Like everything else, I’m behind in formulating my New Year’s resolutions. Aside from getting vaccinated, what should I resolve to do in the year ahead?
A. After the ball drops on another year, we often spend the next twelve months
Continue Reading New Year's Resolutions
Q. My tech client had a huge gift basket delivered to me, with an envelope containing first class tickets for a luxury vacation in Spain. May I accept these?
A. As a token of appreciation, the seasonal gift basket is a
Continue Reading 'Tis the Season …
Q. After emailing several documents to opposing counsel, she slammed me for failing to encrypt the message and exposing records on her client’s medical history. Must I encrypt these emails?
A. There are no rules which expressly require an attorney to
Continue Reading Encryption Ethics
Q. I’ve been approached to represent the husband in a messy custody case. His wife is using an old law school classmate and fellow golfer who serves with me on a bar association committee. Would that present a conflict?
A. Maybe.
Continue Reading Friendly Conflicts
