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Q. Is it ethical for lawyers to use artificial intelligence to write briefs, draft legal instruments or provide other services?

GPT: While there isn’t a clear-cut answer, it’s not inherently unethical for an attorney to use artificial intelligence. However, attorneys

Q. To err may be human, but is it a bigger mistake for lawyers to rely on artificial intelligence?

A. Not according to my know-it-all friend, who thinks artificial intelligence is far superior to that of an attorney. (I’d hate to

Q. As if I don’t have enough to do, my insurance agent thinks I should get a “risk management audit” of my law firm. Is this really necessary?

A. It’s not necessary at all. Nor is professional growth, job satisfaction, or

How far will justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland go to protect their colleagues from the criticism of lawyers appearing before them?

Scenario: Disturbed by a judicial ruling that trampled upon his client’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel, a

Q. After testifying last month that she earned no income other than that reflected on the paystubs and tax returns we put into evidence, my client just told me that she makes extra money “under the table.” What are my duties

Q. If I bring an action without legal or factual justification, I may get sanctioned. Does the same thing apply to Bar Counsel?

A. Yes and no.This issue arose recently in a case before the Supreme Court of Maryland. Suspended

Raising questions “about the appearance of impropriety” on the part of its top ethics official, the Supreme Court of Maryland asked whether Bar Counsel used her official position “to undermine … a candidate in a Judicial election.”

In Attorney Grievance

Q. My client has just been indicted on 13 counts of fraud and every reporter in town has called me for comment. Should I call them back? 

A. Before fielding their questions, ask yourself whether silence is “golden” or “prejudicial.”Warned against

Q. After his client denied any text messages about this case, defense counsel sent me a thumb drive with hundreds of them, including some attorney-client communications. May I use these?

A. Even at war with the other side, there are

Q. As we head to the beach for a two-week vacation, my wife and kids want me to leave my cell phone behind so I won’t be distracted with client calls. Is this a good idea?

Legal Ethics on Vacation