Dear Ethics Committee: My office recently upgraded its email service. I have started receiving daily briefing emails from the new smart assistant that is incorporated into it. They can be helpful in reminding me to get back to someone. But they also contain direct quotes from my emails, including client emails. This seems like an … Read more
Ethics Corner Article The ethical underpinnings of client file retention are outlined in Ethics Opinion 2015-16/05 – Client File Retention. Federal and State statutory provisions may also bear on this issue depending upon the nature of the work. For example, RSA 293-A:16.01, et seq. (Business Corporation Act) and 17 C.F.R. Part 210 (SEC Regulation … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I have been practicing for 10 years with the same firm and recently decided to move to a new firm that aligns more closely with my values. When I decided to do this, I immediately informed the managing partner but avoided talking about the move to anyone else in … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I am a partner planning to leave my current firm to join a new firm. Apart from the issues surrounding the division of clients, what duties do I have to my current firm? What duties does my current firm owe to me? Leaving a law firm, especially one where … Read more
Notice to Clients When Changing Firms Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I am in the process of changing law firms. I have already provided notice to my current firm but have not yet informed my clients of the change. What ethical obligations must I consider when providing notice to clients about my transition? Is … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: This past month, I’ve had to two problems with opposing counsel that are new to me. In one case, opposing counsel is a good friend. In the other, I have personal difficulties with opposing counsel. We know each other well, but we have a strong mutual dislike … Read more
An Attorney who represents a municipal Planning Board and provides advice to the Planning Board on interpreting the Zoning Ordinance in a particular matter, should use extreme caution and carefully evaluate the possibility that a conflict of interest may exist in providing advice to the Zoning Board of Adjustment on the same matter on appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Ethical considerations for using social media as a means of discovery and investigation Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I have a client who I represent in a contentious custody proceeding. She came to me recently and adamantly insisted that I “dig deep” into the background of her ex-husband and his new girlfriend. She would … Read more
Ethical Considerations for Lawyers Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: May a lawyer who represents a party in a pending case comment on social media about the case? A lawyer representing a party in a case may comment on social media about that case only if doing so is consistent with the client’s interests and … Read more
Ethical Considerations for Clients Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee, My client was recently charged with a crime. The alleged victim, who is a “friend” with my client and her family on social media, is posting information about the case, some of which my client claims is not true. My client feels a need to … Read more