Client Protection

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 for his client, adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He had taken out a loan to pay back half the money after Daniels inquired…

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

Updated: 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

Federal judge rejects plea-deal sentence for lawyer accused of stealing nearly $13M from clients

A federal judge in Salt Lake City has rejected a plea deal calling for a sentence of about six years in prison for an estate lawyer accused of stealing $12.7 million from 26 elderly, disabled or incapacitated clients.

Apr 20, 2022 2:52 PM CDT

Lawyers have an obligation to ensure employees don’t solicit clients, new ABA ethics opinion says

Attorneys not only must refrain from engaging in improper direct solicitation of potential clients, but there is also an ethical responsibility to ensure that employees or others hired by the lawyers do not engage in such misconduct.

Apr 13, 2022 12:33 PM CDT

How to communicate better with your clients

Communication. Do we sometimes get it wrong with clients—or otherwise? I learned a valuable lesson early on in my legal career while still an articling student. My boss and good mentor, Hank, invited me to lunch. After the meal, I ordered a cup of tea. As I like it a certain strength, I said to the waiter, one Jean Pierre, “Bag out, please.”

Apr 12, 2022 8:40 AM CDT

Stayed suspension recommended for Taft Stettinius partner who allegedly had sex with client

Updated: A partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister's Columbus, Ohio, office, should receive a stayed suspension for allegedly having sex with a client, according to a recommendation by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Conduct.

Mar 15, 2022 3:29 PM CDT