When a lawyer’s representation ends, what documents must be surrendered to the client? Washington State’s Advisory Opinion 202401 (2024) revisits this common question under Rule 1.16(d)—and provides some of the clearest, most …
When a lawyer steps into the role of mediator, the ethical ground shifts. The American Bar Association’s newest guidance—Formal Opinion 518 (Oct. 15, 2025)—makes that clear: don’t let anyone think you’re …
In Ethics Opinion No. 708, published in May of 2025, the Professional Ethics Committee for the State Bar of Texas considered two increasingly common provisions in client settlement agreements. See Tex. …
On February 20, 2025, the New York State Bar Association formally issued Ethics Opinion 1279, addressing whether a lawyer could lawfully pay non‑lawyers—such as friends or family—a flat fee for completing administrative tasks …
The ABA’s Formal Opinion 517, issued July 9, 2025, draws a clear line in the sand: if a lawyer uses a peremptory strike based on race, gender, or another protected characteristic—and …
In Formal Opinion 516, the ABA’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility tackles a common but tricky question: When can a lawyer voluntarily withdraw from representing a client without …
On April 17, 2025, the Colorado Judicial Ethics Advisory Board published an advisory opinion opining that a judge may not drive a vehicle displaying his wife’s law firm logo, nor …
Practical Tips for Lawyers Representing Organizations: Insights from ABA Formal Opinion 514 When advising organizations, lawyers face the unique challenge of ensuring their advice is understood as intended for the …
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the most significant developments in legal ethics that shaped the profession this year. These changes highlight the …
On November 19, 2024, the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions released CJEO Formal Opinion 2024-027, addressing an important ethical question: Under what circumstances may a judge publicly …
