On May 12, 2023, the Louisiana Supreme Court amended Louisiana Rule of Professional Conduct Rule 1.10 pertaining to the imputation of conflicts when lawyers are associated in a firm. The full text of the new rule can be found here. In a press release addressing the new rule, the Court explained:
The amendments relax the imputation of conflicts of interest requirements relative to lateral hires; non-lawyers, such as paralegals and legal secretaries; and lawyers whose conflict arose because of events that occurred before the person became a lawyer (e.g., work that the person did as a law student). The amendments recognize the increasingly mobile nature of attorneys in today’s legal climate and eliminate significant impediments on lateral transitions, while remaining sensitive to client concerns regarding loyalty and confidentiality. The amendments further provide needed clarity concerning non-lawyers, such as paralegals and legal secretaries, as well as the effect of events occurring before a person becomes an attorney.
Chief Justice Weimer stated, “In an effort to respond expeditiously and to work cohesively with the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Supreme Court enacted these amendments, which are in response to recommendations made by the LSBA as the result of resolutions from its Rules of Professional Conduct Committee.”
