Are Unusual Contingency Fee Agreements Lawyer-Client Business Transactions?
Yes, according to a recent decision by the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. See Weiner, Weiss & Madison, APC v. Fox, No. 19-30688 (5th Cir. Aug. 21, 2020). …
Bartering with Clients
A lawyer may trade legal services for something other than money. However, before bartering with a client, the lawyer must assure compliance with the rules of professional conduct. A recent …
Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Improper Business Transactions With Clients
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On March 9, 2017, the New Jersey Supreme Court censured a lawyer for engaging in improper business transactions with his longtime friend and client. See In re Lauletta, No. 078231 (N.J. Mar. …
Be Careful Allowing Client to “Work Off” a Legal Bill
A recent complaint filed by disciplinary counsel in Illinois is a cautionary tale for lawyers who offer their clients the ability to “work off” an unpaid bill for fees. See In re …
May I Share Office Space with Nonlawyers?
Technological improvements have allowed lawyers to practice in nontraditional settings. From homes to beaches to shared office suites, lawyers can get more and more work done without secretaries, dictaphones and …