Who is the client? It may seem like a question with an obvious answer, but there are times when the answer is anything but clear. If a lawyer doesn’t know who the client is, they can’t follow the directions of the client. If a lawyer doesn’t follow the directions of the client, they could face a disciplinary action filed against them. Often, one disciplinary action sets the stage for future disciplinary actions. This is why it is important that lawyers are able to determine who their client is. In this post, we’re going to explore some of the different situations that could cause confusion in determining the identity of the client.
Third-Party Payments: Who Is the Client?
In both civil and criminal law, there are situations that may arise that involve a third party making payments for the services of the attorney. One of the most common scenarios in civil law involves an insurance company retaining a lawyer on behalf of the insured. In criminal law, the most common scenario is a parent paying a criminal defense attorney on behalf of their child.
So, who is the client? Is it the person paying for your services or the person who will receive the benefit of your expertise? The client is the person you are representing and not the third-party paying the bill. Remember that the third-party paying for your services isn’t allowed accessed to privileged communication.
Marital Property with Multiple Owners: Who Is the Client?
When a family law attorney is representing a spouse and there is a third-party who has an interest in marital property, it’s important to remember that the client is still the individual represented in the divorce matter. The third-party may contact you about the matter, but remember that they are an owner and they are not your client.
Joint Representation: Who Is the Client?
When an attorney represents two individuals, usually a legally married couple, and the individuals decide to go their separate ways, it can get difficult to determine which individual is the client. Joint representation in its own right creates its own difficulties. However, there are some areas of law, such as immigration, where it is a common arrangement.
The best way to determine who the client is in a joint representation is to discuss this potential issue during the very beginning of the case. It’s not an easy discussion and the potential clients may not think that separating is on the horizon, but it is a conversation that must be had. Lawyers should also get signed conflict waivers from both parties.
Institutional Representation: Who Is the Client?
If an attorney represents an entire institution, who is the client? There could be times when the lawyer will work directly with different individuals. Differing instructions can be a regular occurrence. Who gets the final say?
The client in this scenario is the actual institution. It is not the person who brought the business to the client. This can cause difficulty in the attorney-client relationship because the spokesperson may have one idea and the lawyer may not believe that idea is in the best interest of the institution. In cases of serious disagreement, it may be beneficial to discuss the issue with someone with more authority within the organization.
When a lawyer represents both an institution and at least one individual within the institution, there can be serious pitfalls because of a potential conflict. The lawyer may have to withdraw from representing either client. If the lawyer represented the institution and the individual believed that the lawyer represented them, the lawyer could have a complaint filed against them.
Partnerships: Who Is the Client?
Much like with joint representation, it is important that lawyers who work with partnerships define who the client is at the very beginning. Potential clients include one partner, both partners, and / or the partnership itself. You must clearly define where your duties lie with this arrangement.
Government: Who Is the Client?
The purpose of a government entity is to do what is in the best interest of the public. However, the public is not the client. The city or town itself is the client.
When in Doubt, Define the Client at the Start of the Matter
There are many situations that may cause a lawyer to be unsure on the identity of a client. When in doubt, define the client at the very start of the matter. This is just one way that lawyers can minimize the likelihood of facing a disciplinary action in the future.
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