Are You Making This Attorney Client Relationship Mistake?

by Megan Zavieh | Dec 19, 2017 | Attorney Client Relationship, Blog, Professional Conduct for Lawyers, Professional Ethics for Lawyers, Resources

The attorney client relationship, once established, is sacred. It’s often misunderstood by both lawyers and clients (and sometimes by members of the public). When it comes to the attorney client relationship, who is in charge? If you’re an attorney, it’s imperative...

Attorney Suspension: What Is It? Can You Survive If It Happens to You?

by Megan Zavieh | Dec 12, 2017 | Attorney Suspension, Blog, Disciplinary Hearings, Professional Conduct for Lawyers, Professional Ethics for Lawyers

Attorney suspension occurs as a disciplinary action taken when a lawyer faces an ethical complaint, undergoes an investigation, and is subsequently found to have violated professional conduct rules. ABA Model Rule 27 defines the obligations of an attorney has if they...

Ethics Complaints: 8 Must-Take Steps for Lawyers

by Megan Zavieh | Dec 11, 2017 | Blog, Disciplinary Hearings, Professional Conduct for Lawyers, Resources, State Bar Defense

There are thousands of ethics complaints filed against lawyers every year. In 2015, the State Bar of California received 15,796 new ethics complaints against lawyers. In 2016, the number dropped (but not by much). The State Bar of California reported 15,247 ethics...

Why All Law Firms Needs a Document Destruction Policy in Place

by Megan Zavieh | Dec 7, 2017 | Blog, Professional Conduct for Lawyers, Resources

The end of 2017 is quickly coming. That makes it a great time to talk about document destruction. It’s important to understand why law firms need a document destruction policy in place and what it should cover. A document destruction policy determines whether a file...

‘The File’ – Determining What to Give to the Client

by Megan Zavieh | Dec 5, 2017 | Blog, Professional Conduct for Lawyers, Professional Ethics for Lawyers, Resources

Remember this from law school? When the file is requested by the client, you must hand it over. American Bar Association Model Rule 1.16(d) says that when your representation is terminated, the attorney shall “surrender papers and property to which the client is...

Can an Engagement Letter Protect a Lawyer From an Ethical Complaint?

by Megan Zavieh | Nov 30, 2017 | Blog, California State Bar Defense, Professional Conduct for Lawyers, Professional Ethics for Lawyers, State Bar Defense

Ethical complaints against lawyers are extremely serious matters. Could something as small and easy as creating and sending an engagement letter protect a lawyer from an ethical complaint? In some instances, yes. While there is no one tool or strategy that can protect...