Ethics/Professional Responsibility
Mar. 9, 2022
What Obligations Does a Lawyer Owe to Someone the Lawyer Never Represented
See more on What Obligations Does a Lawyer Owe to Someone the Lawyer Never RepresentedAlthough most lawyers are familiar with the duties owed to current or past clients, many are not aware of duties owed to prospective clients. Fortunately, the State Bar recently issued a formal opinion addressing the issue.
John B. Sullivan
Partner
Long & Levit LLP
Email: jsullivan@longlevit.com
John handles professional liability cases, attorney fee disputes, partnership disputes, and state bar disciplinary matters. He also serves as the Chair of BASF's Legal Malpractice Section.
California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.18, adopted in 2019, makes clear lawyers may owe certain duties to a prospective client. Failure to comply with the rule could lead to disqualification, liability claims, or State Bar discipline. Although most lawyers are familiar with the duties owed to current or past clients, many are not aware of duties owed to prospective clients. Fortunately, the State Bar of California Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility a...
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