The twice-monthly “Dear Ethics Lawyer” column is part of a training regimen of the Legal Ethics Project, authored by Mark Hinderks, former managing partner and counsel to an AmLaw 200 firm. Read More

November 2023

Q: Dear Ethics Lawyer, I have a delicate question. I have always had a good relationship with my in-house contact for a long standing corporate client, but recently it’s taken a turn – a mutual attraction has arisen. I find myself drawn to this person, engaging in extended conversations and complimenting them on their appearance as well as how they are handling matters. Some of our meetings have been over dinner, and some of our conversations have become a bit flirty. Then last night, as we were texting each other, the client representative asked if I would be interested in getting together personally sometime, and sent me a sexually revealing picture. I responded in kind, saying that would be nice and attaching a picture of my own. I am guessing that I may not be able to have an actual sexual relationship with the client representative while the representation continues, but has what I’ve done so far crossed any lines?   

Continue Reading November 15 Issue – Unprofessional Relationships with Clients

Q: Dear Ethics Lawyer, I have a hiring question that I don’t think is covered by the rules. We want to hire a new LAA, and I’m talking to one at another law firm. I have no way of knowing or identifying if the LAA is or has supported any lawyer at the LAA’s current firm who is or has been on the other side of any lawyer at our firm, especially in matters that aren’t in court. My friend says that it doesn’t matter – that the Rules of Professional Conduct don’t apply to administrative assistants, they apply only to lawyers. Is that right? Do we have any duties here?   

Continue Reading November 1 Issue – Hiring Non-Lawyers