when can a lawyer communicate with someone who already has a lawyer?

It is not illegal to speak to a different lawyer if you already have one (2nd opinions are okay and sometimes encouraged and required), the attorneys don't want to be scene as interfering in an existing attorney client relationship. Think of it like this. Imagine you are a roofing company and won a bid to put a new roof on a custom home.

Full Answer

Can a lawyer advise a client about a communication?

See Rule 8.4 (a). Parties to a matter may communicate directly with each other, and a lawyer is not prohibited from advising a client concerning a communication that the client is legally entitled to make. Also, a lawyer having independent justification or legal authorization for communicating with a represented person is permitted to do so.

Can a lawyer communicate with a represented person?

Jun 06, 2011 · An exception to the prohibition permits an attorney to communicate with another attorney’s client “to meet the requirements of any court rule, statute or contract requiring notice or service of process directly on an adverse party.” 5 In these instances, contact is permitted, and a copy must be provided to the adverse party’s attorney.

When can an attorney communicate with members of an elected body?

Jan 30, 2015 · 4 attorney answers. Posted on Feb 2, 2015. Lawyers have ethical rules they must follow that can be interpreted as making it inappropriate to talk to a potential client who already has a lawyer. However, it really is impossible for a potential client to know if he should fire his lawyer without speaking to another for a second opinion.

When is a communication with a lawyer permissible under this rule?

Rule 4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Counsel. (a) During the representation of a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so by law or a court order.

Can represented clients talk to each other?

Parties to a matter may communicate directly with each other, and a lawyer is not prohibited from advising a client concerning a communication that the client is legally entitled to make.

What is the no contact rule in law?

Wolfram's “Modern Legal Ethics,” the no contact rule, as a general proposition, prohibits a lawyer who is representing a client from contacting a party known to be represented by another party. The no contact rule first found its way into the American Bar Association's canons of ethics in 1908.

Can litigants contact each other?

No California legal ethics rule expressly prohibits a non-lawyer client from contacting another party directly, although clients cannot be used as conduits for indirect prohibited contact from lawyers.Sep 26, 2016

Can I communicate directly with opposing counsel?

Rule 2-100 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct states that while representing a client, a member shall not communicate directly or indirectly about the subject of the representation with a party the member knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the member has the consent of the ...

Can a paralegal communicate with an opposing party?

Paralegals handle a large range of work delegated to them by an attorney. One of the most important duties of a paralegal is communicating with opposing counsel. In any given case, there can be hundreds to tens of thousands of pages of documents to review and exchange with opposing counsel.Sep 22, 2020

Can represented parties talk to each other Texas?

Under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer who is a party in a legal matter but who does not represent any other party in the matter may communicate concerning the matter directly with a represented adverse party without the consent of the adverse party's lawyer.

Can a lawyer contact the other party?

The Code of Conduct states that lawyers must not communicate with the court unless the other parties or their counsel are present or have had reasonable prior notice (Rule 5.1-1). Ex parte applications and communications should occur only in exceptional cases.

Can attorneys talk to each other?

Attorneys can also directly communicate with each other on behalf of their clients. They can discuss potential settlement agreements, upcoming hearings, and other matters. This avoids the parties communicating directly if that is not a feasible option and it ensures that the legal matters are properly dealt with.

Can my lawyer talk to the other party?

6.03 (5) A lawyer shall not in the course of a professional practice send correspondence or otherwise communicate to a client, another licensee, or any other person in a manner that is abusive, offensive, or otherwise inconsistent with the proper tone of a professional communication from a lawyer.

Can two represented parties talk to each other?

(A) While representing a client, a member shall not communicate directly or indirectly about the subject of the representation with a party the member knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the member has the consent of the other lawyer.

What is it called when a defendant represents himself?

Judges and lawyers typically refer to defendants who represent themselves with the terms "pro se" (pronounced pro say) or "pro per." Both come from Latin and essentially mean "for one's own person."

What do you do when opposing counsel won't respond?

In a nutshell, if opposing counsel isn't responding:Document your repeated efforts at contact, including your statement of the consequence of continued nonresponse.Wait a reasonable amount of time.To be safe, get a court order authorizing direct contact.More items...•Jun 22, 2018

What is the opinion 09-1?

Opinion 09-1 concludes that an attorney must obtain the consent of the government lawyer prior to communicating with a government officer, director, or manager, as well as employees who are directly involved in the matter. The bar extends to public officials or employees whose acts or omissions may be imputed to the state agency.

What is the right of an attorney to communicate directly with the government?

Some commentators argue that the constitutional right of free speech and the right of the people to petition the government to redress grievances provide the right for an attorney to communicate directly with the government. But no authority translates these rights as an exception to Rule 4-4.2. 17.

What is a permitted communication?

Permitted communications include, for example, the right of a party to a controversy with a government agency to speak with government officials about the matter.” 13. Any consideration of what are “permitted communications” must begin with the legal effect of the comments that follow each rule.

What is the no contact rule?

The fundamental principle underlying Rule 4-4.2 “Communication with Person Represented by Counsel,” commonly known as the “no contact rule,” is that a lawyer may not communicate with a represented person without the consent of the other person’s lawyer.

Why is there no communication bar for all employees?

The rule does not support a communication bar on all officers and employees simply because the entity retains a general counsel. The bar applies to represented matters referred or handled by the general counsel. The same bar applies to communications with government officials and employees.

When was Ethics Opinion 09-1 issued?

On December 10, 2010, The Florida Bar Board of Bar Governors unanimously approved Ethics Opinion 09-1. The opinion concludes that a lawyer may not communicate with government officers, directors, or employees who are directly involved or whose acts can be imputed to the government entity in a represented matter about the subject matter ...

When does an attorney need consent?

an attorney needs consent when communicating with the other lawyer’s client. The rule applies when communicating with a private person or an organizational entity. The communication bar applies to officers, managing agents, and employees who are directly involved in the represented matter.

Can an attorney speak with a party they know to be represented?

The general rule is that an attorney cannot speak with a party they know to be represented. However, for example, in CA, the exceptions to that rule include conversations initiated by the represented party for the purpose of getting a 2nd opinion.#N#More

Is it illegal to speak to a different lawyer?

It is not illegal to speak to a different lawyer if you already have one (2nd opinions are okay and sometimes encouraged and required), the attorneys don't want to be scene as interfering in an existing attorney client relationship. Think of it like this.

Can a potential client fire a lawyer without speaking to another lawyer?

However, it really is impossible for a potential client to know if he should fire his lawyer without speaking to another for a second opinion.

What is the RPC 128?

RPC 128. Opinion rules that a lawyer may not communicate with an adverse corporate party's house counsel, who appears in the case as a corporate manager, without the consent of the corporation's independent counsel. RPC 132. Opinion rules that a lawyer for a party adverse to the government may freely communicate with government officials ...

What is the 2003 Ethics Opinion 4?

Opinion rules that a lawyer may not proffer evidence gained during a private investigator's verbal communication with an opposing party known to be represented by legal counsel unless the lawyer discloses the source of the evidence to the opposing lawyer and to the court prior to the proffer.

What is the purpose of the 2006 Ethics Opinion?

Opinion explores the extent to which a lawyer may communicate with employees or officials of a represented government entity. 2006 Formal Ethics Opinion 19. Opinion rules that the prohibition against communications with represented persons does not apply to a lawyer acting solely as a guardian ad litem.

When does a lawyer have to terminate communication?

A lawyer must immediately terminate communication with a person if, after commencing communication, the lawyer learns that the person is one with whom communication is not permitted by this Rule . [9] In the case of a represented organization, this Rule prohibits communications with a constituent of the organization who supervises, ...

When communicating with the accused in a criminal matter, must a government lawyer comply with this rule?

When communicating with the accused in a criminal matter, a government lawyer must comply with this Rule in addition to honoring the constitutional rights of the accused. The fact that a communication does not violate a state or federal constitutional right is insufficient to establish that the communication is permissible under this Rule. ...

Can a guardian ad litem be a minor?

Opinion rules that a lawyer who is appointed the guardian ad litem for a minor plaintiff in a tort action and is represented in this capacity by legal counsel, must be treated by opposing counsel as a represented party and , therefore, direct contact with the guardian ad litem, without consent of counsel, is prohibited.

Who can interview an unrepresented defendant?

Opinion rules that the attorney for the plaintiffs in a personal injury action arising out of a motor vehicle accident may interview the unrepresented defendant even though the uninsured motorist insurer, which has elected to defend the claim in the name of the defendant, is represented by an attorney in the matter.

What is NYRPC Rule 4.2?

Rule 4.2 prohibits contact when a lawyer “knows” that a person is represented by counsel. NYRPC Rule 4.2. It does not say “has reason to know;” and Rule 1.0 (k) defines knowledge as “actual knowledge of the fact in question.”. NYRPC Rule 1.0 (k).

Which states have the ABA model rule?

In contrast, the ABA Model Rule, and that of several other states ( e.g., New Jersey, Texas, District of Columbia, and others), provides that such communications may not be had with any “person” who is represented by counsel in the matter.

When did the word "party" change?

In this regard, Professor Roy Simon explains that the choice of the word “party” was a purposeful and deliberate change in 2009 from the text originally suggested by those recommending that New York adopt the ABA Model Rules to replace the former Disciplinary Rules and Ethical Considerations.

Can a lawyer contact an adverse party?

Lawyers sometimes want to contact a person who is connected with an adverse party or formerly connected with an adverse party in a transaction or litigation. It may surprise you to learn that, while you generally cannot do that, you sometimes can. To avoid problems and complaints you need to understand the rules and the limits and spirit ...

Your lawyer should try to accommodate you whether it is texts, email, calls, etc

Do some thinking about your relationship with this lawyer and law firm.

You need to have an agreement so there is proper communication

I typically tell these people to go talk to their lawyer, communicate with them, and try to work it out.

Communicate, find the right fit, and make those decisions

You could have the best lawyer in the world, but if you can’t communicate efficiently with them it won’t do you any good.

What to do if you don't hear from your lawyer?

If at this point you do not hear anything from your lawyer, you should consult with a legal malpractice attorney. A knowledgeable legal malpractice attorney can review the circumstances of a case and attempt to communicate with your unresponsive lawyer.

What happens if an attorney doesn't respond to a client's message?

If your attorney has stopped responding to your message, you may wonder if they have committed legal malpractice.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

According to The American Bar Association (ABA) model rules of professional conduct related to communication, lawyers must: · Inform clients of decisions and circumstance related to their case. · Consult with clients about how they will accomplish their legal goals. · Respond to client requests for information.

How to contact a malpractice lawyer?

Before contacting a malpractice attorney, you should attempt to contact your attorney multiple times by phone, email and other communication platforms you have used to reach him or her . If your lawyer still does not respond, you can send him or her a letter explaining the communication problems.

Can I hire another attorney in Illinois?

In Illinois you are free to consult with another attorney at any time. It is your case and you can hire or fire an attorney at any point. I would first call your current attorney however and have a conversation or set up a face to face meeting to go over all of your concerns. Most of the time, the attorney can explain the process to you ...

Can I discuss my case with another attorney?

You are always free to discuss your case with another attorney. It is very important that you are comfortable with the individual that you have hired to represent you in any legal matter . You may find that another attorney will have better communications skills or a different strategy which you like more.#N#Many attorneys will provide you with a free consultation.

What happens if you violate a no contact order?

A spouse who violates a no contact order by calling, texting, emailing, approaching or stalking the victim spouse may face jail time. An attorney can communicate on a spouse’s behalf in cases where a protective order is in place.

Can you use foul language in court?

Moreover, foul language and threats may later be used against you in court . It’s important to be on your best behavior when contacting your spouse. However, it’s important to reach out to your spouse immediately if you have an urgent question or need to discuss details for picking up or dropping off a child.

Can you record a phone conversation with your spouse?

Those communications may become useful in your case. Avoid recording telephone conversations with your spouse. If you haven ’t told your spouse that the call is being recorded, it may not be admissible in court. In rare circumstances, your attorney may suggest video recording an interaction.