More people acting as their own lawyers Nov 25, 2008
Also, a majority of states have amended their attorney ethics rules to promote a growing practice known as "unbundling," in which a lawyer handles just part of a contract, lawsuit, divorce or other litigation for a small fee, rather than taking on the entire case. The ethics rules have been changed to make it clear that lawyers can do this without being held responsible for the entire case. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Attempt to Relax Conflicts Rules Falls Short at ABA Annual Meeting Aug 13, 2008
A bid to relax attorney ethics rules regarding conflicts of interest in private law firms was rejected by one vote at the American Bar Association House of Delegates meeting Tuesday ... The Model Rules are not binding on states, but all states have adopted them in whole or in part for their own attorney ethics rules. (Law.com)
ABA to Tackle Controversial Conflict-of-Interest Issues Aug 6, 2008
Individual jurisdictions use the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as a guide to devise their own attorney ethics rules, and all jurisdictions use at least some, if not most, of the model rules for their own rules. Another controversial proposal before the House of Delegates at this year's meeting involves the registration of in-house counsel. (Law.com)
N.J. High Court Puts Lawyers on Probation for Fee-Sharing With Lay Firm Employees Jul 25, 2008
The partners righted their ethical rudder in 1997 and agreed to stop the payments, but for two more years Buccilli got money from Tomar Simonoff through his wife Cynthia Brassington, a Linwood, N.J., solo, according to the Office of Attorney Ethics. Graziano as managing partner, Kaplan as head of the litigation department in Northfield and litigator Riley were the most heavily involved, according to the OAE.. (Law.com)
U.S. reopening review of torture charges Jun 6, 2008
Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr said he believed Skinner was referring to an investigation by the department's internal attorney ethics watchdog that is not trying to determine the motivations for sending Arar to Syria. advertisement. (MSNBC -- International)
Accused Lawyers Defend Fee-Sharing With Lay Employees as 'Bonus' Plan Feb 7, 2008
The Office of Attorney Ethics entered into a stipulation of facts with Graziano, but the master made findings that went beyond the stipulation, "in the proceedings of other firm shareholders, in which Graziano was not permitted to participate," his brief says. Those proceedings led to a recommended suspension of Graziano without him being permitted to participate, the brief says. (Law.com)
One Reason to Seek a New Trial: Your Lawyer Is a Stalker Oct 24, 2007
Olitsky was also under investigation by the Office of Attorney Ethics for commingling business and personal funds to avoid a tax levy by the Internal Revenue Service and for failing to communicate with clients. Olitsky eventually was thrown out of the PTI program for failing to live up to his promise to perform 200 hours of pro bono service. (Law.com)
Sanctions Urged for N.J. Lawyers Who Didn't Scrutinize Real Estate Deals Sep 7, 2007
She testified she didn't know anything wrong was going on, though Gary Lambiasi, an investigator for the Office of Attorney Ethics, wondered why. "I could understand, you know, like maybe one transaction," he testified. (Law.com)
Police issue arrest warrant for missing Westbrook man Aug 7, 2007
Hoyt tells his son to notify the Statewide Grievance Com-mittee, which reviews and investigates attorney ethics matters. That committee apparently directed Hoyt to contact the state office of chief disciplinary counsel, which investigates and prosecutes complaints against lawyers after a client files a grievance. (Middletown Press, CT)
N.J. Firm May Face Sanctions for Inquiry About Adversary's Finances Jul 6, 2007
He said he would refer the matter to the state Office of Attorney Ethics. And without saying what struck him as criminal behavior, he said he would send the case to the U.S. Attorney's Office. (Law.com)
Lawyer's Alleged 'Bedside Manner' Is Ground for Ethics Probe, Not Lawsuit May 10, 2007
Nevertheless, the panel referred the case to the Office of Attorney Ethics for an investigation of Hark's conduct. The panel cited Rule of Professional Conduct 7. (Law.com)
Lawyer's Rare-Postcard Hobby Gets Him Disciplined Apr 11, 2007
The Office of Attorney Ethics charged Rhody with violating Rules of Professional Conduct 8. 4(b), through commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer, and 8. (Law.com)
Will the Corporate Model Backfire on Greenberg? Mar 6, 2007
The firm hired Michael Ross, a New York-based solo practitioner specializing in attorney ethics and discipline, to investigate and deliver a report on his findings. Greenberg disclosed and returned all referral fees to Gordon's clients. (Law.com)
