Representation—the attorney-client relationship, which includes fiduciary duties—can be started or stopped at any time. Indeed, a client has an unqualified right to fire a lawyer whenever they [...]
Multiple representation is a common situation for lawyers. Often, small business owners have a lawyer that they trust and like working with. Over time, as that relationship grows, the owners or [...]
Whether a client is changing counsel, had a change of heart about pursuing their case, or any other reason, there’s a clear set of guidelines that lawyers must follow in order to avoid a [...]
Lawyers are fond of limiting their own liability. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. Consider the following scenario. Lawyer sends a cover letter to Client at the end of the case. It says, [...]
As lawyers, we try very hard to manage our firms, minimize risk, and avoid problems with our practice. In doing so, we go above and beyond to do the best job possible for our clients. We try to [...]
Rule 1.5 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct mandates that the fees collected by a lawyer must be “reasonable.” The reasoning for this seems obvious. However, Rule 1.5 also [...]
Lawyers are often called upon to wear many hats other than lawyer. However, many times the new hat requires the lawyer to lend a hand using his education, skill, and experiences practicing law. [...]
Client consent is generally required for everything a lawyer does. But consider the following scenario. You settle a personal injury matter for your client. The client has received medical [...]
There are no guarantees in life or the law; sometimes clients lose their cases and their perception is skewed. When legal matters don’t turn out the way clients want, they are usually not [...]
Published on July 25, 2016, the State Bar of Georgia’s Formal Advisory Opinion 16-1 addresses the following question: Does the obligation of confidentiality described in Rule 1.6, [...]