Tips For Ensuring Compliance With Ethical Obligations

Most attorneys are aware of the ethical obligations owed to clients and take them seriously.  However, instead of simply assuming that their attorneys are in compliance with their ethical obligations, law firms can take steps to assist attorneys when ethical issues arise and, where possible, minimize the potential harm to the client, attorney and firm.

A firm’s efforts to help its employees and partners comply with ethical obligations can help avoid (or minimize) a legal malpractice claim or bar grievance. The firm also likely wants to be in a position where it is advised immediately of any potential issues that could lead to claims or grievances so that it may be possible to take corrective action. The alternative—first learning of the problem when served with a lawsuit—can complicate the risk management efforts of the firm.