Payment to investigator for locating witnesses and documents relevant to lawsuit
QUESTION: “I am one of the attorneys for a defendant in a civil action pending in a Circuit Court in Alabama. I have been approached by an individual, who calls…
Lawyer who serves as municipal judge may represent city police officer in possible criminal and civil proceedings involving officer’s alleged misconduct if lawyer has no judicial role in any related facet of case(s).
QUESTION: “I have been approached by a police officer for advice, and posible representation, in a criminal case on an indictment which may be returned against him in Best County,…
Subject to attorney’s lien, attorney must provide copies of client’s complete file to client upon request
QUESTION: Pursuant to our previous telephone conversations, this letter is written for the purpose of requesting a written opinion pursuant to Rule 14 of the Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement. The…
Limitations on in-house counsel of corporation who is not admitted to practice law in Alabama
QUESTION: “As discussed in our telephone conversation, I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying a question I have concerning State Bar requirements for a prospective employee at Acme. I am…
Referrals from credit bureau partially owned by attorney.
QUESTION: “I am requesting an opinion as to whether or not this firm is prohibited by the canons of ethics or otherwise from handling collection accounts under the following facts:…
Lawyer may contact employee of opposing party without notice or permission of opposing counsel if employee(1) can’t bind adverse party by his or her testimony; (2) is not executive officers/managers of adverse party; or, (3) is not actually
QUESTION: “Our firm represents a plaintiff who has a tort claim against a corporation. Certain employees of the defendant witnessed the incident and possess facts which we need to know…
Lawyer may utilize names of clients in “tombstone announcements” if clients consent to such use.
QUESTION: The question poses the propriety and permissibility of “tombstone announcements” of selected transactions with the approval of the parties involved. ANSWER: In a 1983 opinion the Virginia Bar held…
Unclaimed client trust funds – escheat to state
QUESTION: A solo practitioner with an active trust account died. Attorney A was appointed executor and undertook to wind up the practice and to distribute the funds from the trust…
Use of investigator to obtain evidence against adverse party
QUESTION: “The plaintiff in a workmen’s compensation case has filed a lawsuit in which he claims permanent and total disability as a result of a back injury. After the complaint…
Representing buyer and seller in real estate transaction
QUESTION: “May an attorney represent both buyer and seller in a real estate transaction where the attorney is called upon to render legal advice to both parties and is further…