Ethics Opinion 1109
Topic: Use of Pre-Paid Debit Cards to Transmit Funds to Clients
Topic: Use of Pre-Paid Debit Cards to Transmit Funds to Clients
Topic: Financing legal fees in litigation, third-party funding
Eight New York City-area lawyers have been honored by the New York State Bar Association for their efforts in providing free legal services to indigent clients. As part of National Pro Bono Week, the lawyers received their awards at the New York City Civil Court at an Oct. 27 event at which the New York … Continued
Topic: Law firm name; use of “legal services” in firm name.
A new website, sponsored by the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, allows New Yorkers—who cannot afford a lawyer—to post legal questions online and have them answered by lawyers at no cost. “Free Legal Answers is an online version of a walk-in clinic, where low-income people with simple legal questions can … Continued
Topic: Advice on non-legal issues; allocation of authority
The New York State Bar Association mourns the death of Kenneth P. Thompson, who served as Brooklyn district attorney for nearly three years. “We are saddened by the passing of Kenneth Thompson, who reminded New Yorkers that the primary duty of the criminal justice system is not to convict, but to do justice,” said Association … Continued
Topic: Imputed conflict of interest
Claire P. Gutekunst, president of the New York State Bar Association, has issued the following statement: “One of the most important and enduring principles in the U.S. Constitution is the right of every defendant facing criminal charges to have the assistance of counsel to present an effective defense. It is the duty and responsibility of … Continued
Topic: Legal fees; lien; mortgage; securing legal fees by having client sign promissory note secured by a mortgage against the client’s property.