Monday, May 26, 2008

Have you ever heard of a lawyer supporting his clients living expenses during a trial? -

a lawyer in the U.S is supporting his clients who have been widowed from a helicoper crash in another country. he is literally supporting them out of his pock/business account while the legal proceedings are being done for at least 5 months. have you ever heard of such a thing?

Yes, and it is against the rules of each and every state bar association. That attorney has committed a serious violation and is subject to discipline if not disbarrment. The ONLY costs an attorney is allowed to front for a client are suit-related; such as filing fees, deposition fees, etc. An attorney is NOT allowed to give a client money for living expenses. Edit: to those giving me thumbs down, I sincerely hope you are not attorneys. If you are, then I suggest you take another look at ABA model rule 1.8(e) and the corresponding state versions: quot;(e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or contemplated litigation, except that: (1) a lawyer may advance court costs and expenses of litigation, the repayment of which may be contingent on the outcome of the matter; and (2) a lawyer representing an indigent client may pay court costs and expenses of litigation on behalf of the client.quot; There are also a variety of opinions dealing with this subject where lawyers have been disciplined and disbarred. You may not agree with it or like it, but it is what it is.

yes I have seen similar situations. While technically this is not illegal, it might be viewed as unethical if the lawyer s motives are solely to encourage and enable a party to proceed with a law suit.

No, I have never heard of such a thing. It s possible, unlikely, but possible that he cares. He will more than likely be repaid handsomely.

No - he must be pretty sure he will win. And he will charge them double out of the settlement.

no, haven t heard, and it s not the lawyers job but he certainly could do it if he wants to. For all we know, the lawyer could also be a relative or a close friend.

0 comments:

Post a Comment