The
index to all ethics opinions issued by the Professional
Ethics Committee of the Supreme Court of Texas last
appeared in the December 1994 issue of the Texas
Bar Journal. The following is an updated index
of opinions published to date and is current through
Opinion 629 (May 2013).
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y Z
Abstract of title companies,
42, 79,
196
review of abstract of title,
81
unauthorized practice of law,
42, 253
Accounts, client trust.
See also Funds of client
Accounts receivable
collection agency hired to collect
accounts receivable, 495
loan secured by, 479
sale of accounts receivable to third
party factoring company,
464
Administrative agencies
ex parte communications with,
587
representations of two taxing agencies
for delinquent excess, 295
Advancing funds to clients,
230,
465. See
also Clients; Expenses; Fees.
Advertising.
See also Mass mailings; Name, use of; Solicitation
of business; Specialization
abstract of title matters, 79,
81
acknowledgment of financial contributions
in publications, 110
advertising wills through mail,
413
agreement forms, 134
alumni publications, 236
announcements
change of office address, 218,
221
establishment
of law office, 102,
222, 319
generally, 199,
209, 250
organization of which lawyer is officer or director,
188
practice upon leaving public office,
5, 192
termination of public position, 14
brochures from law firm, 420,
470
bulletins of membership organization,
300,
346
building designation as "legal,"
221,
242, 254,
379
business cards of legal assistants,
403
catalogues, 28
civic and charitable activities,
255
commercial advertisement/promotion
by business entity, 320,
591
commercial advertisement/funded
by client medical professional group, 547
cooperative advertising, 591
coupon book offering free consultation,
452
degrees-nonlegal in ads, 418
designation as attorney on bank
checks, 174
direct mail advertising v. solicitation,
414, 470,
507,
521
directories
Chamber of Commerce,
237, 277
church, 303
city, 138,
277, 289
generally, 321,
333
law lists, 83,
416
Martindale-Hubbell, 64,
428
rural and suburban,
80
telephone, 6,
30, 62,
107, 122,
127, 154,
155, 185,
190, 191,
200,
241, 289,
338, 361,
386
display of degrees, 350
dual employment or profession,
24, 119,
186, 249,
290
emblems displaying acceptance
of credit cards, 349
endorsement of candidates for
office, 145,
304
entertainment or sports programs,
165, 224
envelopes, 175
free legal advice
to indigent/needy, 225
to subscribers of publications, 12
group advertising, 591
holiday cards or greetings, 168,
210, 322,
372
Internet referral services,
561, 573
invitations to holiday parties,
258
joint advertising, 591
law firm as sponsor on non-profit entity website,
548
law lists, 83,
362, 370,
416
legal journals or reviews, 212,
329
notice of specialized legal services in, 2,
10, 267
letter to non-potential client,
507, 521
letter to potential client, 470,
521
letterheads
accounting qualifications, 406
acting as landman, 114
carrying associates not licensed to practice, 50,
64, 438
carrying names of deceased relatives, 31
collection matters, 160
information allow on, generally, 77,
119, 198,
291, 305,
318, 390,
406, 436,
440
lawyers not licensed in Texas,
50, 406
military law, 424
municipal judge, 451
non-associates listed "of counsel," 402
use of emblems, 284
magazine subscriptions, 462
newspapers, 51,
52, 164,
320, 507
client identifying attorney, 283
letter to, 273
restricted to sections used as legal directories,
4, 7,
25, 29
nonlegal business of attorney, 91,
186, 194,
221, 249
nonprofit or nonbusiness purposes,
247
notice of agencies or courts
before which attorney is licensed to practice, 8
notices of special competence
or experience in certain legal areas, 15,
112, 222
notices of soliciting claims
for estates, 75
open houses, 258,
261
organization bulletins, 300,
346
political, 103,
165, 340
postage-meter machine slogans,
121
professional cards
generally, 11,
54, 60,
68, 72,
77, 85,
98, 192,
199, 209,
268, 306,
354, 403,
438, 440
printed phrases on, 3,
54
publication of, 68,
96, 169
promotion of educational programs,
394, 489
public relation agency, 460
referral service, 205
sale of law practice, 266
self-laudation/use of titles,
344
signs
for locating office, 282
in autobody repair shop, 456
information on, 133,
285, 509
joint occupants, 142,
196, 282
neon, 38, 44,
357
placard, 383,
385
soliciting by Internet,
561, 573
soliciting by mail, 8,
470, 507,
521
soliciting employment from a client,
563, 623
special competence/experience/or
areas of practice,
2, 5,
10, 40,
52, 112,
221,
286, 305,
306, 331,
370, 393,
440
specializations, 93,
289, 440
stationery, 160,
198, 247
trade name, 398
validating parking lot tickets,
334
welcome wagon package, 427
Advice. See
also Clients; Judgment of lawyer; Opposing
parties; Recommendation of
professional employment; Solicitation of business
contained in collection letter,
484
counseling client to hire all local lawyers,
585
free to indigent, 225
given by city attorney to city ethics board regarding
ethics complaint against individual
members of city council,
567
given by defense attorney regarding plea agreement
containing waiver of post-conviction
appeals based on prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance
of counsel, 571
given to opposite party, 130,
201
given to organization member
by organization's staff attorney, 476
given to prospective client already
represented, 395
lawyer to exercise independent professional
judgment and render candid advice, 557
to subscribers of publications,
12
Affirmative defense
use to influence settlement negotiations,
214
Aiding in unauthorized
practice of law. See Unauthorized
practice.
Alderman. See
also Local government.
practice of law by municipalities,
82
Ambulance chasing.
See Recommendations of professional employment;
Solicitation of business.
Announcements.
See Advertising.
Appeals. See also Convicted defendants.
attorney in firm testified as fact witness,
471
continued representation in appeal when the client has
filed pro se motions seeking
relief from settlement of the case and grievances against the
lawyer, 565
threat of additional prosecution,
365
Associates.
See Corporate law firms; Law firms; Partnerships.
Assumed name.
See Name.
Attorney-client privilege.
See also Clients; Confidences of client.
avoid assisting fraudulent act,
473, 482,
504
client withholding evidence of
crime, 193
collection agency, 495
contracts, 203
delivery of materials containing privileged information
to an independent contractor, such as
a copy service, hired by attorney in furtherance of the attorney's
representation
of the client, 572
employee leasing arrangements,
508
ethical duty and evidentiary
rule, 389
exceptions
crime, 204
as defense of wrongful conduct accusations, 9
fee statements contain confidential information,
532
hiring a collection agency, 495
multiple clients, 482,
487, 500
past crime of client, 353
protection of secrets following
termination of employment, 389,
501, 595
requested disclosures by government
agencies, 378,
384, 506
reveal fact to court to avoid
fraud, 480, 482
telephone records, 517
waiver of, 378,
487, 513
wills, 55
Attorney liens,
395, 411
Back to Top
Bail
bonds
appointment as attorney-in-fact
for surety company, 248
attorney as surety for client,
141, 251,
347
compensation from bond company
for referrals, 351
financial or business interest
in, 366
practice of criminal law, 141
withdrawal from, after posting
bond for client, 388
Banks. See
also Funds of clients; Lending institutions;
Trusts.
acting as executor under reciprocal
wills, 216
acting as trust officers, 177,
262, 336
attorney borrowing for case expenses,
465
loan secured by accounts receivable,
479
requiring customer use of designated
attorney, 150,
228
representing client against bank
owned by holding company that owns a client bank,
423
salaried attorney preparing loan
documents, 490
use of attorney letterhead for
collection matters, 160
Bar associations
advertising by,
95
distribution of educational pamphlets,
239
establishment of lawyer referral
service, 205,
371, 443
law lists, statement as to areas
of practice, 370
Bartering
associations, 410
brochures by attorneys, 420
Business cards.
See also Advertising, professional
cards; Judges; Public office.
legal assistants, 403
Back to Top
Campaign
contributions, 328
Candor. See
also Communications.
advising to seek counsel, 18,
470
communications with opposing
party, 88, 337,
593
correcting mistaken impression
of fact, 504
misstatement of residence
facts, 189
misstatement of basis for jurisdiction,
499
reporting possibly illegal activity by
adverse party or witness, 589
Chamber of Commerce
directories, 237,
277
membership in, 237
City attorneys.
See also Local government; Public
office.
giving advice to city ethics board regarding
ethics complaint against individual
members of city council,
567
negotiation on behalf of city
council, 474
practice of law by, 49,
184
representing city employees in
grievance procedures, 492
Class actions.
See also Solicitation of business.
contacting/employment by members
of class affected, 376
distribution of fee,
526
indirect by strangers
in same class, 19
Client files,
395, 411,
570
Clients. See
also Attorney-client privilege; Authority
of attorney; Candor; Communications;
Conflict of interest; Disclosure; Employment; Fees; Funds of clients;
Indigent clients;
Judgment of lawyers.
advancing money to client, 106,
230, 483
attorney borrowing money for
client living/medical expenses, 465
attorney lien on client property,
395, 411
binding arbitration provision in engagement agreement,
586
committing criminal or fraudulent
act, 482
concealment of criminal client,
315, 442
conflict of interest between
multiple clients, 482,
487, 500
continued representation of a client after learning that the
conduct of a former client
may be material, 584
counseling client to hire all local lawyers,
585
disagreement between two clients,
288
district attorney prohibited from prosecuting former clients,
538
employment by membership organization,
476
former client's access to attorney's notes from
representation, 570
informal consent when firm attorney
testified as witness, 471
joint ventures, 512
providing office for attorney,
231
referral of organization members,
446
referral of client to collection
agency, 495
representation before regulatory agency when client's
matter originated while attorney
was an employee of the agency,
574
representation of criminal defendant in county where
lawyer's spouse is
an assistant district attorney,
539
representation of members of
non-profit association, 397
representation of municipality against another
municipality that was a former client,
578
representation of person accused of crime by municipal court judge who did not
act in that matter,
541
representation of spouse, 468
returning client property to
client or new counsel, 118
right to be represented by lawyer
of choice, 475,
482, 492
settlement of malpractice claim with
client not represented by independent counsel, 593
Collection of fees.
See Fees.
Collections,
92, 595
employment of attorney and legal
assistant, 401
hiring collection agency, 495
lawyers ownership of collection
agency, 417
letters, 160,
279, 380,
484
Communications.
See also Candor; Judges; Jury; Opposing party.
between actual parties concerning
controversy, 339
between attorney and insurance company,
533
between attorney and opposing
parties, 17, 57,
78, 99,
117, 130,
201, 335,
352, 355,
358, 474,
488
between attorney and represented
person, 395,
488, 492,
570
between attorney and third-party
auditors, 532
between general counsel of association and
members, 537
between suspect and district
attorney, 137,
226
collection letters, 160,
279, 380,
484
disclosure to court without client
consent, 480
contact with opposing client,
a municipality, 474
letter to non-potential client,
507, 521
letter to potential client, 470,
521
nonpersonalized letter and videotape,
521
physical examinations,
139, 229,
235, 358
with administrative agency prior to filing,
587
with jurors, 26,
257, 278
Competence.
required of an attorney representing spouse in divorce action
and having responsibility
for preparing QDRO, 534
Compensation.
See also Fees; Fee splitting.
as attorney for estate when acting
as executor, 269
assignment of insurance policy proceeds in
payment of legal fees, 596
for recommendation of insurance
plans to clients, 264
for legal services provided to
joint venture, 512
from insurance company,
533
from referrals to bonding company,
351
from third parties, 166
restricting lawyer's practice
as condition for, 466
to client corporation for legal
services to controlled businesses, 469
to employer corporation for legal
services to customers, 498
to wholly owned subsidiaries,
531
Confidences of client.
See also Attorney-client privilege; Clients.
client consent for delivery of lawyer's fee statement
to third-party auditor, 552
client consent for sale of accounts
receivable to third party, 464
disclosure of client information to employees
of collection agency who act as borrowed
employees of the law firm while assisting the law firm in collection
matters, 556
disclosure of confidential matters,
389, 442,
482, 487,494,
506, 552,
595
disclosure scope in federal investigations,
105
disclosure to avoid fraud, 473,
482
disclosure of client information
to collection agency, 495
disclosure of confidential information on fee statements
to third party auditor, 532
disclosure of detailed description of lawyer's services
to court for purposes of obtaining
payment for representing indigent defendant, 559
name of lawyer's client, 479
non-lawyer employee from opposing
law firm, 472
privileged and unprivileged information,
479, 506,
595
public record information acquired
during representation of former client used for
attorney's benefit, 595
public record information acquired
from and detrimental to prospective client used for
advantage of existing client, 463
representation adverse to former
associate's client, 501
revealing in suit for fees, 341
suits against party attorney
previously represented, 180
telephone records/attorney-client
privilege, 517
Conflicts of interest.
See also Intermediaries; Multiple clients.
attorney owning interest in chiropractic
practice to which lawyer refers clients
for treatment, 555
attorney owning interest in lending
institution, 465,
483
"attorney-of-the-day" program,
535
attorneys sharing office, 259
avoiding potential, 111,
441, 445,
453, 527,
547
bank holding company problem,
423
breach of contract suits, 176
city attorney advising city ethics board regarding
ethics complaint against individual
members of city council,
567
city attorney representing criminal
defendant, 49
city attorney or attorney of
choice representing city employee, 492
city commissioner, 497
city council, 544
collection agency, lawyer ownership
and representation, 417
continued representation of a client after learning that
the conduct of a former client
may be material, 584
continued representation when
client has strong disagreement with attorney and
has sought
advice of a malpractice lawyer, 557
consultation with both spouses
in divorce matter, 494
county attorney- law partners,
37, 187,
243, 318,
323, 419
county attorneys, 23,
296, 441
county commissioner, 530
county judge prohibited from
representing private client before any justice of
the peace,
statutory county courts, and district courts in
that county, 540
DA's former law firm representing
defendant, 113
DA's law firm representing surety
in suit brought by county attorney, 307
DA prosecuting his/her former
client, 538
disagreement between two clients,
288
divorce cases, 294,
441, 501,
583
employee of business entity that
has a contingent fee interest in a case cannot be
expert
witness in same case, 553
employee leasing arrangements,
508
employment as bank trust officer,
262
employment of opposing firm's
non-lawyer employee, 472
employment of opposing party's
spouse, 528
former city attorney, clients
before city for compensation, 551
former firm, use of name, 466,
491
former firm representing former
client of city council member, 544
garnishment, 86
joint ventures, 512
judiciary, 1,
173, 325,
429
in house counsel for health-care
provider and for patients, 543
insurance, Stower's case, 308
insurer and insured, 21,
89, 99,
156, 179,
260, 359,
482
legal aid office,
579
local governments, 65,
197, 252,
272, 274,
497, 530
mayor's law partner before city,
272
mediators, 496,
583
medical professionals funding
law firm's television advertising, 547
multiple clients, 482,
487, 500,
512
municipal court judge, 541
"of counsel" representing client
in suit against partners, 445
opposing party, 34,
511, 527
partnership, assumed when lawyers
sharing office, 259
partnership dispute, 219
practicing law while serving
as court clerk, 1
private practice by member of
Tex. St. Highway Comm., 232
probation officer acting as defense
counsel, 327
prosecutors as witness in criminal
cases, 399, 454
public employment, 37,
113, 124,
148, 187,
243, 307,
318, 323,
325, 367
real estate transactions, 228,
448, 525
recommending insurance company
policies for split of fees, 264
referrals to/from landlord lending
institution, 377
representation adverse to third-party customer of
law-related business
owned by attorney, 569
representation before regulatory agency when client's
matter originated while attorney
was an employee of the agency,
574
representation by a currently-serving state senator
or state representative, 554
representation of municipality against another
municipality that was a former client,
578
representing both parties in
negligence tort case, 43
representing criminal defendant
after discharge by criminal complainant, 94
representing criminal defendant
in county where lawyer's spouse is
assistant district attorney, 539
representing former guardian
of an estate, 115
representing minor's legal guardian
and minor's father, 314,
511
representing opposing parties,
59, 104,
527
representing organization membership,
446, 476
representing purchaser of real
estate from an individual who serves as a director
of
bank represented by lawyer's firm in unrelated matters,
564
representing spouse, 468
retirement from public or judicial
employment, 124,
243, 325,
345, 367
suing and representing a client,
123, 298,
299, 341,
374, 441
tax foreclosures, 281
taxing agencies, 295
wills and estates, 36,
47, 49,
66, 71,
74, 182,
269, 439
workers' compensation
defending workers' compensation claims, 18,
229, 326
disclosure when retained by employer,18
negotiating with insurance adjuster without opposing counsel consent,
297
representing claimant who is adversary in damage suit,
317
representing employee and employer in related mishap,
244
zoning board membership, 274
Consent of client
binding arbitration provision in engagement agreement,
586
delivery of materials containing privileged information
to an independent contractor, such as
a copy service, hired by attorney in furtherance of the attorney's
representation
of the client, 572
dual representation disclosure,
525
duty to disclose fact to court,
480, 482
for disclosure of confidences,
193, 464,
482, 487
for disclosure of confidential
information in fee arrangement, 481
for disclosure of confidential information in
third party audit, 532
prosecution of former client in new criminal proceeding
by newly elected DA, 538
representation adverse to third-party customer of
law-related business
owned by attorney, 569
representation by legal aid office after potential
conflict of interest is discovered,
579
representation of both parties in real estate transaction,
448, 525
representation of defendant being accused of crime where
lawyer/judge did not act as
municipal court judge, 539
representation of defendant by spouse of assistant
district attorney, 539
representation of joint venture,
512
representation of municipality against another
municipality that was a former client,
578
representation of private client by a county judge before
any justice of the peace,
statutory county court, and district court,
540
representation of private client by elected county
commissioner before a justice of the
peace, statutory county court, and district court,
530
to reveal name or amount owed,
479
when firm attorney testified
as witness, 471
Contingent fees.
See Fees.
Contract of employment.
See also Employment.
child support arrearage lawsuits,
485
contract attorney placement agency,
515
employee leasing arrangements,
508
including contingent fee arrangement
for investigative services, 510
including provision requiring client to pay the defense
expenses for the attorney if the
attorney is joined as defendant, 581
restricting lawyer's practice,
466, 590
with municipalities, 58
Convicted defendants
voluntary representation to show unjust
conviction, 240
Corporate law firms.
See also Law firms; Partnerships.
formed to collect delinquent
accounts, 149
rendering services to parent,
subsidiary, or other closely related corporations,
343
restrictive covenants between
firm and associates, 422,
459, 466,
590
revealing misconduct of officers,
387
use of corporate name on calling
card, 268
use of name after lawyer returns
to practice under own name, 466
Corporations
attorney as witness, 475
joint ventures, 512
non-professional, owned by attorneys,
478
providing legal services to client-controlled
business, 469
providing legal services to customers,
498
providing legal services to subsidiary,
531
County attorneys.
See also Local government; Prosecuting attorneys;
Public office.
county domestic relations committee
prosecuting both husband and wife, 441
criminal practice by member of
family, 323
defense of defendant by spouse of assistant district attorney,
539
district attorney prohibited from prosecuting a former client
in new criminal proceeding without
the former client's consent, 538
district attorney prohibited from prosecuting a motion to
revoke probation on a case where
he served as defense counsel, 538
district attorney representation
of another attorney in DA's office, 430
district attorney's former firm
representing defendant, 113
district attorney's prosecution of a defendant represented
by district attorney's spouse, 539
employment as special prosecutor,
126
interview of criminal defendant,
226
lay employee, 144
practice after retirement, 243
practice of law while service as,
23, 48,
183, 217,
296, 309
practicing of criminal law by
county attorney's law partners, 37,
187, 243,
318, 323,
419
Court clerks,
1
Criminal appointment.
477
Criminal clients.
See Defense, criminal.
Criminal conduct.
See also Discipline of lawyer.
duty to reveal information as
to, 204, 442,
589
Back to Top
Damages
pleading amount in petition, 415
Deceased lawyer.
See also Advertising; Names.
use of name by law firm, 31,
185, 375,
491
Defense against accusation
by client
disclosure of confidences and secrets,
9
Defense, criminal
attorney acting as surety for
client's bond, 140
"attorney-of-the-day" program,
535
by former prosecutor, 345
city attorney representing criminal
defendant, 49
concealment of criminal client,
315, 442
decline court appointment, 477
disclosing criminal history of
client, 504
disclosure of detailed description of lawyer's services
to court for purposes of obtaining
payment for representing indigent defendant, 559
district attorney's prior representation of defendant
as defense counsel, 538
interview of criminal defendant
by county attorney, 226
not required to disclose fatal
defect in indictment, 131
probation officer as defense
attorney, 327
prosecutor as witness, 399
representation by city commissioner,
497
representation by municipal court judge not acting as
judge in that case, 541
representation by spouse of assistant district attorney
who is prosecuting, 539
waiver of post-conviction appeals based on ineffective
assistance of counsel as part
of plea agreement, 571
waiver of post-conviction appeals based on prosecutorial
misconduct as part of plea
agreement, 571
Degrees
display of, 350
in letters or brochures, 470
nonlegal in lawyer ads, 418
use of titles "Doctor," "Dr."
and "J.D.," 344,
550
Delegation of tasks
signing of letters by legal assistant,
381
Derogatory references. See
Integrity of the profession.
Directories.
See also Advertising.
attorney may list name, 416
Discipline of lawyer
for conduct of non-lawyer employee,
472
insults between attorneys, 20
Discharge.
See Withdrawal from employment.
Disclosure, lawyer's duty. See also
Attorney-client privilege; Clients; Consent of client;
Intermediaries; Conflicts of interest.
amount of fee retained by finance
company, 481
contingent fee arrangement for
investigative services, 510
disclaim partnership status,
478, 509
duty to disclose effects of lawyer representing criminal
defendant being prosecuted by
defense lawyer's spouse, 522
duty to disclose fact
to court, 442,
480, 482,
499
duty to disclose fraud with partner,
522
for disclosure of confidences,
193, 464,
482, 487,
504
for disclosure of confidential
information in fee arrangement, 481
employee leasing arrangements,
508
mark-up for recoupment of third-party expenses,
594
multiple clients, 482,
487, 500,
512
necessary to avoid assisting
a fraudulent act, 473,
482
reporting possibly illegal activity by
adverse party or witness, 589
representing both insured and
insurer, 156
to client of settlement offers,
396
to opposing counsel of communications
with court, 22
when attorney is an elected county commissioner representing
a private client before any
jutice of the peace, statutory court, or district court in that county,
530
when attorney owns finance company,
483
when attorney owns medical equipment/facilities
clients referred to, 483
when attorney settles malpractice claim with
client not represented by independent counsel, 593
when firm attorney testified
as witness, 471
workers' compensation case
privileged v. non-privileged information,
506
representing employee and employer in related mishap,
244
when retained by employer, 18
Division of legal fees. See
Fee splitting.
Divorce
conflicting interest, 294,
441, 583
contingent fees, 292
"kits" provided for self-representation
by client, 364
mediation of, 583
responsibility for preparation of QDRO,
534
withholding affirmative defense
of condonation, 214
withholding information in cases,
33
Dual employment.
See also Advertising; Employment.
concurrent practice of law and
accounting, 136
concurrent practice of law and
probation officer, 327
concurrent practice of law and elected county
commissioner, 530
employee leasing arrangements,
508, 560
identification in advertisements
of, 24
joint occupancy of offices, 275
multiple clients, 482,
487, 500,
512
notice of, in letterheads, 119
ownership of abstract company,
196
participation in, 92
practicing criminal law concurrently
with bail bond business, 141
real estate transactions, 150,
228, 448,
525
Back to Top
Education
programs to aid laymen recognize
legal problems, 394
promotion of, 394
newspaper column on taxation,
425
seminars for lay public, 489
Employees of law office
conduct compatible with professional
obligations, 472,
497
division of fees with, 153
employment by collection agency
which also employs attorney, 401
former employee of opposing law firm,
472, 527
inclusion on stationery letterhead,
381, 390,
436, 438
legal assistants using firm name
on business cards, 403
names on door signs, 426,
437,
509
task delegation- signing of letters
by legal assistant,
381
testifying as expert witness,
513
Employment.
See also Contract of employment; Corporate
law firms; Law firms;
Recommendation of professional employment; Solicitation
of business;
Withdrawal from employment.
acceptance after acting as mediator,
496, 583
acceptance of appointment as
attorney ad litem, 69
bartering, 410,
435
business/charitable organization
requiring use of specific firm, 150,
215, 228
by accounting firm, 128
by client corporation's controlled
business, 469
by collection agency which also
employs lawyer's assistant, 401
by criminal defendant after discharge
by criminal complainant, 94
by former judicial or public
official, 100,
162
by insurance company to represent
insured and insured's ex-employees, 482
by joint venture, 512
by organization to render services
to members, 476
by spouse in divorce after consultation
with other spouse, 494,
501
child support arrearage matters,
485
client already represented, 159,
172, 395
contract as basis for refusal
to withdraw, 395
counseling client to hire all local lawyers,
585
disqualification of counsel,
453, 494
employee leasing arrangements,
508, 560
legislators, 257,
554
letter to potential client,
470, 521
multiple clients in same legal
matter, 482,
487, 500,
512
practicing law while serving
as judge, 13,
16
provision in engagement letter requiring client to
pay the defense expenses for the attorney
if the attorney is joined as defendant, 581
provision in engagement letter requiring client to
submit all fee disputes and malpractice
claims to binding arbitration, 586
restrictive covenants between firm and associate,
422, 459,
466, 501,
546, 590
retainer agreements, 27,
231, 391,
409, 431,
444
returning client property to
client or new counsel, 118
salaried employment, 167,
476
solicitation by Internet services,
561, 573
solicitation (indirect) by strangers
in same class, 19
submission of bids for, 146
substitute counsel, 395
warrantless claims or defenses,
271
Escrow account.
See Funds of client; Trust accounts.
Estates. See
also Executors; Wills.
conflicts of interest in representing,
66, 74,
158, 269
division of fees between executor
and estate's lawyer, 301
notices of creditors, 221
participation in layman-initiated
estate planning scheme, 373,
446
provision in will naming counsel
for estate, 171
publishing notices for claims
against, 75
referrals from lay estate planning
business, 373
representing former guardian
of an estate, 115
soliciting the probate of an
estate, 280
Evidence
interviewing witnesses, 342
suppression of, 193
Executors.
See also Estates; Wills.
acceptance of referral fee from
executor, 301
additionally acting as attorney
for estate, 269
appointment as independent executor
and representation of all devises, 147
bank as executor under reciprocal
wills, 21
client naming lawyer as, 71
division of fees between co-executors,
293
Expenses. See
also Fees; Funds of client.
advances to attorney, 391
advances to client, 106,
483
attorney borrowing, 465
client borrowing, 481
contingent fee arrangement for investigative
services, 510
mark-up for recoupment of third-party expenses,
594
requiring client to pay the defense expenses for the
attorney if the attorney is joined
as defendant, 581
Back to Top
Fees.
See also Compensation; Expenses.
accepting fees for recommending
insurance policies to clients, 264
acquiring disputed property as
security for fee, 449
advance payment by client, 391
arbitration, 580,
586
assignment of insurance policy proceeds in
payment of legal fees, 596
bartering, 410,
435
billing for work done by attorney who is not an
associate, partner, or shareholder
of the firm,
577
billing for work done by non-firm attorney,
577
borrowing for case expenses from independent lending
company and agreeing to pay lender
a percentage of the lawyer's contingency fee prohibited,
558, 576
borrowing from finance company,
481
charged to wholly-owned subsidiary for legal services
by corporation's in-house counsel, 531
collections
acquiring liens to secure, 395
disclosure of confidential information incident
to sale of delinquent accounts receivable, 464
forming and operating corporation for collection
of delinquent accounts, 149
securing judgment for, in same suit lawyer is representing
client, 374
compensation when "loaned" to
joint venture by employer corporation, 512
compensation from bond company
for referrals, 351
contingent arrangements
child support arrearage lawsuit, 485
contract with expert witness, 458
damage claims subrogated by insured to insurer,
89
employee of business entity with contingent fee interest
as expert witness, 553
fee settlement, 518
for investigative services, 510
in divorce case, 292
in Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) case,
588
contingency fee settlement, 518
contingency fee splitting, 546,
568, 588,
592
controversy or disputes, 374
credit cards used for payment,
349, 582
discount or rebate to client
corporation, 469
employee leasing arrangements,
508
fixed fee, 231,
542
fixed fee in criminal misdemeanor
case, 433
fixing of by judge related to
attorney, 135
for representing spouse, 468
forwarding, 238
hot checks- turning over to DA
for prosecution, 457
illegal, 310,
446, 510
indigent client, 348,
421, 444,
473
interest, 409
interest or finance charges of
lending institution, 465
minimum fee schedules, 311
non-refundable retainer, 391
payment by lawyers to the federal entity (FSS) that awards
the contracts on behalf of the
executive branch of the federal government,
562
payment by opposing party, 166
payment by organization for services
provided to members, 178,
446, 476
payment by subsidiary to corporation for legal services
rendered by corporate legal staff,
531
payment to disbarred attorney,
432
payment to witness, 510
percentage of child support arrearage
collected as fee, 485
percentage of trust fund paid
as fee, 76
percentage paid as rent, 467
receiver fees, 566
recouping expenses from client, 594
refusal by attorney to comply with arbitration decision
in fee dispute with client,
580
retainer agreement, 27,
231, 391,
409, 431,
444
retention of portional fee by taxing unit
disallowed, 545
requiring client to pay the defense expenses for the
attorney if the attorney is joined
as defendant, 581
salaried employment, 167,
476, 490
statutory penalties designated as legal
fees, 545
suing client for fee, 341,
374
title insurance premium- percentage
of as fee, 408
workers' compensation recovery,
549
workers' compensation settlement,
310
Fee splitting.
See also Fees.
between co-executors, 293
between law firm and attorney
"of counsel," 450
between lawyer and associate regarding a contingent
fee, 546
between lawyer and client regarding a contingent
fee in a DTPA case, 588
between lawyer as receiver and parties' lawyers regarding
receiver fees, 566
between salaried attorney and
employer corporation, 490,
497
billing for work done by attorney who is not an
associate, partner, or shareholder
of the firm,
577
billing for work done by non-firm attorney,
577
compensation from bonding company
for referrals, 351
executor and estate's lawyer, 301
forwarding lawyers, 63
public officer and private practitioner,
172, 309
ventures outside practice of
law, 61, 493
with bondsman, 142,
351
with court clerk, 1
with disbarred lawyer,
568, 592
with Federal Supply Service (FSS), an office of the
General Services Administration (GSA),
an agency of the executive branch of the federal government,
562
with finance company, 481
with financial planning organization,
446
with healthcare provider,
543
with independent lending company,
558, 576
with insurance company,
264
with landlord lending institution,
377
with laymen, 63,
153, 178,
231, 493,
510, 558,
576
with members of a class,
526
with non-profit organization,
503
with referral service,
502
with suspended lawyer,
568, 592
with taxing unit,
545
with third-party auditor of insurance company,
552
with worker's compensation claimant,
549
Files of client
delivery to client, 395
Fraudulent conduct
disclosure to client,
522
disclosure to tribunal to avoid,
473, 499
in making of wills, 152
verification of false pleadings,
405
Free legal services.
See Fees; Legal aid offices.
Funds of client.
See also Fees; IOLTA; Trust accounts.
advance payment of fees/expenses,
391, 594
child support arrearage collected,
485
commingling of, 245,
444
determining nature/ownership,
391, 404
funds received but not yet earned,
481
general handling of, 391,
444, 596
interest on trust accounts, 404,
421
refunding of prepaid fees not
earned, 391
separate trust accounts, 391,
444, 596
Back to Top
Garnishment,
86
Gifts
given to solicit business, 316, 623
Grievances
continued representation in appeal when the client has
filed pro se motions seeking
relief from settlement of the case and grievances against the
lawyer, 565
Group and prepaid legal
services, 446,
476
group advertising, 591
nonprofit associations, 397
Guardian
representing former estate guardian,
115
representing minor's legal guardian
and minor's father, 314
Back to Top
Homestead,
39
Illegal
conduct
of adverse party or witness, 589
of client, 204,
442
of partner,
522
Impartiality of tribunal.
See also Communication; Tribunals.
relational influences on judges,
35, 135,
173
Indigent clients.
See also Legal aid offices.
ability to pay, 473
advertising free advice to, 225
conflict of interest within legal aid office,
579
decline court appointment,
47
fees for defending, 348,
444
providing representation, 421
Insults. See
Integrity of the profession.
Insurance.
See also Conflicts of interest.
accepting fees for recommending
company policies to clients, 264
accepting part of title insurance
premium as fee, 408
assignment of insurance policy proceeds in
payment of legal fees, 596
conflict of interest- DA's law
firm representing surety of fidelity bond, 307
conflict of interest- defending
workers' compensation claims, 18,
229, 317,
326
conflict of interest- law firm
hired to represent insured and insured's ex-employees,
482
employment by title insurance
company, 359
gifts to representatives, 316
negotiating absent consent of
dependent, 297
representing insurance company
and insured, 21,
156, 260
Stowers case, 156,
179, 308
subrogation suits, 99,
202, 260
workers' compensation settlement and
attorney's fees, 310
Integrity of the profession
disrespect to tribunal, 302
habitual/intentional violations
of the rules of civil procedure, 415
insults between attorneys, 20
Interest
acquiring undivided fee simple
interest in disputed property, 408
attorney owning lending institution,
465, 483
attorney retainer agreement providing
for, 409
from client trust accounts, 404,
421
passed on to client, 465
Intermediaries.
See also Legal aid offices.
business/charitable organization
requiring use of specific firm, 215,
228
client providing office for attorney,
231
collections - providing letterhead
to bank or loan company, 160,
484
employment by company on salary
basis, 167, 476,
490
legal aid departments of unions,
41
lending institutions - in loan
transactions, 150
providing services to joint venture,
512
providing services to membership
of organization, 178,
346, 446,
476
referral from lay estate planning
business, 373
representing insurer and insured,
21, 160
Intervention by another
attorney, 159
Interviews
of employees of an adverse party,
342
with opposing party represented
by counsel, 17,
352
with potential witness, 17
Investments
by attorney in lending institution,
465
by law firm in loan company,
211, 481
IOLTA, 421
Back to Top
Judges.
See also Tribunal.
avoidance of impropriety- kinship
or influence, 35,
135, 173
campaign contributions to, 328
cards, professional, 354
conduct with regard to declaratory
judgments, 47
conflict of interest- after retirement,
100, 325
hospitality to, by individual
attorney, 206
law partner who is serving before,
173
loans to, 256
mediator as adjudicatory official,
496
name in partnership, 173
private practice by
county judges, 13,
45, 151,
183, 220,
540
disqualification, 173
district judges, 207
justice of the peace, 16,
125
municipal judges, 108,
116, 429,
451, 541
public criticism of, 369
Judgment of lawyer.
See Conflicts of interest.
Jury
communications with after trial, 26,
257, 278
Back to Top
Knowledge
of intended crime, 204
Labor
organization
organization's attorney representing
city employee member in grievance, 492
Landsmen, 114
Law firms.
See also Corporate law firms; Employees of
Law Firms; Names; Partnership.
associates/partners not licensed
to practice, 50,
64, 438,
522, 597
attorneys sharing office, 259,
509
billing for work done by non-firm attorney,
577
business/charitable organization
requiring use of specific firm, 215,
228
cooperative advertising, 591
division of fees between law
firm and attorney "of counsel," 450
duty to disclose partner's
falsified qualifications, 522
foreign firms opening offices
in Texas, 407
forming a Texas limited liability
company, 486
group advertising, 591
lease of office space, 377,
467
limited liability partnership
with non-lawyer professionals, 493
meaning of "non-firm lawyer",
577
meaning of "other firm lawyer",
577
member serving as a prosecuting
attorney, 23,
37, 113,
132, 187,
195, 307
member serving as judge, 100,
173, 195
name, 319,
400, 466,
478, 491,
509, 522
offices in multiple cities/states,
64, 319,
597
partners representing opposing
parties, 59, 103
restrictive covenants between
firm and associates, 422,
459, 466,
590
sale of firm as business, 266
tape recording telephone conversations
with clients, 482
Lawyer referral service.
advertising by, 205
approved only when sponsored
by bar, 371
establishment by bar group, 205
sharing fee with, 502
serving university students only,
443
Laymen. See
also Unauthorized practice of law.
divorce "kits" provided for self-representation
by client, 364
employee leasing arrangements,
508
fee splitting with laymen, 63,
153, 178,
231, 467,
481, 490,
493, 510
on staff of district attorney,
144
non-Texas attorney practicing
immigration/naturalization law, 516
participation in layman-initiated
estate planning scheme, 373,
446
partnership with layman, 186,
493
percentage of attorney fees paid
as rent, 467
programs to aid laymen recognize
legal problems, 394
referral from, 507
referral from lay estate planning
business, 373
seminar for lay public, 489
Lease agreements,
377, 467,
560
employee "leasing", 508,
512, 560
Legal aid offices
administering legal aid office established by
foreign government, 519
effect of conflict of interest within,
579
legal aid office as "law firm"
579
operated by union,
41
operated by local bar association,
443
use of unclaimed trust funds,
444
Legal assistant.
See Employees of law office.
Legal opinions
preparation for organization of public
employees, 412
Legal publications.
See Advertising; Publications.
Legislators.
See also Public office.
legal employment of, 162,
257, 554
retirement from public employment,
162
professional cards/directories,
11, 333
Lending institutions.
See also Banks.
attorney borrowing for case expenses,
465, 558,
576
attorney owning an interest,
465, 483
attorneys as officers or directors,
188
client borrowing legal fees from
finance corporation, 481
investments in, 211,
465
referrals to/from, 211,
377, 481,
483
representing, 228,
359
requesting names of clients,
479
requiring loan documentation
preparation by particular firm, 150,
228
salaried attorney preparing loan
documentation, 490
use of attorney letterhead for
debt collection, 160,
484
Letterhead.
See also Advertising.
employee inclusion on stationery
letterhead, 381,
390, 436,
438
non-associates listed on law
firm letterhead, 50,
402
notice of dual employment, 119
notice of specialization, 52,
77
use of attorney letterhead for
collection matters, 160,
484
use of professional designation of "Dr.", "Doctor",
"J.D.", etc., 344,
550
Liens, 395,
408
court clerks, 411
Loans
attorney loans to client, 465,
483, 558
attorney borrowing for case expenses,
465
loans to client for legal services,
481
secured by accounts receivable,
479
to judges, 256
Local government.
See also City attorneys; County attorneys.
aldermen, 82
city attorneys, 49,
184, 233,
474, 492
city councilmen/commissioners,
197, 382,
474, 497
communication with city council,
474
county commissioner,
530
county commissioner's court,
252
county judge,
540
dealing with, as opposing party,
233, 474
domestic relations office, 441
mayors, 272,
382
municipal judge,
541
part-time city judge/practicing
attorney, 429
representation of municipality against another
municipality that was a former client,
578
representing clients before governmental
bodies, 65, 274,
492, 551
representing clients before justice, statutory county,
and district courts, 530
zoning boards, 274
Back to Top
Marketing.
See Advertising.
Mass Mailings.
See also Advertising; Solicitation.
attorney's printed brochures, 420
direct mail advertising v. solicitation,
414
letter to non-potential clients,
507
letter to potential clients,
470
solicitation of will through
mail, 413
Mediators,
496, 583
Medical examinations
demand/request for physical examination,
139, 229,
235
of defendant, ordered by prosecuting
attorney, 87
Minors and incompetents
representing legal guardian and minor's
father, 314, 511
appearing as a"friend of the court" before immigration court for, 628
Misrepresentation,
189, 522
Multiple clients.
See also Clients; Conflict of interest.
duty to withdraw or decline employment,
288, 482,
487, 500
joint ventures, 512
Municipalities.
See also Local government.
contract of employment with,
58
dealing with opposing party,
474
practice of law by public official,
282, 429
representation of municipality against another
municipality that was a former client,
578
representing clients before city
boards/councils, 274
Back to Top
Names
assumed, 324
of building, 221,
252, 254,
379
of clients confidential, 479
of deceased partner, 185,
375
of firms, 319,
400, 466,
478, 491,
509, 522
of professional designation such as "Dr.", "Doctor",
"J.D.", or "Doctor of Jurisprudence",
550
pseudonym, 434
use of "Group" in cooperative advertising, 591
trade names, 398
Newspapers.
See also Advertising; Publications.
articles concerning success of
particular attorney, 164
educating public/writing a column,
425
generally, 51,
52, 120,
188, 192,
218, 223
letters to, 273
Nonlawyers.
See Laymen.
Nonprofit association.
civic and charitable activities,
25
business/charitable organization
requiring use of specific firm, 215,
228
providing legal services for
members, 397
sharing fee with, 502,
503
use of name of law firm as sponsor on website,
548
Back to Top
Of
counsel
division of fees with law firm,
450
non-associates listed on law
firm letterhead, 402
representing client in suit against
partners, 445
Opinion
preparation for organization of public
employees, 412
Opposing party
abide by client's decision whether to accept offer of
settlement, 557
client communications with, 339
communications with, 17,
57, 78,
88, 99,
117, 130,
201, 335,
352, 355,
358, 474,
593
communications with employees of,
342, 461
communications with insurance
adjustor of, 297
communications with municipalities,
233, 474
referencing settlement negotiations/defendant's
liability insurance in plaintiff's petition, 337
reporting possibly illegal activity by
adverse party or witness, 589
requests to plaintiff for physical
examination, 139,
229, 235,
358
taking statements of, 117
unrepresented by counsel, 130,
201, 335,
593
Back to Top
Partnership.
See also Conflicts of interest; Law firm.
accounting firms, 128,
136
between member of bar and out-of-state
lawyer, 227, 597
duty of partner to reject employment,
23, 37,
313, 501
duty to disclaim status, 478
formation with layman, 186,
493
forming Texas limited liability
company, 486
holding out as, 67,
263
joint ventures,
512
partners holding judicial/public
office, 23, 37,
100, 173,
187, 195,
197, 272
prior client when DA was defense counsel,
538
restricting lawyer's practice,
466, 590
sharing office with nonlawyer
business, 270,
493
sharing office with non-partner
lawyers, 509
use of name, 185,
287, 375,
466
use of restrictive covenants
between firm and associates, 422,
459, 466,
590
Physical examinations.
See Medical examinations.
Pleadings
damage amount pled in petition,
415
reference to settlement offers
in, 213, 337
verification of false pleadings,
405
Political activities.
See also Public office.
candidacy for public office,
340
endorsement of candidates, 145,
304
Power of attorney,
53, 330,
485
Probation officer,
327
Property
attorney lien on client's property,
395, 411
homesteads, 39
Prosecuting attorneys.
See also City attorneys; County attorneys;
Local government;
Public office.
as witness in criminal matter,
399, 454
conflict resulting from prior
private employment, 113
continued membership in a firm,
23, 37,
113, 132,
187, 195,
307
criminally prosecuting relatives,
32
district attorney representation
of another attorney in DA's office, 430
duty to seek justice, 137
eliciting statements of pleas
from accused, 137
interview of criminal defendant,
226
medical examination of defendant,
87
plaintiff's lawyer assisting
in prosecution of same defendant, 455
practice by laymen on staff,
144
prior conviction where D.A. was defense
counsel, 538
private practice after retirement,
124, 345,
367
private practice by, 109,
143, 183,
312, 332
prosecuting husband and wife
in domestic relations matter, 441
public criticism of judge, 369
public facilities/materials used
for private practice, 356
pursuit of information and evidence,
143
requiring that plea agreement contain waiver of
post-conviction appeals based on
prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel,
571
special prosecutors, 94,
126
spouse of assistant district attorney representing
criminal defendant, 539
threat of additional prosecution
to prevent appeal, 365
Publications.
See also Advertising; Newspapers.
acknowledging contributions of
lawyer in, 110
articles in trade publications,
90, 329
attorney as subject of news articles,
164
emphasizing experience in advertising,
2, 164
giving legal advice in, 12
law reviews, identifying contributing
authors, 212
newspaper column, 425
offering free legal advice in,
12
providing magazine subscriptions
to business waiting rooms, 462
Public relations agency,
460
Public defender's office.
See Indigent clients; Legal aid office.
Public employees
preparation of opinion for, 412
Publicity.
See Advertising; Communications; Solicitation.
Public office.
See also Advertising; City attorneys; County
attorneys; Legislators;
Local government; Prosecuting attorneys.
advertising special expertise
in matters handled while in office, 5
announcements of withdrawal from,
14
campaigning for, 103,
165, 340
city commissioner, 497
fee splitting with private practitioner,
172, 309
generally, 49,
82, 184,
272, 382,
429
practicing law while holding
legislative seat, 162
prohibition of using title of
state senator on professional cards, 11
use of public facilities/materials
in private practice, 356
Public prosecutor.
See County attorney; Prosecuting attorney.
Public statements
criticism of judge after trial, 369
Back to Top
Real
estate transactions
acquiring undivided fee simple
interest in disputed property, 408
referral by real estate agent who receives entertainment and small gifts
consistent with customary community standards,
623
same attorney for both parties,
228, 448,
525
security for fee, 449
solicitation, 228,
265
splitting receiver fees between lawyer/receiver and
parties' lawyers, 566
Reasonable fee.
See Fees.
amount borrowed by client, 481
Recommendations of professional
employment. See also Advertising;
Employment;
Lawyer referral service; Solicitation of business.
compensation from bond company
for referral, 351
counseling client to hire all local lawyers,
585
discount or rebate for referral,
469
exclusive referrals between two attorneys in different practice areas, 629
inquiries by claimants of attorney
in another town, 18
referrals by client corporation, 469
referrals by district judge, 207
referrals by financial planning organization, 446
referrals by general counsel of trade association, 536
referrals by health care provider, 524, 543
referrals by investment advisor, 536
referrals by law firm to medical group, 536
referrals by lay estate planning business, 373
referrals by lay persons, 507
referrals by organization staff attorney, 476
referrals by real estate agent, 623
referrals by suspended attorney, 592
referrals to/from lending institution, 211,
377, 483
Reporting misconduct.
attorney's duty, 520,
523, 534,
589
Restrictive covenants
between firm and associates,
422, 459,
466, 546,
590
in settlement of lawsuit,
505
Retainer agreements.
See also Fees; Funds of client.
generally, 27,
231
interest on unpaid balance, 409
non-profit organization use of
unclaimed client funds, 444
non-refundable, 391,
431
Back to Top
Sale
of law practice as a business, 266
Self-representation,
364
Settlement.
See also Opposing party.
disclosure of offers in pleadings,
213, 396
negotiating directly with represented
opposing party, 57,
78, 99,
163, 170
negotiating directly with unrepresented
opposing party, 97,
101, 593
of malpractice claim with client not represented by independent counsel, 593
restrictive covenant, 505
with insurance adjustor without
defense attorney, 297
Signs. See
Advertising.
Solicitation of business.
See also Advertising; Communications; Employment;
Lawyer
referral service; Recommendations of professional employment.
accepting fees for recommending
insurance policies to clients, 264
administering legal aid office
established by foreign government, 519
advancing funds to client, 106,
230
attorney as subject of news articles,
164
bartering, 410,
435
business/charitable organization
requiring use of specific firm, 150,
215, 228
business client's referrals to
its clients, 215,
228, 300,
469, 623
by county attorney, 309
by health care provider,
524, 543
by judge for a lawyer, 207
by lawyer leaving employment with a law firm from a client of
the firm for whom the lawyer
has rendered legal services, 563
by strangers in same class with
identical interests, 19
charging fees less than minimum
fee schedule, 311
class-action suit,
376
collections, 92
communication by association general counsel to
association members concerning
litigation and proposed employment of outside counsel,
537
contacting jurors after trial,
257
contacting injured employees
by union lawyer, 41
coupon book offering free consultation,
452
counseling client to hire all local lawyers,
585
direct mail advertising v. solicitation,
414, 420,
507
direct or indirect, 246
discount or rebate for referral,
469
display of sizable checks obtained
from jury award, 129
enclosure with letter to client,
70, 521
for friend hoping for professional
employment, 265
from another lawyer, 161,
181
gifts, 316, 623
group legal services, 346,
469, 591
habitual undercharging for services,
311
investments in loan companies,
211, 481
landlord, 377
lending institutions requiring
use of specific lawyer, 150,
228
letters by legal aid department
of union to injured workers, 41
letters to non-potential clients,
507
letters to potential clients,
470, 521
mailings, 56,
70, 73,
168, 413,
414, 416,
420, 507
open house for clients/former
clients, 258
providing magazine subscriptions
to business waiting rooms, 462
provisions in will naming counsel
for estate, 171
public relations agency, 460
recognition as financial sponsor on non-profit
website, 548
restrictive covenant,
505, 590
seminar for lay public, 489
through informing others of trust
rights, 76
voluntary representation of convicted
person, 240
welcome wagon materials, 427
wills through the mail, 413
Specialization.
See also Advertising.
admiralty, 267
patent law, 93,
289
State's attorney.
See County attorney; Prosecuting attorney.
Suppression of evidence,
193
Surety. See
also Bail bonds.
attorney acting as, 46,
140, 251,
347
Surety company.
See also Bail bonds.
appointment as attorney in fact
for, 248
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Tax
attorneys
designation of, 40,
52, 77,
192, 221,
260, 286,
289, 291,
331
mailings concerning current matters
to clients, 56
private practice by county delinquent
tax attorney, 281
representation of two taxing
agencies, 295
Telephone,
84, 105,
392, 482
recording telephone conversations,
514, 575
telephone records/attorney-client
privilege, 517
Telephone directory.
See Advertising.
Termination of employment.
See Withdrawal from employment.
Threats
in collection letters, 484
of additional prosecution to
avoid an appeal, 365
Trade names,
398, 529,
591
Tribunals.
See also Judges.
ex parte communications with administrative agency,
587
communications prohibited without
full disclosure to opposing counsel, 22
disrespect to, 302
impartiality of tribunal, 35,
135, 173
practice of law by court clerks,
1
withholding information, 33,
473, 480
Trust account.
See also Fees; Funds of client; IOLTA.
advance payment of fees or expenses,
391
child support arrearage collected,
485
commingling, 245,
444
determining nature of ownership,
391, 404,
444
funds received but not yet earned,
391, 481
generally, 391
interest bearing accounts, 404,
421
unclaimed funds, 444
Trust fund,
76
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Unauthorized
practice of law. See also Dual employment.
by abstract of title companies,
42, 253
collections, 484
employee leasing arrangements,
508
joint ventures, 512
laymen on district attorney's
staff, 14
non-Texas attorney practicing
immigration/naturalization law, 516
participation in layman-initiated estate planning scheme,
373, 446
preparation of wills by bank
trust officer, 177
unlicensed attorney, 50,
276, 522,
597
unsupervised work of CPA on tax
matters, 438
Unjustifiable litigation,
271
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Veniremen.
See Jury.
Verification
of false pleadings, 405
Wills.
See also Estates; Executors.
attorney as beneficiary in, 71
attorney as executor, 71,
147, 269
bank as executor under reciprocal
wills, 216
client commission of fraud concerning,
204
confidences of client with reference
to, 55
conflicts of interest in dealing with,
36, 47,
182
fraudulent conduct by attorney
in the making of, 152
preparation by bank trust officer,
177
provisions in will naming attorney
as counsel for estate, 17
referrals to draft wills, 446
solicitation, 280,
413
witnesses to, 360,
439
Withdrawal from employment.
See also Client; Employment.
attorney lien on client's property,
395, 411
duty to withdraw, 482,
487, 494
employment contract as basis
for refusal to, 395
of law firm hired by insurance
company to represent insured, 482
returning client property to
client or new counsel, 118
when client insists on pursuing objective with which
lawyer has fundamental disagreement, 557
Withholding information
from tribunal, 33,
473, 480
of affirmative defense of condonation,
214
Witnesses.
See also Communications; Opposing party.
as attorney for spouse, 468
attorney called by opposing party,
475
communication with potential
witness, 17, 342
county/district attorney in criminal
case, 226
district attorney/former client/impeachment of
witness, 538
employee of business entity with contingent fee
interest in outcome as expert witness, 553
interviewing of when represented
by counsel, 17,
352
law firm employee testifying
as expert witness, 513
law partner appearing as fact
witness, 234,
363, 447,
471
law partner appearing as party
witness, 368
legal services at issue, 9
prohibition against, 157,
208, 308,
363
wills, 360,
439
Workers' compensation.
224, 299,
549. See
also Conflict of interest; Insurance.
conflict of interest- defending
workers' compensation claims, 18,
229, 317,
326
disclosure when retained by employer,
18
letters by legal aid department of union to
injured workers, 41
negotiating with insurance adjuster
without opposing counsel consent, 297
privileged v. non-privileged
information disclosure, 506
representing claimant who is
adversary in damage suit, 317
representing employee and employer
in related mishap, 244
representing workers' compensation claimant in a
third-party action pursuant to
contingent fee; collection of fees based on gross recovery,
part of which is
required to be paid elsewhere,
549
settlement and attorney's fees,
310, 549
Work sheets,
118
Writ of habeas corpus, 142
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Last
Revised:
July 26, 2013
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