Bell/Whelan: 3 things to know about requests for client information
Here are three things to know when a third party requests information about your client, including don’t be cooperative, civil or otherwise charming.
Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Articles
Prosecutors say ethics rules limit release of police body camera video
While it was being considered in the Statehouse, Indiana’s police body camera law brought a lot of public interest and at times public outcry. But as the new measure gets ready for action, prosecutors say the Rules of Professional Conduct restrict them from releasing the recordings.
Park Tudor scandal reignites debate about lawyers reporting child abuse
Charges that former Park Tudor basketball coach and teacher Kyle Cox attempted to coerce and entice a 15-year-old student into a sexual relationship — and an attorney’s alleged actions after learning of the accusations — have refocused attention on a 2015 advisory ethics opinion that largely exempts lawyers from a law that requires reporting suspected child abuse.
Bell/Whelan: 3 things to know about civility and discipline
As it turns out, acting in a civil manner is not just a way of being polite, or being a good advocate or a way to make the profession look good. In fact, being uncivil in and of itself can lead to disciplinary sanctions.
Bell/Whelan: 3 things to know about reporting ethics violations
If you’re like us, you’re a lawyer who enjoys giving advice to others. As attorneys who represent other attorneys in disciplinary matters, we often receive requests to give ethics advice to lawyers. As luck would have it, we like lawyers and generally enjoy giving advice to lawyers when we can.
Figuring out flat fees
A recent Indiana State Bar Association Legal Ethics Committee opinion says lawyers who charge clients flat fees considered earned on receipt shouldn’t deposit the fees in their Interest on Lawyer Trust Account, but should put the money in the firm’s operating account. Some lawyers aren’t convinced this makes sense.
Convicted sex offender seeks chance to take Ohio bar exam
A former Army officer who served time in prison after repeatedly trying to meet girls for sex wants to become a lawyer, a move opposed by the legal profession, according to a case that has reached the state's highest court.
Indiana lawyers say they’re not bound to report child abuse
Some child welfare officials say there could be dangerous fallout from an Indiana State Bar Association committee's opinion that lawyers aren't bound by a state law requiring anyone who suspects child abuse to immediately report it.
3 things to know about the ethics of files
A formal opinion recently issued by the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility sheds light on what materials belong to the client.
Indiana officials issuing fewer waivers to state ethics law
State records show that Indiana officials have been issuing fewer waivers that would let state employees take related jobs in the private sector before a yearlong wait.
To dodge conflicts, make waivers specific
Should law firms rethink their client engagement letters, and more specifically, the advance waiver clauses they include?
Legislative Council assigns topics to summer committees
Although a study to determine the appropriate number of courts in Pulaski County was not assigned to a summer interim committee, the Indiana Legislature may not be finished with making reductions in some state courts.
Legislature turns to attorney to lead new ethics office
A longtime legislative attorney has been tapped to lead the state’s new Office of Legislative Ethics.
Bock receives award for anti-doping efforts
William Bock’s role in the Lance Armstrong doping investigation and others made him one of four people to receive an award from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Center for the Public Trust recognizing ethical leadership in business and professional communities.
Legal network to confer in Indianapolis
About 40 attorneys from midsized, general practice law firms around the country and a handful of global lawyers will gather for the Legal Netlink Alliance spring convention beginning Thursday in Indianapolis.
Indiana lawmakers approve tougher ethics laws after lapses
Indiana legislators gave final approval Monday to a state ethics law overhaul that requires greater financial disclosure by lawmakers and expressly prohibits elected officials from using state resources for political purposes.
Ethics reform bill moves out of committee
An Indiana House committee has backed a state ethics law overhaul requiring greater financial disclosure by lawmakers and expressly prohibiting elected officials from using state resources for political purposes.
House panel backs new rules after nursing home scandal
An Indiana House committee has endorsed tighter rules on the conduct of lawmakers in the wake of an ethics investigation of a top Republican who fought privately to defeat legislation that would have hurt his family's business.
Indiana ethics chief seeks changes after scandals
Indiana Inspector General David Thomas has published a series of ethics reforms, asking for improved disclosure and new rules for state officials after a trio of Statehouse scandals.
Indiana panel not making ethics suggestions
A state legislative panel isn't making any recommendations on ethics rule changes that the General Assembly is expected to consider during its upcoming session.