For the most part, attorney discipline cases can be prevented. Attorneys do not find themselves in ethical quagmires due to intentional wrongdoing. Rather, it is more likely the case that the attorney was uncertain about an ethical rule and did not know where to turn for help. Receiving pressure from a client to act in a way that is questionable in terms of good behavior only adds to the attorney’s uncertainty.
Once an attorney finds themselves in need of help, it may already be too late. By that time, an ethics complaint may have already been filed against the attorney. At a time like this, it is important to receive assistance for attorneys in need of ethical guidance. Determining the next best steps to take while honoring their obligations to a client needs to be the approach an attorney takes next.
How an Ethics Consultation Helps an Attorney Facing an Ethics Complaint
An ethical complaint made against an attorney means handling the situation with sensitivity and direct feedback. The reality for many attorneys is that they face these sorts of complaints in areas of ethics that are unclear at first glance. Identifying the specific ethical problem facing the attorney and attempting to solve it is not always easy. Ideally, a solution can be found that maintains an attorney’s law license and reputation.
What Ethical Questions Can a Tapley Law Ethics Consultation Assist With?
In the practice of law, there are a variety of areas of ethical concern that an attorney can inadvertently fall into. Fee agreement disputes, miscommunication with clients, and conflicts of interest are just a handful of the issues commonly faced by attorneys. An attorney needs to remember that they are not alone in a situation involving an ethical concern.
The difference between an attorney who overcomes an ethical problem and one who is subdued by one is often whether the attorney seeks the appropriate help at the appropriate time. This is where an Ethics Consultation with Tapley Law can help an attorney not only resolve but, in some instances, avoid an ethical complaint before it arises.
Attorney Tapley has seven years of experience with the State Bar advising appellate court judges on ethical matters. Furthermore, this background in ethical quandaries allows our office to provide consultations on a wide variety of matters related to attorney misconduct and representation. This level of experience provides attorneys seeking a consultation with guidance from a colleague who has seen difficult circumstances before.
When Should an Attorney Consider Scheduling an Ethics Consultation?
Ethics consultation is helpful when an attorney encounters an unfamiliar situation. In some circumstances, that unfamiliar situation may revolve around a client complaint or even a threat to file an ethical grievance. Complex legal matters often come with problems that don’t have an obvious solution. When a solution proposed by co-counsel or the client is not clearly within ethical bounds, seeking outside assistance is advisable.
To Schedule an Ethics Consultation – Contact Our Office Today!
Tapley Law excels at advising fellow attorneys on ethical matters. An ethics consultation with our office can provide you with the strategic and proactive guidance needed to navigate or resolve a difficult ethical situation.