ÿWPCe W#ÁÒUN“ %á 0(ç^ w#4';J mLbcNk 0Jm 1‡· 0T> 0A’ 0^Ó 0h1 0r™ E 0| 0†‰ 1u 72„ 0¶ 1uF 0d» U> B)] 1q† v~÷ vÓu BH˜HP LaserJet 4050 Series PCL 6ÈÈ,,,,ÈÈ0(ÖÃ9 Z‹6Times New Roman RegularX($¡¡t1-s   F–,MISCEL~1¨¨©3|x›ÿU‹ÿÀÀÀ- ù-2 ÿÿ0Indent1Ô2ÔÔ3  Ô(EhCEKQW]cioAutoList21.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2" ÿÿ0Indent2à0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô(Vm$˜˜Ìà0  àà ° à2, ÿÿ0Indent3à0 àà0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô26 ÿÿ0Indent4à0 àà0 àà0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô2@ ÿÿ0Indent5à0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô2J ÿÿ0Indent6à0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô2T ÿÿ0Indent7à0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô3#37=CIQYag­­1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)i)2^ ÿÿ0Indent8à0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àà0 àÔ2ÔÔ3  Ô ÿÿ?AGMSYaioIndent0I.A.1.a.(1)(a)i)a)P ÿÿ8Mac DefaultMac DefaultÓ ` °šXÓ< Œ 9p`(&Times New Roman% Line 7 d ÿÿ?AGMSY_ekIndent11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.PtPtHHØ(ÿáÿâùF(üHHØ(d}@Styl{WP}01•ÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃà Ãà Ãà Ãà Ãà ÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÐ ÐÐHHÐÐ  ÐÐ2ÐÐÿÿ¸æ$ÿÐÐHHÐÐÐÐÐÐÐÐ  ÐÐ ÐÐ ÐÑÑÑGenevaÑÑ ÑÑ € ÑÑ<Px–ÈÑÒÒÒ443!#4ÒÒ$ *$ÒÒ$*$ÒÒ ÿKK ÒÒ  Geneva ÒÒ  Geneva ÒÓ.,ÓÓÓÓ6ÓÓ ÓßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßßÑGenevaÑÑ ÑÒ  eskto Geneva ÒÒ  eskto Geneva Ò dÝ ƒ!ÝÔ . ÔÔ€$ÔÝ  ÝÓ  ÓÔ€$îÔÔ_ÔÑ€ ÑÑ8€ã8XXdìdÈ8ÑÑ  ÑÔ  ÔÑ  ÑIN€THE€SUPREME€COURT€OF€TENNESSEEÌà@ àAT€NASHVILLEÌÔ€$¼ÔJune€6,€2002€SessionÔ€$XÔÌÓ  ÓÌÓ  Óò òÔ€$¼ÔIN€RE:€€TENNESSEE€RULES€OF€PROFESSIONAL€CONDUCTÔ€$XÔó óÌÓ  ÓÌò òà@ àFiled€September€17,€Ô_Ô2002Ô_ÔÌà@ àßA€V) °°` d€÷E<å ` AßÌÌà@ àNo.€M2000„02416„SC„RL„RLÌÌßA€V) °°` dE<¸` AßÌó óÌÌÓ  Óò òAPPENDIX€TO€THE€ORDER€AMENDING€TENNESSEE€SUPREME€COURT€RULE€8€ÌTO€ADOPT€THE€TENNESSEE€RULES€OF€PROFESSIONAL€CONDUCTó óÌÌÌÓ  Óà àOn€August€27,€2002,€the€Court€filed€an€order€adopting€the€Rules€of€Professional€ConductÏas€Tennessee€Supreme€Court€Rule€8;€the€Rules€were€set€out€in€an€appendix€to€that€order.€€TheÏfollowing€is€the€corrected€appendix€entered€pursuant€to€the€supplemental€order€filed€by€the€CourtÏon€September€17,€2002:ÌÌò òRule€8.à àRules€of€Professional€Conduct.€€ð"ð€ó ó€The€ethical€standards€relating€to€the€practiceÏof€law€and€to€the€administration€of€law€in€the€courts€of€this€State€shall€be€as€hereinafter€set€out.€€ÌÌò òÔ  Ôó óÜÜÛÛà@ àò òPREAMBLE€Ô  Ôó óÌÓ  ÓÌÓ  ÓÔf  Ôà àÔg Ô[1]à àA€lawyer€is€an€expert€in€law€pursuing€a€learned€art€in€service€to€clients€and€in€theÏspirit€of€public€service€and€engaging€in€these€pursuits€as€part€of€a€common€calling€to€promoteÏjustice€and€public€good.€€Essential€characteristics€of€the€lawyer€are€knowleÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜdge€of€the€law,€skill€inÏapplying€the€applicable€law€to€the€factual€context,€thoroughness€of€preparation,€practical€andÏprudential€wisdom,€ethical€conduct€and€integrity,€and€dedication€to€justice€and€the€public€good.ÌÌà àÙ*ÙÑ , ÑÑ   ÑÑ  ÑÑ€% §u` ÑÔf  ÔÔg Ô[2]à àA€lawyer€is€a€representative€of€clients,€an€officer€of€the€legal€system,€and€a€publicÏcitizen€having€special€responsibility€for€the€quality€of€justice.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[3]à àAs€a€representative€of€clients,€a€lawyer€performs€various€functions.€€As€an€advisor,€aÏlawyer€provides€a€client€with€an€informed€understanding€of€the€clientððs€legal€rights€and€obligationsÏand€explains€their€practical€implications.€€As€an€advocate,€a€lawyer€zealously€asserts€the€clientððsÏposition€under€the€rules€of€the€adversary€system.€€As€a€negotiator,€a€lawyer€seeks€a€resultÏadvantageous€to€the€client€but€consistent€with€requirements€of€honest€dealing€with€others.€€As€anÏintermediary€between€clients,€a€lawyer€seeks€to€reconcile€their€divergent€interests€as€an€advisor€and,Ïto€a€limited€extent,€as€a€spokesperson€for€each€client.€€A€lawyer€acts€as€an€evaluator€by€examining€aÏclientððs€legal€affairs€and€reporting€about€them€to€the€client€or€to€others.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[4]à àIn€all€professional€functions€a€lawyer€should€be€competent,€prompt€and€diligent.€€AÏlawyer€should€maintain€communication€with€a€client€concerning€the€representation.€€A€lawyerÏshould€keep€in€confidence€information€relating€to€representation€of€a€client€except€so€far€asÏdisclosure€is€required€or€permitted€by€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€or€other€law.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[5]à àA€lawyerððs€conduct€should€conform€to€the€requirements€of€the€law,€both€inÏprofessional€service€to€clients€and€in€the€lawyerððs€business€and€personal€affairs.€€A€lawyer€shouldÍuse€the€lawððs€procedures€only€for€legitimate€purposes€and€not€to€harass€or€intimidate€others.€€AÏlawyer€should€demonstrate€respect€for€the€legal€system€and€for€those€who€serve€it,€including€judges,Ïother€lawyers,€and€public€officials.€€While€it€is€a€lawyerððs€duty,€when€necessary,€to€challenge€theÏrectitude€of€official€action,€it€is€also€a€lawyerððs€duty€to€uphold€legal€process.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[6]à àAs€a€public€citizen,€a€lawyer€should€seek€improvement€of€the€law,€in€theÏadministration€of€justice,€and€in€the€quality€of€service€rendered€by€the€legal€profession.€€As€aÏmember€of€a€learned€profession,€a€lawyer€should€cultivate€knowledge€of€the€law€beyond€its€use€forÏclients,€employ€that€knowledge€in€reform€of€the€law,€and€work€to€strengthen€legal€education.€€AÏlawyer€should€be€mindful€of€deficiencies€in€the€administration€of€justice€and€of€the€fact€that€theÏpoor,€and€sometimes€persons€who€are€not€poor,€cannot€afford€adequate€legal€assistance;€the€lawyerÏshould€therefore€devote€professional€time€and€civic€influence€in€their€behalf.€€A€lawyer€should€alsoÏaid€the€legal€profession€in€pursuing€these€objectives€and€should€help€the€bar€regulate€itself€in€theÏpublic€interest.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[7]à àMany€of€a€lawyerððs€professional€responsibilities€are€prescribed€in€the€Rules€ofÏProfessional€Conduct,€as€well€as€in€substantive€and€procedural€law.€€However,€a€lawyer€is€alsoÏguided€by€personal€conscience€and€the€approbation€of€professional€peers.€€A€lawyer€should€strive€toÏattain€the€highest€level€of€skill,€to€improve€the€law€and€the€legal€profession,€and€to€exemplify€theÏlegal€professionððs€ideals€of€public€service.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[8]à àA€lawyerððs€responsibilities€as€a€representative€of€clients,€an€officer€of€the€legalÏsystem,€and€a€public€citizen€are€usually€harmonious.€€Thus,€when€an€opposing€party€is€wellÏrepresented,€a€lawyer€can€be€a€zealous€advocate€on€behalf€of€a€client€and€at€the€same€time€assumeÏthat€justice€is€being€done.€€So€also,€a€lawyer€can€be€sure€that€preserving€client€confidences€ordinarilyÏserves€the€public€interest€because€people€are€more€likely€to€seek€legal€advice,€and€thereby€heed€theirÏlegal€obligations,€when€they€know€their€communications€will€be€private.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[9]à àIn€the€nature€of€law€practice,€however,€conflicting€responsibilities€are€encountered.€ÏVirtually€all€difficult€ethical€problems€arise€from€conflict€between€a€lawyerððs€responsibilities€toÏclients,€to€the€legal€system,€and€to€the€lawyerððs€own€interest€in€remaining€an€upright€person€whileÏearning€a€satisfactory€living.€€The€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€prescribe€terms€for€resolving€suchÏconflicts.€€Within€the€framework€of€these€Rules€many€difficult€issues€of€professional€discretion€canÏarise.€€Such€issues€must€be€resolved€through€the€exercise€of€sensitive€professional€and€moralÏjudgment€guided€by€the€basic€principles€underlying€the€Rules.ÌÌâ &ââ &âà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[10]à àThe€legal€profession€is€largely€self„governing.€€Although€other€professions€alsoÏhave€been€granted€powers€of€self„government,€the€legal€profession€is€unique€in€this€respect€becauseÏof€the€close€relationship€between€the€profession€and€the€processes€of€government€and€lawÏenforcement.€€This€connection€is€manifested€in€the€fact€that€ultimate€authority€over€the€legalÏprofession€is€vested€largely€in€the€courts.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[11]à àTo€the€extent€that€lawyers€meet€the€obligations€of€their€professional€calling,€theÏoccasion€for€government€regulation€is€obviated.€€Self„regulation€also€helps€maintain€the€legalÏprofessionððs€independence€from€government€domination.€€An€independent€legal€profession€is€anÏimportant€force€in€preserving€government€under€law,€for€abuse€of€legal€authority€is€more€readilyÏchallenged€by€a€profession€whose€members€are€not€dependent€on€government€for€the€right€toÏpractice.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[12]à àThe€legal€professionððs€relative€autonomy€carries€with€it€special€responsibilities€ofÏself„government.€€The€profession€has€a€responsibility€to€assure€that€its€regulations€are€conceived€inÍthe€public€interest€and€not€in€furtherance€of€parochial€or€self„interested€concerns€of€the€bar.€€EveryÏlawyer€is€responsible€for€observing€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct.€€A€lawyer€should€also€aid€inÏsecuring€their€observance€by€other€lawyers.€€Neglect€of€these€responsibilities€compromises€theÏindependence€of€the€profession€and€the€public€interest€that€it€serves.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[13]à àLawyers€play€a€vital€role€in€the€preservation€of€society.€€The€fulfillment€of€this€roleÏrequires€an€understanding€by€lawyers€of€their€relationship€to€our€legal€system.€€The€Rules€ofÏProfessional€Conduct,€when€properly€applied,€serve€to€define€that€relationship.ÌÌà@ àò òÔ  ÔSCOPEÔ  Ô€ó óÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[1]à àThe€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€are€rules€of€reason.€€They€should€be€interpretedÏwith€reference€to€the€purposes€of€legal€representation€and€of€the€law€itself.€€Some€of€the€Rules€areÏimperatives,€cast€in€the€terms€ð ðshallðð€or€ð ðshall€not.ðð€€These€Rules€define€proper€conduct€forÏpurposes€of€professional€discipline.€€Others,€generally€cast€in€the€term€ð ðmay,ðð€are€permissive€andÏdefine€areas€under€the€Rules€in€which€the€lawyer€has€professional€discretion.€€No€disciplinaryÏaction€should€be€taken€when€the€lawyer€chooses€not€to€act€or€acts€within€the€bounds€of€suchÏdiscretion.€€Other€Rules€define€the€nature€of€relationships€between€the€lawyer€and€others.€€TheÏRules€are€thus€partly€obligatory€and€disciplinary€and€partly€constitutive€and€descriptive€in€that€theyÏdefine€a€lawyerððs€professional€role.€€Many€of€the€Comments€use€the€term€ð ðshould.ðð€€CommentsÏdo€not€add€obligations€to€the€Rules,€but€provide€either€additional€guidance€for€practicing€inÏcompliance€with€the€Rules€or€make€suggestions€about€good€practice,€which€lawyers€would€be€well„advised€to€heed€even€though€the€Rules€do€not€require€them€to€do€so.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[2]à àThe€Rules€presuppose€a€larger€legal€context€shaping€the€lawyerððs€role.€€That€contextÏincludes€court€rules€and€statutes€relating€to€matters€of€licensure,€laws€defining€specific€obligationsÏof€lawyers,€and€substantive€and€procedural€law€in€general.€€Compliance€with€the€Rules,€as€with€allÏlaw€in€an€open€society,€depends€primarily€upon€understanding€and€voluntary€compliance,Ïsecondarily€upon€reinforcement€by€peer€and€public€opinion,€and€finally,€when€necessary,€uponÏenforcement€through€disciplinary€proceedings.€€The€Rules€do€not,€however,€exhaust€the€moral€andÏethical€considerations€that€should€inform€a€lawyer,€for€no€worthwhile€human€activity€can€beÏcompletely€defined€by€legal€rules.€€The€Rules€simply€provide€a€framework€for€the€ethical€practice€ofÏlaw.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[3]à àFurthermore,€for€purposes€of€determining€the€lawyerððs€authority€and€responsibility,Ïprinciples€of€substantive€law€external€to€these€Rules€determine€whether€a€client„lawyer€relationshipÏexists.€€Most€of€the€duties€flowing€from€the€client„lawyer€relationship€attach€only€after€the€client€hasÏrequested€the€lawyer€to€render€legal€services€and€the€lawyer€has€agreed€to€do€so.€€But€there€are€someÏduties,€such€as€that€of€confidentiality€Ô_ÔunderÔ_Ô€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6,€that€may€attach€when€the€lawyer€agrees€toÏconsider€whether€a€client„lawyer€relationship€shall€be€established.€€Whether€a€client„lawyerÏrelationship€exists€for€any€specific€purpose€can€depend€on€the€circumstances€and€may€be€a€questionÏof€fact.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[4]à àUnder€various€legal€provisions,€including€constitutional,€statutory,€and€common€law,Ïthe€responsibilities€of€government€lawyers€mayÔf  Ô€Ôg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ôdiffer€from€those€of€lawyersÔf  ÔÔg Ô€in€private€client„lawyerÏrelationships.€€For€example,Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô€in€certain€circumstances,€the€Attorney€General€of€TennesseeÔf  ÔÔg Ô€haÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg ÔsÔf  ÔÔg ÔÏauthority€on€behalf€of€the€government€to€decide€upon€settlement€or€whether€to€appeal€from€anÏadverse€judgment.€€Also,€certain€government€lawyers€under€the€supervision€of€these€officers€may€beÏauthorized€to€represent€several€government€agenciesÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€officers,€or€employeesÔf  ÔÔg Ô€inÔf  ÔÔg Ô€legal€controversies€inÏcircumstances€where€a€private€lawyer€could€not€represent€multiple€private€clients.€€GovernmentÏlawyers€in€Tennessee€are€also€subject€to€the€Open€Meetings€Act€as€interpreted€by€the€TennesseeÍcourts.€Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Further,€they€may€have€authority€to€represent€the€ð ðpublic€interestðð€in€circumstances€whereÏa€private€lawyer€would€not€be€authorized€to€do€so.€€These€Rules€do€not€abrogate€the€powers€andÏresponsibilities€of€government€lawyers€as€set€forth€under€federal€law€or€under€the€Constitution,Ïstatutes,€or€common€law€of€Tennessee.€€The€resolution€of€any€conflict€between€these€Rules€and€theÏresponsibilities€or€authority€of€government€lawyers€under€any€such€legal€provisions€is€a€question€ofÏlaw€beyond€the€scope€of€these€Rules.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[5]à àFailure€to€comply€with€an€obligation€or€prohibition€imposed€by€a€Rule€is€a€basis€forÏinvoking€the€disciplinary€process.€€The€Rules€presuppose€that€disciplinary€assessment€of€a€lawyerððsÏconduct€will€be€made€on€the€basis€of€the€facts€and€circumstances€as€they€existed€at€the€time€of€theÏconduct€in€question€and€in€recognition€of€the€fact€that€a€lawyer€often€has€to€act€upon€uncertain€orÏincomplete€evidence€of€the€situation.€€Moreover,€the€Rules€presuppose€that€whether€or€not€disciplineÏshould€be€imposed€for€a€violation,€and€the€severity€of€a€sanction,€depend€on€all€the€circumstances,Ïsuch€as€the€willfulness€and€seriousness€of€the€violation,€the€presence€of€extenuating€factors,€andÏwhether€there€have€been€previous€violations.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[6]à àViolation€of€a€Rule€should€not€give€rise€to€a€cause€of€action,€nor€should€it€create€anyÏpresumption€that€a€legal€duty€has€been€breached.€€The€Rules€are€designed€to€provide€guidance€toÏlawyers€and€to€provide€a€structure€for€regulating€conduct€through€disciplinary€agencies.€€They€areÏnot€designed€to€be€a€basis€for€civil€liability.€€Furthermore,€the€purpose€of€the€Rules€can€be€subvertedÏwhen€they€are€invoked€by€opposing€parties€as€procedural€weapons.€€The€fact€that€a€Rule€is€a€justÏbasis€for€a€lawyerððs€self„assessment€or€for€sanctioning€a€lawyer€under€the€administration€of€aÏdisciplinary€authority€does€not€imply€that€an€antagonist€in€a€collateral€proceeding€or€transaction€hasÏstanding€to€seek€enforcement€of€the€Rule.€€Accordingly,€nothing€in€the€Rules€should€be€deemed€toÏaugment€any€substantive€legal€duty€of€lawyers€or€the€extra„disciplinary€consequences€of€violatingÏsuch€a€duty.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[7]à àMoreover,€these€Rules€are€not€intended€to€govern€or€affect€judicial€application€ofÏeither€the€attorney„client€or€work€product€privilege.€€Those€privileges€were€developed€to€promoteÏcompliance€with€law€and€fairness€in€litigation.€€In€reliance€on€the€attorney„client€privilege,€clients€areÏentitled€to€expect€that€communications€within€the€scope€of€the€privilege€will€be€protected€againstÏcompelled€disclosure.€€The€attorney„client€privilege€is€that€of€the€client€and€not€of€the€lawyer.€€TheÏfact€that€in€exceptional€situations€the€lawyer€under€the€Rules€has€a€limited€discretion€to€disclose€aÏclient€confidence€does€not€vitiate€the€proposition€that,€as€a€general€matter,€the€client€has€a€reasonableÏexpectation€that€information€relating€to€the€client€will€not€be€voluntarily€disclosed€and€thatÏdisclosure€of€such€information€may€be€judicially€compelled€only€in€accordance€with€recognizedÏexceptions€to€the€attorney„client€and€work€product€privileges.ÌÌà àÔf  ÔÔg Ô[8]à àThe€lawyerððs€exercise€of€discretion€not€to€disclose€information€when€permitted€to€doÏso€Ô_ÔbyÔ_Ô€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6€should€not€be€subject€to€reexamination.€€Permitting€such€reexamination€would€beÏincompatible€with€the€general€policy€of€promoting€compliance€with€law€through€assurances€thatÏcommunications€will€be€protected€against€disclosure.ÌÌà à[9]à àThe€Comment€accompanying€each€Rule€explains€and€illustrates€the€meaning€andÏpurpose€of€the€Rule.€€The€Preamble€and€this€note€on€Scope€provide€general€orientation.€€TheÏComments€are€intended€either€as€guides€to€interpretation€or€as€suggestions€of€good€practice,€but€theÏtext€of€each€Rule€is€Ô_Ôauthoritative.ÌÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÌÔ_ÔÔ_Ôà à[10]à àStandard€Citation€Format:€€Citations€to€each€Rule€of€Professional€ConductÏ(ð ðRPCðð)€shall€be€in€the€following€format:€Tenn.€Sup.€Ct.€R.€8,€RPC€òò€€€€€€óó.Ô_ÔÇà@ àò òANALYSISó óÌÌChapter€1.€€The€Client„Lawyer€RelationshipÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.0€ð"ð€DefinitionsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔ_Ô€1.1€ð"ð€CompetenceÔf  ÔÔg ÔÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.2€ð"ð€Scope€of€the€Representation€and€the€Allocation€of€Authority€Between€theÏLawyer€à0 àà0 àand€ClientÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.3€ð"ð€DiligenceÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.4€ð"ð€CommunicationÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.5€ð"ð€FeesÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6€ð"ð€ConfidentialityÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.7€ð"ð€Conflict€of€Interest:€General€RuleÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8€ð"ð€Conflict€of€Interest:€Prohibited€TransactionsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9€ð"ð€Conflict€of€Interest:€Former€ClientÌÔf  Ôà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.10€ð"ð€Imputed€Disqualification:€General€RuleÌÔf  ÔÔg Ôà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.11€ð"ð€Successive€Government€and€Private€EmploymentÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.12€ð"ð€Former€Judge€or€ArbitratorÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.13€ð"ð€Organizational€ClientsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.14€ð"ð€Client€Under€a€DisabilityÌà0 àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.15€ð"ð€Safekeeping€PropertyÌà0 àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.16€ð"ð€Declining€and€Terminating€RepresentationÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.17€ð"ð€Sale€of€a€Law€PracticeÌÌChapter€2.€€The€Lawyer€as€Counselor,€Intermediary,€and€Dispute€Resolution€NeutralÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.1€ð"ð€AdvisorÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.2€ð"ð€Lawyer€Serving€as€an€Intermediary€Between€ClientsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.3€ð"ð€Evaluation€for€Use€by€Third€PersonsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.4€ð"ð€Lawyer€as€a€Dispute€Resolution€NeutralÌÔf  ÔÌChapter€3.€€AdvocateÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.1€ð"ð€Meritorious€Claims€and€ContentionsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.2€ð"ð€Expediting€LitigationÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.3€ð"ð€Candor€Toward€the€TribunalÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.4€ð"ð€Fairness€to€the€Opposing€Party€and€CounselÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.5€ð"ð€Impartiality€and€Decorum€of€the€TribunalÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.6€ð"ð€Trial€PublicityÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.7€ð"ð€Lawyer€as€a€WitnessÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.8€ð"ð€Special€Responsibilities€of€a€ProsecutorÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.9€ð"ð€Advocate€in€Non„Adjudicative€ProceedingsÌÌChapter€4.€€Transactions€With€Persons€Other€Than€ClientsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€4.1€ð"ð€Truthfulness€and€Candor€in€Statements€to€OthersÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€4.2€ð"ð€Communication€With€a€Person€Represented€by€CounselÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€4.3€ð"ð€Dealing€with€an€Unrepresented€PersonÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€4.4€ð"ð€Respect€for€the€Rights€of€Third€PersonsÌÌChapter€5.€€Law€Firms,€Legal€Departments,€and€Legal€Service€OrganizationsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.1€ð"ð€Responsibilities€of€a€Partner,€Managing€Lawyer,€or€Supervisory€LawyerÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.2€ð"ð€Responsibilities€of€a€Subordinate€LawyerÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.3€ð"ð€Responsibilities€Regarding€Nonlawyer€AssistantsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.4€ð"ð€Professional€Independence€of€a€LawyerÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.5€ð"ð€Unauthorized€Practice€of€LawÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.6€ð"ð€Restrictions€on€the€Right€to€PracticeÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.7€ð"ð€Responsibilities€Regarding€Law„Related€ServicesÌÌChapter€6.€€Public€ServiceÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€6.1€ð"ð€Pro€Bono€Publico€RepresentationÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€6.2€ð"ð€Accepting€Court€AppointmentsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€6.3€ð"ð€Membership€in€Legal€Services€OrganizationÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€6.4€ð"ð€Law€Reform€Activities€Affecting€Client€InterestsÌÌChapter€7.€€Information€About€Legal€ServicesÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€7.1€ð"ð€Communications€Concerning€a€Lawyerððs€ServicesÌÔf  ÔÔg Ôà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€7.2€ð"ð€Advertising€and€Other€Communications€Not€Directed€to€Specifically€IdentifiedÏà0 àà0 àRecipientsÔg ÔÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€7.3€ð"ð€Solicitation€and€Other€Communications€Directed€to€Specifically€IdentifiedÏà0 àà0 àRecipientsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€7.4€ð"ð€Communication€of€Fields€of€PracticeÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€7.5€ð"ð€Firm€Names€and€LetterheadsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€7.6€ð"ð€Intermediary€OrganizationsÌÌChapter€8.€€Maintaining€the€Integrity€of€the€ProfessionÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€8.1€ð"ð€Bar€Admission€and€Disciplinary€MattersÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€8.2€ð"ð€Judicial€and€Legal€OfficialsÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€8.3€ð"ð€Reporting€Professional€MisconductÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€8.4€ð"ð€MisconductÌà àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€8.5€ð"ð€Disciplinary€Authority;€Choice€of€LawÌÌTransition€Rules€Governing€the€Implementation€of€the€Tennessee€Rules€of€Professional€ConductÇò òÔ  Ôó óà@ àò òCHAPTER€1Ìó óà@ àò òTHE€CLIENT„LAWYER€RELATIONSHIPÌÌó óà@ àò òRule€1.0Ìà@ àDEFINITIONSó óÌÔ  ÔÌ(a)à àð ðBeliefðð€or€ð ðBelievesðð€denotes€that€the€person€involved€actually€supposed€the€fact€inÏquestion€to€be€true.€€A€personððs€belief€may€be€inferred€from€circumstances.ÌÌ(b)à àð ðConsents€in€Writingðð€or€ð ðWritten€Consentðð€denotes€either€(Ô_ÔiÔ_Ô)€a€written€consent€executedÏby€a€client,€or€(ii)€oral€consent€given€by€a€client€which€the€lawyer€confirms€in€writing€in€a€mannerÏwhich€can€be€easily€understood€by€the€client€and€which€is€promptly€transmitted€to€the€clientÔf  ÔÔg Ô€byÏmeans€reasonably€calculated€to€reach€the€clientÔf  ÔÔg Ô.Ì€Ì(c)à àð ðConsultðð€or€ð ðConsultationðð€denotes€communication€of€information€reasonably€sufficientÏto€permit€the€client€to€appreciate€the€significance€of€the€matter€in€question.ÌÌ(d)à àð ðFirmðð€or€ð ðLaw€Firmðð€denotes€a€lawyer€or€lawyers€in€a€private€firm,€lawyers€employed€inÏthe€legal€department€of€a€corporation,€government€agency,€or€other€organization€and€lawyersÏemployed€in€a€legal€services€organization.€€òòSee€alsoóó€Comment€[1]€of€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.10.Ì€Ì(e)à àð ðFraudðð€or€ð ðFraudulentðð€denotes€an€intentionally€false€or€misleading€statement€ofÏmaterial€fact,€an€intentional€omission€from€a€statement€of€fact€of€such€additional€information€asÏwould€be€necessary€to€make€the€statements€made€not€materially€misleading,€and€such€other€conductÏby€a€person€intended€to€deceive€a€person€or€tribunal€with€respect€to€a€material€issue€in€a€proceedingÏor€other€matter.ÌÌ(f)à àð ðKnowingly,ðð€ð ðKnown,ðð€or€ð ðKnowsðð€denotes€actual€awareness€of€the€fact€in€question.€ÏA€personððs€knowledge€may€be€inferred€from€circumstances.Ì€Ì(g)à àð ðMaterialðð€or€ð ðMateriallyðð€denotes€something€that€a€reasonable€person€would€considerÏimportant€in€assessing€or€determining€how€to€act€in€a€matter.€€ÌÌ(h)à àð ðPartnerðð€denotes€a€partner€in€a€law€firm€organized€as€a€partnership€or€professional€limitedÏliability€partnership,€a€shareholder€in€a€law€firm€organized€as€a€professional€corporation,€a€memberÏin€a€law€firm€organized€as€a€professional€limited€liability€company,€or€Ôg Ôa€sole€practitioner€whoÏemploys€other€lawyers€or€nonlawyers€in€connection€with€his€or€her€practice.ÌÌ(Ô_ÔiÔ_Ô)à àð ðReasonable,ðð€ð ðReasonably,ðð€or€ð ðReasonablenessðð€when€used€in€relation€to€conduct€byÏa€lawyer€denotes€the€conduct€of€a€reasonably€prudent€and€competent€lawyer.Ì€Ì(j)à àð ðReasonable€Beliefðððð€or€ð ðReasonably€Believesðð€when€used€in€reference€to€a€lawyerÏdenotes€that€the€lawyer€believes€the€matter€in€question€and€that€the€circumstances€are€such€that€theÏbelief€is€reasonable.Ì€Ì(k)à àð ðReasonably€Should€Knowðð€when€used€in€reference€to€a€lawyer€denotes€that€a€lawyer€ofÏreasonable€prudence€and€competence€would€ascertain€the€matter€in€question.Ì€Ì(òòlóó)à àð ðSubstantialðð€or€ð ðSubstantiallyðð€denotes€something€that€is€not€only€material€but€also€ofÏclear€and€weighty€importance.Ì€Ì(m)à àð ðTribunalðð€denotes€a€court€or€other€adjudicative€body.ÌÌ(n)à àð ðUnreasonablyðð€when€used€in€relation€to€conduct€by€a€lawyer€denotes€conduct€contrary€toÏthat€of€a€reasonably€prudent€and€competent€lawyer.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTó óÌÌà àIn€circumstances€in€which€these€rules€require€either€consent€in€writing€or€written€consent,Ïthe€requirement€may€be€satisfied€by€an€electronic€transmissionÔf  Ô€Ôg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ôthat€is€reasonably€calculated€to€reachÏthe€client,€provided€thatÔf  ÔÔg Ô€the€transmission€can€be€reduced€to€writing€or€permanently€retained€inÏelectronic€format.Çà@ àò òRule€1.1Ìó óà@ àò òCOMPETENCEó óÌÌA€lawyer€shall€provide€competent€representation€to€a€client.€€Competent€representation€requires€theÏlegal€knowledge,€skill,€thoroughness,€and€preparation€reasonably€necessary€for€the€representation.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTSó óÌò òÌó óà@ àò òLegal€Knowledge€and€Skilló óÌÌà à[1]à àIn€determining€whether€a€lawyer€employs€the€requisite€knowledge€and€skill€in€aÏparticular€matter,€relevant€factors€include€the€relative€complexity€and€specialized€nature€of€the€matter,Ïthe€lawyerððs€general€experience,€the€lawyerððs€training€and€experience€in€the€field€in€question,€theÏpreparation€and€study€the€lawyer€is€able€to€give€the€matter,€and€whether€it€is€feasible€to€refer€theÏmatter€to,€or€associate€or€consult€with,€a€lawyer€of€established€competence€in€the€field€in€question.€ÏIn€many€instances,€the€required€proficiency€is€that€of€a€general€practitioner.€€Expertise€in€a€particularÏfield€of€law€may€be€required€in€some€circumstances.ÌÌà à[2]à àA€lawyer€need€not€necessarily€have€special€training€or€prior€experience€to€handleÏlegal€problems€of€a€type€with€which€the€lawyer€is€unfamiliar.€€A€newly€admitted€lawyer€can€be€asÏcompetent€as€a€practitioner€with€long€experience.€€Some€important€legal€skills,€such€as€the€analysisÏof€precedent,€the€evaluation€of€evidence,€and€legal€drafting,€are€required€in€all€legal€problems.€ÏPerhaps€the€most€fundamental€legal€skill€consists€of€determining€what€kind€of€legal€problems€aÏsituation€may€involve,€a€skill€that€necessarily€transcends€any€particular€specialized€knowledge.€€AÏlawyer€can€provide€adequate€representation€in€a€wholly€novel€field€through€necessary€study.€ÏCompetent€representation€can€also€be€provided€through€the€association€of€a€lawyer€of€establishedÏcompetence€in€the€field€in€question.ÌÌà à[3]Ôf  Ôà àIn€a€situation€in€which€a€client€is€threatened€with€imminent€and€irreparable€harm,Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€aÏlawyer€may€give€advice€or€assistance€in€a€matter€in€which€the€lawyer€does€not€have€the€skillÏordinarily€required€where€referral€to,€or€consultation€or€association€with,€another€lawyer€would€beÏimpractical.€€Even€inÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô€such€a€situationÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€however,€assistance€should€be€limited€to€that€reasonablyÏnecessary€in€the€circumstances,€for€ill„considered€action€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôcan€jeopardize€the€clientððs€interest.ÌÌà à[4]à àA€lawyer€may€accept€representation€where€the€requisite€level€of€competence€can€beÏachieved€by€reasonable€preparation.€€This€principle€applies€as€well€to€a€lawyer€who€is€appointed€asÏcounsel€for€an€unrepresented€person.€€òòSee€alsoóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€6.2.ÌÌà@ àò òThoroughness€and€Preparationó óÌÌà à[5]à àCompetent€handling€of€a€particular€matter€includes€inquiry€into€and€analysis€of€theÏfactual€and€legal€elements€of€the€problem,€and€the€use€of€methods€and€procedures€meeting€theÏstandards€of€competent€practitioners.€€It€also€includes€adequate€preparation.€€The€required€attentionÏand€preparation€are€determined€in€part€by€what€is€at€stake;€major€litigation€and€complex€transactionsÏordinarily€require€more€elaborate€treatment€than€matters€of€lesser€consequence.ÌÌà@ àò òMaintaining€Competenceó óÌÌà à[6]à àTo€maintain€the€requisite€knowledge€and€skill,€a€lawyer€should€engage€in€regularÏcontinuing€study€and€education€that€is€pertinent€to€the€lawyerððs€practice€and€should€conscientiouslyÏsatisfy€all€requirements€for€continuing€legal€education€in€all€jurisdictions€in€which€the€lawyer€isÍlicensed€to€practice€law.€€If€a€system€of€peer€review€has€been€established,€the€lawyer€should€considerÏmaking€use€of€it€in€appropriate€circumstances.ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌÌó óð ðReasonablyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)ÇÔ  ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ôà@ àò òRule€1.2€Ìà@ àSCOPE€OF€THE€REPRESENTATION€AND€THE€ALLOCATION€OF€Ìó óà@ àò òAUTHORITY€BETWEEN€THE€LAWYER€AND€CLIENTÌó óÔ  ÔÌ(a)à àSubject€to€paragraphs€(c)€and€(d),€a€lawyer€shall€abide€by€a€clientððs€decisions€concerning€theÏobjectives€of€the€representation€and€may€take€such€action€on€behalf€of€the€client€as€is€impliedlyÏauthorized€to€carry€out€the€representation.€€A€lawyer€shall€abide€by€a€clientððs€decision€whether€toÏsettle€a€matter.€€In€a€criminal€case,€the€lawyer€shall€abide€by€the€clientððs€decision€as€to€a€plea€to€beÏentered,€whether€to€waive€jury€trial,€and€whether€the€client€will€testify.ÌÌ(b)à àA€lawyerððs€representation€of€a€client,€including€representation€by€appointment,€does€notÏconstitute€an€endorsement€of€the€clientððs€political,€economic,€social,€or€moral€views€or€activities.€ÌÌ(c)à àA€lawyer€may€limit€the€scope€of€a€clientððs€representation€if€the€limitation€is€reasonable€underÏthe€circumstances€and€the€client€gives€consent,€preferably€in€writing,€after€consultation.€ÌÌ(d)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€counsel€a€client€to€engage,€or€assist€a€client,€in€conduct€that€the€lawyerÏknows€or€reasonably€should€know€is€criminal€or€fraudulent,€but€a€lawyer€may€discuss€the€legalÏconsequences€of€any€proposed€course€of€conduct€with€a€client€and€may€counsel€or€assist€a€client€toÏmake€a€good€faith€effort€to€determine€the€validity,€scope,€meaning,€or€application€of€the€law.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTSó óÌÌà@ àò òAllocation€of€Authority€Between€Client€and€LawyerÌÌó óà à[1]à àBoth€lawyer€and€client€have€authority€and€responsibility€in€the€objectives€and€meansÏof€the€representation.€€The€client€has€ultimate€authority€to€determine€the€purposes€to€be€served€byÏlegal€representation,€within€the€limits€imposed€by€law€and€the€lawyerððs€professional€obligations.€ÏAlso,€the€decisions€specified€in€paragraph€(a),€such€as€whether€to€settle€a€civil€matter,€must€be€madeÏby€the€client.€€Other€decisions€may€be€made€by€the€lawyer€pursuant€to€the€lawyerððs€impliedÏauthority€to€take€action€necessary€to€carry€out€the€representation,€subject€to€the€lawyerððs€duty€toÏkeep€the€client€reasonably€informed€about€the€status€of€the€representation.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.4.òò€€óóA€clearÏdistinction€between€objectives€and€means€sometimes€cannot€be€drawn,€and€in€many€cases€the€client„lawyer€relationship€partakes€of€a€joint€undertaking.€€In€questions€of€means,€for€example,€the€lawyerÏnormally€will€assume€responsibility€for€technical€and€legal€tactical€issues,€but€the€lawyer€usually€willÏdefer€to€the€client€regarding€such€questions€as€the€expense€to€be€incurred€and€concern€for€thirdÏpersons€who€might€be€adversely€affected.€€Law€defining€the€lawyerððs€scope€of€authority€in€litigationÏvaries€among€jurisdictions.€€òòÌÌóóà à[2]à àParagraph€(a)€recognizes€that€clients€normally€defer€to€the€special€knowledge€andÏskill€of€their€lawyer.€€At€the€same€time,€a€lawyer€is€not€required€to€pursue€objectives€or€employÏmeans€simply€because€a€client€may€instruct€the€lawyer€do€so.€€Although€a€lawyer,€as€an€agent,Ïnormally€must€abide€by€the€clientððs€instructions€with€respect€to€the€representation,€a€lawyer€mayÏalways€refuse€to€engage€in€conduct€that€the€lawyer€reasonably€believes€to€be€unlawful€or€prohibitedÏby€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€and€may€take€action€that€the€lawyer€reasonably€believes€to€beÏrequired€by€law€or€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct.€€Also,€if€a€lawyer€has€a€fundamentalÏdisagreement€with€the€client€about€the€clientððs€objectives€or€the€means€to€be€used€to€accomplishÏthem,€the€lawyer€may€withdraw€from€the€representation.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.16.ÌÌà à[3]à àCommunication€between€the€lawyer€and€the€client€is€necessary€for€the€client€toÏeffectively€participate€in€decisions€relating€to€clientððs€representation.€€The€lawyer€must,€therefore,Íkeep€the€client€reasonably€informed€about€the€lawyerððs€actions€on€behalf€of€the€client.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_ÔÏ1.4.€ÌÌà à[4]à àAt€the€outset€of€a€representation,€the€client€may€authorize€the€lawyer€to€take€action€onÏthe€clientððs€behalf€without€further€consultation.€€Ordinarily,€a€lawyer€may€rely€on€such€an€advanceÏauthorization.€€The€client€may,€however,€revoke€such€authority€at€any€time,€and€a€lawyer€may€notÏrely€on€an€advance€authorization€if€there€has€been€such€a€material€change€in€the€circumstancesÏknown€to€the€lawyer€that€the€clientððs€prior€authorization€can€no€longer€be€regarded€as€an€adequatelyÏinformed€decision.€ÌÌà à[5]à àIn€a€case€in€which€the€client€appears€to€have€a€mental€disability,€the€lawyerððs€duty€toÏabide€by€the€clientððs€decisions€is€to€be€guided€by€reference€to€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.14.ÌÌà@ àò òIndependence€From€Clientððs€Views€or€ActivitiesÌÌó óà à[6]à àLegal€representation€should€not€be€denied€to€people€who€are€unable€to€afford€legalÏservices,€or€whose€cause€is€controversial€or€the€subject€of€popular€disapproval.€€By€the€same€token,Ïrepresenting€a€client€does€not€constitute€approval€of€the€clientððs€views€or€activities.ÌÌà@ àò òAgreements€Limiting€the€Scope€of€the€RepresentationÌÌó óà à[7]à àThe€scope€of€services€to€be€provided€by€a€lawyer€may€be€limited€by€agreement€withÏthe€client€or€by€the€terms€under€which€the€lawyerððs€services€are€made€available€to€the€client.€€WhenÏa€lawyer€has€been€retained€by€an€insurer€to€represent€an€insured,€for€example,€the€representationÏmay€be€limited€to€matters€related€to€the€insurance€coverage.€€A€limited€representation€may€beÏappropriate€because€the€client€has€limited€objectives€for€the€representation.€€In€addition,€the€termsÏupon€which€representation€is€undertaken€may€exclude€specific€means€that€might€otherwise€be€usedÏto€accomplish€the€clientððs€objectives.€€Such€limitations€may€exclude€actions€that€the€client€thinks€areÏtoo€costly€or€that€the€lawyer€regards€as€repugnant€or€imprudent.Ì€Ìà à[8]à àAlthough€this€Rule€affords€the€lawyer€and€client€substantial€latitude€to€limit€theÏrepresentation,€the€limitation€must€be€reasonable€under€the€circumstances.€€If,€for€example,€a€clientððsÏobjective€is€limited€to€securing€general€information€about€the€law€the€client€needs€in€order€to€handleÏa€common€and€typically€uncomplicated€legal€problem,€the€lawyer€and€client€may€agree€that€theÏlawyerððs€services€will€be€limited€to€a€brief€telephone€consultation.€€Such€a€limitation,€however,Ïwould€not€be€reasonable€if€the€time€allotted€was€not€sufficient€to€yield€advice€upon€which€the€clientÏcould€rely.€€Although€an€agreement€for€a€limited€representation€does€not€exempt€a€lawyer€from€theÏduty€to€provide€competent€representation,€the€limitation€is€a€factor€to€be€considered€whenÏdetermining€the€legal€knowledge,€skill,€thoroughness,€and€preparation€reasonably€necessary€for€theÏrepresentation.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.1.ÌÌà à[9]à àOther€agreements€concerning€a€lawyerððs€representation€of€a€client€must€accord€withÏthe€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€and€other€law.€€òòSee,€e.g.óó,€Ô_ÔRPCsÔ_Ô€1.1,€1.8,€and€5.6.ÌÌà@ àò òCriminal,€Fraudulent,€and€Prohibited€Transactions€ÌÌó óà à[10]à àParagraph€(d)€prohibits€a€lawyer€from€counseling€or€assisting€a€client€to€engage€inÏconduct€that€the€lawyer€knows€or€reasonably€should€know€is€criminal€or€fraudulent.€€ThisÏprohibition,€however,€does€not€preclude€the€lawyer€from€giving€an€honest€opinion€about€the€actualÏconsequences€that€appear€likely€to€result€from€a€clientððs€conduct.€€Nor€does€the€fact€that€a€clientÏuses€advice€in€a€course€of€action€that€is€criminal€or€fraudulent€of€itself€make€a€lawyer€a€party€to€theÍcourse€of€action.€€There€is€a€critical€distinction€between€presenting€an€analysis€of€legal€aspects€ofÏquestionable€conduct€and€recommending€the€means€by€which€a€crime€or€fraud€might€be€committedÏwith€impunity.ÌÌà à[11]à àWhen€the€clientððs€course€of€action€has€already€begun€and€is€continuing,€theÏlawyerððs€responsibility€is€especially€delicate.€€The€lawyer€may€be€permitted,€but€is€not€required,€byÏÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6€to€reveal€the€clientððs€wrongdoing.€€In€any€case,€however,€the€lawyer€is€required€to€avoidÏfurthering€the€purpose,€for€example,€by€suggesting€how€it€might€be€concealed.€€A€lawyer€may€notÏcontinue€assisting€a€client€in€conduct€that€the€lawyer€originally€supposed€was€legally€proper€butÏthen€discovers€is€criminal€or€fraudulent.€€The€lawyer€must,€therefore,€withdraw€from€theÏrepresentation€of€the€client€in€the€matter.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.16(a).€€ÌÌà à[12]à àWhere€the€client€is€a€fiduciary,€the€lawyer€may€be€charged€with€special€obligations€inÏdealings€with€a€beneficiary.ÌÌà à[13]à àParagraph€(d)€applies€whether€or€not€the€defrauded€party€is€a€party€to€theÏtransaction.€€Hence,€a€lawyer€must€not€participate€in€a€sham€transaction;€for€example,€a€transactionÏto€effectuate€criminal€or€fraudulent€escape€of€tax€liability.€€Paragraph€(d)€does€not€precludeÏundertaking€a€criminal€defense€incident€to€a€general€retainer€for€legal€services€to€a€lawful€enterprise.€ÏThe€last€clause€of€paragraph€(d)€recognizes€that€determining€the€validity€or€interpretation€of€a€statuteÏor€regulation€may€require€a€course€of€action€involving€disobedience€of€the€statute€or€regulation€or€ofÏthe€interpretation€placed€upon€it€by€governmental€authorities.Ì€Ìà à[14]à àIf€a€lawyer€comes€to€know€or€reasonably€should€know€that€a€client€expectsÏassistance€not€permitted€by€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€or€other€law,€or€if€the€lawyer€intendsÏto€act€contrary€to€the€clientððs€instructions,€the€lawyer€must€consult€with€the€client€regarding€theÏlimitations€on€the€lawyerððs€conduct.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.4.ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðConsultationðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(c)Ìð ðFraudulentðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(e)Ìð ðKnowsðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(f)Ìð ðReasonableðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)Ìð ðReasonably€Should€Knowðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(k)ò òÇÔ  Ôó óÔf  ÔÔg Ôà@ àò òRule€1.3Ìó óà@ àò òDILIGENCEÔ  Ôó óÌò òÌó óA€lawyer€shall€act€with€reasonable€diligence€and€promptness€in€representing€a€client.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTSó óÌÌà à[1]à àA€lawyer€should€pursue€a€matter€on€behalf€of€a€client€despite€opposition,Ïobstruction,€or€personal€inconvenience€to€the€lawyer€and€may€take€whatever€lawful€and€ethicalÏmeasures€are€required€to€vindicate€a€clientððs€cause€or€endeavor.€€A€lawyer€should€act€withÏcommitment€and€dedication€to€the€interests€of€the€client€and€with€zeal€in€advocacy€upon€the€clientððsÏbehalf.€€However,€a€lawyer€is€not€bound€to€press€for€every€advantage€that€might€be€realized€for€aÏclient.€€Unless€instructed€by€a€client€to€the€contrary,€a€lawyer€has€professional€discretion€inÏdetermining€the€means€by€which€a€matter€should€be€pursued,€and€the€lawyer€is€not€required€to€abideÏby€unreasonable€client€instructions.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.2.€€A€lawyerððs€work€load€should€be€controlled€soÏthat€each€matter€can€be€handled€adequately.ÌÌà à[2]à àPerhaps€no€professional€shortcoming€is€more€widely€resented€than€procrastination.€ÏA€clientððs€interests€often€can€be€adversely€affected€by€the€passage€of€time€or€the€change€ofÏconditions;€in€extreme€instances,€as€when€a€lawyer€overlooks€a€statute€of€limitations,€the€clientððsÏlegal€position€may€be€destroyed.€€Even€when€the€clientððs€interests€are€not€affected€in€substance,Ïhowever,€unreasonable€delay€can€cause€a€client€needless€anxiety€and€undermine€confidence€in€theÏlawyerððs€trustworthiness.ÌÌà à[3]à àUnless€the€relationship€is€terminated€as€provided€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.16,€a€lawyer€should€carryÏthrough€to€conclusion€all€matters€undertaken€for€a€client.€€If€a€lawyerððs€employment€is€limited€to€aÏspecific€matter,€the€relationship€terminates€when€the€matter€has€been€resolved.€€If€a€lawyer€hasÏserved€a€client€over€a€substantial€period€in€a€variety€of€matters,€the€client€sometimes€may€assume€thatÏthe€lawyer€will€continue€to€serve€on€a€continuing€basis€unless€the€lawyer€gives€notice€of€withdrawal.€ÏDoubt€about€whether€a€client„lawyer€relationship€still€exists€should€be€clarified€by€the€lawyer,Ïpreferably€in€writing,€so€that€the€client€will€not€mistakenly€suppose€the€lawyer€is€looking€after€theÏclientððs€affairs€when€the€lawyer€has€ceased€to€do€so.€€For€example,€if€a€lawyer€has€handled€a€judicialÏor€administrative€proceeding€that€produced€a€result€adverse€to€the€client€but€has€not€been€specificallyÏinstructed€concerning€pursuit€of€an€appeal,€the€lawyer€should€advise€the€client€of€the€possibility€ofÏappeal€before€relinquishing€responsibility€for€the€matter.ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðReasonableðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)ÇÔ  Ôà@ àò òRule€1.4€Ìó óà@ àò òCOMMUNICATIONó óÌÔ  ÔÌ(a)à àA€lawyer€shall€keep€a€client€reasonably€informed€about€the€status€of€a€matter€and€complyÏwith€reasonable€requests€for€information€within€a€reasonable€time.ÌÌ(b)à àA€lawyer€shall€explain€a€matter€to€the€extent€reasonably€necessary€to€permit€the€client€toÏmake€informed€decisions€regarding€the€representation.Ìò òÌó óà@ àò òCOMMENTSó óÌÌà@ àò òKeeping€the€Client€Reasonably€Informedó óÌÌà à[1]à àReasonable€communication€between€the€lawyer€and€the€client€is€necessary€for€theÏclient€to€effectively€participate€in€the€representation.€€When€a€decision€about€the€representation€mustÏbe€made€by€the€client,€the€lawyer€must€consult€with€and€secure€the€clientððs€consent€prior€to€takingÏaction.€€Thus,€a€lawyer€who€receives€from€opposing€counsel€an€offer€of€settlement€in€a€civilÏcontroversy€or€a€proffered€plea€bargain€in€a€criminal€case€should€promptly€inform€the€client€of€itsÏsubstance,€unless€prior€discussions€with€the€client€have€left€it€clear€that€the€proposal€would€beÏunacceptable.€€With€respect€to€the€decisions€for€which€the€clientððs€prior€consent€is€not€required€byÏÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.2,€the€lawyerððs€responsibility€is€to€keep€the€client€reasonably€informed.€€In€someÏsituationsð"ðdepending€on€both€the€importance€of€the€action€under€consideration€and€the€feasibilityÏof€consulting€with€the€clientð"ðthis€duty€will€require€consultation€prior€to€taking€the€action.€€In€otherÏcircumstances,€such€as€during€a€trial€when€an€immediate€decision€must€be€made,€practical€exigencyÏmay€also€require€a€lawyer€to€act€for€a€client€without€prior€consultation.€€In€such€cases,€and€in€otherÏsituations€in€which€the€client€has€impliedly€or€expressly€delegated€authority€to€the€lawyer€to€takeÏaction€without€prior€consultation,€the€lawyer€must€nonetheless€act€reasonably€to€keep€the€clientÏinformed€of€actions€the€lawyer€has€taken€on€the€clientððs€behalf.ÌòòÌóóà@ àò òExplaining€Mattersó óÌÌà à[2]à àThe€client€should€have€sufficient€information€to€participate€intelligently€in€decisionsÏconcerning€the€objectives€of€the€representation€and€the€means€by€which€they€are€to€be€pursued,€toÏthe€extent€the€client€is€willing€and€able€to€do€so.€€For€example,€a€lawyer€negotiating€on€behalf€of€aÏclient€should€provide€the€client€with€facts€relevant€to€the€matter,€inform€the€client€of€communicationsÏfrom€another€party,€and€take€other€reasonable€steps€that€permit€the€client€to€make€a€decisionÏregarding€a€serious€offer€from€another€party.€ÌÌà à[3]à àOrdinarily,€the€information€to€be€provided€is€that€appropriate€for€a€client€who€is€aÏcomprehending€and€responsible€adult.€€However,€fully€informing€the€client€according€to€thisÏstandard€may€be€impracticable,€for€example,€where€the€client€is€a€child€or€has€a€mental€disability.€ÏòòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.14.€€When€the€client€is€an€organization€or€group,€it€is€often€impossible€or€inappropriateÏto€inform€every€one€of€its€members€about€its€legal€affairs,€and€ordinarily,€the€lawyer€should€addressÏcommunications€to€the€appropriate€officials€of€the€organization.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.13.€€Where€manyÏroutine€matters€are€involved,€a€system€of€limited€or€occasional€reporting€may€be€arranged€with€theÏclient.€€Practical€exigency€may€also€require€a€lawyer€to€act€for€a€client€without€prior€consultation.ÌÌà@ àò òWithholding€Informationó óÌÌà à[4]à àIn€some€circumstances,€a€lawyer€may€be€justified€in€delaying€transmission€ofÏinformation€when€the€client€would€be€likely€to€react€imprudently€to€an€immediate€communication.€ÍThus,€a€lawyer€might€withhold€a€psychiatric€diagnosis€of€a€client€when€the€examining€psychiatristÏindicates€that€disclosure€would€harm€the€client.€€A€lawyer€may€not€withhold€information€to€serve€theÏlawyerððs€own€interest€or€convenience.€€Rules€or€court€orders€governing€litigation€may€provide€thatÏinformation€supplied€to€a€lawyer€may€not€be€disclosed€to€the€client.€€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.4(c)€directs€complianceÏwith€such€rules€or€orders.ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌÌó óð ðReasonableðð€and€ð ðReasonablyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)ò òÇÔ  Ôó óà@ àò òRule€1.5Ìó óà@ àò òFEESÌÔ  ÔÌó ó(a)à àA€lawyerððs€fee€and€charges€forÔf  Ô€Ôg ÔÔf  ÔÔg ÔexpensesÔf  ÔÔg Ô€shall€be€reasonable.€€The€factors€to€be€consideredÏin€determining€the€reasonableness€of€a€fee€include€the€following:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€time€and€labor€required,€the€novelty€and€difficulty€of€the€questions€involved,€andÏthe€skill€requisite€to€perform€the€legal€service€properly;ÌÌà0 à(2)à àthe€likelihood,€if€apparent€to€the€client,€that€the€acceptance€of€the€particularÏemployment€will€preclude€other€employment€by€the€lawyer;ÌÌà à(3)à àthe€fee€customarily€charged€in€the€locality€for€similar€legal€services;ÌÌà à(4)à àthe€amount€involved€and€the€results€obtained;ÌÌà à(5)à àthe€time€limitations€imposed€by€the€client€or€by€the€circumstances;ÌÌà à(6)à àthe€nature€and€length€of€the€professional€relationship€with€the€client;ÌÌà0 à(7)à àthe€experience,€reputation,€and€ability€of€the€lawyer€or€lawyers€performing€theÏservices;Ì€Ìà à(8)à àwhether€the€fee€is€fixed€or€contingent;ÌÌà0 à(9)à àprior€advertisements€or€statements€by€the€lawyer€with€respect€to€the€fees€the€lawyerÏcharges;€andÌ€Ìà à(10)à àwhether€the€fee€agreement€is€in€writing.€ÌÌ(b)à àWhen€the€lawyer€has€not€regularly€represented€the€client,€the€basis€or€rate€of€the€fee€shall€beÏcommunicated€to€the€client,€preferably€in€writing,€before€or€within€a€reasonable€time€afterÏcommencing€the€representation.ÌÌ(c)à àA€fee€may€be€contingent€on€the€outcome€of€the€matter€for€which€the€service€is€rendered,Ïexcept€in€a€matter€in€which€a€contingent€fee€is€prohibited€by€paragraph€(d)€or€other€law.€€AÏcontingent€fee€agreement€shall€be€in€writing,€signed€by€the€client,€and€shall€state€the€method€byÏwhich€the€fee€is€to€be€determined,€including€the€percentage€or€percentages€that€shall€accrue€to€theÏlawyer€in€the€event€of€litigation,€settlement,€trial,€or€appeal;€other€expenses€to€be€deducted€from€theÏrecovery;€and€whether€such€expenses€are€to€be€deducted€before€or€after€the€contingent€fee€isÏcalculated.€€Upon€conclusion€of€a€contingent€fee€matter,€the€lawyer€shall€provide€the€client€with€aÏwritten€statement€stating€the€outcome€of€the€matter€and€whether€there€was€a€recovery,€and€showingÏthe€remittance,€if€any,€to€the€client€and€the€method€of€its€determination.ÌÌ(d)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€enter€into€an€arrangement€for,€charge,€or€collect:Ìà0 àÌà0 à(1)à àany€fee€in€a€domestic€relations€matter,€the€payment€or€amount€of€which€is€contingentÏupon€the€securing€of€a€divorce€or€the€award€of€custodial€rights,€or€upon€the€amount€ofÏalimony€or€support,€or€the€value€of€a€property€division€or€settlement,€unless€the€matterÏrelates€solely€to€the€collection€of€arrearages€in€alimony€or€child€support€or€the€enforcementÏof€an€order€dividing€the€marital€estate€and€the€fee€arrangement€is€disclosed€to€the€court;€or€ÌÌà0 à(2)à àa€contingent€fee€for€representing€a€defendant€in€a€criminal€case.ÌÌ(e)à àA€division€of€a€fee€between€lawyers€who€are€not€in€the€same€firm€may€be€made€only€if:Ìà0 àÌà0 à(1)à àthe€division€is€in€proportion€to€the€services€performed€by€each€lawyer€or,€by€writtenÏconsent€of€the€client,€each€lawyer€assumes€joint€responsibility€for€the€representation;€andÌà0 àÌà0 à(2)à àthe€client€is€advised€of€and€does€not€object€to€the€participation€of€all€the€lawyersÏinvolved;€andÌ€Ìà à(3)à àthe€total€fee€is€reasonable.ÌÌÓ  Óò òCOMMENTSÌÓ  ÓÌó óà@ àò òBasis€or€Rate€of€Feeó óÌÌà à[1]à àWhen€the€lawyer€has€regularly€represented€a€client,€there€ordinarily€will€have€evolvedÏan€understanding€concerning€the€basis€or€rate€of€the€fee.€€In€a€new€client„lawyer€relationship,Ïhowever,€an€understanding€as€to€the€fee€should€be€promptly€established.€€It€is€not€necessary€to€reciteÏall€the€factors€that€underlie€the€basis€of€the€fee,€but€only€those€that€are€directly€involved€in€itsÏcomputation.€€It€is€sufficient,€for€example,€to€state€that€the€basic€rate€is€an€hourly€charge€or€a€fixedÏamount€or€an€estimated€amount,€or€to€identify€the€factors€that€may€be€taken€into€account€in€finallyÏfixing€the€fee.€€When€developments€occur€during€the€representation€that€render€an€earlier€estimateÏsubstantially€inaccurate,€a€revised€estimate€should€be€provided€to€the€client.€€A€written€statementÏconcerning€the€fee€reduces€the€possibility€of€misunderstanding.€€Furnishing€the€client€with€a€simpleÏmemorandum€or€a€copy€of€the€lawyerððs€customary€fee€schedule€is€sufficient€if€the€basis€or€rate€ofÏthe€fee€is€set€forth.ÌÌà@ àò òTerms€of€Paymentó óÌÌà à[2]à àA€lawyer€may€require€advance€payment€of€a€fee,€but€he€or€she€is€obliged€to€returnÏany€unearned€portion.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.16(d).€€A€lawyer€may€accept€property€in€payment€for€services,Ïsuch€as€an€ownership€interest€in€an€enterprise,€providing€this€does€not€involve€acquisition€of€aÏproprietary€interest€in€the€cause€of€action€or€subject€matter€of€the€litigation€contrary€to€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8(j).€ÏHowever,€a€fee€paid€in€property€instead€of€money€may€be€subject€to€special€scrutiny€because€itÏinvolves€questions€concerning€both€the€value€of€the€services€and€the€lawyerððs€special€knowledge€ofÏthe€value€of€the€property.€€If€the€property€belongs€to€the€client,€the€lawyer€will€also€have€to€complyÏwith€the€requirements€of€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8(a).ÌÌà à[3]à àAn€agreement€may€not€be€made€whose€terms€might€induce€the€lawyer€improperly€toÏcurtail€services€for€the€client€or€perform€them€in€a€way€contrary€to€the€clientððs€interest.€€ForÏexample,€a€lawyer€should€not€enter€into€an€agreement€whereby€services€are€to€be€provided€only€upÏto€a€stated€amount€when€it€is€foreseeable€that€more€extensive€services€probably€will€be€required,Ïunless€the€situation€is€adequately€explained€to€the€client.€€Otherwise,€the€client€might€have€to€bargainÏfor€further€assistance€in€the€midst€of€a€proceeding€or€transaction.€€However,€it€is€proper€to€define€theÏextent€of€services€in€light€of€the€clientððs€ability€to€pay.€€A€lawyer€should€not€exploit€a€feeÏarrangement€based€primarily€on€hourly€charges€by€using€wasteful€procedures.€€When€there€is€doubtÏwhether€a€contingent€fee€is€consistent€with€the€clientððs€best€interest,€the€lawyer€should€offer€theÏclient€alternative€bases€for€the€fee€and€explain€their€implications.€€Applicable€law€may€imposeÏlimitations€on€contingent€fees,€such€as€a€ceiling€on€the€percentage.ÌÌà à[4]à àIn€some€circumstances,€other€law€may€regulate€the€fees€and€expenses€charged€byÏlawyers.€€For€example,€Tennessee€law€regulates€contingent€fees€in€medical€malpractice€cases.€€òòSeeóóÏTenn.€Code€Ann.€ðð€29„26„120€(1980).€€In€these€circumstances,€charging€unlawful€fees€or€expensesÏmay€be€considered€unreasonable€under€section€(a)€of€this€Rules€and€may€violate€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€8.4€or€otherÏrules.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€8.4(d)€(prohibiting€conduct€prejudicial€to€the€administration€of€justice).ÌÌà@ àò òDivision€of€Feeó óÌÌà à[5]à àA€division€of€fee€is€a€single€billing€to€a€client€covering€the€fee€of€two€or€moreÏlawyers€who€are€not€in€the€same€firm.€€A€division€of€fee€facilitates€association€of€more€than€oneÏlawyer€in€a€matter€in€which€neither€alone€could€serve€the€client€as€well,€and€most€often€is€used€whenÏthe€fee€is€contingent€and€the€division€is€between€a€referring€lawyer€and€a€trial€specialist.€€ParagraphÏ(e)€permits€the€lawyers€to€divide€a€fee€on€either€the€basis€of€the€proportion€of€services€they€render€orÏby€agreement€between€the€participating€lawyers€if€all€assume€responsibility€for€the€representation€asÏa€whole€and€the€client€is€advised€and€does€not€object.€€It€does€not€require€disclosure€to€the€client€ofÏthe€share€that€each€lawyer€is€to€receive.€€Joint€responsibility€for€the€representation€entails€theÏobligations€stated€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€5.1€for€purposes€of€the€matter€involved.ÌÌà@ àò òDisputes€Over€Feesó óÌÌà à[6]à àIf€a€procedure€has€been€established€for€resolution€of€fee€disputes,€such€as€anÏarbitration€or€mediation€procedure€established€by€the€bar,€the€lawyer€should€conscientiouslyÏconsider€submitting€to€it.€€Law€may€prescribe€a€procedure€for€determining€a€lawyerððs€fee,€forÏexample,€in€representation€of€an€executor€or€administrator,€a€class€or€a€person€entitled€to€aÏreasonable€fee€as€part€of€the€measure€of€damages.€€The€lawyer€entitled€to€such€a€fee€and€a€lawyerÏrepresenting€another€party€concerned€with€the€fee€should€comply€with€the€prescribed€procedure.ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðFirmðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(d)Ìð ðReasonableðð€and€ð ðReasonablenessðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)ò òÇÔ  Ôà@ àRule€1.6Ìó óà@ àò òCONFIDENTIALITYÔ  ÔÌ€ó óÌ(a)à àExcept€as€provided€below,€a€lawyer€shall€not€reveal€information€relating€to€representation€ofÏa€client€unless€the€client€consents€after€consultation,€except€that€the€lawyer€may€make€suchÏdisclosures€as€are€impliedly€authorized€by€the€client€in€order€for€the€lawyer€to€carry€out€theÏrepresentation.Ì€Ì(b)à àA€lawyer€may€reveal€information€relating€to€the€representation€of€a€client€to€the€extent€theÏlawyer€reasonably€believes€disclosure€is€necessary:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àto€prevent€the€client€or€another€person€from€committing€a€crime,€including€a€crimeÏthat€is€reasonably€certain€to€result€in€substantial€injury€to€the€financial€interest€or€property€ofÏanother,€unless€disclosure€is€prohibited€or€restricted€by€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.3;ÌÌà0 à(2)à àto€secure€legal€advice€about€the€lawyerððs€compliance€with€these€Rules;€orÌÌà0 à(3)à àto€establish€a€claim€or€defense€on€behalf€of€the€lawyer€in€a€controversy€between€theÏlawyer€and€the€client,€to€establish€a€defense€to€a€criminal€charge€or€civil€claim€against€theÏlawyer€based€upon€conduct€in€which€the€client€was€involved,€or€to€respond€to€allegations€inÏany€proceeding€concerning€the€lawyerððs€representation€of€the€client.ÌÌ(c)à àA€lawyer€shall€reveal€information€relating€to€the€representation€of€a€client€to€the€extent€theÏlawyer€reasonably€believes€disclosure€is€necessary:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àto€prevent€reasonably€certain€death€or€substantial€bodily€harm;ÌÌ€à0 à(2)à àto€comply€with€an€order€of€a€tribunal€requiring€disclosure,€but€only€if€ordered€to€doÏso€by€the€tribunal€after€the€lawyer€has€asserted€on€behalf€of€the€client€all€non„frivolousÏclaims€that€the€information€sought€by€the€tribunal€is€protected€against€disclosure€by€theÏattorney„client€privilege€or€other€applicable€law;€orÌÌà à(3)à àto€comply€with€Ô_ÔRulesÔ_Ô€3.3,€4.1,€or€other€law.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTSÌó óÌà à[1]à àThis€Rule€governs€the€disclosure€by€a€lawyer€of€information€relating€to€theÏrepresentation€of€a€client€during€the€lawyerððs€representation€of€the€client.€€With€respect€to€the€use€ofÏsuch€information€to€the€disadvantage€of€the€client,€see€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8(b).€€With€respect€to€disclosure€andÏadverse€use€of€information€relating€to€the€representation€of€a€former€client,€see€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9(c).ÌÌà à[2]à àThe€observance€of€the€ethical€obligation€of€a€lawyer€to€hold€inviolate€confidentialÏinformation€of€the€client€not€only€facilitates€the€full€development€of€facts€essential€to€properÏrepresentation€of€the€client,€but€it€also€encourages€people€to€seek€early€legal€assistance.ÌÌà à[3]à àAlmost€without€exception,€clients€come€to€lawyers€in€order€to€determine€what€theirÏrights€are€and€what€is,€in€the€maze€of€laws€and€regulations,€deemed€to€be€legal€and€correct.€€TheÏcommon€law€recognizes€that€the€clientððs€confidences€must€be€protected€from€disclosure.€€BasedÏupon€experience,€lawyers€know€that€almost€all€clients€follow€the€advice€given,€and€the€law€is€upheld.ÌÌà à[4]à àA€fundamental€principle€in€the€client„lawyer€relationship€is€that€the€lawyer€maintainÏconfidentiality€of€information€relating€to€the€representation.€€This€contributes€to€the€trust€that€is€theÏhallmark€of€the€client„lawyer€relationship.€€The€client€is€thereby€encouraged€to€communicate€fullyÏand€frankly€with€the€lawyer€even€as€to€embarrassing€or€legally€damaging€subject€matter.ÌÌà à[5]à àThe€principle€of€lawyer„client€confidentiality€is€given€effect€by€related€bodies€of€law,Ïincluding€the€attorney„client€privilege,€the€work„product€doctrine,€and€the€rule€of€confidentialityÏestablished€in€professional€ethics.€€The€attorney„client€privilege€applies€in€judicial€and€otherÏproceedings€in€which€a€lawyer€may€be€called€as€a€witness€or€otherwise€required€to€produce€evidenceÏconcerning€a€client.€€The€rule€of€client„lawyer€confidentiality€applies€in€situations€other€than€thoseÏwhere€evidence€is€sought€from€the€lawyer€through€compulsion€of€law.€€The€confidentiality€rule,€forÏexample,€applies€not€only€to€matters€communicated€in€confidence€by€the€client,€but€also€to€allÏinformation€relating€to€the€representation,€whatever€its€source.€€A€lawyer€may€not€disclose€suchÏinformation€except€as€authorized€or€as€required€by€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€or€other€law.€ÏòòSee€alsoóó€Scope€Comment€[7].€ÌÌà à[6]à àThe€requirement€of€maintaining€confidentiality€of€information€relating€toÏrepresentation€applies€to€government€lawyers€who€may€disagree€with€the€policy€goals€that€theirÏrepresentation€is€designed€to€advance.ÌÌà à[7]à àParagraph€(a)€prohibits€a€lawyer€from€revealing€information€relating€to€theÏrepresentation€of€a€client.€€This€prohibition€also€applies€to€disclosures€by€a€lawyer€that€do€not€inÏthemselves€reveal€protected€information€but€could€reasonably€lead€to€the€discovery€of€suchÏinformation€by€a€third€person.€€A€lawyerððs€use€of€hypotheticals€to€discuss€issues€relating€to€theÏrepresentation€is€permissible€so€long€as€there€is€no€reasonable€likelihood€that€the€listener€will€beÏable€to€ascertain€the€identity€of€the€client€or€the€situation€involved.ÌÌà@ àò òAuthorized€DisclosureÌó óÌà à[8]à àA€lawyer€is€impliedly€authorized€to€make€disclosures€about€a€client€whenÏappropriate€in€carrying€out€the€representation,€except€to€the€extent€that€the€clientððs€instructions€orÏspecial€circumstances€limit€that€authority.€€In€litigation,€for€example,€a€lawyer€may€discloseÏinformation€by€admitting€a€fact€that€cannot€properly€be€disputed,€or€in€negotiation€by€making€aÏdisclosure€that€facilitates€a€satisfactory€conclusion.ÌÌà à[9]à àLawyers€in€a€firm€may,€in€the€course€of€the€firmððs€practice,€disclose€to€each€otherÏinformation€relating€to€a€client€of€the€firm,€unless€the€client€has€instructed€that€particular€informationÏbe€confined€to€specified€lawyers.ÌÌà@ àò òDisclosure€Adverse€to€Clientó óÌÌà à[10]à àAlthough€the€public€interest€is€usually€best€served€by€a€strict€rule€requiring€lawyersÏto€preserve€the€confidentiality€of€information€relating€to€the€representation€of€their€clients,€theÏconfidentiality€rule€is€subject€to€limited€exceptions.€€For€example,€paragraph€(b)(1)€enables€theÏlawyer€to€reveal€information€to€the€extent€necessary€to€prevent€the€client€from€committing€a€crime.€ÏThe€client€can,€of€course,€prevent€such€disclosure€by€refraining€from€the€wrongful€conduct.€ÏAlthough€Paragraph€(b)(1)€does€not€require€that€the€lawyer€reveal€the€clientððs€misconduct,€theÏlawyer€may€not€in€any€way€counsel€the€client€to€engage,€or€assist€the€client,€in€conduct€that€theÏlawyer€knows€is€criminal€or€fraudulent.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.2(d);€òòsee€alsoóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.16€(respecting€theÏlawyerððs€obligation€or€right€to€withdraw€from€the€representation€of€the€client€in€suchÏcircumstances).€€Where€the€client€is€an€organization,€the€lawyer€may€be€in€doubt€whetherÍcontemplated€conduct€will€actually€be€carried€out€by€the€organizationððs€constituents.€€WhereÏnecessary€to€guide€conduct€in€connection€with€this€Rule,€the€lawyer€may€make€inquiry€within€theÏorganization€as€indicated€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.13(b).€€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.3,€rather€than€paragraph€(b)(1)€of€this€RuleÏgoverns€disclosure€of€a€clientððs€intention€to€commit€perjury€or€other€crimes€in€connection€with€anÏadjudicative€proceeding.€€ÌÌà à[11]à àIn€addition,€paragraph€(b)(2)€states€that€a€lawyerððs€confidentiality€obligations€do€notÏpreclude€a€lawyer€from€securing€legal€advice€about€the€lawyerððs€personal€responsibility€to€complyÏwith€these€Rules.€€In€most€situations,€disclosing€information€to€secure€such€advice€will€be€impliedlyÏauthorized€for€the€lawyer€to€carry€out€the€representation.€€Even€when€the€disclosure€is€not€impliedlyÏauthorized,€paragraph€(b)(2)€permits€such€disclosure€because€of€the€importance€of€a€lawyerððsÏcompliance€with€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct.€€For€the€protection€of€the€client,€suchÏdisclosures€may€be€made€only€if€they€will€be€protected€by€the€attorney„client€privilege.ÌÌà à[12]à àWhere€a€legal€claim€or€disciplinary€charge€alleges€complicity€of€the€lawyer€in€aÏclientððs€conduct€or€other€misconduct€of€the€lawyer€involving€representation€of€the€client,€the€lawyerÏmay€respond€to€the€extent€the€lawyer€reasonably€believes€necessary€to€establish€a€defense.€Ôf  Ôò òÔg Ô€Ôf  Ôó óÔg ÔTheÏsame€is€true€with€respect€to€a€claim€brought€by€the€lawyer€involving€the€conduct€or€representation€ofÏa€former€clientÔf  Ô,€such€as€when€in„house€counsel€brings€suit€to€redress€his€or€her€discharge€from€anÏorganizational€employer€in€retaliation€for€abiding€by,€or€refusing€to€violate,€a€clear€expression€ofÏpublic€policy€in€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct.€€òòSee€alsoóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.16€Comment€[4].€€OtherÏchargesÔf  ÔÔg Ô€can€arise€in€a€civil,€criminalÔf  ÔÔg Ô,Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€or€professional€disciplinary€proceeding€andÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô€can€be€based€on€aÏwrong€allegedly€committed€by€the€lawyer€against€the€clientÔf  ÔÔg Ô€or€on€a€wrong€alleged€by€a€third€person,Ïsuch€as€a€person€claiming€to€have€been€defrauded€by€the€lawyer€and€client€acting€together.€€TheÏlawyerððs€right€to€respond€under€these€circumstances€arises€when€an€assertion€of€such€complicityÏhas€been€made.€Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Ôf  ÔÔg ÔParagraph€(b)(Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô3Ôg Ô)€does€not€require€the€lawyer€to€await€the€commencement€of€anÏaction€or€proceeding€that€charges€such€complicity,€so€that€the€defense€may€be€established€byÏresponding€directly€to€a€third€party€who€has€made€such€an€assertion.€Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Ôf  ÔÔg ÔThe€right€to€defend,€of€course,Ïapplies€where€a€proceeding€has€been€commenced.Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Where€practicable€and€not€prejudicial€to€theÏlawyerððs€ability€to€establish€the€defense,€the€lawyer€should€advise€the€client€of€the€third€partyððsÏassertion€and€request€that€the€client€respond€appropriately.Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€In€any€event,€disclosure€should€be€noÏgreater€than€the€lawyer€reasonably€believes€is€necessary€to€vindicate€innocence,€the€disclosureÏshould€be€made€in€a€manner€that€limits€access€to€the€information€to€the€tribunal€or€other€personsÏhaving€a€need€to€know€it,€and€appropriate€protective€orders€or€other€arrangements€should€be€soughtÏby€the€lawyer€to€the€fullest€extent€practicable.ÌÌà à[13]à àA€lawyer€entitled€to€a€fee€is€permitted€by€paragraph€(b)(3)€to€prove€the€servicesÏrendered€in€an€action€to€collect€it.€€This€aspect€of€the€Rule€expresses€the€principle€that€theÏbeneficiary€of€a€fiduciary€relationship€may€not€exploit€it€to€the€detriment€of€the€fiduciary.€€As€statedÏabove,€the€lawyer€must€make€every€effort€practicable€to€avoid€unnecessary€disclosure€of€informationÏrelating€to€a€representation,€to€limit€disclosure€to€those€having€the€need€to€know€it,€and€to€obtainÏprotective€orders€or€make€other€arrangements€minimizing€the€risk€of€disclosure.ÌÌà à[14]à àParagraph€(b)€permits€but€does€not€require€the€disclosure€or€use€of€informationÏrelating€to€a€clientððs€representation€to€accomplish€the€purposes€specified€in€paragraphs€(b)(1)Ïthrough€(3).€€In€exercising€the€discretion€conferred€by€this€Rule,€the€lawyer€may€consider€suchÏfactors€as€the€nature€of€the€lawyerððs€relationship€with€the€client€and€with€those€who€might€be€injuredÏby€the€client,€the€lawyerððs€own€involvement€in€the€transaction,€and€any€other€factors€that€mayÏextenuate€the€conduct€in€question.€€Where€practical,€the€lawyer€should€seek€to€persuade€the€client€toÏtake€suitable€action.€€In€any€case,€a€disclosure€adverse€to€the€clientððs€interest€should€be€no€greaterÍthan€the€lawyer€reasonably€believes€necessary€to€the€purpose.€€A€lawyerððs€decision€not€to€takeÏpreventive€action€permitted€by€paragraph€(b)€does€not€violate€this€Rule.ÌÌà@ àò òDisclosure€Otherwise€Required€or€Authorizedó óÌÌà à[15]à àThe€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct€in€various€circumstances€permit€or€require€aÏlawyer€to€disclose€information€relating€to€the€representation.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCsÔ_Ô€2.2,€2.3,€3.3,€and€4.1.€€InÏaddition€to€these€provisions,€a€lawyer€may€be€obligated€or€permitted€by€other€provisions€of€law€toÏgive€information€about€a€client.€€Whether€another€provision€of€law€supersedes€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6€is€a€matterÏof€interpretation€beyond€the€scope€of€these€Rules.Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg ÔÌÌà à[16]à àParagraph€(c)(1)€recognizes€the€overriding€value€of€life€and€physical€integrity€andÏrequires€disclosure€reasonably€necessary€to€prevent€reasonably€certain€death€or€substantial€bodilyÏharm.€€Substantial€bodily€harm€includes€life€threatening€and€debilitating€illnesses€and€theÏconsequences€of€child€sexual€abuse.€€Such€injuries€are€reasonably€certain€to€occur€if€they€will€beÏsuffered€imminently€or€if€there€is€a€present€and€substantial€threat€that€a€person€will€suffer€suchÏinjuries€at€a€later€date€if€the€lawyer€fails€to€take€action€necessary€to€eliminate€the€threat.€€Thus,€aÏlawyer€who€knows€that€a€client€has€accidentally€discharged€toxic€waste€into€a€townððs€water€supplyÏmust€reveal€this€information€to€the€authorities€if€there€is€a€present€and€substantial€risk€that€a€personÏwho€drinks€the€water€will€contract€a€life„threatening€or€debilitating€disease€and€the€lawyerððsÏdisclosure€is€necessary€to€eliminate€the€threat€or€reduce€the€number€of€victims.€€ÌÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÔ_ÔÌÔ_Ôà à[17]à àAs€provided€by€paragraph€(c)(2),€a€lawyer€must€also€comply€with€lawful€orders€of€aÏtribunal,€an€administrative€or€executive€agency,€or€a€legislative€body.€€If€a€lawyer€is€called€as€aÏwitness€to€give€testimony€concerning€a€client,€or€is€otherwise€ordered€to€reveal€information€relatingÏto€the€clientððs€representation,€the€lawyer€must,€absent€authorization€from€the€client€to€do€otherwise,Ïassert€on€behalf€of€the€client€all€non„frivolous€claims€that€the€information€sought€is€protectedÏagainst€disclosure€by€the€attorney„client€privilege€or€other€applicable€law.€€In€the€event€of€an€adverseÏruling,€the€lawyer€should€consult€with€the€client€about€the€possibility€of€appealing€the€adverseÏruling.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCsÔ_Ô€1.4€and€1.2.€€Unless€an€appeal€is€taken,€the€lawyer€must€comply€with€the€order.€ÌÌÓ  Óò òActing€Competently€to€Preserve€Confidentialityó óÌÓ  ÓÌà à[18]à àA€lawyer€must€act€competently€to€safeguard€information€relating€to€theÏrepresentation€of€a€client€against€inadvertent€or€unauthorized€disclosure€by€the€lawyer€or€by€otherÏpersons€who€are€participating€in€the€representation€of€the€client€or€who€are€subject€to€the€lawyerððsÏsupervision.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCsÔ_Ô€1.1,€5.1,€and€5.3.€€ÌÌà à[19]à àWhen€transmitting€a€communication€that€includes€information€relating€to€theÏrepresentation€of€a€client,€the€lawyer€must€take€reasonable€precautions€to€prevent€the€informationÏfrom€coming€into€the€hands€of€unintended€recipients.€€This€duty,€however,€does€not€require€that€theÏlawyer€utilize€special€security€measures€if€the€method€of€communication€affords€a€reasonableÏexpectation€of€privacy.€€Special€circumstances,€however,€may€warrant€special€precautions.€€FactorsÏto€be€considered€in€determining€the€reasonableness€of€the€lawyerððs€expectation€of€confidentialityÏinclude€the€sensitivity€of€the€information€and€the€extent€to€which€the€privacy€of€the€communicationÏis€protected€by€law€or€by€a€confidentiality€agreement.€€A€client€may€require€the€lawyer€to€implementÏspecial€security€measures€not€required€by€this€Rule€or€may€give€informed€consent€to€the€use€of€aÏmeans€of€communication€that€would€otherwise€be€prohibited€by€this€Rule.€€ÌÔf  ÔÔg ÔÌÔf  ÔÔg Ôà@ àò òFormer€Clientsó óÌÌà à[20]à àThe€duty€of€confidentiality€continues€after€the€client„lawyer€relationship€has€beenÏterminated.ò ò€ó ó€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.9(c).ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðConsultationðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(c)€Ìð ðFraudðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(e)€Ìð ðReasonablyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)Ìð ðReasonably€Believesðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(j)Ìð ðSubstantialðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(òòlóó)€Ìð ðTribunalðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(m)ò òÔ  ÔÇà@ àRule€1.7€Ìó óà@ àò òCONFLICT€OF€INTEREST:€€GENERAL€RULEó óÌÔ  ÔÌ(a)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€represent€a€client€if€the€representation€of€that€client€will€be€directlyÏadverse€to€another€client,€unless:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€lawyer€reasonably€believes€the€representation€will€not€adversely€affect€theÏrelationship€with€the€other€client;€and€ÌÌà0 à(2)à àeach€client€consents€in€writing€after€consultation.ÌÌ(b)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€represent€a€client€if€the€representation€of€that€client€may€be€materiallyÏlimited€by€the€lawyerððs€responsibilities€to€another€client€or€to€a€third€person,€or€by€the€lawyerððs€ownÏinterests,€unless:€ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€lawyer€reasonably€believes€the€representation€will€not€be€adversely€affected;€and€ÌÌà0 à(2)à àthe€client€consents€in€writing€after€consultation.€€When€representation€of€multipleÏclients€in€a€single€matter€is€undertaken,€the€consultation€shall€include€explanation€of€theÏimplications€of€the€common€representation€and€the€advantages€and€risks€involved.ÌÌ(c)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€represent€more€than€one€client€in€the€same€criminal€case,€unless€ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€lawyer€demonstrates€to€the€tribunal€that€good€cause€exists€to€believe€that€noÏconflict€of€interest€prohibited€under€this€Rule€presently€exists€or€is€likely€to€exist;€and€ÌÌà0 à(2)à àeach€client€consents€in€writing€after€consultation€concerning€the€implications€of€theÏcommon€representation,€along€with€the€advantages€and€risks€involved.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTSÌó óÌà@ àò òLoyalty€to€a€Clientó óÌÌà à[1]à àLoyalty€is€an€essential€element€in€the€lawyerððs€relationship€to€a€client.€€AnÏimpermissible€conflict€of€interest€may€exist€before€representation€is€undertaken,€in€which€event€theÏrepresentation€should€be€declined.€€The€lawyer€should€adopt€reasonable€procedures,€appropriate€forÏthe€size€and€type€of€firm€and€practice,€to€determine€in€both€litigation€and€non„litigation€matters€theÏparties€and€issues€involved€and€to€determine€whether€actual€or€potential€conflicts€of€interest€exist.ÌÌà à[2]à àIf€such€a€conflict€arises€after€representation€has€been€undertaken,€the€lawyer€shouldÏwithdraw€from€the€representation.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.16.€€Where€more€than€one€client€is€involved€and€theÏlawyer€withdraws€because€a€conflict€arises€after€representation,€whether€the€lawyer€may€continue€toÏrepresent€any€of€the€clients€is€determined€by€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9.€€As€to€whether€a€client„lawyer€relationshipÏexists€or,€having€once€been€established,€is€continuing,€see€the€Comment€to€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.3€and€theÏstatement€in€the€Preamble€about€the€Scope€of€these€Rules.ÌÌà à[3]à àAs€a€general€proposition,€loyalty€to€a€client€prohibits€undertaking€representationÏdirectly€adverse€to€that€client€without€that€clientððs€consent.€€Paragraph€(a)€expresses€that€generalÏrule.€€Thus,€a€lawyer€ordinarily€may€not€act€as€an€advocate€against€a€person€the€lawyer€represents€inÏsome€other€matter,€even€if€it€is€wholly€unrelated.€€On€the€other€hand,€simultaneous€representation€inÏunrelated€matters€of€clients€whose€interests€are€only€generally€adverse,€such€as€competing€economicÍenterprises,€does€not€require€consent€of€the€respective€clients.€€Paragraph€(a)€applies€only€when€theÏrepresentation€of€one€client€would€be€directly€adverse€to€the€other.ÌÌà à[4]à àLoyalty€to€a€client€is€also€impaired€when€a€lawyer€cannot€consider,€recommend,€orÏcarry€out€an€appropriate€course€of€action€for€the€client€because€of€the€lawyerððs€other€responsibilitiesÏor€interests.€€The€conflict€in€effect€forecloses€alternatives€that€would€otherwise€be€available€to€theÏclient.€€Paragraph€(b)€addresses€such€situations.€€A€possible€conflict€does€not€itself€preclude€theÏrepresentation.€€The€critical€questions€are€the€likelihood€that€a€conflict€will€eventuate€and,€if€it€does,Ïwhether€it€will€materially€interfere€with€the€lawyerððs€independent€professional€judgment€inÏconsidering€alternatives€or€otherwise€foreclose€courses€of€action€that€reasonably€should€be€pursuedÏon€behalf€of€the€client.€€Consideration€should€be€given€to€whether€the€client€wishes€to€accommodateÏthe€other€interest€involved.ÌÌà@ àò òConsultation€and€Consentó óÌÌà à[5]à àA€client€may€consent€to€representation€notwithstanding€a€conflict.€€However,€asÏindicated€in€paragraph€(a)(1)€with€respect€to€representation€directly€adverse€to€a€client,€andÏparagraph€(b)(1)€with€respect€to€material€limitations€on€representation€of€a€client,€when€aÏdisinterested€lawyer€would€conclude€that€the€client€should€not€agree€to€the€representation€under€theÏcircumstances,€the€lawyer€involved€cannot€properly€ask€for€such€an€agreement€or€provideÏrepresentation€on€the€basis€of€the€clientððs€consent.€€When€more€than€one€client€is€involved,€theÏquestion€of€conflict€must€be€resolved€as€to€each€client.€€Moreover,€there€may€be€circumstancesÏwhere€it€is€impossible€to€make€the€disclosure€necessary€to€obtain€consent.€€For€example,€when€theÏlawyer€represents€different€clients€in€related€matters€and€one€of€the€clients€refuses€to€consent€to€theÏdisclosure€necessary€to€permit€the€other€client€to€make€an€informed€decision,€the€lawyer€cannotÏproperly€ask€the€latter€to€consent.ÌÌà à[6]à àIn€the€absence€of€other€law€to€the€contrary,€a€government€official€or€entity,€like€anyÏother€client,€may€waive€a€conflict€of€interest€under€this€Rule.€Ì€Ìà à[7]à àThis€Rule€requires€the€lawyer€either€to€secure€a€written€consent€executed€by€theÏclient€or€to€memorialize€an€oral€consent€given€by€the€client.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(b)€Definitions€(definingÏð ðConsents€in€Writingðð).€€If€it€is€not€feasible€to€secure€or€memorialize€the€writing€either€at€the€timeÏthe€conflict€arises€or€at€the€time€the€client€gives€consent,€then€the€lawyer€must€secure€or€memorializeÏit€within€a€reasonable€time€thereafter.€€The€requirement€of€a€writing€does€not€supplant€the€need€inÏmost€cases€for€the€lawyer€to€talk€with€the€client,€to€explain€the€risks€and€advantages,€if€any,€ofÏrepresentation€burdened€by€a€conflict€of€interest,€to€explain€the€reasonably€available€alternatives,€andÏto€afford€the€client€an€opportunity€to€raise€questions€and€concerns.€€Rather,€the€writing€is€required€inÏorder€to€impress€upon€clients€the€seriousness€of€the€decision€they€are€being€asked€to€make€and€toÏresolve€disputes€or€ambiguities€that€might€later€occur€by€virtue€of€there€being€no€writing.€€TheÏwriting€need€not€take€any€particular€form;€it€should,€however,€include€disclosure€of€the€relevantÏcircumstances€and€reasonably€foreseeable€risks€of€the€conflict€of€interest,€as€well€as€memorializationÏof€the€clientððs€agreement€to€the€representation€despite€such€risks.€ÌÌà@ àò òLawyerððs€Interestsó óÌÌà à[8]à àThe€lawyerððs€own€interests€should€not€be€permitted€to€have€an€adverse€effect€on€theÏrepresentation€of€a€client.€€For€example,€a€lawyerððs€need€for€income€should€not€lead€the€lawyer€toÏundertake€matters€that€cannot€be€handled€competently€and€at€a€reasonable€fee.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCsÔ_Ô€1.1€andÏ1.5.€€If€the€probity€of€a€lawyerððs€own€conduct€in€a€transaction€is€in€serious€question,€it€may€beÏdifficult€or€impossible€for€the€lawyer€to€give€a€client€detached€advice.€€A€lawyer€may€not€allowÍrelated€business€interests€to€affect€representation,€for€example,€by€referring€clients€to€an€enterpriseÏin€which€the€lawyer€has€an€undisclosed€interest.ÌÌà@ àò òConflicts€in€Litigationó óÌÌà à[9]à à€Paragraph€(a)€prohibits€representation€of€opposing€parties€in€litigation.€ÏSimultaneous€representation€of€parties€whose€interests€in€litigation€may€conflict,€such€as€co„plaintiffs€or€co„defendants,€is€governed€by€paragraph€(b).€€An€impermissible€conflict€may€exist€byÏreason€of€substantial€discrepancy€in€the€partiesðð€testimony,€by€an€incompatibility€in€positions€inÏrelation€to€an€opposing€party,€or€by€the€fact€that€there€are€substantially€different€possibilities€ofÏsettlement€of€the€claims€or€liabilities€in€question.€€Such€conflicts€can€arise€in€both€civil€and€criminalÏcases.€€However,€common€representation€of€persons€having€similar€interests€is€proper€if€the€risk€ofÏadverse€effect€is€minimal€and€the€requirements€of€paragraph€(b)€are€met.€€òòCompareóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€2.2Ï(involving€intermediation€between€clients).ÌÌà à[10]€à àThe€potential€for€conflict€of€interest€in€representing€multiple€defendants€in€a€criminalÏcase€is€so€grave€that€ordinarily€a€lawyer€should€decline€to€represent€more€than€one€co„defendant.€ÏHowever,€where€the€lawyer€chooses€to€undertake€such€a€joint€representation,€paragraph€(c)€requiresÏthat€the€lawyer€demonstrate€to€the€satisfaction€of€the€tribunal€that€good€cause€exists€to€believe€thatÏno€conflict€of€interest€prohibited€by€paragraph€(b)€presently€exists€or€is€likely€to€exist€in€the€future.€ÏThis€showing€reflects€the€same€standard€currently€required€by€Tennessee€Rule€of€CriminalÏProcedure€44(c).ÌÌà à[11]à àHowever,€to€avoid€the€premature€disclosure€of€defense€tactics,€strategy,€or€otherÏinformation€relating€to€the€representation,€defense€counsel€may€request€that€the€tribunal€hold€an€òòexÏparteóó€hearing€to€determine€the€propriety€of€the€joint€representation.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€3.3(a)(3)€(settingÏforth€a€lawyerððs€duty€of€candor€in€an€òòex€parteóó€hearing);€òòsee€alsoóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€3.5(b)€(permitting€a€lawyer€toÏspeak€òòex€parteóó€to€a€judge€when€permitted€to€do€so€by€law).€€Once€the€tribunal€is€satisfied€that€noÏgood€cause€exists€to€believe€that€a€conflict€of€interest€currently€exists€or€is€likely€to€exist,€aÏrebuttable€presumption€arises€throughout€the€proceedings€that€the€joint€representation€comportsÏwith€the€requirements€of€this€Rule.€€However,€this€presumption€in€no€way€relieves€counsel€of€anyÏduty€imposed€under€these€Rules€should€such€an€actual€conflict€of€interest€later€arise.ÌÌà à[12]à àOrdinarily,€a€lawyer€may€not€act€as€an€advocate€against€a€client€the€lawyer€representsÏin€some€other€matter,€even€if€the€other€matter€is€wholly€unrelated.€€However,€there€are€circumstancesÏin€which€a€lawyer€may€act€as€an€advocate€against€a€client.€€For€example,€a€lawyer€representing€anÏenterprise€with€diverse€operations€may€accept€employment€as€an€advocate€against€the€enterprise€inÏan€unrelated€matter€if€doing€so€will€not€adversely€affect€the€lawyerððs€relationship€with€the€enterpriseÏor€conduct€of€the€suit€and€if€both€clients€consent€upon€consultation.€€By€the€same€token,Ïgovernment€lawyers€in€some€circumstances€may€represent€government€employees€in€proceedings€inÏwhich€a€government€agency€is€the€opposing€party.€€The€propriety€of€concurrent€representation€canÏdepend€on€the€nature€of€the€litigation.€€For€example,€a€suit€charging€fraud€entails€conflict€to€a€degreeÏnot€involved€in€a€suit€for€a€declaratory€judgment€concerning€statutory€interpretation.ÌÌà à[13]à àOrdinarily€a€lawyer€may€take€inconsistent€legal€positions€in€different€tribunals€atÏdifferent€times€on€behalf€of€different€clients.€€The€mere€fact€that€advocating€a€legal€position€onÏbehalf€of€one€client€might€create€precedent€adverse€to€the€interests€of€a€client€represented€by€theÏlawyer€in€an€unrelated€matter€does€not€create€a€conflict€of€interest.€€A€conflict€of€interest€exists,Ïhowever,€if€there€is€a€significant€risk€that€a€lawyerððs€action€in€behalf€of€one€client€will€materiallyÏlimit€the€lawyerððs€effectiveness€in€representing€another€client€in€a€different€case;€for€example,€whenÏa€decision€favoring€one€client€will€create€a€precedent€likely€to€seriously€weaken€the€position€takenÍby€the€lawyer€on€behalf€of€the€other€client.€€Factors€relevant€in€determining€whether€the€clients€needÏto€be€advised€of€the€risk€include€where€the€cases€are€pending;€whether€the€issue€is€substantive€orÏprocedural;€the€temporal€relationship€between€the€matters;€the€significance€of€the€issue€to€theÏimmediate€and€long„run€interests€of€the€clients€involved;€and€the€clientsðð€reasonable€expectations€inÏretaining€the€lawyer.€€If€there€is€significant€risk€of€material€limitation,€then€absent€informed€consentÏof€the€affected€clients,€the€lawyer€must€refuse€one€of€the€representations€or€withdraw€from€one€orÏboth€matters.ÌÌà@ àò òInterest€of€Person€Paying€for€a€Lawyerððs€Serviceó óÌÌà à[14]à àA€lawyer€may€be€paid€from€a€source€other€than€the€client€if€the€client€is€informed€ofÏthat€fact€and€consents€and€if€the€arrangement€does€not€compromise€the€lawyerððs€duty€of€loyalty€toÏthe€client.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.8(f).€€For€example,€when€an€insurer€and€its€insured€have€conflicting€interestsÏin€a€matter€arising€from€a€liability€insurance€agreement,€and€the€insurer€is€required€to€provide€specialÏcounsel€for€the€insured,€the€arrangement€should€assure€the€special€counselððs€professionalÏindependence.€€So€also,€when€a€corporation€and€its€directors€or€employees€are€involved€in€aÏcontroversy€in€which€they€have€conflicting€interests,€the€corporation€may€provide€funds€for€separateÏlegal€representation€of€the€directors€or€employees€if€the€clients€consent€after€consultation€and€theÏarrangement€ensures€the€lawyerððs€professional€independence.ÌÌà@ àò òOther€Conflict€Situationsó óÌÌà à[15]à àConflicts€of€interest€in€contexts€other€than€litigation€sometimes€may€be€difficult€toÏassess.€€Relevant€factors€in€determining€whether€there€is€potential€for€an€adverse€effect€include€theÏduration€and€intimacy€of€the€lawyerððs€relationship€with€the€client€or€clients€involved,€the€functionsÏbeing€performed€by€the€lawyer,€the€likelihood€that€actual€conflict€will€arise,€and€the€likely€prejudiceÏto€the€client€from€the€conflict€if€it€does€arise.€€The€question€is€often€one€of€proximity€and€degree.ÌÌà à[16]à àFor€example,€a€lawyer€may€not€represent€multiple€parties€to€a€negotiation€whoseÏinterests€are€fundamentally€antagonistic€to€each€other,€but€common€representation€is€permissibleÏwhere€the€clients€are€generally€aligned€in€interest€even€though€there€is€some€difference€of€interestÏamong€them.€€See€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.2€with€respect€to€a€lawyer€serving€two€or€more€clients€as€an€intermediary.ÌÌà à[17]à àÔf  ÔÔg ÔMembers€of€a€family€may€reasonably€seek€joint€representation€by€a€single€lawyer€inÏa€matter€affecting€the€family.€€Ôf  ÔÔg ÔConflict€questions€may€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôarise€in€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôsuch€circumstances.€€For€example,€inÏÔf  ÔÔg Ôestate€planningÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€aÔf  ÔÔg Ô€lawyer€may€be€called€upon€to€prepare€wills€for€family€members,€such€as€husbandÏand€wife,€and,€depending€upon€the€circumstances,€a€conflict€of€interest€may€arise.€€Resolution€ofÏconflicts€of€interest€between€family€members€pursuant€to€this€Rule€must€be€consistent€with€theÏlawyerððs€duty€of€undivided€loyalty€to€each€client,€but€the€lawyer€may€take€into€account€theÏwillingness€of€each€individual€client€to€accommodate€the€interests€of€the€family€as€a€whole€or€theÏindividual€interests€of€other€family€members.€€Ôf  ÔÔg ÔIn€estate€administration,€the€identity€of€the€client€mayÏbe€unclearÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô.€Ôf  ÔÔg Ô€Under€one€view,€the€client€is€the€fiduciary;€under€another€view,€the€client€is€the€estate€orÏtrust,€including€its€beneficiaries.€€The€lawyer€should€make€clear€the€relationship€to€the€partiesÏinvolved.ÌÌà à[18]à àA€lawyer€for€a€corporation€or€other€organization€who€is€also€a€member€of€its€boardÏof€directors€should€determine€whether€the€responsibilities€of€the€two€roles€may€conflict.€€The€lawyerÏmay€be€called€on€to€advise€the€corporation€in€matters€involving€actions€of€the€directors.€ÏConsideration€should€be€given€to€the€frequency€with€which€such€situations€may€arise,€the€potentialÏintensity€of€the€conflict,€the€effect€of€the€lawyerððs€resignation€from€the€board€and€the€possibility€ofÏthe€corporationððs€obtaining€legal€advice€from€another€lawyer€in€such€situations.€€If€there€is€materialÍrisk€that€the€dual€role€will€compromise€the€lawyerððs€independence€of€professional€judgment,€theÏlawyer€should€not€serve€as€a€director.ÌÌà@ àò òConflict€Charged€by€an€Opposing€Partyó óÌÌà à[19]à àResolving€questions€of€conflict€of€interest€is€primarily€the€responsibility€of€theÏlawyer€undertaking€the€representation.€€In€litigation,€a€court€may€raise€the€question€when€there€isÏreason€to€infer€that€the€lawyer€has€neglected€the€responsibility.€€Where€the€conflict€is€such€as€clearlyÏto€call€in€question€the€fair€or€efficient€administration€of€justice,€opposing€counsel€may€properly€raiseÏthe€question.€€Such€an€objection€should€be€viewed€with€caution,€however,€for€it€can€be€misused€as€aÏtechnique€of€harassment.€ÌÌà@ àò òSpecial€Considerations€in€Joint€Representationó óÌÌà à[20]à àIn€considering€whether€to€represent€clients€jointly€in€the€same€matter,€such€asÏrepresenting€co„plaintiffs€or€co„defendants,€a€lawyer€should€be€mindful€that€if€the€jointÏrepresentation€fails€because€the€potentially€adverse€interests€cannot€be€reconciled,€the€result€can€beÏadditional€cost,€embarrassment,€and€recrimination.€€Ordinarily,€the€lawyer€will€be€forced€to€withdrawÏfrom€representing€all€of€the€clients€if€the€joint€representation€failsÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€unless€each€client€consents€afterÏconsultationÔf  ÔÔg Ô.Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg ÔÌÌà à[21]à àA€particularly€important€factor€in€determining€the€appropriateness€of€jointÏrepresentation€is€the€effect€on€lawyer„client€confidentiality€and€the€attorney„client€privilege.€€WithÏregard€to€the€evidentiary€attorney„client€privilege,€the€prevailing€rule€is€that€as€between€commonlyÏrepresented€clients,€the€privilege€does€not€attach.€€Hence,€it€must€be€assumed€that€the€privilege€willÏnot€protect€any€such€communications€if€litigation€eventuates€between€the€clients,€and€the€clientsÏshould€be€so€advised.ÌÌà à[22]à àAs€to€the€duty€of€confidentiality,€joint€representation€will€almost€certainly€beÏinadequate€if€one€client€attempts€to€keep€something€in€confidence€between€the€lawyer€and€that€client,Ïwhich€is€not€to€be€disclosed€to€the€other€client.€€This€is€so€because€the€lawyer€has€an€equal€duty€ofÏloyalty€to€each€client,€and€each€client€has€the€right€to€be€informed€of€anything€bearing€on€theÏrepresentation€that€might€affect€that€clientððs€interests€and€to€expect€that€the€lawyer€will€use€thatÏinformation€to€that€clientððs€benefit.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.4.€€The€lawyer€should,€at€the€outset€of€the€jointÏrepresentation€and€as€part€of€the€process€of€obtaining€each€clientððs€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôconsent,€advise€each€client€thatÏtÔg Ôhe€lawyer€will€Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ôshare€all€information€material€to€the€representation€with€each€of€the€jointlyÏrepresented€clients,€unless€specifically€instructed€by€one€of€the€clients€not€to€do€so.€€The€lawyerÏshould€also€advise€each€client€that€the€lawyer€will€abide€by€the€clientððs€instructions€to€maintain€theÏconfidentiality€of€the€specified€information€if€any€client€later€insistsÔf  ÔÔg Ô€that€some€matter€material€to€theÏrepresentation€should€be€kept€from€the€otherÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€but€that€it€is€likely€that€the€lawyer€will€be€required€toÏwithdraw€from€the€representationÔf  ÔÔg Ô.€Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô€In€limited€circumstancesÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€howeverÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€it€may€be€appropriate€for€theÏlawyer€to€proceed€with€the€representation€when€the€clients€have€agreedÔf  ÔÔg Ô,€after€being€properlyÏinformed,€that€the€lawyer€will€keep€certain€information€confidential.Ì€Ìà à[23]à àSubject€to€the€above€limitations,€each€client€in€the€joint€representation€has€the€right€toÏloyal€and€diligent€representation€and€the€protection€of€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9€concerning€the€obligations€to€aÏformer€client.€€Each€client€also€has€the€right€to€discharge€the€lawyer€as€stated€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.16.ÌÌà@ àò òRelation€to€Other€RulesÌó óÌà à[24]à àWhen€a€lawyer€represents€a€client€in€a€partisan€role,€whether€as€an€advocate,€anÏadvisor,€or€the€author€of€a€legal€opinion€to€be€rendered€on€behalf€of€the€client€for€use€by€a€thirdÏperson,€this€Rule€provides€special€protections€for€the€client€to€assure€that€the€lawyerððs€loyalty€willÏnot€be€diluted€by€interests€of€other€clients,€the€lawyer,€or€third€persons.€€This€Rule,€however,€is€notÏapplicableÔf  ÔÔg Ô€toÔf  ÔÔg Ô€conflicts€of€interest€affectingÔf  ÔÔg Ô€clients€the€lawyer€undertakes€to€serve€as€an€intermediary.€ÏÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg ÔIf,€for€example,€business€persons€or€members€of€a€family€are€seeking€the€lawyerððs€advice€orÏassistance€in€a€non„adversarial€effort€to€accomplish€a€common€objective€with€respect€to€theÏformation,€conduct,€modification,€or€termination€of€a€consensual€relation€between€them,€such€as€theÏformation€of€a€business€or€a€purchase€or€sale€of€property,€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.2€applies.€€Similarly,€if€theÏeffectuation€of€an€estate€plan€or€other€gratuitous€transfer€entails€the€formation,€modification,€orÏtermination€of€a€consensual€legal€relationship€between€clients,€and€the€lawyer€acts€as€anÏintermediary€in€connection€with€the€transaction,€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.2€applies.€€Otherwise,€this€Rule€applies.€€NorÏis€this€Rule€applicable€to€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôconflicts€of€interest€affecting€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôparties€whoÔf  ÔÔg Ô€a€lawyer€undertakes€to€serve€as€aÏdispute€resolution€neutral.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€2.4.ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðConsents€in€Writingðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(b)€Ìð ðConsultationðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(c)€Ìð ðMateriallyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(g)Ìð ðReasonably€Believesðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(j)Çò òÔ  Ôó óÔf  ÔÔg Ôà@ àò òRule€1.8Ìó óà@ àò òCONFLICT€OF€INTEREST:€€PROHIBITED€TRANSACTIONSó óÌÔ  ÔÌ(a)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€enter€into€a€business€transaction€with€a€client€or€knowingly€acquire€anÏownership,€possessory,€security€or€other€pecuniary€interest€adverse€to€a€client€unless:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€transaction€and€terms€on€which€the€lawyer€acquires€the€interest€are€fair€andÏreasonable€to€the€client€and€are€fully€disclosed€and€transmitted€in€writing€to€the€client€in€aÏmanner€that€can€be€reasonably€understood€by€the€client;€and€ÌÌà0 à(2)à àthe€client€is€given€a€reasonable€opportunity€to€seek€the€advice€of€independentÏcounsel€in€the€transaction;€andÌÌà0 à(3)à àthe€client€consents€thereto€in€a€writing€signed€by€the€client.ÌÌ(b)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€use€information€relating€to€representation€of€a€client€to€the€disadvantageÏof€the€client,€unless€the€client€consents€after€consultation,€except€as€otherwise€permitted€or€requiredÏby€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6€or€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€3.3.ÌÌ(c)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€prepare€an€instrument€giving€the€lawyer€or€a€person€related€to€the€lawyerÏas€parent,€child,€sibling,€or€spouse€any€substantial€gift€from€a€client,€including€a€testamentary€gift,Ïexcept€where€the€client€is€related€to€the€donee.ÌÌ(d)à àPrior€to€the€conclusion€of€the€representation€of€a€client,€a€lawyer€shall€not€make€or€negotiateÏan€agreement€giving€the€lawyer€literary€or€media€rights€to€a€portrayal€or€account€based€in€substantialÏpart€on€information€relating€to€the€representation.ÌÌ(e)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€provide€financial€assistance€to€a€client€in€connection€with€pending€orÏcontemplated€litigation,€except€that:Ì€Ìà0 à(1)à àa€lawyer€may€advance€court€costs€and€expenses€of€litigation,€the€repayment€of€whichÏmay€be€contingent€on€the€outcome€of€the€matter;€andÌà0 àÌà0 à(2)à àa€lawyer€representing€an€indigent€client€may€pay€court€costs€and€expenses€ofÏlitigation€on€behalf€of€the€client.ÌÌ(f)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€accept€compensation€or€direction€from€one€other€than€the€client€unless:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€client€consents€after€consultation;ÌÌà0 à(2)à àthere€is€no€interference€with€the€lawyerððs€independence€of€professional€judgment€orÏwith€the€client„lawyer€relationship;€andÌ€Ìà0 à(3)à àinformation€relating€to€representation€of€a€client€is€protected€as€required€by€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6.ÌÌ(g)à àA€lawyer€who€represents€two€or€more€clients€shall€not€participate€in€making€an€aggregateÏsettlement€of€the€claims€of€or€against€the€clients,€or€in€a€criminal€case€an€aggregated€agreement€as€toÏguilty€or€nolo€contendere€pleas,€unless:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€client€is€given€a€reasonable€opportunity€to€seek€the€advice€of€independentÏcounsel€in€the€transaction;€andÌÌà0 à(2)à àeach€client€consents€in€writing€after€consultation,€including€disclosure€of€theÏexistence€and€nature€of€all€the€claims€or€pleas€involved€and€of€the€participation€of€eachÏperson€in€the€settlement.ÌÌ(h)à àA€lawyer€shall€not:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àenter€into€an€agreement€with€a€prospective,€current,€or€former€client€to€prospectivelyÏlimit€the€lawyerððs€liability€to€the€client€for€malpractice;€orÌÌà0 à(2)à àsettle€a€claim€for€such€liability,€unless:ÌÌà0 àà0 à(a)à àthe€client€is€represented€in€the€matter€by€independent€counsel;€or€ÌÌà0 àà0 à(b)à àthe€lawyer€fully€discloses€all€the€terms€of€the€agreement€to€the€client€in€aÏmanner€that€can€reasonably€be€understood€by€the€client,€advises€the€client€to€seek€theÏadvice€of€independent€counsel,€and€affords€the€client€a€reasonable€opportunity€to€doÏso.ÌÌ(i)à àA€lawyer€related€to€another€lawyer€as€parent,€child,€sibling,€or€spouse€shall€not€represent€aÏclient€in€a€representation€directly€adverse€to€a€person€whom€the€lawyer€knows€is€represented€by€theÏother€lawyerÔf  Ô,€Ôg ÔÔf  ÔÔg ÔunlessÔf  ÔÔg Ô€the€clientÔf  ÔÔg Ô€consents€in€writingÔf  ÔÔg Ô€after€consultation€regarding€the€relationship.Ì€Ì(j)à àA€lawyer€shall€not€acquire€a€proprietary€interest€in€the€cause€of€action€or€subject€matter€ofÏlitigation€the€lawyer€is€conducting€for€a€client,€except€that€the€lawyer€may:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àacquire€a€lien€granted€by€law€to€secure€the€lawyerððs€fee€or€expenses;€andÌà0 àÌà0 à(2)à àcontract€with€a€client€for€a€reasonable€contingent€fee€in€a€civil€case.ÌÌà@ àò òCOMMENTSÌÌó óà@ àò òTransactions€Between€Client€and€Lawyeró óÌÌà à[1]à àAs€a€general€principle,€all€transactions€between€client€and€lawyer€should€be€fair€andÏreasonable€to€the€client.€€In€such€transactions,€a€review€by€independent€counsel€on€behalf€of€theÏclient€is€often€advisable.€€Furthermore,€a€lawyer€may€not€exploit€information€relating€to€theÏrepresentation€to€the€clientððs€disadvantage.€€For€example,€a€lawyer€who€has€learned€that€the€client€isÏinvesting€in€specific€real€estate€may€not,€without€the€clientððs€consent,€seek€to€acquire€nearbyÏproperty€where€doing€so€would€adversely€affect€the€clientððs€plan€for€investment.€€Paragraph€(a)Ïdoes€not,€however,€apply€to€standard€commercial€transactions€between€the€lawyer€and€the€client€forÏproducts€or€services€that€the€client€generally€markets€to€others,€such€as€banking€or€brokerageÏservices,€medical€services,€products€manufactured€or€distributed€by€the€client,€and€utilities€services.€ÏIn€such€transactions,€the€lawyer€has€no€advantage€in€dealing€with€the€client,€and€the€restrictions€inÏparagraph€(a)€are€unnecessary€and€impracticable.ÌÌà à[2]à àA€lawyer€may€accept€a€gift€from€a€client€if€the€transaction€meets€general€standards€ofÏfairness.€€For€example,€a€simple€gift€such€as€a€present€given€at€a€holiday€or€as€a€token€ofÏappreciation€is€permitted.€€If€effectuation€of€a€substantial€gift€requires€preparing€a€legal€instrumentÏsuch€as€a€will€or€conveyance,€however,€the€client€should€have€the€detached€advice€that€another€lawyerÍcan€provide.€€Paragraph€(c)€recognizes€an€exception€where€the€client€is€a€relative€of€the€donee€or€theÏgift€is€not€substantial.ÌÌà@ àò òLiterary€Rightsó óÌÌà à[3]à àAn€agreement€by€which€a€lawyer€acquires€literary€or€media€rights€concerning€theÏconduct€of€the€representation€creates€a€conflict€between€the€interests€of€the€client€and€the€personalÏinterests€of€the€lawyer.€€Measures€suitable€in€the€representation€of€the€client€may€detract€from€theÏpublication€value€of€an€account€of€the€representation.€€Paragraph€(d)€does€not€prohibit€a€lawyerÏrepresenting€a€client€in€a€transaction€concerning€literary€property€from€agreeing€that€the€lawyerððsÏfee€shall€consist€of€a€share€in€ownership€in€the€property,€if€the€arrangement€conforms€to€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.5Ïand€paragraph€(j).ÌÌà@ àò òPerson€Paying€for€Lawyerððs€Servicesó óÌÌà à[4]à àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8(f)€requires€disclosure€of€the€fact€that€the€lawyerððs€services€are€being€paidÏfor€by€a€third€party.€€Such€an€arrangement€must€also€conform€to€the€requirements€of€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.6Ïconcerning€confidentiality€and€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.7€concerning€conflicts€of€interest.€€Where€the€client€is€a€class,Ïconsent€may€be€obtained€on€behalf€of€the€class€by€court„supervised€procedure.ÌÌà@ àò òLimiting€Liabilityó óÌÌà à[5]à àParagraph€(h)€is€not€intended€to€apply€to€customary€qualifications€and€limitations€inÏlegal€opinions€and€memoranda.ÌÌà@ àò òRelationships€Between€Lawyersó óÌÌà à[6]à àÔ_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8(i)€applies€to€ð ðrelatedðð€lawyers€who€are€in€different€firms.€€Related€lawyersÏin€the€same€firm€are€governed€by€Ô_ÔRulesÔ_Ô€1.7,€1.9,€and€1.10.€€The€disqualification€stated€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.8(i)Ïis€personal€and€is€not€imputed€to€members€of€firms€with€whom€the€lawyers€are€associated.€€òòSeeóóÏÔ_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.10.€ÌÌà@ àò òAcquisition€of€Interest€in€Litigationó óÌÌà à[7]à àParagraph€(j)€states€the€traditional€general€rule€that€lawyers€are€prohibited€fromÏacquiring€a€proprietary€interest€in€litigation.€€This€general€rule,€which€has€its€basis€in€common€lawÏchamperty€and€maintenance,€is€subject€to€specific€exceptions€developed€in€decisional€law€andÏcontinued€in€these€Rules,€such€as€the€exception€for€reasonable€contingent€fees€set€forth€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.5Ïand€the€exception€for€certain€advances€of€the€costs€of€litigation€set€forth€in€paragraph€(e).ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðConsents€in€Writingðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(b)Ìð ðConsultationðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(c)€Ìð ðKnowinglyðð€and€ð ðKnowsðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(f)Ìð ðReasonableðð€and€ð ðReasonablyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(i)Ìð ðSubstantialðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(òòlóó)ÇÔ  Ôà@ àò òRule€1.9Ìó óà@ àò òCONFLICT€OF€INTEREST:€FORMER€CLIENTó óÌ€Ô  ÔÌ(a)à àA€lawyer€who€has€formerly€represented€a€client€in€a€matter€shall€not€thereafter€representÏanother€person€in€the€same€or€a€substantially€related€matter€in€which€that€personððs€interests€areÏmaterially€adverse€to€the€interests€of€the€former€client,€unless€the€former€client€consents€in€writingÏafter€consultation.€ÌÌ(b)à àUnless€the€former€client€consents€in€writing€after€consultation,€a€lawyer€shall€not€knowinglyÏrepresent€a€person€in€the€same€or€a€substantially€related€matter€in€which€a€firm€with€which€theÏlawyer€formerly€was€associated€had€previously€represented€a€client€whose€interests€are€materiallyÏadverse€to€that€person€and€about€whom€the€lawyer€had€acquired€information€protected€by€Ô_ÔRulesÔ_Ô€1.6Ïand€1.9(c)€that€is€material€to€the€matterÔf  ÔÔg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ô.Ôf  ÔÔg ÔÌÌ(c)à àUnless€the€former€client€consents€after€consultation,€a€lawyer€who€has€formerly€representedÏa€client€in€a€matter,€or€whose€present€or€former€firm€has€formerly€represented€a€client€in€a€matter,Ïshall€not€thereafter:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àuse€information€relating€to€the€representation€to€the€disadvantage€of€the€former€clientÏexcept€as€these€Rules€otherwise€permit€or€require€with€respect€to€a€client,€or€when€theÏinformation€has€become€generally€known;€orÌÌà0 à(2)à àreveal€information€relating€to€the€representation€of€the€former€client€except€as€theseÏRules€otherwise€permit€or€require€with€respect€to€a€client.Ìò òÌó óà@ àò òCOMMENTSÌó óÌà à[1]à àAfter€termination€of€a€client„lawyer€relationship,€a€lawyer€may€not€represent€anotherÏclient€other€than€in€conformity€with€this€Rule,€except€that€in€the€case€of€a€government€or€formerÏgovernment€lawyer,€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.11€applies€rather€than€paragraphs€(a)€and€(b)€of€this€Rule.ÌÌà à[2]à àThe€scope€of€a€ð ðmatterðð€for€purposes€of€this€Rule€will€depend€on€the€facts€of€aÏparticular€situation€or€transaction.€€The€appropriateness€of€the€subsequent€representation€willÏdepend€on€the€scope€of€the€representation€in€the€former€matter,€the€scope€of€the€proposedÏrepresentation€in€the€current€matter,€and€its€relationship€to€the€former€matter.ÌÌà à[3]à àThe€current€matter€is€substantially€related€to€the€former€matter€if€the€current€matterÏinvolves€the€work€the€lawyer€performed€for€the€former€client€or€there€is€a€substantial€risk€thatÏrepresentation€of€the€present€client€will€involve€the€use€of€information€acquired€in€the€course€ofÏrepresenting€the€former€client,€unless€that€information€has€become€generally€known.ÌÌà@ àò òChanging€Sidesó óÌÌà à[4]à àRepresenting€one€side€and€then€switching€to€represent€the€other€in€the€same€matterÏclearly€implicates€loyalty€to€the€first€client€and€protection€of€that€clientððs€confidences.€€SimilarÏconsiderations€apply€in€non„litigation€matters.€€For€example,€a€lawyer€negotiating€a€complexÏagreement€on€behalf€of€a€seller€could€not€withdraw€and€represent€the€buyer€against€the€interests€ofÏthe€seller€in€the€same€transaction.€€Further,€just€as€a€lawyer€may€not€represent€both€sidesÏconcurrently€in€the€same€case,€Ôf  ÔÔg Ôòòseeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.7(a),€the€lawyer€also€may€not€represent€themÏconsecutively.ÌÌà à[5]à àBeyond€switching€sides€in€the€same€matter,€the€concept€of€substantial€relationshipÏapplies€to€later€developments€arising€out€of€the€original€matter.€€A€matter€is€substantially€related€if€itÏinvolves€the€work€the€lawyer€performed€for€the€former€client.€€For€example,€a€lawyer€may€not€onÏbehalf€of€a€later€client€attack€the€validity€of€a€document€that€the€lawyer€drafted€if€doing€so€wouldÏmaterially€and€adversely€affect€the€former€client.€€Similarly,€a€lawyer€may€not€represent€a€debtor€inÏbankruptcy€in€seeking€to€set€aside€a€security€interest€of€a€creditor€that€is€embodied€in€a€documentÏthat€the€lawyer€previously€drafted€for€the€creditor.ÌÌà@ àò òProtecting€Confidentialityó óÌÌà à[6]à àThe€substantial€relationship€standard€is€employed€most€frequently€to€protect€theÏconfidential€information€of€the€former€client.€€A€subsequent€matter€is€substantially€related€to€anÏearlier€matter€if€there€is€a€substantial€risk€that€the€subsequent€representation€will€involve€the€use€ofÏconfidential€information€of€the€former€client€in€violation€of€the€restrictions€these€Rules€and€otherÏlaw€place€on€disclosure.€€Substantial€risk€exists€where€one€could€reasonably€conclude€that€it€wouldÏmaterially€advance€the€clientððs€position€in€the€subsequent€matter€to€use€confidential€informationÏobtained€in€the€prior€representation.ÌÌà à[7]à àInquiries€concerning€the€existence,€exchange,€and€potential€for€use€of€suchÏconfidential€information€may€themselves€raise€concerns€and€difficulties.€€A€concern€to€protect€aÏformer€clientððs€confidential€information€would€be€self„defeating€if,€in€order€to€obtain€its€protection,Ïthe€former€client€were€required€to€reveal€in€a€public€proceeding€the€particular€communication€orÏother€confidential€information€that€could€be€used€in€the€subsequent€representation.€€On€the€otherÏhand,€closed€or€in€camera€proceedings€may€implicate€issues€of€fairness€to€other€parties.€€Further,€theÏinterests€of€subsequent€clients€also€militate€against€extensive€inquiry€into€the€precise€nature€of€theÏlawyerððs€representation€of€the€subsequent€client€and€the€nature€of€exchanges€between€them.ÌÌà à[8]à àThe€substantial€relationship€test€attempts€to€avoid€requiring€actual€disclosure€ofÏconfidential€information€by€focusing€upon€the€general€features€of€the€matters€involved€andÏinferences€as€to€the€likelihood€that€confidences€were€imparted€by€the€former€client€that€could€beÏused€to€adverse€effect€in€the€subsequent€representation.€€The€inquiry€into€the€issues€involved€in€theÏprior€representation€should€be€as€specific€as€possible€without€thereby€revealing€the€confidentialÏclient€information€itself€or€confidential€information€concerning€the€second€client.€€Nevertheless,€theÏsubsequent€clientððs€interest€in€selection€of€counsel€of€his€or€her€choice€requires€that€the€lawyer€beÏpermitted,€within€appropriate€limits,€to€defeat€any€presumption€or€inference€concerning€the€lawyerððsÏreceipt€or€exchange€of€confidential€information.ÌÌà à[9]à àFor€example,€a€lawyer€who€has€represented€a€business€person€and€learned€extensiveÏprivate€financial€information€about€that€person€may€not€then€represent€that€personððs€spouse€inÏseeking€a€divorce.€€Similarly,€a€lawyer€who€has€previously€represented€a€client€in€securingÏenvironmental€permits€to€build€a€shopping€center€would€be€precluded€from€representing€neighborsÏwho€sought€to€oppose€rezoning€of€the€property.€€However,€the€lawyer€could€defend€a€tenant€of€theÏcompleted€shopping€center€in€resisting€eviction€for€non„payment€of€rent,€as€no€substantialÏrelationship€exists€between€the€two€matters.ÌÌà à[10]à àInformation€that€might€be€confidential€for€some€purposes€under€these€Rules€(so€that,Ïfor€example,€a€lawyer€would€not€be€free€to€discuss€it€publicly)€might€nonetheless€be€so€general,Ïreadily€observable,€or€of€so€little€value€in€the€subsequent€litigation€that€it€should€not€by€itself€resultÏin€a€substantial€relationship€being€found.€€Thus,€a€lawyer€may€master€a€particular€substantive€area€ofÏthe€law€while€representing€a€client,€but€that€does€not€preclude€the€lawyer€from€later€representingÏanother€client€adversely€to€the€first€in€a€matter€involving€the€same€legal€issues,€if€the€facts€are€notÍsubstantially€related.€€A€lawyer€might€also€have€learned€a€former€clientððs€preferred€approach€toÏbargaining€in€settlement€discussions€or€negotiating€business€points€in€a€transaction,€willingness€orÏunwillingness€to€be€deposed€by€an€adversary,€or€financial€ability€to€withstand€extended€litigation€orÏcontract€negotiations.€€Only€when€such€information€will€be€directly€in€issue€or€of€unusual€value€inÏthe€subsequent€matter€will€it€be€independently€relevant€in€assessing€a€substantial€relationship.ÌÌà@ àò òLawyers€Moving€Between€Firmsó óÌÌà à[11]à àWhen€lawyers€have€been€associated€within€a€firm€but€then€end€their€association,€theÏquestion€of€whether€a€lawyer€should€undertake€representation€is€more€complicated.€€There€areÏseveral€competing€considerations.€€First,€the€client€previously€represented€by€the€former€firm€mustÏbe€reasonably€assured€that€the€principle€of€loyalty€to€the€client€is€not€compromised.€€Second,€theÏrule€should€not€be€so€broadly€cast€as€to€preclude€other€persons€from€having€reasonable€choice€ofÏlegal€counsel.€€Third,€the€rule€should€not€unreasonably€hamper€lawyers€from€forming€newÏassociations€and€taking€on€new€clients€after€having€left€a€previous€association.€€In€this€connection,€itÏshould€be€recognized€that€today€many€lawyers€practice€in€firms,€that€many€lawyers€to€some€degreeÏlimit€their€practice€to€one€field€or€another,€and€that€many€move€from€one€association€to€anotherÏseveral€times€in€their€careers.€€If€the€concept€of€imputation€were€applied€with€unqualified€rigor,€theÏresult€would€be€radical€curtailment€of€the€opportunity€of€lawyers€to€move€from€one€practice€settingÏto€another€and€of€the€opportunity€of€clients€to€change€counsel.ÌÌà à[12]à àParagraph€(b)€operates€to€disqualify€the€lawyer€only€when€the€lawyer€involved€hasÏactual€knowledge€of€information€protected€by€Ô_ÔRulesÔ_Ô€1.6€and€1.9(c).€€Thus,€if€a€lawyer€while€withÏone€firm€acquired€no€knowledge€or€information€relating€to€a€particular€client€of€the€firm,€and€thatÏlawyer€later€joined€another€firm,€neither€the€lawyer€individually€nor€the€second€firm€is€disqualifiedÏfrom€representing€another€client€in€the€same€or€a€related€matter€even€though€the€interests€of€the€twoÏclients€conflict.€€See€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.10(b)€for€the€restrictions€on€a€firm€once€a€lawyer€has€terminatedÏassociation€with€the€firm.ÌÌà à[13]à àApplication€of€paragraph€(b)€depends€on€a€situationððs€particular€facts,€aided€byÏinferences,€deductions,€or€working€presumptions€that€reasonably€may€be€made€about€the€way€inÏwhich€lawyers€work€together.€€A€lawyer€may€have€general€access€to€files€of€all€clients€of€a€law€firmÏand€may€regularly€participate€in€discussions€of€their€affairs;€if€so,€then€it€should€be€inferred€thatÏsuch€a€lawyer€is€privy€to€all€information€about€all€the€firmððs€clients.€€In€contrast,€another€lawyer€mayÏhave€access€to€the€files€of€only€a€limited€number€of€clients€and€participate€in€discussions€of€theÏaffairs€of€no€other€clients.€€Under€these€circumstances,€it€should€be€inferred,€in€the€absence€ofÏinformation€to€the€contrary,€that€such€a€lawyer€is€privy€to€information€about€the€clients€actuallyÏserved,€but€not€those€of€other€clients.€Ì€Ìà à[14]à àIndependent€of€the€question€of€disqualification€of€a€firm,€a€lawyer€changingÏprofessional€association€has€a€continuing€duty€to€preserve€confidentiality€of€information€about€aÏclient€formerly€represented.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCsÔ_Ô€1.6€and€1.9(c).€ÌÌà@ àò òRelation€to€Other€RulesÌÌó óà à[15]à àExcept€in€situations€governed€by€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.11,€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9€applies€in€all€circumstances€inÏwhich€a€lawyer€has€previously€represented€a€client€as€an€advocate,€an€advisor,€an€intermediary,€or€anÏauthor€of€a€legal€opinion€to€be€rendered€on€behalf€of€a€client€for€use€by€a€third€person.€€Except€asÏprovided€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€2.4,€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9€does€not€apply€to€parties€being€served€by€a€lawyer€as€a€disputeÏresolution€neutral.€€If,€however,€the€lawyerððs€service€as€a€neutral€will€be€materially€adverse€to€aÍformer€client€and€the€dispute€is€substantially€related€to€the€former€representation,€the€lawyer€mustÏafford€the€former€client€the€protections€of€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9ÌÌà@ àò òDEFINITIONAL€CROSS„REFERENCESÌó óÌð ðConsents€in€Writingðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(b)Ìð ðConsultationðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(c)Ìð ðFirmðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(d)Ìð ðKnowinglyðð€and€Knownðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(f)Ìð ðMaterialðð€and€ð ðMateriallyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(g)Ìð ðSubstantiallyðð€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(òòlóó)Çò òÔ  Ôó óà@ àò òRule€1.10Ìó óà@ àò òIMPUTED€DISQUALIFICATION:€GENERAL€RULEó óÌÔ  ÔÌ(a)à àExcept€as€permitted€by€paragraph€(c),€while€lawyers€are€associated€in€a€firm,€none€of€themÏshall€knowingly€represent€a€client€when€any€one€of€them€practicing€alone€would€be€prohibited€fromÏdoing€so€by€Ô_ÔRulesÔ_Ô€1.7,€1.8(c),€1.9(a),€1.9(b),€or€2.2.ÌÌ(b)à àWhen€a€lawyer€has€terminated€an€association€with€a€firm,€the€firm€is€not€prohibited€fromÏthereafter€representing€a€person€with€interests€materially€adverse€to€those€of€a€client€represented€byÏthe€formerly€associated€lawyer€and€not€currently€represented€by€the€firm,€unless:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€matter€is€the€same€or€substantially€related€to€that€in€which€the€formerlyÏassociated€lawyer€represented€the€client;€andÌà0 àÌà0 à(2)à àany€lawyer€remaining€in€the€firm€has€information€protected€by€Ô_ÔRulesÔ_Ô€1.6€and€1.9(c)Ïthat€is€material€to€the€matter.Ì€Ì(c)à àExcept€with€respect€to€paragraph€(d)€below,€if€a€lawyer€is€personally€disqualified€fromÏrepresenting€a€person€with€interests€adverse€to€a€client€of€a€law€firm€with€which€the€lawyer€wasÏformerly€associated,€other€lawyers€currently€associated€in€a€firm€with€the€personally€disqualifiedÏlawyer€may€nonetheless€represent€the€person€if€both€the€personally€disqualified€lawyer€and€theÏlawyers€who€will€represent€the€person€on€behalf€of€the€firm€act€reasonably€to:ÌÌà0 à(1)à àidentify€that€the€personally€disqualified€lawyer€is€prohibited€from€participating€in€theÏrepresentation€of€the€current€client;€andÌ€Ìà0 à(2)à àdetermine€that€no€lawyer€representing€the€current€client€has€acquired€anyÏinformation€from€the€personally€disqualified€lawyer€that€is€material€to€the€current€matter€andÏis€protected€by€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.9(c);€and€ÌÌà0 à(3)à àpromptly€implement€screening€procedures€to€effectively€prevent€the€flow€ofÏinformation€about€the€matter€between€the€personally€disqualified€lawyer€and€the€otherÏlawyers€in€the€firm;€andÌÌà0 à(4)à àadvise€the€former€client€in€writing€of€the€circumstances€that€warranted€theÏimplementation€of€the€screening€procedures€required€by€this€Rule€and€of€the€actions€thatÏhave€been€taken€to€comply€with€this€Rule.€ÌÌ(d)Ôg ÔÔf  ÔÔg Ôà àThe€procedures€set€forth€in€paragraph€(c)€may€not€be€used€to€avoid€imputed€disqualificationÏof€the€firm,€if€ÌÌà0 à(1)à àthe€disqualified€lawyer€was€substantially€involved€in€the€representation€of€a€formerÏclient;€andÌÌà0 à(2)à àthe€lawyerððs€representation€of€the€former€client€was€in€connection€with€anÏadjudicative€proceeding€that€is€directly€adverse€to€the€interests€of€a€current€client€of€the€firm;Ïand€ÌÌà0 à(3)à àthe€proceeding€between€the€firmððs€current€client€and€the€lawyerððs€former€client€isÏstill€pending€at€the€time€the€lawyer€changes€firms.ÌÌ(e)à àA€disqualification€prescribed€by€this€Rule€may€be€waived€by€the€affected€client€or€formerÏclient€under€the€conditions€stated€in€Ô_ÔRuleÔ_Ô€1.7.ÌÌÓ  Óò òCOMMENTSó óÌÓ  ÓÌà@ àò òDefinition€of€ð ðFirmððó óÌÌà à[1]à àFor€purposes€of€the€Rules€of€Professional€Conduct,€the€term€ð ðfirmðð€includesÏlawyers€in€a€private€firm,€and€lawyers€in€the€legal€department€of€a€corporation€or€other€organization,Ïor€in€a€legal€services€organization.€€òòSeeóó€Ô_ÔRPCÔ_Ô€1.0(d)€(defining€ð ðFirmðð€or€ð ðLaw€Firmðð).€€WhetherÏtwo€or€more€lawyers€constitute€a€firm€within€this€definition€can€depend€on€the€specific€facts.€€ForÏexample,€two€practitioners€who€share€office€space€and€occasionally€consult€or€assist€each€otherÏordinarily€would€not€be€regarded€as€constituting€a€firm.€€However,€if€they€present€themselves€to€theÏpublic€in€a€way€suggesting€that€they€are€a€firm€or€conduct€themselves€as€a€firm,€they€should€beÏregarded€as€a€firm€for€the€purposes€of€the€Rules.€€The€terms€of€any€formal€agreement€betweenÏassociated€lawyers€are€relevant€in€determining€whether€they€are€a€firm,€as€is€the€fact€that€they€haveÏmutual€access€to€information€concerning€the€clients€they€serve.€€Furthermore,€it€is€relevant€inÏdoubtful€cases€to€consider€the€underlying€purpose€of€the€Rule€that€is€involved.€€A€group€of€lawyersÏcould€be€regarded€as€a€firm€for€purposes€of€the€rule€that€the€same€lawyer€should€not€representÏopposing€parties€in€litigation,€while€it€might€not€be€so€regarded€for€purposes€of€the€rule€thatÏinformation€acquired€by€one€lawyer€is€attributed€to€the€other.ÌÌà à[2]à àWith€respect€to€the€law€department€of€an€organization,€there€is€ordinarily€noÏquestion€that€the€members€of€the€department€constitute€a€firm€within€the€meaning€of€the€Rules€ofÏProfessional€Conduct.€€However,€there€can€be€uncertainty€as€to€the€identity€of€the€client.€€ForÏexample,€it€may€not€be€clear€whether€the€law€department€of€a€corporation€represents€a€subsidiary€orÏan€affiliated€corporation,€as€well€as€the€corporation€by€which€the€members€of€the€department€areÏdirectly€employed.€€A€similar€question€can€arise€concerning€an€unincorporated€association€and€itsÏlocal€affiliates.ÌÌà à[3]à àSimilar€questions€can€also€arise€with€respect€to€lawyers€in€legal€servicesÏorganizations.€€Lawyers€employed€in€the€same€unit€of€a€legal€service€organization€constitute€a€firm,Ïbut€not€necessarily€those€employed€in€separate€units.€€As€in€the€case€of€independent€practitioners,Ïwhether€the€lawyers€should€be€treated€as€associated€with€each€other€can€depend€on€the€particularÏrule€that€is€involved€and€on€the€specific€facts€of€the€situation.Ì€Ìà@ àò òPrinciples€of€Imputed€Disqualificationó óÌÌà à[4]à àThe€rule€of€imputed€disqualification€stated€in€paragraph€(a)€recognizes€theÏcommunity€of€interest€and€shared€loyalty€presumed€to€exist€among€lawyers€who€are€associated€in€aÏlaw€firm.€€Paragraph€(a)€operates€only€among€the€lawyers€currently€associated€in€a€firm.€€When€aÏlawyer€moves€from€one€firm€to€another,€the€situation€is€governed€by€paragraphs€(b),€(c),€and€(d).Ìò òÌó óà@ àò òLawyers€Moving€Between€Firmsó óÌÌà à[5]à àWhen€a€lawyer€who€is€associated€in€a€firm€leaves€the€firm,€the€question€of€whether€aÏlawyer€should€undertake€representation€adverse€to€clients€of€the€former€firm€is€more€complicated.€ÏThere€are€several€competing€considerations.€€First,€the€client€previously€represented€by€