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Opinions of the D.C. Bar
Legal Ethics Committee

The D.C. Bar’s Legal Ethics Committee periodically issues opinions interpreting the Rules of Professional Conduct and Code of Professional Responsibility. Copies of all opinions beginning with number 210 are available below.

Opinions with numbers lower than 210 were issued interpreting the Code of Professional Responsibility. Some of those opinions remain in effect under the Rules of Professional Conduct and are available below.

Earlier opinions listed below may be obtained from the D.C. Bar’s Legal Ethics Office, by e-mailing a request to legalethics@dcbar.org.

Search all opinions by keyword:
Ethics Opinions 1–209
Opinion 1: Fee Arrangements - Hourly Rate in a Claim Against Government by Private Bill Which Limits Attorneys’ Fees. DR 2-106(A)
Opinion 2: Propriety of Attorney Delivering Lectures on Legal Subjects to be Broadcast by Television. EC 2-1, EC-2, DR 2-101(A)
Opinion 3: Class Actions - Solicitation of Information from Individuals Who Are Not Named Plaintiffs. DR 2-103(A), DR 2-104(A)
Opinion 5: Counsel in Pending Litigation - Writing for Publication in a Legal Journal on the Issues in the Case. DR 7-110, EC 7-35, DR 7-107(G) and (H), EC 7-4, DR 101(A)(3)
Opinion 6: Telephone Listing - Dual Listing as Attorney and CPA. DR 2-102(E), DR 2 -102(A)(5)
Opinion 7: Legal Services - Nonprofit - Listing Name on Official Forms Issued by Police Department. DR 2-104(A)(2) or (3)
Opinion 8: Arbitration - Attorney Furnishing Newspaper Reporter With a Statement of Client’s Claim. DR 7-107(G) and (H)
Opinion 9: Client’s Failure to Appear in a Court of Another Jurisdiction - Attorneys’ Duties and Responsibilities. DR 7-102(B)(1), DR 2-110(A) and (C)
Opinion 10: Competitive Bids for Lawyers Issued by Government Agencies - Response To by Attorney. DR 3-101, DR 3-102, DR 3-103
Opinion 11: Fee Arrangement - Charging Interest on Unpaid Bill for Legal Services. DR 2-1O6(A)
Opinion 12: Cable Address for Law Firm - "TAXLAW" - "T AXLEX." DR 2-102(B), DR 2-101, DR 2-102(A), DR 2-105(A), DR 2-102(A)(4)
Opinion 13: Advertising for Openings for Lawyers - Use of Firm Name. DR 2-1O1(A)
Opinion 15: Advertising - Attorney Advertising - Low-cost Services for Real Estate Settlements. DR 2-101(B), DR 2-102(E)
Opinion 16: Former Employment by Government Agency - Effect on Representation of Private Clients in Dealings with the Agency. DR 9-101(B); EC 9-3
Opinion 17: Directories - Black Attorneys Specializing in Labor Relations. DR 2-102(A)(6)
Opinion 18: Referrals by Nonprofit Organization to Attorney Who Works for the Organization. DR 2-103(D)
Opinion 19: Business Cards - Designation of a Paralegal as a "Legal Assistant"
Opinion 20: Contingent Fee for Expert Witness - Constitutionality - Constitutional Questions Beyond the Scope of the Committee. DR 7-109(C)
Opinion 21: Advancing Costs of Litigation - Dismissal of Suit Without Client’s Consent. EC 5-8, DR 5-103(B), EC 7-7, DR 2-110, DR 7-101
Opinion 22: Professional Announcements - Specia1ization. DR 2-1O2(A)(2), DR 2-105
Opinion 23: Use of Credit Cards for Paying for Legal Services. Canon 2
Opinion 24: Participation of Law Faculty in "Ask the Lawyer" Radio Program. Canon 2; EC 2-2; DR 2-104(A)(4)
Opinion 25: Fee Arrangements - Lawyer’s Responsibility to Make Clear to Client - Necessity of Writing. EC 2-19
Opinion 26: Former Public Employee - Contract as "Matter" for Purposes of Disqualification Rule of DR 9-101(B) - Extent of Participation Required for "Substantial Responsibility" Within the Meaning of DR 9-101(B)
Opinion 27: Multiple Employment - Confidences and Secrets of Client. DR 5-105, DR 4-101
Opinion 28: Representation of or Consultation with a Person who has Counsel-Giving Advice to a Person on the Adequacy of his Present Representation by Counsel. EC 2-30, DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 6-101
Opinion 29: Change in Contingent Fee Arrangement in the Course of Representation. EC 2-19
Opinion 30: Legal Services to Union Members - Prepaid Legal Plan Submission of Fee Schedule. DR 2-103, DR 2-106, DR 5-105, DR 5-107
Opinion 31: Lawyer’s for Congressional Committee - Summoning Witness Who It is Known Will Decline to Answer Any Questions on a Claim of Privilege. DR 7-106(C)(2), EC 7-10, EC 7-14, EC 7-25
Opinion 32: Use by Prosecutor’s Office of a "Notice of Witness Conference" as a Means of Inviting Third Party Witness Not Under Compulsory Process to Conferences in Preparation for Trial. DR l-102 (A)(4)
Opinion 33: Inclusion of Firm Name in Lawyer’s Listing As a Member of Advisory Board of Civic Organization. DR 2101(B)(3)
Opinion 34: Multi-Jurisdiction Law Firms with Offices in the District of Columbia-Permissible Firm Names When Not All Named Partners are Admitted to Practice in the District of Columbia. DR 2-1O2(B), DR 2-102(D)
Opinion 35: Restriction of the Right to Practice Law - Settlement Agreement DR 2-108(B)
Opinion 36: Practices of Law Firm Handling Client’s Funds During Real Estate Transactions. DR 9-102(A) and (B)(I) through (4), DR 6-10l(A)(3),; DR 5-105(A), (B), and (C)
Opinion 37: Provisions of Contingent Fee Retainer Agreements with Respect to Payment of a Fee in the Event of Discharge or Withdrawal of the Attorney. DR 2-106(A) and (B), DR 2-110
Opinion 38: Designation of Patent Agent on Letterhead. Canon 2; Canon 3
Opinion 39: Lay Employment Agency Referring Lawyers to Other Lawyers and Firms for Hourly Work and for Permanent Employment; Manner of Payment of Referral Fees. DR 2-103(A) and (C), DR 2-107(A), DR 3-102(A)
Opinion 40: No opinion has been issued
Opinion 41: Cooperation in Magazine Article about Lawyers. DR 2-101(A)
Opinion 42: Written Retainer Agreement Based on Combination of Contingent Fee Plus Time Charges. DR 2-106(A) and (B), EC 2-20
Opinion 43: No opinion has been issued
Opinion 44: Lawyers Serving as Both Witnesses and Advocates in the Same Proceedings – Right to Self-Representation. DR 5-101(A)(3), DR 5-102
Opinion 45: Partnership with Non-Lawyer-Letterhead Listing Non-Lawyer. DR 2-102(B), DR 3-103(A)
Opinion 46: Listing in an Office Diary Designed for Sale to Lawyers of Names of Lawyers and Their Areas of Practice. DR 2-105 (A)(3)
Opinion 47: Letterheads, Cards and Announcements of Law Firms with Single Office in the District of Columbia – No Need to Negate Admission of Law Firm Lawyers in Other Jurisdictions. DR 2-102
Opinion 48: Continuation of Legal Practice after Assuming Quasi-Judicial Office – Conflicts of Interest – Appearance of Impropriety. DC 5-101(A); DR 9-101
Opinion 49: Dual Representation-Drafting of Agreements Between Two Clients. DR 5-105(A), DR 5-105(C), EC 5-15, EC 5-16
Opinion 50: Participation by Agency General Counsel in Matters Involving Parties Represented by Law Firm with whom Spouse is Associated-Conflict of Interest-Appearance of Impropriety. DR 5-1-1, DR 9-101
Opinion 51: Recommendations of a Lawyer by another. DR 2-103(E), EC 2-8; Rendering Legal Services for a Client or Customer or an Employee. DR 5-105(A) and (B), EC 5-1, EC 5-14, EC 5-16, EC 5-24
Opinion 52: Law Offering of Lawyers’ Services to Clients or Customers – Referral. EC 3-3, EC 3-5, EC 3-8, EC 5-22, EC 5-23, DR 3-103, EC 2-8, DR 2-103
Opinion 53: Newspaper Advertisement for Divorces; Name of Lawyer Not Disclosed; “Fees from $150.” DR 2-101, EC 2-8, EC 2-10, EC 2-11
Opinion 54: Propriety of Multiple Representation. DR 5-105(A), DR 5-105(C), EC 5-15, EC 5-16, EC 5-17
Opinion 55: Contingent Fee to Organization Obtaining and Paying Fees of Expert Witnesses. DR 7-109(C), DR 3-101(A), DR 3-102
Opinion 56: Agreement to Reimburse an Expert Witness for Proceeds of Judgment or Settlement. DR 7-109(C)
Opinion 57: Contributions by Lawyers and Law Firms Practicing Before a Regulatory Agency to a Public Interest law Firm also Practicing Before That Agency. Canons 2, 5, 7, and 9; EC 5-1, EC 7-1, and EC 9
Opinion 58: Preservation of Confidences and Secrets of a Client by Attorney Accused of Misconduct. DR 4-101
Opinion 59: Assertion of Retaining Lien after Discharge of Attorney; Relevance of Duty to Avoid Foreseeable Prejudice to Client’s Interests. DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 5-103 (A)(1), EC 2-23, EC 5-7
Opinion 60: Imposition of Interest Charge on Client’s Delinquent Account without Advance Agreement of Client; Referral of Delinquent Account to Collection Agency; Suit to Collect Fee
Opinion 61: No opinion has been issued
Opinion 62: Propriety of Participation by Federally-Employed Attorneys in Volunteer Program to Represent Interests of Abused and Neglected Children in Proceedings Before the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Canons 2, 5, and 9; EC 2-25, EC 5-14, DR 5-105, DR 5-106
Opinion 63: Representation of Client in Administrative Proceeding Where Former Client in Unrelated Criminal Case May be Hostile Witness. DR 4-101(B), EC 4-5, EC 4-6, EC 5-1, EC 5-14, Cannons 4, 5
Opinion 64: Law Students in Court Program; Use of Information Desk in Courthouse. DR 2-103, EC 2-1
Opinion 65: Employment Contract Between an Attorney Withdrawing From His Former Law Firm, Requiring Payment to Former Firm for Post-Withdrawal Fees Derived by Withdrawn Attorney from Client of Former Firm. DR 2-108(A), DR 2-107
Opinion 66: Advertised by Attorney; Sponsorship of Sports Team. DR 2-101(C)(4)
Opinion 67: Use of the term “General Counsel.” DR 2-101, DR 2-101(B), EC 2-13
Opinion 68: Legal Advice Concerning Labor Relations Given By A Staff Attorney Who is a Union Member – Conflict of Interest. DR 5-101(A)
Opinion 69: Designation of Area of Specialization of Concentration in Directory of Law School Graduates. DR 2-105
Opinion 70: Propriety of Lawyer Participation in Private Advertising and Referral Service. DR 2-103(C), DR 2-105(A), EC 2-14
Opinion 70A: Propriety of Lawyer Participation in Private Advertising and Referral Service Where No Mechanism for Bar Approval of Such Service Has Been Established; Application of Opinion No. 70 in Such Circumstances. DR 2-103(A)
Opinion 71: Newly Employed Government Lawyer’s Participation in Rulemaking Involving Former Client and Law Firm. DR 4-101(B) and (C), DR 5-105, Canon 9
Opinion 72: Attorney’s Disclosure to Realty Title Insurance Company, for Purposes of Audit, of Information which May Constitute “Confidences” or “Secrets” of His Client. DR 4-101, EC 4-3
Opinion 73: Ex Parte Communications in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and District of Columbia Office of Human Rights Proceedings. DR 7-110(B)
Opinion 74: Advertising of Free Consultation With Respect to Whether Apartment landlords May Be Entitled to a Rent Increase Under Applicable Law. DR 2-101, DR 2-103, and DR 2-104
Opinion 75: The Use of Credit Cards and Finance Charges. DR 2-101, DR 2-106
Opinion 76: Advertising No Fee for Initial Consultation Where Minimum Charge is made and Forwarded to Lawyer Referral Service. DR 2-101(A), (B)(1), (3) & (6), DR 2-101(E), EC 2-8B
Opinion 77: Employment Contract Requiring Payment of Liquidated Damages If a Departing Attorney Solicits Law Firm’s Clients. DR 2-108(A), DR 2-107(A)
Opinion 78: Participation of Lawyers Entering Government in Proceedings Involving Former Clients. DR 5-101, DR 5-102, DR 5-105, Canons 4, 9
Opinion 79: Limitations on a Lawyer’s Participation in the Preparation of a Witness’s Testimony. DR 7-102(A)(4), (6) and (7); EC 7-26
Opinion 80: Communication by Lawyer Representing a Client With Government Officials. DR 7-104(A)(I)
Opinion 81: Legal Advertising and Referral Service Subscribed to by Unaffiliated Private Practitioners to Advertise Under the Name "Legal Counsellors." DR 2-101(A), DR 2-101(B), DR 1-102(A)(2), DR 2-102(B), DR 2-102(C)
Opinion 82: Advertisement by Former Government Attorney Detailing Nature of Prior Government Experience and Announcing Willingness to Handle Claims and Litigation Against Government. DR 9-101(B), DR 4-101(B)(3), Canons 2, 4, 5, 9, and 27; DR 2-102(A)(2), DR 2-101, DR 2-101(A), DR 2-101(B)(4), DR 9-101(B), EC 2-8A, DR 9-101(C), EC 9-2, EC 9-6
Opinion 83: Duty to Protect Confidences of Former Client in Face of Potential Court Order to Compel Testimony or Production of Documents. DR 4-101, DR 4-101(A), DR 4-101(C)(2), EC4-4
Opinion 85: Withdrawal from Representation of Uncooperative Client DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 2-110(C)(1)(d), DR 2-106
Opinion 86: Continued Participation in Litigation by Attorney Sued For Conduct in Court of Litigation. DR 5-101(A)
Opinion 87: Multi-Jurisdictional Corporate Law Firm Using The Name "Legal Clinic," Offering Credit. DR 2101(B), DR 2-101(D); DR 3-101
Opinion 88: Lawyers Serving as Both Witnesses and Counsel in the Same Proceeding-Propriety of Issuance of an Opinion on the Merits. DR 5-101(B), DR 5-102(A)
Opinion 89: Propriety of Law Finn Withdrawing from Representation When Client Fails to Pay Fees. DR 2-110(A), DR 2-101(C)(l)(f), DR 4-101(C), EC 2-32
Opinion 90: Assertion of Retaining Lien After Change of Counsel. Determination of Financial Inability of a Client to Pay Fees as an Exception to Retaining Lien. DR 5-103(A), EC 5-7, EC 2-23, D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Opinion No. 59
Opinion 91: Preparation and Advertising of a Prepaid Legal Services Plan. DR 2-101, DR 2-110, DR 1-102(A)(4)
Opinion 92: Propriety of a Private Attorney Handling Municipal Cases on a Pro Bono basis; Conflicts of Interest; Preservation of Client Confidences and Secrets; Appearance of1mpropriety. DR 5-105, DR 4-101, DR 9-101(B) and (C)
Opinion 93: Law Firms Offering The Services of Professionals Other Than Lawyers. DR 3-101(A), DR 3-102, DR 3-103, EC 3-6, DR 5-107(B), DR 5-107(C)
Opinion 94: Propriety of In-House Counsel Performing Legal Services for Related Organization; Conflict of Interest; Preservation of Client Confidences and Secrets; Unauthorized Practice of Law. DR 5-105, DR 4-101, DR 3-102 and 103
Opinion 95: Propriety of Advertisement by Attorneys Holding Themselves Out as the "Accident Legal Assistance Center", "Specializing in Serious Injury and Death Claims Caused by Automobile Accidents Etc." DR 2-101(A), (B), (C)(I); DR 2-105(A), (B); EC 2-14
Opinion 96: Switching Sides; Use of Confidences and Secrets Against Former Client; Continuation of Obligation to Preserve Confidences and Secrets Even When Acting in Capacity Other Than as Attorney. DR 4-101(B)
Opinion 97: Propriety of Employment Agreement Restricting Lawyer’s Right, Upon Termination of Employment, to Solicit Employer’s Clients. DR 2-103 and DR 2-108
Opinion 98: Former Staff Attorney for Public Defender Service Acting as Private Counsel for Person Previously Represented as Assigned Defense Counsel. DR 9-101(B), DR 5-107(B)
Opinion 99: Preserving Confidences When Existence of Attorney/Client Relationship is Uncertain. DR 4-101
Opinion 100: Propriety of Retaining Lien of Attorney as to Money Held in Escrow Account Where the Client and Attorney Have Mutually Agreed to the Termination of Representation; Propriety of Satisfaction of Attorney’s Retaining Lien From Client’s Assets in the Attorney’s Possession. DR 5-103(A)(l), DR 2-110(A)(2), EC 57, EC 2-23
Opinion 101: Lawyer Appearing Before Judges of a Board of Contract Appeals Whom the Lawyer is Representing Personally in an Unrelated Matter. DR 9-101(C), EC 9-6, Canon 9
Opinion 102: Deposit of Client’s Funds in Separate Accounts - Use of Interest Bearing Accounts - Disposition of Interest DR 9-102
Opinion 103: Retainer Agreements-Authority to Make Litigation Decisions-Withdrawal From Representation- Attorney’s Lien-Finance Charges-Assignment of Recovery-Excessive Fees. DR 2-106, DR 2-110, DR 7-101, EC 2-19, EC 2-23, EC 2-32, EC 7-7
Opinion 104: Obligation of Lawyers to Accept Pro Bono Appointments; Excessive Appointment to Pro Bono Cases; Duty of Lawyers to Advance Litigation Expenses for Indigent Clients; Duty to Decline Appointments That Cannot Be Competently and Zealously Performed. DR 5-101(A), DR 5-103(B), DR 6-101, DR 7-101
Opinion 105: Propriety of Multijurisdictional Newspaper Advertisements and Letters of Solicitation By Attorneys. DR 2-101, DR 2-103(C), DR 3-101(B)
Opinion 106: Applicability to Rulema1dng of Restrictions on Employment of Former Government Attorneys; DR 9-101(B), DR 4-101, DR 5-105
Opinion 107: Propriety of Asserting Retaining Lien Applicable to Ultimate Client’s Papers Where D.C. Attorney Retained as Co-counsel By Other Attorneys Previously Retained by the Client. DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 5-103(A)(1), EC 2-23, EC 5-7, EC 9-1, EC 9-2
Opinion 108: Attorney’s Responsibilities to Client Who Has Disappeared. DR 2-110(A)(2) and (C)(l)(d), DR 6101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A), DR 7-101(A)(5)
Opinion 109: Referral from Non-prepaid Group Legal Services Plan; Referral to Partnership Without Disclosure that Referrer has a Financial Stake in the Partnership; Division of Fees with Attorney who Purports to be a Partner. DR 2-102(A), DR 2-102(B), DR 2-103(B), DR 2-103(C), DR 2-107(A), DR Definition (8)
Opinion 110: Propriety of Advertisement Describing Law Firm as "The Immigration Lawyers" with "Services to Aliens Around the World." DR 2-101(B)(6), (C)(3)
Opinion 111: Propriety of Former Government Attorney Representing a Party in Litigation Against the Government When the Attorney Had Been Nominally Involved in the Same Litigation While in Government Service. DR 9-101(B)
Opinion 112: Attorneys as Members of a Labor Union Which is the Principal Adversary of the Agency Employing the Attorneys; Conflict of Interest. DR 5-101(A)
Opinion 113: "Fee Advances by Clients." DR 2-106, DR 2-107, DR 3-102, DR 9-103
Opinion 114: Representation of Agency Officials Before Whom A Lawyer May Appear on Behalf of Other Clients. DR 9-101(A), EC 9-6, Canon 9
Opinion 115: Propriety of Contingent Fees in Non-Litigation Matters. EC 2-20,EC 5-7, DR 2-106, DR 5-103
Opinion 116: Unsolicited Legal Advice; Obligation to Revise Wills. DR 2-103, DR 2-104, DR 6-101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A)(1)
Opinion 117: Statement as to Quality of Legal Services in Advertisement DR 2-201(C)(3)
Opinion 118: Responsibilities of Lawyer Represented by Collective Bargaining Unit During Strike or Work Slowdown. DR 6-101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A)(2), DR 7-101(A)(3), DR 2-110(A)(1), DR 2-110(A)(2), EC 5-13
Opinion 120: Communicating with Adverse Party. DR 7-104
Opinion 121: Description of Legal Fees in Advertising. DR 2-101(A), DR 2-101(B)(5)
Opinion 122: Partnership Agreement Prohibiting Performance of Legal Services for Firm Clients Following Departure From Firm; Memorandum Agreement Requiring Departing Partner to Pay to Firm Percentage of Fees Earned From Representation of Specific Clients. DR 2-108(A); DR 2-107(A), EC 2-22
Opinion 123: The Name of a Deceased Patent Attorney May Appear on the Letterhead of a Law Firm, So Long As the Fact That He Was Not a Member of the Bar Clearly Appears Thereon. DR 2-102(B), Canon 2
Opinion 124: Disclosure of Client Identities to IRS Auditors. Canon 4, DR 4-101
Opinion 125: Attorney Representing Another Attorney in Same Firm in Litigation Arising Out of Private Contractual Dispute Where Attorney Involved in Dispute Will be Trial Witness. DR 5-101(B), DR 5-102(A)
Opinion 126: Court-Appointed Attorney’s Responsibilities When Client Fails To Comply With Court Order to Pay a Portion of The Cost of Representation. EC 2-19, EC 2-23, DR 4-101, DR 5-101(A), DR 5-102(B), DR 7-102(B)(1)
Opinion 127: Withdrawal of Attorney’s Fees From Trust Account Established to Receive Proceeds of a Settlement. DR 9-103
Opinion 128: Donation to University Archive of Papers That Could Contain Client Confidences or Secrets. Canon 4, DR 4-101
Opinion 130: Offer of Settlement Restricting Attorney’s Right to Represent Potential Clients. DR 1-102(A)(5), DR 2-108(B)
Opinion 131: Simultaneous Representation of Opposing Clients in Separate Proceedings. Canons 4, 5, and 7; DR 5-105, DR 4-101, DR 7-101 (A)(3), EC 4-5
Opinion 132: Withdrawal of Counsel When Lawyer Becomes a Witness. DR 5-102(B)
Opinion 133: Private Practice by a District of Columbia Government Hearing Examiner. DR 5-101(A), DR 8-101, DR 9-101
Opinion 134: Newsletters as a Form of Advertising and Solicitation. DR 2-101, DR 2-103, DR 3-101(B)
Opinion 135: Withdrawal from Employment When Leaving Private Practice, Practice of Law with a Corporation. DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 2-101(C), DR 2-103, DR 2-110, DR 3-101(A), DR 3-102, DR 3-103, DR 5-107(B), DR 5-107(C)
Opinion 136: Multiple Representation of Clients in Unrelated Matters. DR S-105 (A) and (C)
Opinion 137: Limitations on Private Attorney and His Law Firm in Matters Involving Representation Before the Agency Where His Spouse is Employed as an Attorney. DR 4-101, DR 5-101, DR 9-101(A)
Opinion 138: Bank Credit to Finance Legal Fees. DR 2-103(C), DR 2-106, DR 4-101, DR 5-101(A), DR 5-103(B), DR 7-101(A)(3)
Opinion 139: Withdrawal from Employment Due to Client’s Conduct. DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 2-110(C)(1)(d), DR 6-101(A)(3), DR 7-101(A)
Opinion 140: Undertaking of Multiple Representation in Litigation. DR 2-110, DR 4-101(A), (B), (C)(1), DR 5-105(A), (B), (C)
Opinion 141: Propriety of Attorney Stating "Member of the Commercial Law League of America" in Announcements or Advertisements. DR 2-101(B), DR 2-101(C)(4), DR 2-101(A), DR 2-105(A), (B)
Opinion 142: Television Advertisements. DR 2-101(C)
Opinion 143: Joint Representation in Divorce Proceeding. DR 5-105, DR 7-101
Opinion 144: Withdrawal from CJA Case Due to Assignment of Certain Judge. DR 2-110(B), DR 2-110(C), DR 5-101(A), DR 6-101(A)(2), DR 7-101
Opinion 145: Propriety of Solicitation Letter, Division of Fees Between Lawyers. DR 2-103(C), DR 2-107(A)(2)
Opinion 146: Joint Enterprise By Lawyer and Non-lawyer to Provide Services That Include Both Legal and Non-legal Work. DR 2-103(A), (C), DR 3-102, DR 3-103, DR 5-107(C)
Opinion 147: Settlement Offers in Public Interest Litigation Conditional on Waiver of Statutory Fees. DR 1-102(A)(5), DR 2-108(8), DR 5-101(A), DR 5-103(A), DR 7-102
Opinion 148: Attorney-Client Privilege Between Government Lawyer and Agency Employees; Lawyer Serving as Both Witness and Agency Representative Against Employee; Government Lawyer’s Obligation to Disclose Employee Wrongdoings. DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 4-101, DR 5-101(B), DR 5-102, DR 5-101(B), DR 7-104(A)(2)
Opinion 149: Designation as an Attorney on Business Card or Stationery of Non-legal Business. DR 2-102
Opinion 150: "Revolving Door": Substantially Related "Matters". DR 4-101(B)(1), (2), and (3); DR 9-101(B)
Opinion 151: Division of Fees Between a Law Firm and an ‘Of Counsel’ Attorney. DR 2-107(A)
Opinion 152: Government Attorney Acting as Hearing Examiner in Employee Grievance Matter. DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 9-101(B)
Opinion 153: Withdrawal from Employment Due to Client’s Past or Ongoing Fraudulent Acts. DR 1-102(A)(1) and (4), DR 1-103(A), DR 2-110(B)
Opinion 154: Multiple Representation of FCC License Applicants. DR 4-101, DR S-105 (A) and (C)
Opinion 155: Prepaid Legal Services Plan. DR 2-103, DR 2-106, DR 3-102, DR 5-105, DR 5-107
Opinion 156: Representation of Prospective Adoptive Parents By the Guardian of the Child. DR 4-101, DR 5-101, DR 5-105
Opinion 157: Joint Representation of a Tax Shelter Promoter and Investors in a Tax Proceeding. DR 4-101, DR 5-105
Opinion 158: Representation Against a Former Client in a Divorce Proceeding. DR 4-101(B), DR 7-101, DR 9-101
Opinion 159: Representation of Cooperative Association and its Members. DR 5-101(A), DR 5-105(B), DR 5-105(C), DR 7-104(A)(2)
Opinion 160: Practice of Law in a Law Firm Where Partners Have Been Suspended. DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 3-101, DR 3-102
Opinion 161: Contingency Fees in Child Support Cases. DR 2-106(A) and (B), DR 5-103(A)(2), DR 1-102(4), DR 7-102(A)
Opinion 162: Distribution of Fees Generated by a Matter From Which an Attorney is Screene. DR 9-102
Opinion 163: Simultaneous Representation of Opposing Clients. DR 4-101, DR 5-105, DR 7-101, DR 9-101
Opinion 164: Disqualification of a Law Firm Based On an Attorney’s Past Private Employment DR 4-101(B), DR 9-101
Opinion 165: Joint Representation of a Tax Shelter Promoter and Investors in a Tax Proceeding During the Pendency of a Class Action on Behalf of the Investors Against the Promoter. DR 4-101, DR 5-105, DR 7-101(A)
Opinion 166: Right of Attorney to Bill Pro Bono Plaintiff for Cost Incurred During Representation. DR 5-103(B)
Opinion 167: Advertising of Legal Services in Foreign Countries. DR 2-101 (A) and (B), DR 2-106, DR 2-107, DR 3-101(B), DR 3-102
Opinion 168: Obligation of Former Lawyer to Provide Client Materials on Current Lawyer. DR 2-110(A)(2)
Opinion 169: Obligations of Lawyer-Employee During Pendency of Employment Dispute. DR 4-101, DR 5-101(A) and (B), DR 5-102, DR 6-101, DR 7-101, DR 7-101 (A)(3)
Opinion 170: National Telephone Lawyer Referral Service. DR 2-101, DR 2-103, DR 2-106, DR 4-101, DR 5-101, DR 5-105
Opinion 171: Testimony Against Former Client in Malpractice Action Versus Co-Counsel. DR 4-101, DR 9-101
Opinion 172: Advertising in Joint Enterprise Between Lawyers and Non-Lawyers. DR 2-101(A), DR 2-101(B), DR 2-102, DR 3-101(A), DR 3-102(A)(3), DR 3-103, DR 5-107(A), DR 5-107(C)
Opinion 173: Responsibility of Attorney Employed by Insurer to Insured. DR 2-110(A)(2) and (B)(4), DR 5-105(B) and (C), DR 5-107(B), DR 6-101, DR 7-101
Opinion 174: Application of Screening Mechanism to a Law Firm That is Disqualified Due to an Attorney’s Past Private Employment. DR 4-101(B), DR 5-101(D), DR 9-102
Opinion 175: Consecutive Representation of Potentially Adverse Clients and Use of Legal Theories Developed While Representing a Former Client. DR 2-110, DR 4-101, DR 5-105, DR 9-101
Opinion 176: Ethical Propriety of Union Attorneys Receiving a Market Value Fee Award. DR 3-101(A), DR 3102(A), DR 5-107(B)
Opinion 177: "Revolving Door": Personal and Substantial Participation. DR 9-101(A), DR 9-101(B), DR 9-102(B)-(E), DR 5-101(A)
Opinion 178: Attorney’s Communications With One With an Adverse Interest. DR 1-102, DR 7-104(A)(1)
Opinion 179: Equity Interest in Client’s Business in Lieu of Cash Fees for Representation in a Licensing Proceeding. DR 5-103(A), DR 2-106(B), DR 2-110(B)(4), DR 5-101(A), DR 5-105(A)
Opinion 180: Disclosure of Client Confidences and Secrets To Investigating Authorities. DR 4-101(B), DR 4-101(C)(3), DR 4-101(C)(2)
Opinion 181: Restrictions on a Lawyer’s Ability to Practice Law. DR 2-108(A)
Opinion 182: Attorneys Loaned to a Law Firm by a Lay Organization. DR 3-101(A), DR 3-102, DR 3-103
Opinion 183: Professional (Business) Cards. DR 2-102(A), DR 2-102(D)
Opinion 184: Assessment of a Fee for Processing of Administrative Claims Under the D.C. No-Fault Act. DR 2-106(A)
Opinion 185: Billing for Disbursements. DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 2-106
Opinion 186: Disclosure of Corporate Client Confidences and Secrets. DR 4-101(B), DR 4-101(C)(3)
Opinion 187: "Revolving Door" (Rulemaking Situation): DR 4-101, DR 5-101, DR 5-105, DR 9-101(B)
Opinion 188: Newspaper Advertisements. DR 2-101, DR 2-104
Opinion 189: Name of Law Firm. DR 2-101(B), DR 2-102, EC2-8 (B), EC 2-10, EC 2-11
Opinion 190: Retainer Agreement Mandating Arbitration of Attorney-Client Disputes. DR 2-101(A), DR 2-106, DR 110(C)(1)(f), DR 6-102, EC 2-23
Opinion 191: Retaining Client Files During Fee Dispute. DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 5-103(A)
Opinion 192: Use of Terms" Associated With" and "Correspondent Firm". DR 2-102(A), DR 5-105(D)
Opinion 193: Limiting Liability to Client (In-House Staff Lawyers). DR 6-102(A)
Opinion 194: Restricting Lawyer’s Right to Practice Law. DR 2-108(A)
Opinion 195: Assignment to Secure Payment of Fees. DR 2-110, DR 5-101(A), DR 5-103
Opinion 196: Financial Assistance for Client DR 5-103(B), EC 5-8. See also Rule 1.8(d), D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct
Opinion 197: "Of Counsel" and Division of Fees. DR 2-102(A), DR 2-l07 (A)
Opinion 198: No-Fault P.I.P. Payments and Contingency Fee Agreement. DR 2-106,EC 2-10
Opinion 199: Communicating with Adverse Party. DR 7-104(A)(1)
Opinion 200: Fee Paid from Proceeds of Embezzlement. DR 2-106(A), DR 2-102(A)(3), DR 2-102(A)(4)
Opinion 201: Fee Sharing; Lawyer Referral Service; Nonprofit Legal Services Organization. DR 2-103(C), DR 2-106, DR 5-107(B)
Opinion 202: Sale of Literary Rights; Contingent Fee. DR 5-104(B)
Opinion 203: Employment as Investigator of One Who Refers Client. DR 2-103(C), DR 7-102(A)(5), (7), (8), DR 7-104(A)(1), EC 3-6
Opinion 204: Law Firm Participation in Agency Rulemaking. DR 7- 101(A), EC 7-17, EC 8-1, EC 8-2, EC 8-4
Opinion 205: Dismissal of Cross-Appeals in Uncontested Divorce. DR 1-102(A)(5)
Opinion 206: Files of Former Clients. DR 1-102(A)(5), DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 7-109(A), DR 9-103 (B)(4)
Opinion 207: Waiver of Statutory Fees; Settlement Offers in Public Interest Litigation. DR 1-102(A)(5)
Opinion 208: Contingent Fee; Structured Settlement. DR 2-106(A), DR 5-103(A)(2)
Opinion 209: Client Files; Multiple Representation. DR 2-110(A)(2), DR 9-103(B)(4)

Ethics Opinions 210–225
Ethics Opinions 226–240
Ethics Opinions 241–255
Opinion 249: Lawyer Advertising

Ethics Opinions 256–270

Ethics Opinions 271–285
Ethics Opinions 286–300
Ethics Opinions 301–319

Ethics Opinions 320–329
Ethics Opinions 326–350

Opinion 330: Unbundling Legal Services

Opinion 331: Contact With In-House Counsel of a Represented Entity

Opinion 332: Firm Names for Solo Practitioners

Opinion 333: Surrendering Entire Client File Upon Termination of Representation

Opinion 334: Agreement Between Lawyer and Media Representative

Opinion 335: Whether a Lawyer May, as Part of a Settlement Agreement, Prohibit the Other Party’s Lawyer From Disclosing Publicly Available Information About the Case

Opinion 336: A Lawyer’s Fudiciary Role as a Court-Appointed Guardian of an Incapacitated Individual

Opinion 337: Lawyer as Expert Witness

Opinion 338: Whether A Law Firm May Retain the Name of a Partner Who Becomes Both “Of Counsel” to that Law Firm and a Partner in a Different Law Firm also Bearing His Name

Opinion 339: Threat of Criminal Referral in Civil Debt Collection Matter

Opinion 340: Contacts with Government Officials in Litigated Matters

Opinion 341: Review and Use of Metadata in Electronic Documents

Opinion 342: Participation in Internet-Based Lawyer Referral Services Requiring Payment of Fees

Opinion 343: Application of the "Substantial Relationship" Test When Attorneys Participate in Only Discrete Aspects of a New Matter

Opinion 344: Conflicts of Interest for Lawyers Engaged in Lobbying Activities that Are Not Deemed to Involve the Practice of Law

Opinion 345: Reimbursement of Interest Charges Incurred When a Lawyer Uses The Firm's Line of Credit to Advance the Costs of the Representation

Opinion 346: The Required Elements for Triggering a Duty of Confidentiality to a Prospective Client

Opinion 347: Reverse Contingent Fees

Opinion 348: Accepting Credit Cards for Payment of Legal Fees

Opinion 349: Conflicts of Interest for Lawyers Associated with Screened Lawyers Who Participated in a Joint Defense Group

Opinion 350: Whether a lawyer is obliged to surrender to a former client work-product procured through the former client’s factual misrepresentations

 

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