VERMONT RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

• PREAMBLE

• SCOPE

• Rule 1.1 Competence

• Rule 1.2 Scope of Representation

• Rule 1.3 Diligence

• Rule 1.4 Communication

• Rule 1.5 Fees

• Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information

• Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: General Rule

• Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions

• Rule 1.9 Conflict of Interest: Former Client

• Rule 1.10 Imputed Disqualification: General Rule

• Rule 1.11 Successive Government and Private Employment

• Rule 1.12 Former Judge or Arbitrator

• Rule 1.13 Organization as Client

• Rule 1.14 Client Under a Disability

• Rule 1.15 Safekeeping Property

• Rule 1.15a Trust Accounting System

• Rule 1.15b Pooled Interest-Bearing Trust Accounts

• Rule 1.15c Trust Account Overdraft Notification

• Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation

• Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice

• Rule 2.1 Advisor

• Rule 2.2 Intermediary

• Rule 2.3 Evaluation for Use by Third Persons

• Rule 3.1 Meritorious Claims and Contentions

• Rule 3.2 Expediting Litigation

• Rule 3.3 Candor Toward the Tribunal

• Rule 3.4 Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel

• Rule 3.5 Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal

• Rule 3.6 Trial Publicity

• Rule 3.7 Lawyer as Witness

• Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor

• Rule 3.9 Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings

• Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others

• Rule 4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Counsel

• Rule 4.3 Dealing with Unrepresented Person

• Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons

• Rule 4.5 Threatening Criminal Prosecution

• Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of a Partner or Supervisory Lawyer

• Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer

• Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants

• Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of a Lawyer

• Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice

• Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-Related Services

• Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service

• Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments

• Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization

• Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

• Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Services

• Rule 7.2 Advertising

• Rule 7.3 Direct Contact With Prospective Clients

• Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice

• Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads

• Rule 8.1 Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters

• Rule 8.2 Judicial and Legal Officials

• Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct

• Rule 8.4 Misconduct

• Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority; Choice of Law

PREAMBLE: A LAWYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

A lawyer is a representative of clients, an officer of the legal system and a public citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice. 

As a representative of clients, a lawyer performs various functions.  As advisor, a lawyer provides a client with an informed understanding of the client's legal rights and obligations and explains their practical implications. As advocate, a lawyer zealously asserts the client's position under the rules of the adversary system.  As negotiator, a lawyer seeks a result advantageous to the client but consistent with requirements of honest dealing with others. As intermediary between clients, a lawyer seeks to reconcile their divergent interests as an advisor and, to a limited extent, as a spokesperson for each client. A lawyer acts as evaluator by examining a client's legal affairs and reporting about them to the client or to others. 

In all professional functions a lawyer should be competent, prompt and diligent.  A lawyer should maintain communication with a client concerning the representation.  A lawyer should keep in confidence information relating to representation of a client except so far as disclosure is required or permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. 

A lawyer's conduct should conform to the requirements of the law, both in professional service to clients and in the lawyer's business and personal affairs.  A lawyer should use the law's procedures only for legitimate purposes and not to harass or intimidate others.  A lawyer should demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers and public officials.  While it is a lawyer's duty, when necessary, to challenge the rectitude of official action, it is also a lawyer's duty to uphold legal process. 

As a public citizen, a lawyer should seek improvement of the law, the administration of justice and the quality of service rendered by the legal profession.  As a member of a learned profession, a lawyer should cultivate knowledge of the law beyond its use for clients, employ that knowledge in reform of the law and work to strengthen legal education.  A lawyer should be mindful of deficiencies in the administration of justice and of the fact that the poor, and sometimes persons who are not poor, cannot afford adequate legal assistance, and should therefore devote professional time and civic influence in their behalf.  A lawyer should aid the legal profession in pursuing these objectives and should help the bar regulate itself in the public interest. 

Many of a lawyer's professional responsibilities are prescribed in the Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as substantive and procedural law. However, a lawyer is also guided by personal conscience and the approbation of professional peers.  A lawyer should strive to attain the highest level of skill, to improve the law and the legal profession and to exemplify the legal profession's ideals of public service. 

A lawyer's responsibilities as a representative of clients, an officer of the legal system and a public citizen are usually harmonious. Thus, when an opposing party is well represented, a lawyer can be a zealous advocate on behalf of a client and at the same time assume that justice is being done.  So also, a lawyer can be sure that preserving client confidences ordinarily serves the public interest because people are more likely to seek legal advice, and thereby heed their legal obligations, when they know their communications will be private. 

In the nature of law practice, however, conflicting responsibilities are encountered.  Virtually all difficult ethical problems arise from conflict between a lawyer's responsibilities to clients, to the legal system and to the lawyer's own interest in remaining an upright person while earning a satisfactory living.  The Rules of Professional Conduct prescribe terms for resolving such conflicts. Within the framework of these rules, many difficult issues of professional discretion can arise.  Such issues must be resolved through the exercise of sensitive professional and moral judgment guided by the basic principles underlying the rules. 

The legal profession is largely self-governing.  Although other professions also have been granted powers of self-government, the legal profession is unique in this respect because of the close relationship between the profession and the processes of government and law enforcement.  This connection is manifested in the fact that ultimate authority over the legal profession is vested largely in the courts. 

To the extent that lawyers meet the obligations of their professional calling, the occasion for government regulation is obviated.  Self-regulation also helps maintain the legal profession's independence from government domination. An independent legal profession is an important force in preserving government under law, for abuse of legal authority is more readily challenged by a profession whose members are not dependent on government for the right to practice. 

The legal profession's relative autonomy carries with it special responsibilities of self-government.  The profession has a responsibility to assure that its regulations are conceived in the public interest and not in furtherance of parochial or self-interested concerns of the bar. Every lawyer is responsible for observance of the Rules of Professional Conduct.  A lawyer should also aid in securing their observance by other lawyers.  Neglect of these responsibilities compromises the independence of the profession and the public interest which it serves.

 Lawyers play a vital role in the preservation of society.  The fulfillment of this role requires an understanding by lawyers of their relationship to our legal system.  The Rules of Professional Conduct, when properly applied, serve to define that relationship.

SCOPE

 The Rules of Professional Conduct are rules of reason. They should be interpreted with reference to the purposes of legal representation and of the law itself. Some of the rules are imperatives, cast in the terms "shall" or "shall not." These define proper conduct for purposes of professional discipline. Others, generally cast in the term "may," are permissive and define areas under the rules in which the lawyer has professional discretion. No disciplinary action should be taken when the lawyer chooses not to act or acts within the bounds of such discretion. Other rules define the nature of relationships between the lawyer and others. The rules are thus partly obligatory and disciplinary and partly constitutive and descriptive in that they define a lawyer's professional role. Many of the comments use the term "should." Comments do not add obligations to the rules but provide guidance for practicing in compliance with the rules. 

 The rules presuppose a larger legal context shaping the lawyer's role. That context includes court rules and statutes relating to matters of licensure, laws defining specific obligations of lawyers and substantive and procedural law in general. Compliance with the rules, as with all law in an open society, depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary compliance, secondarily upon reinforcement by peer and public opinion and finally, when necessary, upon enforcement through disciplinary proceedings. The rules do not, however, exhaust the moral and ethical considerations that should inform a lawyer, for no worthwhile human activity can be completely defined by legal rules. The rules simply provide a framework for the ethical practice of law. 

 Furthermore, for purposes of determining the lawyer's authority and responsibility, principles of substantive law external to these rules determine whether a client-lawyer relationship exists. Most of the duties flowing from the client-lawyer relationship attach only after the client has requested the lawyer to render legal services and the lawyer has agreed to do so. But there are some duties, such as that of confidentiality under Rule 1.6, that may attach when the lawyer agrees to consider whether a client-lawyer relationship shall be established. Whether a client-lawyer relationship exists for any specific purpose can depend on the circumstances and may be a question of fact. 

Under various legal provisions, including constitutional, statutory and common law, the responsibilities of government lawyers may include authority concerning legal matters that ordinarily reposes in the client in private client-lawyer relationships. For example, a lawyer for a government agency may have authority on behalf of the government to decide upon settlement or whether to appeal from an adverse judgment. Such authority in various respects is generally vested in the attorney general and the state's attorney in state government, and their federal counterparts, and the same may be true of other government law officers. Also, lawyers under the supervision of these officers may be authorized to represent several government agencies in intragovernmental legal controversies in circumstances where a private lawyer could not represent multiple private clients. They also may have authority to represent the "public interest" in circumstances where a private lawyer would not be authorized to do so. These rules do not abrogate any such authority. 

Failure to comply with an obligation or prohibition imposed by a rule is a basis for invoking the disciplinary process. The rules presuppose that disciplinary assessment of a lawyer's conduct will be made on the basis of the facts and circumstances as they existed at the time of the conduct in question and in recognition of the fact that a lawyer often has to act upon uncertain or incomplete evidence of the situation. Moreover, the rules presuppose that whether or not discipline should be imposed for a violation, and the severity of a sanction, depend on all the circumstances, such as the willfulness and seriousness of the violation, extenuating factors and whether there have been previous violations. 

 Moreover, these rules are not intended to govern or affect judicial application of either the attorney-client or work product privilege. Those privileges were developed to promote compliance with law and fairness in litigation. In reliance on the attorney-client privilege, clients are entitled to expect that communications within the scope of the privilege will be protected against compelled disclosure. The attorney-client privilege is that of the client and not of the lawyer. The fact that in exceptional situations the lawyer under the rules has a limited discretion to disclose a client confidence does not vitiate the proposition that, as a general matter, the client has a reasonable expectation that information relating to the client will not be voluntarily disclosed and that disclosure of such information may be judicially compelled only in accordance with recognized exceptions to the attorney-client and work product privileges. 

The lawyer's exercise of discretion not to disclose information under Rule 1.6 should not be subject to reexamination. Permitting such reexamination would be incompatible with the general policy of promoting compliance with law through assurances that communications will be protected against disclosure. 

The comment accompanying each rule explains and illustrates the meaning and purpose of the rule. The preamble and this note on scope provide general orientation. The comments are intended as guides to interpretation, but the text of each rule is authoritative. The "Legal Background" sections of the Annotated Model Rules of Professional Conduct (3rd ed. 1996 and subsequent editions), published by the Center for Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association, provide a comparison with the previous ABA Model Code. 

Whether violation of a rule gives rise to a cause of action or creates a presumption that a legal duty has been breached is a question of substantive law beyond the scope of the rules. The rules are designed to provide guidance to lawyers and to provide a structure for regulating conduct through disciplinary agencies. They are not designed to be a basis for civil liability. The purpose of the rules can be subverted when they are invoked by opposing parties as procedural weapons.  The fact that a rule is a just basis for a lawyer's self-assessment, or for sanctioning a lawyer under the administration of a disciplinary authority, does not imply that an antagonist in a collateral proceeding or transaction has standing to seek enforcement of the rule. Accordingly, nothing in the rules should be deemed to augment or diminish any substantive legal duty of lawyers or the extradisciplinary consequences of violating such a duty. 

CLIENT-LAWYER RELATIONSHIP

Rule 1.1.  Competence

A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. 

Rule 1.2.  Scope of Representation

(a) A lawyer shall abide by a client's decisions concerning the objectives of representation, subject to paragraphs (c), (d) and (e), and shall consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued. A lawyer shall abide by a client's decision whether to accept an offer of settlement of a matter. In a criminal case, the lawyer shall abide by the client's decision, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial and whether the client will testify. 

(b) A lawyer's representation of a client, including representation by appointment, does not constitute an endorsement of the client's political, economic, social or moral views or activities. 

(c) A lawyer may limit the objectives of the representation if the client consents after consultation.

(d) A lawyer shall not counsel a client to engage, or assist a client, in conduct that the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent, but a lawyer may discuss the legal consequences of any proposed course of conduct with a client and may counsel or assist a client to make a good faith effort to determine the validity, scope, meaning or application of the law. 

(e) When a lawyer knows that a client expects assistance not permitted by the rules of professional conduct or other law, the lawyer shall consult with the client regarding the relevant limitations on the lawyer's conduct. 

Rule 1.3.  Diligence

A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. 

Rule 1.4.  Communication

(a) A lawyer shall keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. 

(b) A lawyer shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation. 

Rule 1.5.  Fees

(a) A lawyer's fee shall be reasonable. The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following:

(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;

(2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer;

(3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;

(4) the amount involved and the results obtained;

(5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;

(6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; 

(7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and

(8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent.

(b) When the lawyer has not regularly represented the client, the basis or rate of the fee shall be communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing the representation. 

(c) A fee may be contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered, except in a matter in which a contingent fee is prohibited by paragraph (d) or other law. A contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the event of settlement, trial or appeal, litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the recovery, and whether such expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is calculated. Upon conclusion of a contingent fee matter, the lawyer shall provide the client with a written statement stating the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, showing the remittance to the client and the method of its determination. 

(d) A lawyer shall not enter into an arrangement for, charge, or collect:

(1) any fee in a domestic relations matter, the payment or amount of which is contingent upon the securing of a divorce or upon the amount of spousal maintenance or support, or property settlement in lieu thereof. Contingent fees are not forbidden in domestic relations matters which involve the collection of: 

(i) spousal maintenance or property division due after a final judgment is entered or

(ii) child support and maintenance supplement arrearages due after final judgment, provided that the court approves the reasonableness of the fee agreement. 

(2) a contingent fee for representing a defendant in a criminal case. 

(e) A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if:

(1) the division is in proportion to the services performed by each lawyer or, by written agreement with the client, each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for the representation; 

(2) the client is advised of and does not object to the participation of all the lawyers involved; and

(3) the total fee is reasonable.

Rule 1.6.  Confidentiality of Information

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client unless the client consents after consultation, except for disclosures that are impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation, and except as stated in paragraphs (b) and (c). 

(b) A lawyer must reveal such information when required by these rules or when:

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that disclosure is necessary to prevent the client from committing a criminal act that the lawyer believes is likely to result in imminent death or substantial bodily harm; or 

(2) the lawyer reasonably believes that failure to disclose a material fact to a third person will assist a criminal or fraudulent act by a client. 

(c) A lawyer may reveal such information when permitted under these rules or required by law or court order or when the lawyer reasonably believes that disclosure is necessary: 

(1) to reveal the intention of the client to commit a crime not likely to result in imminent death or substantial bodily harm and the information necessary to prevent the crime; or 

(2) to establish a claim or defense on behalf of the lawyer in a controversy between the lawyer and the client, to establish a  defense to a criminal charge or civil claim against the lawyer based upon conduct in which the client was involved, or to respond to allegations in any proceeding concerning the lawyer's representation of the client. 

Rule 1.7.  Conflict of Interest: General Rule

(a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse to another client, unless: 

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely affect the relationship with the other client; and 

(2) each client consents after consultation. 

(b) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client may be materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client or to a third person, or by the lawyer's own interests, unless: 

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not be adversely affected; and 

(2) the client consents after consultation.  When representation of multiple clients in a single matter is undertaken, the consultation shall include explanation of the implications of the common representation and the advantages and risks involved. 

Rule 1.8.  Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions

(a) A lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client unless: 

(1) the transaction and terms on which the lawyer acquires the interest are fair and reasonable to the client and are fully disclosed and transmitted in writing to the client in a manner which can be reasonably understood by the client; 

(2) the client is given a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel in the transaction; and

(3) the client consents in writing thereto. 

(b) A lawyer shall not use information relating to representation of a client to the disadvantage of the client unless the client consents after consultation, except as permitted or required by Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3. 

(c) A lawyer shall not prepare an instrument giving the lawyer or a person related to the lawyer as parent, child, sibling, or spouse any substantial gift from a client, including a testamentary gift, except where the client is related to the donee. 

(d) Prior to the conclusion of representation of a client, a lawyer shall not make or negotiate an agreement giving the lawyer literary or media rights to a portrayal or account based in substantial part on information relating to the representation. 

(e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or contemplated litigation, except that: 

(1) A lawyer may advance or guarantee court costs and expenses of litigation, including expenses of investigation, expenses of medical examination, and costs of obtaining and presenting evidence, the repayment of which may be contingent on the outcome of the matter; and 

(2) A lawyer representing an indigent client or a party to a class action may pay court costs and expenses of litigation on behalf of the client. 

(f) A lawyer shall not accept compensation for representing a client from one other than the client unless: 

(1) the client consents after consultation; 

(2) there is no interference with the lawyer's independence of professional judgment or with the client-lawyer relationship; and 

(3) information relating to representation of a client is protected as required by Rule 1.6. 

(g) A lawyer who represents two or more clients shall not participate in making an aggregate settlement of the claims of or against the clients, or in a criminal case an aggregated agreement as to guilty or nolo contendere pleas, unless each client consents after consultation, including disclosure of the existence and nature of all the claims or pleas involved and of the participation of each person in the settlement. 

(h) A lawyer shall not make an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer's liability to a client for malpractice unless permitted by law and the client is independently represented in making the agreement, or settle a claim for such liability with an unrepresented client or former client without first advising that person in writing that independent representation is appropriate in connection therewith. 

(i) A lawyer related to another lawyer as parent, child, sibling, or spouse shall not represent a client in a representation directly adverse to a person whom the lawyer knows is represented by the other lawyer except upon consent by the client after consultation regarding the relationship. 

(j) A lawyer shall not acquire a proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of litigation the lawyer is conducting for a client, except that the lawyer may: 

(1) acquire a lien granted by law to secure the lawyer's fee or expenses; and 

(2) contract with a client for a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case. 

Rule 1.9.  Conflict of Interest: Former Client

(a) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter  represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person's interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client consents after consultation. 

(b) A lawyer shall not knowingly represent a person in the same or a substantially related matter in which a firm with which the lawyer formerly was associated had previously represented a client 

(1) whose interests are materially adverse to that person; and 

(2) about whom the lawyer had acquired information protected by Rules 1.6 and 1.9(c) that is material to the matter; unless the former client consents after consultation. 

(c) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter or whose present or former firm has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter: 

(1) use information relating to the representation to the disadvantage of the former client except as Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3 would permit or require with respect to a client, or when the information has become generally known; or 

(2) reveal information relating to the representation except as Rule 1.6 or Rule 3.3 would permit or require with respect to a client. 

Rule 1.10.  Imputed Disqualification: General Rule

(a) While lawyers are associated in a firm, none of them shall knowingly represent a client when any one of them practicing alone would be prohibited from doing so by Rules 1.7, 1.8(c), 1.9 or 2.2. 

(b) When a lawyer has terminated an association with a firm, the firm is not prohibited from thereafter representing a person with interests materially adverse to those of a client represented by the formerly associated lawyer and not currently represented by the firm, unless: 

(1) the matter is the same or substantially related to that in which the formerly associated lawyer represented the client; and 

(2) any lawyer remaining in the firm has information protected by Rules 1.6 and 1.9(c) that is material to the matter. 

(c) A disqualification prescribed by this rule may be waived by the affected client under the conditions stated in Rule 1.7. 

Rule 1.11.  Successive Government and Private Employment

(a) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer shall not represent a private client in connection with a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a public officer or employee, unless the appropriate government agency consents after consultation.  No lawyer in a firm with which that lawyer is associated may knowingly undertake or continue representation in such a matter unless: 

(1) the disqualified lawyer is screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and 

(2)  written notice is promptly given to the appropriate government agency to enable it to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule. 

(b) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer having information that the lawyer knows is confidential government information about a person acquired when the lawyer was a public officer or employee may not represent a private client whose interests are adverse to that person in a matter in which the information could be used to the material disadvantage of that person.  A firm with which that lawyer is associated may undertake or continue representation in the matter only if the disqualified lawyer is screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom. 

(c) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer serving as a public officer or employee shall not: 

(1) participate in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially while in private practice or nongovernmental employment, unless under applicable law no one is, or by lawful delegation may be, authorized to act in the lawyer's stead in the matter; or 

(2) negotiate for private employment with any person who is involved as a party or as attorney for a party in a matter in which the lawyer is participating personally and substantially, except that a lawyer serving as a law clerk to a judge, other adjudicative officer or arbitrator may negotiate for private employment as permitted by Rule 1.12(b) and subject to the conditions stated in Rule 1.12(b). 

(d) As used in this rule, the term "matter" includes: 

(1) any judicial or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, investigation, charge, accusation, arrest or other particular matter involving a specific party or parties, and 

(2) any other matter covered by the conflict of interest rules of the appropriate government agency. 

(e) As used in this rule, the term "confidential government information" means information which has been obtained under governmental authority and which, at the time this rule is applied, the government is prohibited by law from disclosing to the public or has a legal privilege not to disclose, and which is not otherwise available to the public. 

Rule 1.12.  Former Judge or Arbitrator

(a) Except as stated in paragraph (d), a lawyer shall not represent anyone in connection with a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a judge or other adjudicative officer, arbitrator or law clerk to such a person, unless all parties to the proceeding consent after consultation. 

(b) A lawyer shall not negotiate for employment with any person who is involved as a party or as attorney for a party in a matter in which the lawyer is participating personally and substantially as a judge or other adjudicative officer or arbitrator.  A lawyer serving as a law clerk to a judge, other adjudicative officer or arbitrator may negotiate for employment with a party or attorney involved in a matter in which the clerk is participating personally and substantially, but only after the lawyer has notified the judge, other adjudicative officer or arbitrator. 

(c) If a lawyer is disqualified by paragraph (a), no lawyer in a firm with which that lawyer is associated may knowingly undertake or continue representation in the matter unless: 

(1) the disqualified lawyer is screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and 

(2) written notice is promptly given to the appropriate tribunal to enable it to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule. 

(d) An arbitrator selected as a partisan of a party in a multi-member arbitration panel is not prohibited from subsequently representing that party. 

Rule 1.13.  Organization as Client

(a) A lawyer employed or retained by an organization represents the organization acting through its duly authorized constituents. 

(b) If a lawyer for an organization knows that an officer, employee or other person associated with the organization is engaged in action, intends to act or refuses to act in a matter related to the representation that is a violation of a legal obligation to the organization, or a violation of law which reasonably might be imputed to the organization,  and is likely to result in substantial injury to the organization, the lawyer shall proceed as is reasonably necessary in the best interest of the organization.  In determining how to proceed, the lawyer shall give due consideration to the seriousness of the violation and its consequences, the scope and nature of the lawyer's representation, the responsibility in the organization and the apparent motivation of the person involved, the policies of the organization concerning such matters and any other relevant considerations.  Any measures taken shall be designed to minimize disruption of the organization and the risk of revealing information relating to the representation to persons outside the organization.  Such measures may include among others: 

(1) asking reconsideration of the matter; 

(2) advising that a separate legal opinion on the matter be sought for presentation to appropriate authority in the organization; and 

(3) referring the matter to higher authority in the organization, including, if warranted by the seriousness of the matter, referral to the highest authority that can act in behalf of the organization as determined by applicable law. 

(c) If, despite the lawyer's efforts in accordance with paragraph (b), the highest authority that can act on behalf of the organization insists upon action, or a refusal to act, that is clearly a violation of law and is likely to result in substantial injury to the  organization, the lawyer may resign in accordance with Rule 1.16, shall make any disclosures required by Rule 1.6(b), and may  make any disclosures permitted by Rule 1.6(c)(1). 

(d) In dealing with an organization's directors, officers, employees, members, shareholders or other constituents, a lawyer shall explain the identity of the client when it is apparent that the organization's interests are adverse to those of the constituents with whom the lawyer is dealing. 

(e) A lawyer representing an organization may also represent any of its directors, officers, employees, members, shareholders or other constituents, subject to the provisions of Rule 1.7.  If the organization's consent to the dual representation is required by Rule 1.7, the consent shall be given by an appropriate official of the organization other than the individual who is to be represented, or by the shareholders. 

Rule 1.14.  Client Under a Disability

(a) When a client's ability to make adequately considered decisions in connection with the representation is impaired, whether because of minority, mental disability or for some other reason, the lawyer shall, as far as reasonably possible, maintain a normal client-lawyer relationship with the client. 

(b) A lawyer may seek the appointment of a guardian or take other protective action with respect to a client only when the lawyer reasonably believes that the client cannot adequately act in the client's own interest. 

(c) In an emergency where the health, safety, or a financial interest of a person under a disability is threatened with imminent and irreparable harm, a lawyer may take legal action on behalf of the person even though the person is unable to establish a client-lawyer relationship or to make or express considered judgments about the matter, provided that the following conditions exist: 

(1) The disabled person or another person acting in good faith in that person's behalf has consulted the lawyer. 

(2) The lawyer reasonably believes that the disabled person has no other lawyer, agent or other representative available. 

The lawyer should take legal action only to the extent reasonably necessary to maintain the status quo or otherwise avoid imminent and irreparable harm.  A lawyer acting under this subdivision has the same duties under these rules that the lawyer would have with respect to a client.  The lawyer should take steps to regularize the relationship or implement other protective solutions as soon as possible. 

Rule 1.15.  Safekeeping Property

(a) A lawyer shall hold property of clients or third persons that is in a lawyer's possession in connection with a representation separate from the lawyer's own property. Funds shall be kept in accordance with Rules 1.15A, B and C. Other property shall be identified as such and appropriately safeguarded.  Complete records of such account funds and other property shall be kept by the lawyer and shall be preserved for a period of six years after termination of the representation. 

(b) Upon receiving funds or other property in which a client or third person has an interest, a lawyer shall promptly notify the client or third person.  Except as stated in this rule or otherwise permitted by law or by agreement with the client, a lawyer shall promptly deliver to the client or third person any funds or other property that the client or third person is entitled to receive and, upon request by the client or third person, shall promptly render a full accounting regarding such property. 

(c) When in the course of representation a lawyer is in possession of property in which both the lawyer and another person claim interests, the property shall be kept separate by the lawyer until there is an accounting and severance of their interests.  If a dispute arises concerning their respective interests, the portion in dispute shall be kept separate by the lawyer until the dispute is resolved. 

Rule 1.15A.  Trust Accounting System

(a) Every attorney in private practice or who otherwise receives client funds or the firm organization shall maintain a trust accounting system that shall include, at a minimum, the following features: 

(1) a ledger or system showing all receipts and disbursements from the trust account or accounts with appropriate entries identifying the source of the receipts and the nature of the disbursements; 

(2) a separate accounting page record or columns for each client for whom property is held, which shall show all receipts and disbursements and carry a running account balance; 

(3) records documenting timely notice to clients of all receipts and disbursements from trust accounts; and 

(4) an index, or equivalent single source for identification of all trust accounts, including special interest-bearing trust accounts, probate accounts, custodial accounts and client agency accounts. 

(b) In order to ascertain that the records and accounts are maintained as set forth above, attorneys either individually or through their firm organizations shall submit to a compliance audit by an accountant selected by the Supreme Court.  The accountant's purpose in conducting a compliance check will be to determine whether the minimum standards set forth in this and other relevant Disciplinary Rules are being maintained.  The information derived from such compliance checks shall not be disclosed by anyone in such a way as to violate the attorney's or the client's evidentiary, statutory or constitutional privileges; however, the accountant may submit information necessary or helpful to the Professional Conduct Board or the Board's counsel pursuant to Administrative Order No. 9.  A copy of the accountant's final report shall be provided to the attorney. 

(c) The Supreme Court may at any time order an audit of financial records or trust accounts of an attorney and take such other action as it deems necessary to protect the public. 

Rule 1.15B.  Pooled Interest-Bearing Trust Accounts

(a) A lawyer or law firm which receives client funds shall create and maintain a pooled interest-bearing trust account for deposit of client funds that are not reasonably expected to earn a substantial amount of interest for the client, individually or in combination with other client funds held by the lawyer or law firm.  No earnings of the account shall be made available to the lawyer or law firm.  The interest accruing on this account, net of any transaction costs, shall be paid over to the Vermont Bar Foundation.  No lawyer may be disciplined for placing client funds in the pooled interest-bearing  account if the lawyer made a good faith determination that the funds fit the provisions  of this rule. 

(b) A lawyer maintaining a pooled trust account with interest payable to the Vermont Bar Foundation shall direct the depository institution: 

(1) to remit interest or dividends, as the case may be, to the Vermont Bar Foundation; and 

(2) to transmit with each remittance to the Foundation a statement showing the name of the lawyer or law firm for whom the remittance is sent; and 

(3) to transmit to the depositing lawyer or law firm at the same time a report showing the amount paid to the Foundation. 

(c) The preponderance of the interest or dividends received by the Foundation shall be used by the Foundation to support legal services for the disadvantaged. Remaining funds may be used for public education relating to the courts and legal matters. 

Rule 1.15C.  Trust Account Overdraft Notification

(a) Clearly Identified Trust Accounts Required. Attorneys who practice law in Vermont shall deposit all funds held in trust in Vermont in accordance with Rule 1.15 in accounts clearly identified as "trust" or "escrow" accounts, referred to herein as "trust accounts," and shall take all steps necessary to inform the depository institution of the purpose and identity of such accounts.  Funds held in trust include funds held in any fiduciary capacity in connection with a representation, whether as trustee, agent, guardian, executor or otherwise.  Attorney trust accounts shall be maintained only in financial institutions approved by the Professional Conduct Board. 

(b) Overdraft Notification Agreement Required. A financial institution shall be approved as a depository for attorney trust accounts if it shall file with the Professional Conduct Board an agreement, in a form provided by the Board, to report to the Board in the event any properly payable instrument is presented against an attorney trust account containing insufficient funds, irrespective of whether or not the instrument is honored.  The Supreme Court may establish rules governing approval and termination of approved status for financial institutions, and the Board shall annually publish a list of approved financial institutions.  No trust account shall be maintained in any financial institution which does not agree to make such reports.  Any such agreement shall apply to all branches of the financial institution and shall not be canceled except upon 30 days' notice in writing to the Board. 

(c) Overdraft Reports. The overdraft notification agreement shall provide that all reports made by the financial institution shall be in the format described below.  Such reports shall be made simultaneously with, and within the time provided by law, for notice of dishonor, if any.  If an instrument presented against insufficient funds is honored, then the report shall be made within five banking days of the date of presentation for payment against insufficient funds. 

(1) In the case of a dishonored instrument, the report shall be identical to the overdraft notice customarily forwarded to the depositor, and should include a copy of the dishonored instrument, if such a copy is normally provided to depositors; 

(2) In the case of instruments that are presented against insufficient funds but which instruments are honored, the report shall identify the financial institution, the attorney or law firm, the account number, the date of presentation for payment and the date paid, as well as the amount of overdraft created thereby. 

(d) Consent by Attorneys. Every attorney practicing or admitted to practice in Vermont shall, as a condition thereof, be conclusively deemed to have consented to the reporting and production requirements mandated by this rule. 

(e) Costs. Nothing herein shall preclude a financial institution from charging a particular attorney or law firm for the reasonable cost of producing the reports and records required by this rule. 

(f) Definitions. "Financial institution" includes banks, savings and loans associations, credit unions, savings banks and any other business or persons which accept for deposit funds held in trust by attorneys. 

"Properly payable" refers to an instrument which, if presented in the normal course of business, is in a form requiring payment under the laws of Vermont. 

"Notice of dishonor" refers to the notice which a financial institution is required to give, under the laws of Vermont, upon presentation of an instrument which the institution dishonors. 

Rule 1.16.  Declining or Terminating Representation

(a) Except as stated in paragraph (c), a lawyer shall not represent a client or, where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a client if: 

(1) the representation will result in violation of the rules of professional conduct or other law; 

(2) the lawyer's physical or mental condition materially impairs the lawyer's ability to represent the client; or 

(3) the lawyer is discharged. 

(b) Except as stated in paragraph (c), a lawyer may withdraw from representing a client if withdrawal can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the interests of the client, or if: 

(1) the client persists in a course of action involving the lawyer's services that the lawyer reasonably believes is criminal or fraudulent; 

(2) the client has used the lawyer's services to perpetrate a crime or fraud; 

(3) a client insists upon pursuing an objective that the lawyer considers repugnant or imprudent; 

(4) the client fails substantially to fulfill an obligation to the lawyer regarding the lawyer's services and has been given reasonable warning that the lawyer will withdraw unless the obligation is fulfilled; 

(5) the representation will result in an unreasonable financial burden on the lawyer or has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client; or 

(6) other good cause for withdrawal exists. 

(c) When ordered to do so by a tribunal, a lawyer shall continue representation notwithstanding good cause for terminating the representation. 

(d) Upon termination of representation, a lawyer shall take steps to the extent  reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests, such as giving reasonable notice to the client, allowing time for employment of other counsel, surrendering papers and property to which the client is entitled and refunding any advance payment of fee that has not been earned.  The lawyer may retain papers relating to the client to the extent permitted by other law. 

Rule 1.17.  Sale of Law Practice

A lawyer or a law firm may sell or purchase a law practice, including good will, if the following conditions are satisfied: 

(a) The seller ceases to engage in the private practice of law in the geographic area in which the practice has been conducted; 

(b) The practice is sold as an entirety to another lawyer or law firm; 

(c) Actual written notice is given to each of the seller's clients regarding: 

(1) the proposed sale; 

(2) the terms of any proposed change in the fee arrangement authorized by paragraph (d); 

(3) the client's right to retain other counsel or to take possession of the file; and 

(4) the fact that the client's consent to the sale will be presumed if the client does not take any action or does not otherwise object within ninety (90) days of receipt of the notice. 

If a client cannot be given notice, the representation of that client may be transferred to the purchaser only upon entry of an order so authorizing, by a court having jurisdiction.  The seller may disclose to the court in camera information relating to the representation only to the extent necessary to obtain an order authorizing the transfer of a file. 

(d) The fees charged clients shall not be increased by reason of the sale.  The purchaser may, however, refuse to undertake the representation unless the client consents to pay the purchaser fees at a rate not exceeding the fees charged by the purchaser for rendering substantially similar services prior to the initiation of the purchase negotiations. 

COUNSELOR

Rule 2.1.  Advisor

In representing a client, a lawyer shall exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice.  In rendering advice, a lawyer may refer not only to law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social and political factors that may be relevant to the client's situation. 

Rule 2.2.  Intermediary

(a) A lawyer may act as intermediary between clients if: 

(1) the lawyer consults with each client concerning the implications of the common representation, including the advantages and risks involved, and the effect on the attorney-client privileges, and obtains each client's consent to the common representation; 

(2) the lawyer reasonably believes that the matter can be resolved on terms compatible with the clients' best interests, that each client will be able to make adequately informed decisions in the matter and that there is little risk of material prejudice to the interests of any of the clients if the contemplated resolution is unsuccessful; and 

(3) the lawyer reasonably believes that the common representation can be undertaken impartially and without improper effect on other responsibilities the lawyer has to any of the clients. 

(b) While acting as intermediary, the lawyer shall consult with each client concerning the decisions to be made and the considerations relevant in making them, so that each client can make adequately informed decisions. 

(c) A lawyer shall withdraw as intermediary if any of the clients so requests, or if any of the conditions stated in paragraph (a) is no longer satisfied.  Upon withdrawal, the lawyer shall not continue to represent any of the clients in the matter that was the subject of the intermediation. 

Rule 2.3.  Evaluation for Use by Third Persons

(a) A lawyer may undertake an evaluation of a matter affecting a client for the use of someone other than the client if: 

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that making the evaluation is compatible with other aspects of the lawyer's relationship with the client; and 

(2) the client consents after consultation. 

(b) Except as disclosure is required in connection with a report of an evaluation, information relating to the evaluation is otherwise protected by Rule 1.6. 

ADVOCATE

Rule 3.1.  Meritorious Claims and Contentions

A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis for doing so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension, modification or reversal of existing law.  A lawyer for the defendant in a criminal proceeding, or the respondent in a proceeding that could result in incarceration, may nevertheless so defend the proceeding as to require that every element of the case be established. 

Rule 3.2.  Expediting Litigation

A lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the interests of the client

Rule 3.3.  Candor Toward the Tribunal  

(a) A lawyer shall not knowingly: 

(1) make a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal;

(2) fail to disclose a material fact to a tribunal when disclosure is  necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by the client; 

(3) fail to disclose to the tribunal legal authority in the controlling jurisdiction known to the lawyer to be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing counsel; or 

(4) offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false. If a lawyer has offered material evidence and comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer shall take reasonable remedial measures. 

(b) The duties stated in paragraph (a) continue to the conclusion of the proceeding, and apply even if compliance requires disclosure of information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6. 

(c) A lawyer may refuse to offer evidence that the lawyer reasonably believes is false. 

(d) In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer shall inform the tribunal of all material facts known to the lawyer which will enable the tribunal to make an informed decision, whether or not the facts are adverse. 

Rule 3.4.  Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel  

A lawyer shall not: 

(a) unlawfully obstruct another party's access to evidence or unlawfully alter, destroy or conceal a document or other material having potential evidentiary value.  A lawyer shall not counsel or assist another person to do any such act;

(b) falsify evidence, counsel or assist a witness to testify falsely, or offer an inducement to a witness that is prohibited by law; 

(c) knowingly disobey an obligation under the rules of a tribunal except for an open refusal based on an assertion that no valid obligation exists; 

(d) in pretrial procedure, make a frivolous discovery request or fail to make reasonably diligent effort to comply with a legally proper discovery request by an opposing party; 

(e) in trial, allude to any matter that the lawyer does not reasonably believe is relevant or that will not be supported by admissible evidence, assert personal knowledge of facts in issue except when testifying as a witness, or state a personal opinion as to the justness of a cause, the credibility of a witness, the culpability of a civil litigant or the guilt or innocence of an accused; or 

(f) request a person other than a client to refrain from voluntarily giving relevant information to another party unless, in a civil case: 

(1) the person is a relative or an employee or other agent of a client; and 

(2) the lawyer reasonably believes that the person's interests will not be adversely affected by refraining from giving such information.

Rule 3.5.  Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal  

A lawyer shall not: 

(a) seek to influence a judge, juror, prospective juror or other official by means prohibited by law; 

(b) communicate ex parte 

(1) with a judge or other person acting in a judicial or quasi-judicial  capacity in a pending adversary proceeding, except as permitted by law or the Code of Judicial Conduct; 

(2) with a juror or prospective juror during the juror's term of service, except as permitted by law; or

(c) engage in undignified or discourteous conduct which is degrading or disrupting to a tribunal. 

Rule 3.6.  Trial Publicity  

(a) A lawyer who is participating or has participated in the investigation or litigation of a matter shall not make an extrajudicial statement that a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means of public communication if the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that it will have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding in the matter. 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a lawyer may state: 

(1) the claim, offense or defense involved and, except when prohibited by law, the identity of the persons involved; 

(2) information contained in a public record; 

(3) that an investigation of a matter is in progress; 

(4) the scheduling or result of any step in litigation; 

(5) a request for assistance in obtaining evidence and information necessary thereto; 

(6) a warning of danger concerning the behavior of a person involved, when there is reason to believe that there exists the likelihood of harm to an individual or to the public interest; and 

(7) in a criminal case, in addition to subparagraphs (1) through (6): 

(i) the identity, residence, age, and occupation of the accused; 

(ii) if the accused has not been apprehended, information necessary to aid in apprehension of that person; 

(iii) the fact, time and place of arrest; and 

(iv) the identity of investigating and arresting officers or agencies and the length of the investigation. 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a lawyer may make a statement that a reasonable lawyer would believe is required to protect a client from the substantial undue prejudicial effect of recent publicity not initiated by the lawyer or the lawyer's client. A statement made pursuant to this paragraph shall be limited to such information as is necessary to mitigate the recent adverse publicity. 

(d) No lawyer associated in a firm or government agency with a lawyer subject to paragraph (a) shall make a statement prohibited by paragraph (a).    Amended November 19, 1999.

Rule 3.7.  Lawyer as Witness  

(a) A lawyer shall not act as advocate at a trial in which the lawyer is likely to be a necessary witness except where: 

(1) the testimony relates to an uncontested issue; 

(2) the testimony relates to the nature and value of legal services rendered in the case; or 

(3) disqualification of the lawyer would work substantial hardship on the client. 

(b) A lawyer may act as advocate in a trial in which another lawyer in the lawyer's firm is likely to be called as a witness unless precluded from doing so by Rule 1.7 or Rule 1.9. 

Rule 3.8.  Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor 

The prosecutor in a criminal case shall: 

(a) refrain from prosecuting a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause; 

(b) make reasonable efforts to assure that the accused has been advised of the right to, and the procedure for obtaining, counsel and has been given reasonable opportunity to obtain counsel; 

(c) not seek to obtain unfairly from an unrepresented accused a waiver of important pretrial rights; 

(d) make timely disclosure to the defense of all evidence or information known to the prosecutor that tends to negate the guilt of the accused or mitigates the offense, and, in connection with sentencing, disclose to the defense and to the tribunal all unprivileged mitigating information known to the prosecutor, except when the prosecutor is relieved of this responsibility by a protective order of the tribunal; 

(e) exercise reasonable care to prevent investigators, law enforcement personnel, employees or other persons assisting or associated with the prosecutor in a criminal case who are in the employment of or under the control of the prosecutor from making an extrajudicial statement that the prosecutor would be prohibited from making under Rule 3.6; and 

(f) not subpoena a lawyer in a grand jury, inquest, or other criminal proceeding to present evidence about a past or present client unless the prosecutor reasonably believes: 

(1) the information sought is not protected from disclosure by any applicable privilege; 

(2) the evidence sought is essential to the successful completion of an ongoing investigation or prosecution; 

(3) there is no other feasible alternative to obtain the information. 

Rule 3.9.  Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings  

A lawyer representing a client before a legislative or administrative tribunal in a nonadjudicative proceeding shall disclose that the appearance is in a representative capacity and shall conform to the provisions of Rules 3.3(a) through (c), 3.4(a) through (c), and 3.5. 

TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS OTHER THAN CLIENTS  

Rule 4.1.  Truthfulness in Statements to Others

In the course of representing a client a lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person. 

Rule 4.2.  Communication with Person Represented by Counsel 

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized by law to do so. 

Rule 4.3.  Dealing with Unrepresented Person  

In dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not represented by counsel, a lawyer shall not state or imply that the lawyer is disinterested.  When the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented person misunderstands the lawyer's role in the matter, the lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstanding. 

Rule 4.4.  Respect for Rights of Third Persons

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, or use methods of obtaining evidence that violate the legal rights of such a person. 

Rule 4.5.  Threatening Criminal Prosecution  

A lawyer shall not present, participate in presenting, or threaten to present criminal charges in order to obtain an advantage in a civil matter. 

LAW FIRMS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Rule 5.1.  Responsibilities of a Partner or Supervisory Lawyer

(a) A partner in a law firm shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effect measures giving reasonable assurance that all lawyers in the firm conform to the Rules of Professional Conduct. 

(b) A lawyer having direct supervisory authority over another lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the other lawyer conforms to the Rules of Professional Conduct. 

(c) A lawyer shall be responsible for another lawyer's violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct if: 

(1) the lawyer orders or, with knowledge of the specific conduct, ratifies the conduct involved; or 

(2) the lawyer is a partner in the law firm in which the other lawyer practices, or has direct supervisory authority over the other lawyer, and knows of the conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or mitigated but fails to take reasonable remedial action. 

Rule 5.2.  Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer  

(a) A lawyer is bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct notwithstanding that the lawyer acted at the direction of another person. 

(b) A subordinate lawyer does not violate the Rules of Professional Conduct if that lawyer acts in accordance with a supervisory lawyer's reasonable resolution of an arguable question of professional duty. 

Rule 5.3.  Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants With respect to a nonlawyer employed or retained by or associated with a lawyer: 

(a) a partner in a law firm shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effect measures giving reasonable assurance that the person's conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer; 

(b) a lawyer having direct supervisory authority over the nonlawyer shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the person's conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer; and 

(c) a lawyer shall be responsible for conduct of such a person that would be a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct if engaged in by a lawyer if: 

(1) the lawyer orders or, with the knowledge of the specific conduct, ratifies the conduct involved; or 

(2) the lawyer is a partner in the law firm in which the person is employed, or has direct supervisory authority over the person, and knows of the conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or mitigated but fails to take reasonable remedial action. 

Rule 5.4.  Professional Independence of a Lawyer

Courts | Calendars | Forms Library | Frequent Asked Questions |  Help |  Home Vermont Judiciary modified 12.10.2004 08:59   Send comments and suggestions to Webmaster

This website is compliant with the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative Guidelines and is optimized for screen readers