Every lawyer has encountered a friend, relative or even a complete stranger looking for “free advice.” At a party, in the courthouse, at a Little League game, someone may have a “quick” question. By informally responding are you setting yourself up for malpractice? Have you inadvertently created a lawyer/client relationship? If someone relies on the quick answer you gave in a social setting will they be back later to hold you responsible if things go wrong?
At this program the panelists will offer practical advice for handling these questions and review the Ethics Rules that guide your responses. They will discuss when the lawyer/client relationship begins and suggest methods for responding to the casual inquiry without creating a lawyer/client relationship. How do you keep a relationship or a potential client and still protect yourself? Join us for this lively discussion, bring your own stories and pick up some practical tips.