Legal Ethics Advice

If you’ve received a letter threatening a grievance or an accusation that your conduct is unethical or that you failed to act with a lawyer’s professional responsibility, get help from an independent legal ethics lawyer to confirm your initial instincts and prevent the situation from escalating.

Not every ethics dispute needs to escalate into a formal complaint. Sometimes, engaging an advocate with a deep understanding of the nuances of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct can make a meaningful difference. Call David A. Lewis to discuss your situation.

Yes. You and David will work together to create a strategic exit plan to avoid any negative professional consequences. 

If you’re leaving a law firm, especially if the firm is involved in questionable conduct or outright unethical activity, you should be cautious about your exit. Planning to bring clients with you can be risky, so you’ll want to be sure you’re abiding by New York legal ethics standards. 

Departures can be fraught with potential misunderstandings and negative interactions, so it’s best to make your exit with the help of an experienced legal ethics lawyer.

Also, if you become aware of a law firm’s misconduct, you may have mandatory reporting obligations under New York Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3. It is a lawyer’s professional responsibility to act consistently with their legal obligations. 

Contact David for a personalized strategy session. 

Yes. An outside ethics attorney can help lead the process of navigating highly complex and tricky conflicts of interest. Usually, there is a lot at stake for all parties.

Conflicts of interest can be complicated. Whether dealing with new hire concerns, scope of work adjustments, client dismissal, or unexpected circumstances, it can make a meaningful difference to work with a legal ethics lawyer who knows how other firms in New York have handled similar situations. Connect with David to learn more. 

Yes. There are very specific rules that govern legal fees, division of fees, and fee disputes. David is well-versed in these types of disputes and can help you understand both your legal position and the practical likelihood of what might happen next—then follow through.

Usually, emotions are running high, and potentially, a lot of money is at stake. Many times, a statutory charging lien pursuant to New York State Judiciary Law is involved. These situations require an adept ability of a legal ethics lawyer to balance aggressive advocacy with relationship management skills. It is especially important to have a counselor steeped in knowledge about a lawyer’s professional responsibility, what your specific obligations are, and how they compare to your adversary.

Everyone’s conduct is likely to come under harsh scrutiny during a fee dispute. More than ever, you need advice on legal ethics for lawyers to be sure you are meeting all obligations and acting appropriately. Get in touch with David for a detailed strategy session.

Yes. It’s typical for law firms to implement a wide range of potential policies and procedures, generally included in a law firm’s “handbook.” Unfortunately, these policies and procedures are often hastily prepared and leave you open to risk, according to New York legal ethics. 

For example, Information Technology (IT) risk management policies and procedures are critical and must be narrowly tailored to protect your business. Advertising has to be executed very carefully and with great attention to detail to avoid misleading language and also to protect clients.

As your legal ethics lawyer, David A. Lewis can work with you to balance your marketing plan, business goals, and compliance with the applicable New York Rules of Professional Conduct. He can perform a website review and also help you to keep your social media consistent with the appropriate standards. Connect with David today.