WHATILEARNEDATTHEMOVIESABOUTLEGALETHICSANDPROFESSIONALISMByAnitaModak-Truran

HOWIGOTHERE

I’vebeenfortunate.Ipracticelaw.Imakemovies.Iwriteaboutboth.Itookupmypen and startedwriting a film column for The Clarion-Ledger, a Gannett-owned newspaper,backinthelate90s,whenImovedfromChicago,Illinois,toJackson,Mississippi.(ItwaslikeaJohnnyCashsong…“Yeah,I’mgoingtoJackson.LookoutJacksonTown….”)Ithenturnedmypen to writing for The Jackson Free Press, an indie weekly newspaper, which provided meopportunitiestowriteaboutindiefilmsandinterestingpeople.Ithrewdownthepen,aswellasstoppedmypublic radiomovie reviewsandthe televisionsegment Ihad foranABCaffiliate,whenImovedthreeyearsagofromJacksontoNashvilletoheadButlerSnow’sEntertainmentandMediaIndustryGroup.

During my journey weaving law and film together in a non-linear direction with noparticulardestination,I livedinthestatewhereayounglawyer inthe1980sworked60to70hours aweekat a small town lawpractice, squeezing in timebefore going to theoffice andduringcourtroomrecessestoworkonhisfirstnovel.

JohnGrishamwritesthathewouldnothavewrittenhisfirstbookifhehadnotbeena

lawyer. “I never dreamed of being a writer. I wrote only after witnessing a trial.” Seehttp://www.jgrisham.com/bio/(lastaccessedJanuary24,2016).

My law partners at Butler Snow have stories about the old days whenMr. Grisham

wouldopenthetrunkofhiscarandgiveoutcopiesofATimeToKill.Sincethen,Mr.Grishamhasbecome“the”masterofthelegalthriller,wherehisbookshavecapturedtheimaginationsofaglobalaudienceandmoviesbasedonhisbooksaresomeofthefinestintheParthenonofalllegalmovies.

I handled a zoning dispute (my own) against the City of Jackson before Judge Bobby

DeLaughter. Before he took the bench, Judge DeLaughter’s chief claim to fame was hissuccessful1994prosecutionofBryonDeLaBeckwithforthe1963murderofcivilrightsleaderMedgarEvers.

Alongtheway,IgottoknowMississippiSupremeCourtJusticeJamesKitchens,whowas

one of the court-appointed legal representatives for Mr. Beckwith. If you saw Ghosts ofMississippi, thesenamesshouldsoundfamiliar. GhostsofMississippi,directedbyRobReinerandstarringAlecBaldwin,WhoopiGoldbergandJamesWoods,wasbasedonthetruestoryofthefinalmurdertrialagainstMr.Beckwith.

I’ve alsometGregory Peck,who playedAtticus Finch inTo Kill aMockingbird, at the

CannesFilmFestival.AndIhavecountlessothertaleswherelawandfilmblendtogether.Butwhatremainsconstantisthatthebestlegally-basedmovies,likeToKillAMockingbird,Ghosts

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ofMississippi,The Firm,The Client,The Pelican Brief, Inherit theWind andMyCousin Vinny(whichisstillapersonalfavorite),exploreveryrealprofessionalandethicaldilemmasfacedbypracticingattorneysinbusinessandlitigation.Thesecinematiclawyersfacewhatwefaceandsometimestheirchoiceswouldnotbeours.Sometimesourfavoritecinematiclawyersfalterinwalkingthelinebetweenrightandwrong.Sometimesourfavoritecinematiclawyersinspireustobebetterthanwethoughtpossible.That’sthemagicofmovies.

Beforewe can talk about legal ethics and professionalismon the screen,we need to

refreshourmemoryonfundamentalconcepts. Andforsuchfundamentalconcepts, I looktotheABA’sModelRulesofProfessionalConduct(“ModelRules”).Everystatehasadoptedtheserules.Seehttp://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/modelrules_of_professional_conduct/alpha_list_state_adopting_model_rules.html (last accessedJanuary24,2016).Butstateshaverevisedtherulesfortheirownjurisdictions,andanyspecificinquiryofanethicalorprofessionalismissuerequiresareviewoftheapplicablestatelaw.Forourpurposes,wewillbeanalyzingmyfavoritelegalmoviesundertheModelRules.

Foreaseofreading,I’vestructuredthispaperasfollows.First,thispaperoutlinesthe

ModelRules. ItsetsforththepreambleandscopeoftheModelRules. Itthensetsforththetextofsomeoftherulesthatcomeupinday-to-daypractice. This includesrulesthatdefinethe client-lawyer relationship, transactions with persons other than clients, law firms andassociationsandinformationaboutlegalservices.Itdoesnotdiscussrulesonpublicserviceormaintainingtheintegrityoftheprofession.AgainstthebackdropoftheModelRules,thepaperanalyzeswhatI’velearnedatthemoviesaboutlegalethicsandprofessionalism.

AREVIEWOFTHEMODELRULESOFPROFESSIONALCONDUCT

ThePreamble

The Preamble to the Model Rules provides the starting point for understanding ourethicalandprofessionalresponsibilitiesas lawyers.Thewords inthePreamblemeanmoretomenowasapractitionerfornearlythirtyyears,thenwhenIfirststartedpracticein1987.

Ethicaldilemmasdonotpresentthemselvesasaneatpackageoftrueorfalsequestionsonanexam. Rather, theyariseunexpectedly in theguiseofambiguity. Ultimately,whenallelsefails,theanswercomesdowntowhatistherightthingtodo?ThePreambleintheModelRulessetsouttherightthingtodobyremindinguswhatalawyeris,howalawyerrepresentsclientsandhowalawyerinteractswiththelegalsystemandsocietyasawhole.

Under the Preamble, “[a] lawyer, as a member of the legal profession, is arepresentative of clients, an officer of the legal system and a public citizen having specialresponsibilityforthequalityofjustice.”ModelRules,Preamble.Underthisprovision,lawyersarenotordinary sellersof services. Lawyersarepartofa richandnobleprofessionchargedwith doing justice. To protect the integrity of the legal system, lawyers have specialresponsibility forensuring,protectingandpromoting thiselusiveconceptof justice. Lawyers

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represent not only clients, but they are officers of something bigger, a legal system thatreplacedthebattlefieldforsettlingdisputes.

Second, “[a]s a representative of clients, a lawyer performs various functions. As

advisor,a lawyerprovidesaclientwithan informedunderstandingof theclient's legal rightsandobligationsandexplainstheirpracticalimplications.Asadvocate,alawyerzealouslyassertstheclient'spositionunder the rulesof theadversary system.Asnegotiator,a lawyer seeksaresult advantageous to the client but consistent with requirements of honest dealings withothers.Asanevaluator,alawyeractsbyexaminingaclient'slegalaffairsandreportingaboutthem to the client or to others.” Model Rules, Preamble. This section of the Preambleidentifiesthefourmainrepresentationalfunctionsprovidedbyalawyer.Alawyerserveshisorherclientas:(1)anadvisor;(2)anadvocate;(3)anegotiator;and/or(4)anevaluator.Irefertothisisthequadruplethreatof“AANE”.

Third,“[i]nadditiontotheserepresentationalfunctions,alawyermayserveasathird-

party neutral, a nonrepresentational role helping the parties to resolve a dispute or othermatter….” ModelRules, Preamble. This sectionof thepreamble recognizes the lawyer as amediator or arbitrator in disputes. This is a professional function separate and apart of thelawyer’srepresentationalfunction.

Fourth, “[I]n all professional functions a lawyer should be competent, prompt and

diligent.Alawyershouldmaintaincommunicationwithaclientconcerningtherepresentation.Alawyershouldkeepinconfidenceinformationrelatingtorepresentationofaclientexceptsofarasdisclosure is requiredorpermittedbytheRulesofProfessionalConductorother law.”ModelRules,Preamble.Keepinganopenlineofcommunicationwithaclientispivotaltotheattorneyclientrelationship.Indeed,manydisciplinaryactionsareinitiatedsimplybecausetheclient was not informed of what was going on in the represented matter. The lines ofconfidentialityaremoredifficulttodraw,particularlywhentherepresentationinvolvescriminalactivity,suchasinlegaldilemmasraisedinmovieslikeTheFirm,whereTomCruiselearnsfromtheFBIthathislawfirmrepresentsthemob.

Fifth, “[a] lawyer's conduct should conform to the requirements of the law, both in

professionalservicetoclientsandinthelawyer'sbusinessandpersonalaffairs.Alawyershouldusethelaw'sproceduresonlyforlegitimatepurposesandnottoharassorintimidateothers.Alawyershoulddemonstraterespect for the legalsystemandfor thosewhoserve it, includingjudges, other lawyers and public officials. While it is a lawyer's duty, when necessary, tochallenge the rectitude of official action, it is also a lawyer's duty to uphold legal process.”ModelRules,Preamble (Emphasisadded). Thisaspirationalgoal is replete ingrayarea. Sowhathappenswhenyourclientasksyoutodelaytheproceedingsfornospecificreasonotherthantoweardowntheotherside?Whathappensifyouknowobjectingtoanattorney’slineofquestioningattrialwillthrowthemofftheirgame?Isthatlegallyacceptable?InACivilAction,Robert Duvall’s character teaches his students at Harvard Law School the concept of theobjection.DoesthisrunafouloftheModelRules?

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Sixth,“[a]sapubliccitizen,alawyershouldseekimprovementofthelaw,accesstothelegal system, the administration of justice and the quality of service rendered by the legalprofession.Asamemberofa learnedprofession,a lawyershouldcultivateknowledgeof thelaw beyond its use for clients, employ that knowledge in reform of the law and work tostrengthen legaleducation. Inaddition,a lawyershould further thepublic'sunderstandingofand confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in aconstitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain theirauthority.Alawyershouldbemindfulofdeficienciesintheadministrationofjusticeandofthefact that the poor, and sometimes personswho are not poor, cannot afford adequate legalassistance.Therefore,alllawyersshoulddevoteprofessionaltimeandresourcesandusecivicinfluence to ensure equal access to our system of justice for all those who because ofeconomicorsocialbarrierscannotaffordorsecureadequate legalcounsel.A lawyershouldaidthe legalprofession inpursuingtheseobjectivesandshouldhelpthebarregulate itself inthepublicinterest.”ModelRules,Preamble(Emphasisadded).

Mostofusbelievedintheseprincipleswhenweappliedtolawschool.Wewantedto

“improve” the legal system. Have youdone that since law school? I suspect that youhavebecause you belong to and are active in the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel(“FDCC”). FDCC is dedicated to the “principles of knowledge, justice and fellowship.” Seehttp://www.The federation.org/documents/75thHistoryFDCC_10-31-11.pdf (Last accessed onJanuary24,2016).

Seven,“[m]anyofalawyer'sprofessionalresponsibilitiesareprescribedintheRulesofProfessional Conduct, as well as substantive and procedural law.However, a lawyer is alsoguided by personal conscience and the approbation of professional peers. A lawyer shouldstrive to attain the highest level of skill, to improve the law and the legal profession and toexemplify the legal profession's ideals of public service.” Model Rules, Preamble (Emphasisadded).

Eight,“[a] lawyer'sresponsibilitiesasarepresentativeofclients,anofficerofthelegal

system and a public citizen are usually harmonious. Thus, when an opposing party is wellrepresented, a lawyer canbe a zealous advocateonbehalf of a client andat the same timeassume that justice is being done. So also, a lawyer can be sure that preserving clientconfidencesordinarily serves thepublic interestbecausepeoplearemore likely to seek legaladvice,andtherebyheedtheirlegalobligations,whentheyknowtheircommunicationswillbeprivate.” Model Rules, Preamble. I love this section of the preamble, because all lawyersunderstandandappreciatetheneedforzealousadvocacyandconfidentiality.

Ninth, “[i]n the nature of law practice, however, conflicting responsibilities are

encountered. Virtually all difficult ethical problems arise from conflict between a lawyer'sresponsibilitiestoclients,tothelegalsystemandtothelawyer'sowninterestinremaininganethical person while earning a satisfactory living. The Rules of Professional Conduct oftenprescribe terms for resolving such conflicts.Within the framework of these Rules, however,manydifficultissuesofprofessionaldiscretioncanarise.Suchissuesmustberesolvedthrough

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the exercise of sensitive professional and moral judgment guided by the basic principlesunderlyingtheRules.Theseprinciples includethelawyer'sobligationzealouslytoprotectandpursue a client's legitimate interests, within the bounds of the law, while maintaining aprofessional, courteous and civil attitude toward all persons involved in the legal system.”ModelRules,Preamble. ThedraftersofthePreambleunderstoodthattherewillbeconflicts.It’sthenatureofbalancingresponsibilitytoclients,tothelegalsystemandtoearningalivingasanethicalperson.

Tenth,“[t]he legalprofession is largelyself-governing.Althoughotherprofessionsalso

have been granted powers of self-government, the legal profession is unique in this respectbecauseofthecloserelationshipbetweentheprofessionandtheprocessesofgovernmentandlaw enforcement. This connection ismanifested in the fact that ultimate authority over thelegal profession is vested largely in the courts.” Model Rules of Professional Conduct,Preamble.

Eleventh,“[t]otheextentthatlawyersmeettheobligationsoftheirprofessionalcalling,theoccasionforgovernmentregulationisobviated.Self-regulationalsohelpsmaintainthelegalprofession'sindependencefromgovernmentdomination.Anindependentlegalprofessionisanimportant force in preserving government under law, for abuse of legal authority is morereadilychallengedbyaprofessionwhosemembersarenotdependentongovernmentfortherighttopractice.”ModelRules,Preamble.

Twelfth,“[t]helegalprofession'srelativeautonomycarrieswithitspecialresponsibilities

of self-government. The profession has a responsibility to assure that its regulations areconceivedinthepublicinterestandnotinfurtheranceofparochialorself-interestedconcernsofthebar.Every lawyer isresponsibleforobservanceoftheRulesofProfessionalConduct.Alawyer should also aid in securing their observance by other lawyers. Neglect of theseresponsibilitiescompromisestheindependenceoftheprofessionandthepublicinterestwhichitserves.”ModelRules,Preamble.

Lastly,“[l]awyersplayavital role in thepreservationofsociety.The fulfillmentof this

rolerequiresanunderstandingbylawyersoftheirrelationshiptoourlegalsystem.TheRulesofProfessionalConduct,whenproperlyapplied,servetodefinethatrelationship.”ModelRules,Preamble.

Scope

TheModelRulesalsodefinethescopeoftherulesas“rulesofreason.” ModelRules,Scope.“Theyshouldbeinterpretedwithreferencetothepurposesoflegalrepresentationandofthelawitself.”Id.Further,therules“presupposealargerlegalcontextshapingthelawyer'srole. That context includes court rules and statutes relating to matters of licensure, lawsdefining specific obligations of lawyers and substantive and procedural law in general. TheCommentsaresometimesusedtoalertlawyerstotheirresponsibilitiesundersuchotherlaw.”Id. “Compliancewith the Rules, aswith all law in an open society, depends primarily upon

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understandingandvoluntarycompliance, secondarilyupon reinforcementbypeerandpublicopinionandfinally,whennecessary,uponenforcementthroughdisciplinaryproceedings.TheRules do not, however, exhaust the moral and ethical considerations that should inform alawyer, fornoworthwhilehumanactivitycanbecompletelydefinedby legalrules.TheRulessimplyprovideaframeworkfortheethicalpracticeoflaw.”Id.

“Furthermore, for purposes of determining the lawyer's authority and responsibility,principles of substantive law external to these Rules determine whether a client-lawyerrelationshipexists.Mostof theduties flowing fromtheclient-lawyer relationshipattachonlyaftertheclienthasrequestedthelawyertorenderlegalservicesandthelawyerhasagreedtodoso.Buttherearesomeduties,suchasthatofconfidentialityunderRule1.6,thatattachwhen the lawyer agrees to consider whether a client-lawyer relationship shall beestablished.” Model Rules, Scope. (Emphasis added). Lastly, “[f]ailure to comply with anobligationorprohibitionimposedbyaRuleisabasisforinvokingthedisciplinaryprocess.TheRulespresupposethatdisciplinaryassessmentofalawyer'sconductwillbemadeonthebasisof the facts and circumstancesas theyexistedat the timeof the conduct inquestionand inrecognitionofthefactthatalawyeroftenhastoactuponuncertainorincompleteevidenceofthe situation. Moreover, the Rules presuppose that whether or not discipline should beimposedforaviolation,andtheseverityofasanction,dependonallthecircumstances,suchasthewillfulness and seriousness of the violation, extenuating factors andwhether there havebeenpreviousviolations.” Id. Accordingly,disciplinaryviolationsaredeterminedonacase-by-casebasis,ratherthanaonesizefitsmost.

Despitewhathappens inpractice, theModelRulesprovide that “[v]iolationof aRuleshould not itself give rise to a cause of action against a lawyer nor should it create anypresumptioninsuchacasethatalegaldutyhasbeenbreached.Inaddition,violationofaRuledoes not necessarilywarrant any other nondisciplinary remedy, such as disqualification of alawyer in pending litigation.The Rules are designed to provide guidance to lawyers and toprovide a structure for regulating conduct through disciplinary agencies. They are notdesignedtobeabasisforcivilliability.”ModelRules,Scope(Emphasisadded).

Rules

TheModelRulesaredividedintoeightcategories.Thefirstcategoryistheclient-lawyerrelationship. The second is the lawyer’s role as counselor. The third is the lawyer’s role asadvocate. The fourth focuses on transactions with persons other than clients. The fifthcategorydealswithlawfirmsandassociations.Thesixthsetsforthguidanceonpublicservice.The seventh category focuses on information about legal services, including the hot issue ofattorney advertising, solicitation of clients and communication of fields of practice andspecialization. The eighth category provides guidance on maintaining the integrity of theprofession. Whileaworkingknowledgeofall the rules isparamount toa successful lawpractice,I’veoutlinedtherulesthatwewillbediscussingforvariousmovies.Theserulesare:

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CLIENT-LAWYERRELATIONSHIP Rule1.1Competence

Alawyershallprovidecompetentrepresentationtoaclient.Competentrepresentationrequiresthelegalknowledge,skill,thoroughnessandpreparationreasonablynecessaryfortherepresentation.

Rule1.2ScopeofRepresentationandAllocationofAuthorityBetweenClientandLawyer(a) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), a lawyer shall abide by a client's

decisionsconcerningtheobjectivesofrepresentationand,asrequiredbyRule1.4,shallconsultwiththeclientastothemeansbywhichtheyaretobepursued.Alawyermaytakesuchactiononbehalfoftheclientasisimpliedlyauthorizedtocarryouttherepresentation.Alawyershallabidebyaclient'sdecisionwhether tosettleamatter. Inacriminalcase, thelawyer shall abide by the client's decision, after consultation with thelawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial andwhethertheclientwilltestify.

(b) A lawyer's representation of a client, including representation by

appointment, does not constitute an endorsement of the client'spolitical,economic,socialormoralviewsoractivities.

(c) A lawyer may limit the scope of the representation if the limitation is

reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informedconsent.

(d) Alawyershallnotcounselaclienttoengage,orassistaclient,inconduct

thatthelawyerknowsiscriminalorfraudulent,butalawyermaydiscussthe legalconsequencesofanyproposedcourseofconductwithaclientand may counsel or assist a client to make a good faith effort todeterminethevalidity,scope,meaningorapplicationofthelaw.

Rule1.3:Diligence

Alawyershallactwithreasonablediligenceandpromptnessinrepresentingaclient.

Rule1.4Communications (a) Alawyershall:

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(1) promptlyinformtheclientofanydecisionorcircumstancewithrespecttowhichtheclient'sinformedconsent…

(2) reasonablyconsultwiththeclientaboutthemeansbywhichtheclient'sobjectivesaretobeaccomplished;

(3) keeptheclientreasonablyinformedaboutthestatusofthematter;

(4) promptlycomplywithreasonablerequestsforinformation;and

(5) consultwiththeclientaboutanyrelevantlimitationonthelawyer'sconductwhenthelawyerknowsthattheclientexpectsassistancenotpermittedbytheRulesofProfessionalConductorotherlaw.

(b) Alawyershallexplainamattertotheextentreasonablynecessarytopermittheclienttomakeinformeddecisionsregardingtherepresentation.

Rule1.5Fees

(a) Alawyershallnotmakeanagreementfor,charge,orcollectanunreasonablefeeoranunreasonableamountforexpenses.Thefactorstobeconsideredindeterminingthereasonablenessofafeeincludethefollowing:

(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the

questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legalserviceproperly;

(2) thelikelihood,ifapparenttotheclient,thattheacceptanceofthe

particular employment will preclude other employment by thelawyer;

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

services;(4) theamountinvolvedandtheresultsobtained;(5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the

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

client;

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

performingtheservices;and(8) whetherthefeeisfixedorcontingent.

(b) The scope of the representation and the basis or rate of the fee and

expensesforwhichtheclientwillberesponsibleshallbecommunicatedto the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable timeafter commencing the representation, except when the lawyer willcharge a regularly represented client on the same basis or rate. Anychanges in the basis or rate of the fee or expenses shall also becommunicatedtotheclient.

(c) A feemay be contingent on the outcome of thematter for which the

service is rendered, except in a matter in which a contingent fee isprohibited by paragraph (d) or other law. A contingent fee agreementshall be in awriting signedby the client and shall state themethodbywhich the fee is to be determined, including the percentage orpercentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the event of settlement,trial or appeal; litigation and other expenses to be deducted from therecovery;andwhethersuchexpensesaretobedeductedbeforeorafterthe contingent fee is calculated. The agreementmust clearly notify theclientofanyexpenses forwhichtheclientwillbe liablewhetherornotthe client is the prevailing party. Upon conclusion of a contingent feematter, the lawyer shall provide the client with a written statementstatingtheoutcomeofthematterand,ifthereisarecovery,showingtheremittancetotheclientandthemethodofitsdetermination.

(d) Alawyershallnotenterintoanarrangementfor,charge,orcollect:

(1) anyfeeinadomesticrelationsmatter,thepaymentoramountofwhich is contingent upon the securing of a divorce or upon theamount of alimony or support, or property settlement in lieuthereof;or

(2) acontingentfeeforrepresentingadefendantinacriminalcase.

(e) Adivisionofafeebetweenlawyerswhoarenotinthesamefirmmaybe

madeonlyif:

(1) the division is in proportion to the services performed by eachlawyer or each lawyer assumes joint responsibility for therepresentation;

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(2) the client agrees to the arrangement, including the share each

lawyer will receive, and the agreement is confirmed in writing;and

(3) thetotalfeeisreasonable.

Rule1.6ConfidentialityofInformation (a) A lawyershallnotreveal informationrelatingtotherepresentationofa

clientunlesstheclientgivesinformedconsent,thedisclosureisimpliedlyauthorized in order to carry out the representation or the disclosure ispermittedbyparagraph(b).

(b) Alawyermayrevealinformationrelatingtotherepresentationofaclient

totheextentthelawyerreasonablybelievesnecessary:

(1) topreventreasonablycertaindeathorsubstantialbodilyharm;

(2) to prevent the client from committing a crime or fraud that isreasonably certain to result in substantial injury to the financialinterestsorpropertyofanotherand in furtheranceofwhichtheclienthasusedorisusingthelawyer'sservices;

(3) to prevent,mitigate or rectify substantial injury to the financial

interests or property of another that is reasonably certain toresultorhasresultedfromtheclient'scommissionofacrimeorfraud in furtherance of which the client has used the lawyer'sservices;

(4) to secure legal advice about the lawyer's compliancewith these

Rules;

(5) to establish a claim or defense on behalf of the lawyer in acontroversy between the lawyer and the client, to establish adefense to a criminal charge or civil claim against the lawyerbased upon conduct in which the client was involved, or torespondtoallegationsinanyproceedingconcerningthelawyer'srepresentationoftheclient;

(6) tocomplywithotherlaworacourtorder;or

(7) todetectandresolveconflictsofinterestarisingfromthelawyer’s

change of employment or from changes in the composition or

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ownership of a firm, but only if the revealed informationwouldnot compromise the attorney-client privilege or otherwiseprejudicetheclient.

(c) A lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or

unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, informationrelatingtotherepresentationofaclient.

Rule1.7ConflictofInterest:CurrentClients

(a) Exceptasprovidedinparagraph(b),alawyershallnotrepresentaclientif the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. Aconcurrentconflictofinterestexistsif:

(1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to

anotherclient;or

(2) there isasignificant risk that therepresentationofoneormoreclientswillbemateriallylimitedbythelawyer'sresponsibilitiestoanotherclient,aformerclientorathirdpersonorbyapersonalinterestofthelawyer.

(b) Notwithstandingtheexistenceofaconcurrentconflictof interestunder

paragraph(a),alawyermayrepresentaclientif:

(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able toprovide competent and diligent representation to each affectedclient;

(2) therepresentationisnotprohibitedbylaw;

(3) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by

oneclientagainstanotherclientrepresentedbythelawyerinthesamelitigationorotherproceedingbeforeatribunal;and

(4) eachaffectedclientgivesinformedconsent,confirmedinwriting.

Rule1.8ConflictofInterest:CurrentClients:SpecificRules

(a) A lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client orknowinglyacquireanownership,possessory,securityorotherpecuniaryinterestadversetoaclientunless:

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(1) the transaction and terms on which the lawyer acquires theinterest are fair and reasonable to the client and are fullydisclosed and transmitted in writing in a manner that can bereasonablyunderstoodbytheclient;

(2) theclientisadvisedinwritingofthedesirabilityofseekingandis

givenareasonableopportunitytoseektheadviceofindependentlegalcounselonthetransaction;and

(3) theclientgivesinformedconsent,inawritingsignedbytheclient,

totheessentialtermsofthetransactionandthe lawyer'srole inthetransaction,includingwhetherthelawyerisrepresentingtheclientinthetransaction.

(b) Alawyershallnotuseinformationrelatingtorepresentationofaclientto

thedisadvantageof theclientunless theclientgives informedconsent,exceptaspermittedorrequiredbytheseRules.

(c) A lawyer shall not solicit any substantial gift from a client, including a

testamentarygift,orprepareonbehalfof a clientan instrumentgivingthe lawyeroraperson related to the lawyerany substantial giftunlessthe lawyer or other recipient of the gift is related to the client. Forpurposes of this paragraph, related persons include a spouse, child,grandchild,parent,grandparentorotherrelativeorindividualwithwhomthelawyerortheclientmaintainsaclose,familialrelationship.

(d) Prior to the conclusion of representation of a client, a lawyer shall not

make or negotiate an agreement giving the lawyer literary or mediarightstoaportrayaloraccountbasedinsubstantialpartoninformationrelatingtotherepresentation.

(e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection

withpendingorcontemplatedlitigation,exceptthat:

(1) a lawyermayadvancecourtcostsandexpensesof litigation,therepayment of whichmay be contingent on the outcome of thematter;and

(2) a lawyerrepresentinganindigentclientmaypaycourtcostsand

expensesoflitigationonbehalfoftheclient.

(f) A lawyer shall not accept compensation for representing a client fromoneotherthantheclientunless:

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(1) theclientgivesinformedconsent;

(2) there is no interference with the lawyer's independence ofprofessionaljudgmentorwiththeclient-lawyerrelationship;and

(3) information relating to representationofa client isprotectedas

requiredbyRule1.6.

(g) A lawyer who represents two or more clients shall not participate inmakinganaggregatesettlementoftheclaimsoforagainsttheclients,orin a criminal case an aggregated agreement as to guilty or nolocontenderepleas,unlesseachclientgivesinformedconsent,inawritingsigned by the client. The lawyer's disclosure shall include the existenceandnatureofalltheclaimsorpleasinvolvedandoftheparticipationofeachpersoninthesettlement.

(h) Alawyershallnot:

(1) makeanagreementprospectivelylimitingthelawyer'sliabilityto

a client for malpractice unless the client is independentlyrepresentedinmakingtheagreement;or

(2) settle a claim or potential claim for such liability with an

unrepresented client or former client unless that person isadvised in writing of the desirability of seeking and is given areasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent legalcounselinconnectiontherewith.

(i) Alawyershallnotacquireaproprietaryinterestinthecauseofactionor

subjectmatterof litigation the lawyer is conducting fora client, exceptthatthelawyermay:(1) acquire a lien authorized 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.

(j) Alawyershallnothavesexualrelationswithaclientunlessaconsensualsexual relationship existed between them when the client-lawyerrelationshipcommenced.

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(k) While lawyers are associated in a firm, a prohibition in the foregoingparagraphs(a)through(i)thatappliestoanyoneofthemshallapplytoallofthem.

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Client-LawyerRelationshipRule1.16DecliningOrTerminatingRepresentation(a) Exceptasstatedinparagraph(c),alawyershallnotrepresentaclientor,

where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from therepresentationofaclientif:

(1) the representation will result in violation of the rules of

professionalconductorotherlaw;(2) the lawyer's physical ormental conditionmaterially impairs the

lawyer'sabilitytorepresenttheclient;or(3) thelawyerisdischarged.

(b) Except as stated in paragraph (c), a lawyer may withdraw from

representingaclientif:

(1) withdrawalcanbeaccomplishedwithoutmaterialadverseeffectontheinterestsoftheclient;

(2) the client persists in a course of action involving the lawyer's

services that the lawyer reasonably believes is criminal orfraudulent;

(3) theclienthasusedthelawyer'sservicestoperpetrateacrimeor

fraud;(4) the client insists upon taking action that the lawyer considers

repugnant or with which the lawyer has a fundamentaldisagreement;

(5) the client fails substantially to fulfill an obligation to the lawyer

regarding the lawyer's services and has been given reasonablewarning that the lawyer will withdraw unless the obligation isfulfilled;

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(6) therepresentationwillresultinanunreasonablefinancialburdenonthelawyerorhasbeenrenderedunreasonablydifficultbytheclient;or

(7) othergoodcauseforwithdrawalexists.

(c) A lawyer must comply with applicable law requiring notice to or

permission of a tribunal when terminating a representation. Whenordered to do so by a tribunal, a lawyer shall continue representationnotwithstandinggoodcauseforterminatingtherepresentation.

(d) Upon termination of representation, a lawyer shall take steps to the

extentreasonablypracticabletoprotectaclient'sinterests,suchasgivingreasonable notice to the client, allowing time for employment of othercounsel,surrenderingpapersandpropertytowhichtheclientisentitledandrefundinganyadvancepaymentoffeeorexpensethathasnotbeenearnedorincurred.Thelawyermayretainpapersrelatingtotheclienttotheextentpermittedbyotherlaw.

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Rule1.18DutiestoProspectiveClient

(a) Apersonwhoconsultswitha lawyerabout thepossibilityof formingaclient-lawyerrelationshipwithrespecttoamatterisaprospectiveclient.

(b) Even when no client-lawyer relationship ensues, a lawyer who has

learnedinformationfromaprospectiveclientshallnotuseorrevealthatinformation,exceptasRule1.9wouldpermitwithrespecttoinformationofaformerclient.

(c) A lawyer subject to paragraph (b) shall not represent a client with

interestsmateriallyadversetothoseofaprospectiveclient inthesameorasubstantiallyrelatedmatterifthelawyerreceivedinformationfromtheprospectiveclientthatcouldbesignificantlyharmfultothatpersoninthematter,exceptasprovidedinparagraph(d).Ifalawyerisdisqualifiedfromrepresentationunderthisparagraph,nolawyerinafirmwithwhichthat lawyer is associated may knowingly undertake or continuerepresentationinsuchamatter,exceptasprovidedinparagraph(d).

(d) When the lawyer has received disqualifying information as defined in

paragraph(c),representationispermissibleif:

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(1) both the affected client and the prospective client have giveninformedconsent,confirmedinwriting,or:

(2) the lawyer who received the information took reasonable

measures to avoid exposure to more disqualifying informationthan was reasonably necessary to determine whether torepresenttheprospectiveclient;and(i) the disqualified lawyer is timely screened from any

participation in thematterandisapportionednopartofthefeetherefrom;and

(ii) writtennoticeispromptlygiventotheprospectiveclient.

ADVISOR

Rule2.1Advisor

In representing a client, a lawyer shall exercise independent professionaljudgmentandrendercandidadvice.Inrenderingadvice,alawyermayrefernotonly to law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social andpoliticalfactors,thatmayberelevanttotheclient'ssituation.

ADVOCATERule3.1MeritoriousClaimsAndContentionsAlawyershallnotbringordefendaproceeding,orassertorcontrovertanissuetherein,unlessthereisabasisinlawandfactfordoingsothatisnotfrivolous,whichincludesagoodfaithargumentforanextension,modificationorreversalofexistinglaw.Alawyerforthedefendantinacriminalproceeding,ortherespondentinaproceedingthatcouldresultinincarceration,mayneverthelessso defend the proceeding as to require that every element of the case beestablished.

Rule3.2ExpeditingLitigation

Alawyershallmakereasonableeffortstoexpeditelitigationconsistentwiththeinterestsoftheclient.

Rule3.3CandorTowardtheTribunal

(a) Alawyershallnotknowingly:

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

(2) fail to disclose to the tribunal legal authority in the controlling

jurisdiction known to the lawyer to be directly adverse to thepositionoftheclientandnotdisclosedbyopposingcounsel;or

(3) offerevidencethatthelawyerknowstobefalse.Ifalawyer,the

lawyer’s client, or a witness called by the lawyer, has offeredmaterialevidenceandthelawyercomestoknowofitsfalsity,thelawyer shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, ifnecessary,disclosuretothetribunal.Alawyermayrefusetoofferevidence, other than the testimonyof a defendant in a criminalmatter,thatthelawyerreasonablybelievesisfalse.

(b) Alawyerwhorepresentsaclientinanadjudicativeproceedingandwho

knows that a person intends to engage, is engaging or has engaged incriminal or fraudulent conduct related to the proceeding shall takereasonable remedialmeasures, including, ifnecessary,disclosure to thetribunal.

(c) Thedutiesstatedinparagraphs(a)and(b)continuetotheconclusionof

the proceeding, and apply even if compliance requires disclosure ofinformationotherwiseprotectedbyRule1.6.

(d) In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer shall inform the tribunal of all

materialfactsknowntothelawyerthatwillenablethetribunaltomakeaninformeddecision,whetherornotthefactsareadverse.

Rule3.4FairnesstoOpposingPartyAndCounselAlawyershallnot:(a) unlawfullyobstructanotherparty'saccesstoevidenceorunlawfullyalter,

destroy or conceal a document or other material having potentialevidentiaryvalue.Alawyershallnotcounselorassistanotherpersontodoanysuchact;

(b) falsifyevidence,counselorassistawitnesstotestify falsely,orofferan

inducementtoawitnessthatisprohibitedbylaw;(c) knowinglydisobeyanobligationundertherulesofatribunalexceptfor

anopenrefusalbasedonanassertionthatnovalidobligationexists;

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(d) inpretrialprocedure,makeafrivolousdiscoveryrequestorfailtomake

reasonably diligent effort to comply with a legally proper discoveryrequestbyanopposingparty;

(e) intrial,alludetoanymatterthatthelawyerdoesnotreasonablybelieve

is relevantor thatwill notbe supportedby admissible evidence, assertpersonalknowledgeoffactsinissueexceptwhentestifyingasawitness,orstateapersonalopinionastothejustnessofacause,thecredibilityofawitness,theculpabilityofacivillitigantortheguiltorinnocenceofanaccused;or

(f) request a person other than a client to refrain from voluntarily giving

relevantinformationtoanotherpartyunless:

(1) thepersonisarelativeoranemployeeorotheragentofaclient;and

(2) thelawyerreasonablybelievesthattheperson'sinterestswillnot

beadverselyaffectedbyrefrainingfromgivingsuchinformation.Rule3.5ImpartialityandDecorumoftheTribunalAlawyershallnot:(a) seek to influence a judge, juror, prospective juror or other official by

meansprohibitedbylaw;(b) communicateexpartewithsuchapersonduringtheproceedingunless

authorizedtodosobylaworcourtorder;(c) communicatewithajurororprospectivejurorafterdischargeofthejury

if:

(1) thecommunicationisprohibitedbylaworcourtorder;(2) the juror has made known to the lawyer a desire not to

communicate;or(3) the communication involvesmisrepresentation, coercion, duress

or harassment; or(d) engage in conduct intended to disrupt atribunal.

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Rule3.6TrialPublicity

(a) A lawyerwho isparticipatingorhasparticipated in the investigationorlitigationofamattershallnotmakeanextrajudicial statement that thelawyerknowsorreasonablyshouldknowwillbedisseminatedbymeansof public communication and will have a substantial likelihood ofmateriallyprejudicinganadjudicativeproceedinginthematter.

(b) Notwithstandingparagraph(a),alawyermaystate:

(1) the claim, offense or defense involved and, except when

prohibitedbylaw,theidentityofthepersonsinvolved;

(2) informationcontainedinapublicrecord;

(3) thataninvestigationofamatterisinprogress;

(4) theschedulingorresultofanystepinlitigation;

(5) a request for assistance in obtaining evidence and informationnecessarythereto;

(6) awarningofdangerconcerningthebehaviorofapersoninvolved,

whenthereisreasontobelievethatthereexiststhelikelihoodofsubstantialharmtoanindividualortothepublicinterest;and

(7) inacriminalcase,inadditiontosubparagraphs(1)through(6):

(i) theidentity,residence,occupationandfamilystatusofthe

accused;

(ii) if the accused has not been apprehended, informationnecessarytoaidinapprehensionofthatperson;

(iii) thefact,timeandplaceofarrest;and

(iv) the identity of investigating and arresting officers or

agenciesandthelengthoftheinvestigation.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a lawyermaymake a statement that areasonablelawyerwouldbelieveisrequiredtoprotectaclientfromthesubstantialundueprejudicialeffectofrecentpublicitynotinitiatedbythelawyer or the lawyer's client. A statement made pursuant to this

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paragraphshallbelimitedtosuchinformationasisnecessarytomitigatetherecentadversepublicity.

(d) No lawyer associated in a firm or government agency with a lawyer

subjecttoparagraph(a)shallmakeastatementprohibitedbyparagraph(a).

TRANSACTIONSWITHPERSONSOTHERTHANCLIENTS

Rule4.1TruthfulnessinStatementstoOthers

Inthecourseofrepresentingaclientalawyershallnotknowingly:

(a) makeafalsestatementofmaterialfactorlawtoathirdperson;or

(b) failtodiscloseamaterialfacttoathirdpersonwhendisclosureis

necessarytoavoidassistingacriminalorfraudulentactbyaclient,unlessdisclosureisprohibitedbyRule1.6.

Rule4.2CommunicationWithPersonRepresentedByCounsel

Inrepresentingaclient,alawyershallnotcommunicateaboutthesubjectoftherepresentationwithapersonthelawyerknowstoberepresentedbyanotherlawyerinthematter,unlessthelawyerhastheconsentoftheotherlawyerorisauthorizedtodosobylaworacourtorder.Rule4.3DealingwithUnrepresentedPersonIndealingonbehalfofaclientwithapersonwhoisnotrepresentedbycounselalawyershallnotstateorimplythatthelawyerisdisinterested.Whenthelawyerknows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented personmisunderstands the lawyer’s role in the matter, the lawyer shall makereasonable efforts to correct themisunderstanding. The lawyer shall not givelegal advice to an unrepresented person, other than the advice to securecounsel, if the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the interests ofsuchapersonareorhavea reasonablepossibilityofbeing inconflictwith theinterestsoftheclient.Rule4.4RespectForRightsOfThirdPersons

(a) In representing a client, a lawyer shall not use means that have no

substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a thirdperson,orusemethodsofobtainingevidencethatviolatethelegalrightsofsuchaperson.

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(b) A lawyerwho receives a document or electronically stored information

relating to the representation of the lawyer's client and knows orreasonably should know that the document or electronically storedinformationwasinadvertentlysentshallpromptlynotifythesender.

LAWFIRMSANDASSOCIATIONS

Rule5.1ResponsibilitiesOfPartners,Managers,AndSupervisoryLawyers

(a) Apartner ina law firm,anda lawyerwho individuallyor togetherwith

other lawyerspossessescomparablemanagerialauthority ina lawfirm,shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effectmeasures giving reasonable assurance that all lawyers in the firmconformtotheRulesofProfessionalConduct.

(b) A lawyer having direct supervisory authority over another lawyer shall

makereasonableeffortstoensurethattheotherlawyerconformstotheRulesofProfessionalConduct.

(c) A lawyershallberesponsibleforanother lawyer'sviolationoftheRules

ofProfessionalConductif:

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

(2) thelawyerisapartnerorhascomparablemanagerialauthorityin

the law firm in which the other lawyer practices, or has directsupervisory authority over the other lawyer, and knows of theconduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided ormitigatedbutfailstotakereasonableremedialaction.

Rule5.2ResponsibilitiesofaSubordinateLawyer

(a) AlawyerisboundbytheRulesofProfessionalConductnotwithstanding

thatthelawyeractedatthedirectionofanotherperson.

(b) AsubordinatelawyerdoesnotviolatetheRulesofProfessionalConductifthatlawyeractsinaccordancewithasupervisorylawyer'sreasonableresolutionofanarguablequestionofprofessionalduty.

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INFORMATIONABOUTLEGALSERVICES

Rule7.2Advertising(a) SubjecttotherequirementsofRules7.1and7.3,alawyermayadvertise

servicesthroughwritten,recordedorelectroniccommunication,includingpublicmedia.

(b) Alawyershallnotgiveanythingofvaluetoapersonforrecommending

thelawyer'sservicesexceptthatalawyermay

(1) paythereasonablecostsofadvertisementsorcommunicationspermittedbythisRule;

(2) paytheusualchargesofalegalserviceplanoranot-for-profitor

qualifiedlawyerreferralservice.Aqualifiedlawyerreferralserviceisalawyerreferralservicethathasbeenapprovedbyanappropriateregulatoryauthority;

(3) payforalawpracticeinaccordancewithRule1.17;and(4) referclientstoanotherlawyeroranonlawyerprofessional

pursuanttoanagreementnototherwiseprohibitedundertheseRulesthatprovidesfortheotherpersontoreferclientsorcustomerstothelawyer,if

(i) thereciprocalreferralagreementisnotexclusive,and(ii) theclientisinformedoftheexistenceandnatureofthe

agreement.

(c) Anycommunicationmadepursuanttothisruleshallincludethenameandofficeaddressofatleastonelawyerorlawfirmresponsibleforitscontent.

Rule7.3SolicitationofClients

(a) A lawyer shall not by in-person, live telephone or real-time electronic

contactsolicitprofessionalemploymentwhenasignificantmotiveforthelawyer's doing so is the lawyer's pecuniary gain, unless the personcontacted:

(1) isalawyer;or

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(2) hasafamily,closepersonal,orpriorprofessionalrelationshipwiththelawyer.

(b) A lawyer shallnot solicitprofessionalemploymentbywritten, recorded

or electronic communication or by in-person, telephone or real-timeelectroniccontactevenwhennototherwiseprohibitedbyparagraph(a),if:

(1) the target of the solicitation has made known to the lawyer a

desirenottobesolicitedbythelawyer;or

(2) thesolicitationinvolvescoercion,duressorharassment.

(c) Every written, recorded or electronic communication from a lawyersolicitingprofessionalemploymentfromanyoneknowntobeinneedoflegalservices inaparticularmattershall includethewords"AdvertisingMaterial" on the outside envelope, if any, and at the beginning andendingofanyrecordedorelectroniccommunication,unlesstherecipientofthecommunicationisapersonspecifiedinparagraphs(a)(1)or(a)(2).

(d) Notwithstanding the prohibitions in paragraph (a), a lawyer may

participate with a prepaid or group legal service plan operated by anorganizationnotownedordirectedbythelawyerthatusesin-personortelephone contact to solicit memberships or subscriptions for the planfrompersonswho are not known to need legal services in a particularmattercoveredbytheplan.

Rule7.4CommunicationofFieldsofPracticeandSpecialization

(a) Alawyermaycommunicatethefactthatthelawyerdoesordoesnot

practiceinparticularfieldsoflaw.(b) AlawyeradmittedtoengageinpatentpracticebeforetheUnitedStates

PatentandTrademarkOfficemayusethedesignation"PatentAttorney"orasubstantiallysimilardesignation.

(c) AlawyerengagedinAdmiraltypracticemayusethedesignation

"Admiralty,""ProctorinAdmiralty"orasubstantiallysimilardesignation.(d) Alawyershallnotstateorimplythatalawyeriscertifiedasaspecialistin

aparticularfieldoflaw,unless:

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(1) thelawyerhasbeencertifiedasaspecialistbyanorganizationthathasbeenapprovedbyanappropriatestateauthorityorthathasbeenaccreditedbytheAmericanBarAssociation;and

(2) thenameofthecertifyingorganizationisclearlyidentifiedinthe

communication.

SOWHATHAVEILEARNEDATTHEMOVIESONETHICALANDPROFESSIONALCONDUCT

Hollywoodloveslawyersinfilm.In2008,theABAJournalpublishedanarticleonthe25greatest legalmoviesmade. In thiswellwrittenand thoughtful article,RichardBrust states:“FromtheincisiveHenryDrummondandthedrollMr.LincolntothecallowDannyKaffeeandtheregalAtticusFinch,lawyershaveprovidedsomeofHollywood’smostmemorablecinematicheroes and some of its most honorable and thoughtful films.” See http://www.Abajournal.com/magazine/article/the_25_greatest_legal _movies/ (last accessed January 24,2016). Lawyerscontinuetoandalwayswillmake“memorablecinematicheroes”oranti-heroesinsomecases. Oneofthefinestfilmsof2015wastheBridgeofSpies. Thisfilm,directedbyStevenSpielbergfromascriptwrittenbyMattCharmanandtheCoenBrothers,tellsthestoryof former insurance defense lawyer James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks) who is entrusted withnegotiatingthereleaseofpilotshotdownovertheSovietUnionandtheexchangeofKGBspyheld inU.S.custody. Mr.Donovan’swork for theU.S.governmentmaynothavebeen legalwork,buthislegalskillsinnegotiating,strategizingandinpursuingjusticeforthegreatergoodofhiscountrymakehimacinematiclawyerhero,joiningtheranksofAtticusFinchinToKillAMockingbird. ToKillAMockingbirdisaboutAtticusFinch,asmalltownlawyerintheDepression-eraSouth. ThecourtappointsAtticustodefendablackmanagainstanundeservedrapecharge.MostlawyersholdAtticusFinchastheideal,becauseheembodiesallthenobleconceptsoflawandjustice. Indeed,Atticusradiatesintegrity. IntegrityfollowsAtticuslikeahaloinallofhiscourse of dealings,whether it with his childrenwhom he teaches tolerance, or to his clientwhomheiszealouslyrepresentinginasegregatedSouthortothecourtwhoappointedhiminanunpopularroleortothecommunitywhowantstoholdalynchingofhisclient.

HarperLee,whowrotethenovelthatwasthebasisofthemovie,modelsAtticusFinchon her dad. Ms. Lee’s father was an attorney and Alabama state legislator, whose 1923defense of a black client partially inspired the novel's trial. The character of Atticus Finchparallel’sAmasaLeeinmanyways,includingthefactthatAtticusFinchisnotonlyanattorney,butalsoa state legislatureandawidower’s single father likeMs. Lee’sdad. Inmyopinion,Atticus Finch resonates today because it is based on how many lawyers courageouslyrepresentedunpopularclientsinthepursuitofjusticeforall.

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Rob Reiner’s Ghosts of Mississippi, which is based on a true story, focuses on thestrugglesofMedgarEdgar’swidow(WhoopiGoldberg)andthedistrictattorney(AlecBaldwin)to bring Bryon de la Beckwith (James Woods), a white supremacist and Klansman fromGreenwood,MS,toathirdtrialforhis1963slayingofMedgarEvers. Thedistrictattorneyisdepictedasalawyerinpursuitofanoblecause,andthereisnodoubtofthat.

Anequally compellingpartof the finalBeckwith trial,which isnotaplotpoint in thefilm, is that JimKitchens, nowaMississippi SupremeCourt Justice, andBuddyCoxwellwerecourt appointed counsel for Beckwith. Like Atticus Finch, Justice Kitchens andMr. Coxwellzealouslyrepresentedtheirclient.InapresentationmadefortheKentuckyBarAssociationafewmonthsago,JusticeKitchenswrote:

You’ve steppedup to theplate and representedunpopular people yourselves.BuddyCoxwellandIaren’tuniqueinthatregard.It’swhatlawyersaresupposedtodo.Allofusweretaughtthatinlawschool,andIthinkallofusbelieve.Somegetcalledupontodoit,andsomedon’t.…Weknowthatifthesystemdoesn’tworkforeverybody,wehavenorighttoexpectittoworkforanybody.

Seehttp://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.kybar.org/resource/resmgr/2015_Convention/James_Kitchens.pdf(lastaccessedonJanuary24,2016)(Emphasisadded). In Philadelphia, another filmbasedon a true story, themanagement at amega-largefirm firesabrilliant young lawyernamedAndrewBeckett (TomHanks)becausehehasAIDS.Andrewhiresahomophobicsmalltimelawyer(DenzelWashington)asthisistheonlyattorneyintownwillingtoadvocateforawrongfuldismissalsuit. Thefilmoffersaplethoraofexamplesof theapplicationof theModelRules inaction, including,without limitation, communicationissues before retention, how to work with a client and the allocation of authority betweenclientandlawyer. In contrast to the serious filmswe’ve looked at so far, let’s turn toMyCousinVinny,whichisdirectedbyJonathanLynn,alawyerbytraining.Inthisfilm,twoNewYorkCity“yutes”areaccusedofmurderinruralAlabamawhileontheirwaybacktocollege.VinnyGambini(JoePesci), a cousin to one of the accused “yutes”, comes to defend them. Vinny is aninexperienced, loudmouth lawyer not accustomed to Southern rules and manners, and hefalters…badly! This scene fromMy Cousin Vinny exemplifies what lawyers should NOT do. JudgeHaller: “Counselor, your clients are chargedwith first degreemurder.Howdo they plead?”Vinny,whoisseated,“YourHonor,myclients…”JudgeHallercutsin:“Don’ttalktomesittinginthatchair!” Vinny: “Buthe[pointingtobailiff] toldmetosithere.” JudgeHaller,“Whenyou'readdressed in thiscourt,you'll rise.Speak tome inaclear, intelligiblevoice.” Clearly,VinnydidnotappreciatetheModelRuleondecorumtothetribunal.

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ButtheexchangegetsmoreheatedwhenJudgeHallerseeswhatVinnyiswearinginhiscourtroom.“Whatareyouwearing?,”demandsJudgeHaller.“Huh?,”asksVInny.“Whatareyou wearing? Looking down at his black leather jacket, Vinny responds “Um… I’m wearingclothes…I…Idon’tgetthequestion.”TheJudgeslapsback:“Whenyoucomeintomycourtlooking likeyoudo,younotonly insultme,butyou insult the integrityof thiscourt!” Vinnyresponds:“Iapologize,sir,but,uh...thisishowIdress.”JudgeHaller:“Fine.I'llletyouoffthisonetime.Thenexttimeyouappearinmycourt,youwilllooklawyerly.AndImeanyoucombyourhair,andwearasuitandtie.Andthatsuithadbetterbemadeoutofsomesortof...cloth.Youunderstandme?”

In the classic legal thriller,AnatomyofaMurder, James StewartplaysPaulBiegel, anattorneywhodefendsahusbandwhoclaimshesufferedtemporaryinsanitywhenhekilledthemanwhorapedhiswife.Duringoneofthecourtroomscenes,Mr.Biegelaccusesthedistrictattorneyofwithholdingevidence.IsthisinlinewiththeModelRules?Rule3.1providesthatalawyershallnot“assertorcontrovertanissuetherein,unlessthereisbasisinlawandfactfordoingsothatthatisnotfrivolous.”Therulerecognizesthat“[a]lawyerforthedefendantinacriminalproceeding,ortherespondentinaproceedingthatcouldresultinincarceration,maynevertheless so defend the proceeding as to require that every element of the case beestablished.”ModelRule3.1.

Mr.BillyFlynninthemusicalversionofthemovieChicagodefendswomenaccusedofmurderingtheirhusbands.IsitappropriateforMr.Flynntoholdpressconferencesbeforethetrial? Rule 3.6 (a) provides that a lawyer participating in the investigation or litigation of amatter“shallnotmakeanextrajudicialstatementthatthelawyerknowsorreasonablyshouldknow will be disseminated by means of public communication and will have a substantiallikelihood ofmaterially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding in thematter.” But there is alitanyofexceptions inRule3.6(b). Also, is itappropriateforMr.Flynnto“razzledazzle” thecourtwithtricksofthetrade?Rule3.3prohibitsfalsestatementstothecourt,butisthe“razzledazzle”something lessthanfalse information?. UnderRule4.1,a lawyershallnotknowinglymakeafalsestatementofmaterialfactorlawtoathirdperson.

Animportantissueforalllawyersisclientconfidentiality.Butwhathappenswhenyoulearnfromthefederalgovernmentthatyourfirm’sonlyclientisthemob?InTheFirm,basedon John Grisham’s best seller of the same name, Mitch McDeere (Tom Cruise) accepts anexceptionallygenerousoffer fromaprestigiousFirm. (Yes, it iscapitalized. It’sagreatFirm!)Butwhentwoassociatesaremurdered,theFBImakesacalltoMitch,whereinhelearnsthattheFirmhasoneclientandtheydon’tallowassociatestoleavewillingly.Whatcanandcan’tMitchsayordo?WhatareMitch’sobligationsasasubordinatelawyer.

Rule 5.2 provides that a lawyer is bound by the Rules of Professional Conductnotwithstandingthatthelawyeractedatthedirectionofanotherperson.”ModelRule5.2(a)(Emphasis added). But a “subordinate lawyer does not violate the Rules of ProfessionalConductifthatlawyeractsinaccordancewithasupervisorylawyer'sreasonableresolutionofanarguablequestionofprofessionalduty.”Id.at5.2(b)(Emphasisadded).

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ShouldMitchwithdrawfromtherepresentation? Ifso,what’sthebestwaytodoso?

UnderRule1.16,Mitchcanwithdrawfromtherepresentationiftheclientpersistsinacourseof action involving the lawyer’s services that the lawyer reasonably believes is criminal orfraudulentorwhere theclienthasused the lawyer’s services toperpetrateacrimeor fraud.Thesearealldifficultissues,butinthiscase,thepenaltyforwithdrawingfromrepresentationisdeathbyclient.Thinkaboutthatandhowitshouldbefactoredintotheequation. InanotherGrishambookturntomovie,ayoungboy(BradRenfro),whowitnessedthesuicideofamafialawyer,hiresattorneyReggieLove(SusanSarandon)toprotecthimwhenthedistrictattorney (TommyLee Jones) tries tousehimto takedownamob family. TheClient,amongotherthings,providesexcellentexamplesofhowalawyersetsherfee,confidentialityofcommunication between lawyer and client, and improper communications by the districtattorneytoarepresentedparty. Oneof themostpowerful legal films concerning thebusinessof law isACivil Action,which is based on a true story. Jan Schlictmann (John Travolta) represents the families ofchildrenwhohavediedfromtheactionsoftwocompaniesdumpingtoxicwaste inthewatersupply.IntheopeningsceneJanshareshistakeonthepersonalinjurylegalsystem.

It'slikethis.Adeadplaintiffisrarelyworthasmuchasaliving,severely-maimedplaintiff. However, if it's a long slow agonizing death, as opposed to a quickdrowningorcarwreck,thevaluecanriseconsiderably.Adeadadultinhis20sisgenerallyworth less thanonewho ismiddleaged.Adeadwoman less thanadeadman. A single adult less than onewho'smarried. Black less thanwhite.Poorlessthanrich.Theperfectvictimisawhitemaleprofessional,40yearsold,at the height of his earning power, struck down in his prime.And themostimperfect?Well, inthecalculusofpersonal injury law,adeadchild isworththeleastofall.

(Emphasisadded).

Knowingthatadeadchildisworththeleastofallinthepersonalinjurycontextdoesnotstop Jan from zealously pursuing the case. It’s never about the money, and the litigationagainsttoxicdumpingcompaniesbecomesanobsessionforJan,wheretheprideandhubrisofthelitigatorovercomecommonsenseandtherulesofprofessionalconduct.

Buttheothersideofthe“v”inthislitigationexploitsthistotheiradvantage. Jerome

Facher(RobertDuvall)tellshislawstudentsthat“thesinglegreatestliabilityalawyercanhaveispride.Pride...Pridehas lostmorecasesthan lousyevidence, idiotwitnessesandahangingjudgeallputtogether.Thereisabsolutelynoplaceinacourtroomforpride.”IsitappropriateforJantorejectan$8Millionsettlementofferwithoutspeakingtohisclients?Rule1.4guideslawyer client communications. What about the fact that Jan rejected this offer withoutconsultinghislawpartners,whohavemortgagedtheirhomesinthisquestforjustice?

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Movies, like Erin Brokovich and Legally Blonde, raise issues about a law firm’s

responsibilities regarding a non-lawyer. Under Rule 5.3, a lawyer “having direct supervisoryauthorityoverthenonlawyershallmakereasonableeffortstoensurethattheperson'sconductis compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer.” Model Rule 5.3. ThesupervisinglawyershallberesponsibleforconductofsuchapersonthatwouldbeaviolationoftheRulesofProfessionalConductif“thelawyerordersor,withtheknowledgeofthespecificconduct, ratifies the conduct involved” or “the lawyer is a partner or has comparablemanagerialauthorityinthelawfirminwhichthepersonisemployed,orhasdirectsupervisoryauthorityovertheperson,andknowsoftheconductatatimewhenitsconsequencescanbeavoidedormitigatedbutfailstotakereasonableremedialaction.”Id.

Andwhatabouta lawstudentwhohaspiecedtogetherthereasontwoU.S.SupremeCourtjusticeshavemurdered?DotherulesofprofessionalconductapplytoDarbyShaw(JuliaRoberts)inThePelicanBrief?

Finally, films like Inherit theWind, The Verdict,A Few GoodMen and Justice for All,transcendtheirsubjectmatters.Theyalldemonstratethatzealousrepresentationandbrilliantoration lead to satisfying conclusions. But in a less directway, they showus the nobility ofjusticebeingdone.

WRAPPINGUP

It’stimetowrapup.ItisimpossibleformetodiscusseverythingI’velearnedfromthemoviesaboutlegalethicsandprofessionalism.Butintheendwhatmakesallofthisworthit?To paraphrase Andrew’s testimony on direct examination in the final court room scene inPhiladelphia:“everynowandagain,notoften,butoccasionally,yougettobeapartofjusticebeingdone.Anditreallyisquiteathrillwhenthathappens.”It’sbeenathrill.