1. Rule 1.1 Competence
1.1. A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation.
2. Rule 1.2 Scope of Rep. and Allocated Authority
2.1. (a) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d), a lawyer shall abide by a client's decisions concerning the objectives of representation and, as required by Rule 1.4, shall consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued. A lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation. A lawyer shall abide by a client's decision whether to settle 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.
2.2. (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.
2.3. (c) A lawyer may limit the scope of the representation if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client gives informed consent.
2.4. (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.
3. Rule 1.3 Diligence
3.1. A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client
4. Rule 1.4 Communication
4.1. (a) A lawyer shall:
4.1.1. (1) promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client's informed consent, as defined in Rule 1.0(e), is required by these Rules;
4.1.2. (2) reasonably consult with the client about the means by which the client's objectives are to be accomplished;
4.1.3. (3) keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter;
4.1.4. (4) promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; and
4.1.5. (5) consult with the client about any relevant limitation on the lawyer's conduct when the lawyer knows that the client expects assistance not permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law.
4.2. (b) A lawyer shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.
5. Rule 1.5 Fees
5.1. (a) A lawyer's fee shall be reasonable. The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following:
5.1.1. (1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
5.1.2. (2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer;
5.1.3. (3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
5.1.4. (4) the amount involved and the results obtained;
5.1.5. (5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
5.1.6. (6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;
5.1.7. (7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and
5.1.8. (8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent.
5.2. (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.
5.3. (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.
5.4. (d) A lawyer shall not enter into an arrangement for, charge, or collect:
5.4.1. (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 alimony or support, or property settlement in lieu thereof; or
5.4.2. (2) a contingent fee for representing a defendant in a criminal case.
5.5. (e) A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm may be made only if:
5.5.1. (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;
5.5.2. (2) the client is advised of and does not object to the participation of all the lawyers involved; and
5.5.3. (3) the total fee is reasonable.
6. Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Info
6.1. (a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b).
6.2. (b) A lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary:
6.2.1. (1) to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm;
6.2.2. (2) to prevent the client from committing a crime or fraud that is reasonably certain to result in substantial injury to the financial interests or property of another and in furtherance of which the client has used or is using the lawyer's services;
6.2.3. (3) to prevent, mitigate or rectify substantial injury to the financial interests or property of another that is reasonably certain to result or has resulted from the client's commission of a crime or fraud in furtherance of which the client has used the lawyer's services;
6.2.4. (4) to secure legal advice about the lawyer's compliance with these Rules;
6.2.5. (5) 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;
6.2.6. (6) to comply with other law or a court order; or
6.2.7. (7) to detect and resolve conflicts of interest arising from the lawyer's change of employment or from changes in the composition or ownership of a firm, but only if the revealed information would not compromise the attorney-client privilege or otherwise prejudice the client.
6.3. (c) A lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client.
7. Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest (CoI): Current Client
7.1. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if:
7.1.1. (1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or
7.1.2. (2) there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or by a personal interest of the lawyer.
7.2. (b)notwithstanding the existence of a concurrent conflict of interest under paragraph (a), a lawyer may represent a client if:
7.2.1. (1) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client;
7.2.2. (2) the representation is not prohibited by law;
7.2.3. (3) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client against another client represented by the lawyer in the same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal; and
7.2.4. (4) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing
7.2.4.1. Informed Consent must be for each affected client, rather than each affected party.
8. Rule 1.8 CoI. Specific Rules
8.1. (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:
8.1.1. (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 in a manner that can be reasonably understood by the client;
8.1.1.1. Must give terms in manner to be reasonably understood by the client, fully disclosed.
8.1.1.2. Terms must be fair and reasonable.
8.1.2. (2) the client is advised in writing of the desirability of seeking and is given a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent legal counsel on the transaction; and
8.1.2.1. Must inform client in writing to seek outside counsel. (Must say it's a good idea, not req to be represented. )
8.1.3. (3) the client gives informed consent, in a writing signed by the client, to the essential terms of the transaction and the lawyer's role in the transaction, including whether the lawyer is representing the client in the transaction.
8.1.3.1. Must seek informed consent, with all roles, terms and conditions in writing
8.1.4. Shall not (Presumption against)
8.2. (b) A lawyer shall not use information relating to representation of a client to the disadvantage of the client unless the client gives informed consent, except as permitted or required by these Rules.
8.3. (c) A lawyer shall not solicit any substantial gift from a client, including a testamentary gift, or prepare on behalf of a client an instrument giving the lawyer or a person related to the lawyer any substantial gift unless the lawyer or other recipient of the gift is related to the client. For purposes of this paragraph, related persons include a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or other relative or individual with whom the lawyer or the client maintains a close, familial relationship.
8.3.1. Gift cannot be substantial
8.3.2. Cannot be solicited (asked for), if lawyer is preparing document still not okay.
8.3.3. If family or related, it is okay.
8.4. (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.
8.4.1. Cannot sign or discuss at all during litigation
8.5. (e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or contemplated litigation, except that:
8.5.1. (1) a lawyer may advance court costs and expenses of litigation, the repayment of which may be contingent on the outcome of the matter; and
8.5.1.1. Expectation that advanced costs would be repaid.
8.5.2. (2) a lawyer representing an indigent client may pay court costs and expenses of litigation on behalf of the client.
8.5.3. Lawyer cannot have great interest in the outcome of the case.
8.5.4. Still applicable if the person is family
8.6. (f) A lawyer shall not accept compensation for representing a client from one other than the client unless:
8.6.1. (1) the client gives informed consent;
8.6.2. (2) there is no interference with the lawyer's independence of professional judgment or with the client-lawyer relationship; and
8.6.2.1. Third party cannot call the shots. They get to know nothing.
8.6.3. (3) information relating to representation of a client is protected as required by Rule 1.6.
8.6.4. Client has the right to know who is paying the fees.
8.7. (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 gives informed consent, in a writing signed by the client. The lawyer's disclosure shall include the existence and nature of all the claims or pleas involved and of the participation of each person in the settlement.
8.7.1. Aggregate Settlement.
8.8. (h) A lawyer shall not:
8.8.1. (1) make an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer's liability to a client for malpractice unless the client is independently represented in making the agreement; or
8.8.2. (2) settle a claim or potential claim for such liability with an unrepresented client or former client unless that person is advised in writing of the desirability of seeking and is given a reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of independent legal counsel in connection therewith.
8.9. (i) 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:
8.9.1. (1) acquire a lien authorized by law to secure the lawyer's fee or expenses; and
8.9.2. (2) contract with a client for a reasonable contingent fee in a civil case.
8.10. (j) A lawyer shall not have sexual relations with a client unless a consensual sexual relationship existed between them when the client-lawyer relationship commenced.
8.11. (k) While lawyers are associated in a firm, a prohibition in the foregoing paragraphs (a) through (i) that applies to any one of them shall apply to all of them.
8.11.1. If in a firm, and another member has engaged in a bus. transaction, it is imputed to you. Exception is sexual relationships
9. Rule 1.9 Duties to Former Clients
9.1. (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 gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.
9.2. (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 unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.
9.2.1. (1) whose interests are materially adverse to that person; and
9.2.2. (2) about whom the lawyer had acquired information protected by Rules 1.6 and 1.9(c) that is material to the matter;
9.3. (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:
9.3.1. (1) use information relating to the representation to the disadvantage of the former client except as these Rules would permit or require with respect to a client, or when the information has become generally known; or
9.3.2. (2) reveal information relating to the representation except as these Rules would permit or require with respect to a client.
10. Rule 1.10 Imputation of CoI General Rule
10.1. (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 or 1.9, unless
10.1.1. (1) the prohibition is based on a personal interest of the disqualified lawyer and does not present a significant risk of materially limiting the representation of the client by the remaining lawyers in the firm; or
10.1.2. (2) the prohibition is based upon Rule 1.9(a) or (b), and arises out of the disqualified lawyer's association with a prior firm, and
10.1.2.1. (i) the disqualified lawyer is timely screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom;
10.1.2.2. (ii) written notice is promptly given to any affected former client to enable the former client to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this Rule, which shall include a description of the screening procedures employed; a statement of the firm's and of the screened lawyer's compliance with these Rules; a statement that review may be available before a tribunal; and an agreement by the firm to respond promptly to any written inquiries or objections by the former client about the screening procedures; and
10.1.2.3. (iii) certifications of compliance with these Rules and with the screening procedures are provided to the former client by the screened lawyer and by a partner of the firm, at reasonable intervals upon the former client's written request and upon termination of the screening procedures.
10.2. (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:
10.2.1. (1) the matter is the same or substantially related to that in which the formerly associated lawyer represented the client; and
10.2.2. (2) any lawyer remaining in the firm has information protected by Rules 1.6 and 1.9(c) that is material to the matter.
10.3. (c) A disqualification prescribed by this Rule may be waived by the affected client under the conditions stated in Rule 1.7.
10.4. (d) The disqualification of lawyers associated in a firm with former or current government lawyers is governed by Rule 1.11.
11. Rule 1.11 Special CoI for Govt Officers & Employees
11.1. (a) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer who has formerly served as a public officer or employee of the government:
11.1.1. (1) is subject to Rule 1.9(c); and
11.1.2. (2) shall not otherwise represent a 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 gives its informed consent, confirmed in writing, to the representation.
11.2. (b) When a lawyer is disqualified from representation under paragraph (a), no lawyer in a firm with which that lawyer is associated may knowingly undertake or continue representation in such a matter unless:
11.2.1. (1) the disqualified lawyer is timely screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and
11.2.2. (2) written notice is promptly given to the appropriate government agency to enable it to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this Rule.
11.3. (c) 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. As used in this Rule, the term "confidential government information" means information that 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. A firm with which that lawyer is associated may undertake or continue representation in the matter only if the disqualified lawyer is timely screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom.
11.4. (d) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer currently serving as a public officer or employee:
11.4.1. (1) is subject to Rules 1.7 and 1.9; and
11.4.2. (2) shall not:
11.4.2.1. (i) participate in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially while in private practice or nongovernmental employment, unless the appropriate government agency gives its informed consent, confirmed in writing; or
11.4.2.2. (ii) negotiate for private employment with any person who is involved as a party or as lawyer 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).
11.5. (e) As used in this Rule, the term "matter" includes:
11.5.1. (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
11.5.2. (2) any other matter covered by the conflict of interest rules of the appropriate government agency.
11.6. Not disqualified if you just worked at the gov office, you must be personally and substantially involved. Also applies to employees, not just attorneys.
12. Rule 1.12 Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or other 3rd Party Neutral
12.1. (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 or law clerk to such a person or as an arbitrator, mediator or other third-party neutral, unless all parties to the proceeding give informed consent, confirmed in writing.
12.2. (b) A lawyer shall not negotiate for employment with any person who is involved as a party or as lawyer for a party in a matter in which the lawyer is participating personally and substantially as a judge or other adjudicative officer or as an arbitrator, mediator or other third-party neutral. A lawyer serving as a law clerk to a judge or other adjudicative officer may negotiate for employment with a party or lawyer involved in a matter in which the clerk is participating personally and substantially, but only after the lawyer has notified the judge or other adjudicative officer.
12.3. (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:
12.3.1. (1) the disqualified lawyer is timely screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and
12.3.2. (2) written notice is promptly given to the parties and any appropriate tribunal to enable them to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this rule.
12.4. (d) An arbitrator selected as a partisan of a party in a multimember arbitration panel is not prohibited from subsequently representing that party.
13. Rule 1.13 Organizations as Clients
13.1. (a) A lawyer employed or retained by an organization represents the organization acting through its duly authorized constituents.
13.2. (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 that reasonably might be imputed to the organization, and that is likely to result in substantial injury to the organization, then the lawyer shall proceed as is reasonably necessary in the best interest of the organization. Unless the lawyer reasonably believes that it is not necessary in the best interest of the organization to do so, the lawyer shall refer the matter to higher authority in the organization, including, if warranted by the circumstances, to the highest authority that can act on behalf of the organization as determined by applicable law.
13.3. (c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), if (1) or (2) then the lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation whether or not Rule 1.6 permits such disclosure, but only if and to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent substantial injury to the organization.
13.3.1. (1) despite the lawyer's efforts in accordance with paragraph (b) the highest authority that can act on behalf of the organization insists upon or fails to address in a timely and appropriate manner an action or a refusal to act, that is clearly a violation of law; and
13.3.2. (2) the lawyer reasonably believes that the violation is reasonably certain to result in substantial injury to the organization,
13.4. (d) Paragraph (c) shall not apply with respect to information relating to a lawyer's representation of an organization to investigate an alleged violation of law, or to defend the organization or an officer, employee or other constituent associated with the organization against a claim arising out of an alleged violation of law.
13.5. (e) A lawyer who reasonably believes that he or she has been discharged because of the lawyer's actions taken pursuant to paragraphs (b) or (c), or who withdraws under circumstances that require or permit the lawyer to take action under either of those paragraphs, shall proceed as the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to assure that the organization's highest authority is informed of the lawyer's discharge or withdrawal.
13.6. (f) In dealing with an organization's directors, officers, employees, members, shareholders or other constituents, a lawyer shall explain the identity of the client when the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the organization's interests are adverse to those of the constituents with whom the lawyer is dealing.
13.7. (g) 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.
14. Rule 1.14 Clients of Diminished Capacity
14.1. (a) When a client's capacity to make adequately considered decisions in connection with a representation is diminished, whether because of minority, mental impairment or for some other reason, the lawyer shall, as far as reasonably possible, maintain a normal client-lawyer relationship with the client.
14.2. (b) When the lawyer reasonably believes that the client has diminished capacity, is at risk of substantial physical, financial or other harm unless action is taken and cannot adequately act in the client's own interest, the lawyer may take reasonably necessary protective action, including consulting with individuals or entities that have the ability to take action to protect the client and, in appropriate cases, seeking the appointment of a guardian ad litem, conservator or guardian.
14.3. (c) Information relating to the representation of a client with diminished capacity is protected by Rule 1.6. When taking protective action pursuant to paragraph (b), the lawyer is impliedly authorized under Rule 1.6(a) to reveal information about the client, but only to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the client's interests.
15. Rule 1.15 Safekeeping Property
15.1. (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 a separate account maintained in the state where the lawyer's office is situated, or elsewhere with the consent of the client or third person. 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 [five years] after termination of the representation.
15.2. (b) A lawyer may deposit the lawyer's own funds in a client trust account for the sole purpose of paying bank service charges on that account, but only in an amount necessary for that purpose.
15.3. (c) A lawyer shall deposit into a client trust account legal fees and expenses that have been paid in advance, to be withdrawn by the lawyer only as fees are earned or expenses incurred.
15.4. (d) 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.
15.5. (e) When in the course of representation a lawyer is in possession of property in which two or more persons (one of whom may be the lawyer) claim interests, the property shall be kept separate by the lawyer until the dispute is resolved. The lawyer shall promptly distribute all portions of the property as to which the interests are not in dispute.
16. Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation
16.1. (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:
16.1.1. (1) the representation will result in violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law;
16.1.2. (2) the lawyer's physical or mental condition materially impairs the lawyer's ability to represent the client; or
16.1.3. (3) the lawyer is discharged.
16.2. (b) Except as stated in paragraph (c), a lawyer may withdraw from representing a client if:
16.2.1. (1) withdrawal can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the interests of the client;
16.2.2. (2) the client persists in a course of action involving the lawyer's services that the lawyer reasonably believes is criminal or fraudulent;
16.2.3. (3) the client has used the lawyer's services to perpetrate a crime or fraud;
16.2.4. (4) the client insists upon taking action that the lawyer considers repugnant or with which the lawyer has a fundamental disagreement;
16.2.5. (5) 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;
16.2.6. (6) the representation will result in an unreasonable financial burden on the lawyer or has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client; or
16.2.7. (7) other good cause for withdrawal exists.
16.3. (c) A lawyer must comply with applicable law requiring notice to or permission of a tribunal when terminating a representation. When ordered to do so by a tribunal, a lawyer shall continue representation notwithstanding good cause for terminating the representation.
16.4. (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 or expense that has not been earned or incurred. The lawyer may retain papers relating to the client to the extent permitted by other law.
17. Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice
17.1. A lawyer or a law firm may sell or purchase a law practice, or an area of law practice, including good will, if the following conditions are satisfied:
17.1.1. (a) The seller ceases to engage in the private practice of law, or in the area of practice that has been sold, [in the geographic area] [in the jurisdiction] (a jurisdiction nay elect either version) in which the practice has been conducted;
17.1.2. (b) The entire practice, or the entire area of practice, is sold to one or more lawyers or law firms;
17.1.3. (c) The seller gives written notice to each of the seller's clients regarding:
17.1.3.1. (1) the proposed sale;
17.1.3.2. (2) the client's right to retain other counsel or to take possession of the file; and
17.1.3.3. (3) the fact that the client's consent to the transfer of the client's files 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.
17.1.3.3.1. 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.
17.1.3.4. (d) The fees charged clients shall not be increased by reason of the sale.
18. Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client
18.1. (a) A person who consults with a lawyer about the possibility of forming a client-lawyer relationship with respect to a matter is a prospective client.
18.2. (b) Even when no client-lawyer relationship ensues, a lawyer who has learned information from a prospective client shall not use or reveal that information, except as Rule 1.9 would permit with respect to information of a former client.
18.3. (c) A lawyer subject to paragraph (b) shall not represent a client with interests materially adverse to those of a prospective client in the same or a substantially related matter if the lawyer received information from the prospective client that could be significantly harmful to that person in the matter, except as provided in paragraph (d). If a lawyer is disqualified from representation under this paragraph, no lawyer in a firm with which that lawyer is associated may knowingly undertake or continue representation in such a matter, except as provided in paragraph (d).
18.4. (d) When the lawyer has received disqualifying information as defined in paragraph (c), representation is permissible if:
18.4.1. (1) both the affected client and the prospective client have given informed consent, confirmed in writing; or:
18.4.2. (2) the lawyer who received the information took reasonable measures to avoid exposure to more disqualifying information than was reasonably necessary to determine whether to represent the prospective client; and
18.4.2.1. (i) the disqualified lawyer is timely screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee therefrom; and
18.4.2.2. (ii) written notice is promptly given to the prospective client.