Lawyers must adhere to a strict code of ethics when practicing law. Ethics codes may vary slightly between states, but the basic principles are the same for lawyers acting in an official capacity. As the law has continued to grow and evolve, the guidelines governing legal, ethical behavior have gotten more and more complex, and a lawyer can find themselves the subject of a legal malpractice suit if they fail to abide by them. The South Jersey legal ethics team at Agre & St. John want all lawyers to understand both their rights and responsibilities as legal professionals.
Ensure ethical standards and protect your professional reputation – consult Agre & St. John's knowledgeable attorneys for expert guidance in legal ethics and professional liability matters. Call 856-454-8674 to schedule a consultation today.
When Lawyers Fail To Follow Legal Ethics Codes
Similar to a doctor who fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, an apparent breach of legal ethics can make a lawyer susceptible to a malpractice suit. Legal malpractice lawsuits are often filed by clients who feel that they were not adequately represented, but they can also be filed by third parties who were adversely affected by a lawyer’s actions.
Some common reasons behind legal malpractice lawsuits are:
- Billing issues, such as misplacing client funds or refusal to pay money owed
- Conflict of interest (whether it was known to the attorney)
- Failure to communicate with the client
- Failure to know or correctly apply the law
- Mishandling of documents or client property
- Misrepresentation
Many of these circumstances can be avoided with clear and explicit communication. The nature of any attorney-client relationship should be firmly established, and where there are multiple attorneys involved, the responsibilities of each should be clearly outlined. Whenever possible, transactions should occur in writing, and cases should be thoroughly documented from beginning to end in case such documentation should need to be produced later. Moreover, a lawyer must always obtain a client’s consent before pursuing a course of action or releasing any confidential information.
Mitigate risks and uphold integrity – trust Agre & St. John's experienced legal team to navigate complex legal ethics and professional liability issues with precision and diligence. Contact us today.
Consult A Knowledgeable New Jersey Legal Ethics Lawyer To Help Prevent Malpractice Suits
Common sense is no longer enough; in order to prevent a malpractice suit, you must be well-versed in the complexities of legal ethics. The American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct have been adopted by most states, but it is vital to understand the specifics of the legal ethics codes in your jurisdiction. A South Jersey criminal lawyer at Agre & St. John provides comprehensive education on the rules and risks of legal ethics in South Jersey and advises law firms on best practices to avoid lawsuits.
Professional Liability Lawyers in Haddonfield, NJ at Agre & St. John Handle Legal Malpractice Cases Quickly And Effectively
If a New Jersey legal malpractice suit has been filed against you, it is crucial that you obtain outside representation. Your role as a defendant in the case makes it very difficult to act objectively, and having direct contact with the claimant can often damage your case. Responding to a claim through an advocate can help protect your interests and develop the most comprehensive legal strategy to win your case.
If you are facing a legal malpractice suit or want to know more about the risks, contact a South Jersey legal ethics lawyer at Agre & St. John. Our legal team has the knowledge and experience to successfully argue your case and ensure that your rights are protected. With offices conveniently located in Haddonfield, New Jersey, we help lawyers and law firms facing legal ethics violations in South Jersey, including the communities of Cherry Hill, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Salem County, and Cumberland County. Call us today at 856-454-8674 or contact us online to review your case with a qualified legal malpractice defense attorney.
