Q: Can a lawyer you have requested a consultation with contact the opposing counsel prior to your consultation?
We have recently had to seek new counsel due to our lawyer leaving their law firm and our case. We set up a consultation with an attorney, to find out that person went and contacted the opposing counsel and informed that person we were seeking counsel and the person also found out information as to our arbitration dates we did not even know yet. We then were informed by another attorney this person also contacted them because they were good friends. This seems to be very unethical.
A: On their face, I don't believe either are the disclosure of protected information or unethical. Attorneys need to see if there are any conflicts. The arbitration dates are known to dozens of people.
A: Of course, if more specific information relating to the merits of your case there could be a problem.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
