Gentile's unanswered questions; drafters struggle to rewrite ethics rules on lawyers' out-of-court statements

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court addressed in 1991 in Gentile v State Bar of Nevada how much an attorney may ethically disclose to the press, upholding the ABA Model Rule 3.6 provision disciplining attorneys for statements outside court which are likely to prejudice a trial. Five of the justices felt that the rule's 'safe harbor' provision was vague, but attempts by the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility to clarify the rule have not succeeded.

Analysis, Free press and fair trial, Pretrial publicity, Right to fair and impartial trial

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Sex-with-client ban fails; Ore. bar rejects ethics rule; advocates slowed elsewhere

Article Abstract:

The Oregon State Bar voted down a disciplinary rule banning sex with clients on Oct 4, 1992, despite its unanimous recommendation by the bar's Board of Governors. Similar efforts have been slowed by courts in California and Illinois. Oregon attorneys are divided on the rule's necessity. Although the bar receives few complaints, some attorneys feel the ban will put clients and the public at ease.

Practice of law, Attorney and client

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Fifty hours for pro bono; ABA House adopts ethics rule specifying how much time lawyers should donate

Article Abstract:

The ABA House of Delegates has approved an ethics rule urging attorneys to do 50 hours of pro bono legal services annually and that most of this should go towards legal assistance to the poor. The standard was not made mandatory, meaning that attorneys falling short will not be disciplined. Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky are adopting similar rules.

Pro bono legal services

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