Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee, As a general practice New Hampshire lawyer, what ethical obligation(s) do I have to employ Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) in my day-to-day practice? Currently, the benefits and risks associated with AI have caused discussion regarding its use in all industries, including the legal profession. In a March 20, 2023 publication … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I am in the middle of my first trial. During his cross-examination, my client made a statement of fact that I know to be incorrect. Do I have an obligation to correct the misstatement, or do other duties restrain me? This is the second article in a series about … Read more
ABSTRACT: A New Hampshire attorney who is a Partner in their firm cannot sell their practice or firm to an Associate if they are not retiring from the practice of the law in the State of New Hampshire. ANNOTATIONS: A New Hampshire attorney who is a Partner at their firm cannot “switch roles” with an … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I am a new lawyer preparing my client to testify. This is my first experience preparing a witness to testify under oath. What general ethical principles do I need to keep in mind as I do so? This is the first in a series of articles on topics related … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I have a pre-planned and scheduled medical procedure that will require an extended hospital and rehabilitation stay to recuperate. I will have to be away from my office and unavailable to my clients for a period of time. What do I need to think about before I leave to … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I utilize accountants and IT providers in my firm. Accountants help manage firm finances and ensure IOLTA compliance, and IT providers help maintain our computer and communication systems. To perform their work, these consultants have access to confidential and privileged client information. Are any ethics rules implicated by my … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I recently completed some work for a client and sent my client my final invoice. The client wants to pay that invoice using cryptocurrency. Is that permissible? Answer: Yes, but accepting payment from the client in the form of cryptocurrencies is not the same as being paid in “real” … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I am an estate planning attorney. Last year three adult children came to my office. They reported their father’s health was failing and they wanted to discuss options for his estate planning. We discussed their father’s assets, the benefits of establishing a trust for his assets, as well as … Read more
Ethics Corner Article Dear Ethics Committee: I represent the defendant in a sexual harassment lawsuit. We are close to a settlement, but my client has asked to include a clause in the settlement agreement that prevents the plaintiff from providing information and assistance to a plaintiff in a nearly identical lawsuit that was recently filed … Read more
ABSTRACT: A New Hampshire public prosecutor may not enter into a referral fee agreement with an active New Hampshire lawyer for matters that arose from the prosecutor’s work as a prosecutor. ANNOTATIONS: A referral fee agreement benefitting a prosecutor creates a significant risk of a concurrent conflict of interest arising from the prosecutor’s personal interests … Read more