For a definition of informed consent, see Rule 1.0 (e). [7] Rule 1.10 (a) (2) similarly removes the imputation otherwise required by Rule 1.10 (a), but unlike section (c), it does so without requiring that there be informed consent by the former client. Instead, it requires that the procedures laid out in sections (a) (2) (i)- (iii) be followed.
For a definition of informed consent, see Rule 1.0 (e). [7] Rule 1.10 (a) (2) similarly removes the imputation otherwise required by Rule 1.10 (a), but unlike section (c), it does so without requiring that there be informed consent by the former client. Instead, it requires that the procedures laid out in sections (a) (2) (i)- (iii) be followed.
Dec 08, 2021 · For a definition of informed consent, see Rule 1.0(f). [6] Where a lawyer has joined a private firm after having represented the government, imputation is governed by Rule 1.11(b) and (c), not this Rule.
[5] Rule 1.10(c) removes imputation with the informed consent of the affected client or former client under the conditions stated in Rule 1.7. The conditions stated in Rule 1.7 require the lawyer to determine that the representation is not prohibited by Rule 1.7(b) and that each affected client or former client has given informed consent to the ...
If a lawyer has obtained a client's informed consent, the lawyer may act in reliance on that consent so long as it is confirmed in writing within a reasonable time thereafter.
The terms of any formal agreement between associated lawyers are relevant in determining whether they are a firm, as is the fact that they have mutual access to information concerning the clients they serve. Furthermore, it is relevant in doubtful cases to consider the underlying purpose of the Rule that is involved.
Consent may be inferred, however, from the conduct of a client or other person who has reasonably adequate information about the matter. A number of Rules require that a person's consent be confirmed in writing. See Rules 1.7 (b) and 1.9 (a).
In some circumstances it may be appropriate for a lawyer to advise a client or other person to seek the advice of other counsel. A lawyer need not inform a client or other person of facts or implications already known to the client or other person; nevertheless, a lawyer who does not personally inform the client or other person assumes ...
On the other hand, if an opposing party in a case were owned by a lawyer in the law firm, and others in the firm would be materially limited in pursuing the matter because of loyalty to that lawyer, the personal disqualification of the lawyer would be imputed to all others in the firm.
(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 the prohibition is based on a personal interest of the prohibited lawyer and does not present a significant risk of materially limiting the representation of the client by the remaining lawyers in the firm .
Under Rule 1.11 (d), where a lawyer represents the government after having served clients in private practice, nongovernmental employment or in another government agency, former-client conflicts are not imputed to government lawyers associated with the individually disqualified lawyer.
(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 the prohibition is based on a personal interest of the prohibited lawyer and does not present a significant risk of materially limiting the representation of the client by the remaining lawyers in the firm .
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No. It is now generally accepted that it is not a per se violation of the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct (“Rules”) for married attorneys who are practicing in different firms to represent different parties in the same matter, provided that they receive the consent of their clients.
It is important to note that the conflict of interest rules that apply to you and your spouse also apply equally to any other attorneys to whom you are closely related by blood, or with whom you have a close personal relationship, including: parents, children, siblings, roommates, or partners in a civil union.
No. It is now generally accepted that it is not a per se violation of the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct (“Rules”) for married attorneys who are practicing in different firms to represent different parties in the same matter, provided that they receive the consent of their clients. Similarly, a member of one firm may represent a party with interests adverse to a party who is represented by the spouse in the other firm. Comment [11] to ABA Model Rule 1.7; NH Ethics Committee Formal Opinion (10/31/81) (adopting ABA Formal Opinion No. 340 (1975)) (both decided under Code of Professional Responsibility), and former NH Rule 1.8 (i).
You should be aware that even if a lawyer is permitted to seek client consent to continued representation despite the existence of a concurrent conflict, it may be very difficult for a lawyer to obtain a client’s informed consent. Once the lawyer provides the client with the information that is required by Rule 1.0 (e), one can envision that few clients will approve the concurrent conflict.
Even where the circumstances of the concurrent representation would be such as to prohibit spouses from appearing adverse to one another in a particular matter, such “personal” conflicts are not imputed to the other members of the spouses’ firms. Rules 1.7 and 1.10 (a). Therefore, assuming compliance with all of the other Rules (including Rule 1.10), it is possible that, in certain cases, members of the spouses’ two firms could appear adverse to one another in a matter, even if the spouses themselves could not do so. In such cases, many opinions strongly recommend that, even if no “concurrent conflict” exists under Rule 1.7, the two firms should disclose the nature of the spousal relationship at the outset of the matter to avoid negative client reactions or misunderstandings. See Mississippi State Bar, Opinion No 112 (1986). (For a related discussion, see also NH Ethics Committee Formal Opinion #1992-93/12 relating to conflicts presented when spouses serve as a lawyer and a real estate broker in the same transaction.)
Informed consent must be preceded by disclosure of sufficient information. Consent can be challenged on the ground that adequate information has not been revealed to enable the patient to take a proper and knowledgeable decision. Therefore, accurate, adequate and relevant information must be provided truthfully in a form (using non-scientific terms) and language that the patient can understand. It cannot be a patient's signature on a dotted line obtained routinely by a staff member.
Patient should be competent[10] to give consent; must be an adult and of sound mind. In case of children, consent must be obtained from a parent. In case of incapacitated persons, close family members or legal guardians can give consent. Adequate information should be provided to a prudent patient during informed consent.
Consent is necessary for photographing a patient for scientific/educational/research purpose or for follow up. Specific consent must be taken if the identity of the patient is likely to be revealed while publishing.[7]
The concept of consent arises from the ethical principle of patient autonomy [1] and basic human rights.[2] Patient's has all the freedom to decide what should or should not happen to his/her body and to gather information before undergoing a test/procedure/surgery. No one else has the right to coerce the patient to act in a particular way. Even a doctor can only act as a facilitator in patient's decision making.
It should be dated and signed by the patient or guardian, the doctor and an independent witness. Assisting nurse preferably should not be a witness. Like all other medical records, it should be preserved for at least 3 years.
Informed consent is a vital document while performing all surgical and aesthetic procedures, particularly in the current day practice. Proper documentation and counseling of patients is important in any informed consent.
Medical practice today is not simple because of various factors impinging on the doctor-patient relationship. Mutual trust forms the foundation for good relationship between doctor and patient. Today, patients tend to be well- or ill-informed about the disease and health. With the hype created in the print and visual media regarding ‘beauty’, ‘shape, size and appearance of body parts’, ‘quality and quantity of hair’, etc., patients tend to come to dermatologists with unreasonable demands and unrealistic expectations. Therefore, providing adequate information and educating the patient about realities and obtaining informed consent before subjecting a patient to any test/procedure/surgery is very essential.
Paragraph (a) confers upon the client the ultimate authority to determine the purposes to be served by legal representation, within the limits imposed by law and the lawyer's professional obligations. The decisions specified in paragraph (a), such as whether to settle a civil matter, must also be made by the client. See Rule 1.4 (a) (1) for the lawyer's duty to communicate with the client about such decisions. With respect to the means by which the client's objectives are to be pursued, the lawyer shall consult with the client as required by Rule 1.4 (a) (2) and may take such action as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation.
In some circumstances, a lawyer may be justified in delaying transmission of information when the client would be likely to react imprudently to an immediate communication. Thus, a lawyer might withhold a psychiatric diagnosis of a client when the examining psychiatrist indicates that disclosure would harm the client. A lawyer may not withhold information to serve the lawyer's own interests or convenience or the interests or convenience of another person. Rules or court orders governing litigation may provide that information supplied to a lawyer may not be disclosed to the client.
As advocate, a lawyer zealously asserts the client’s position under the rules of the adversary system. As negotiator, a lawyer seeks a result advantageous to the client but consistent with requirements of honest dealings with others.
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.#N#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.#N#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.
A group of lawyers could be regarded as a firm for purposes of a rule that the same lawyer should not represent opposing parties in litigation, e.g., Rules 1.7 (a), 1.10 (a), while it might not be so regarded for purposes of a rule that information acquired by one lawyer is attributed to another, e.g., Rule 1.10 (b).
Others, generally cast in the term "may" or "should," are permissive and define areas under the Rules in which the lawyer has discretion to exercise professional judgment. No disciplinary action should be taken when the lawyer chooses not to act or acts within the bounds of such discretion.
The Rules of Professional Conduct are rules of reason. They should be interpreted with reference to the purposes of legal representation and of the law itself. Some of the Rules are imperatives, cast in the terms "shall" or "shall not." These define proper conduct for purposes of professional discipline. Others, generally cast in the term "may" or "should," are permissive and define areas under the Rules in which the lawyer has discretion to exercise professional judgment. No disciplinary action should be taken when the lawyer chooses not to act or acts within the bounds of such discretion. Other Rules define the nature of relationships between the lawyer and others. The Rules are thus partly obligatory and disciplinary and partly constitutive and descriptive in that they define a lawyer's professional role. Many of the Comments use the term "should." Comments do not add obligations to the Rules but provide guidance for practicing in compliance with the Rules.