what to do when attorney contacts represented party

Can a lawyer contact the other party directly?

It provides that “a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of a representation with a party” who the lawyer “knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter” unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or the contact is …

Can a lawyer communicate with a represented person?

Rule 2-100 Communication With a Represented Party. (A) While representing a client, a member shall not communicate directly or indirectly about the subject of the representation with a party the member knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the member has the consent of the other lawyer. (B) For purposes of this rule, a "party" includes:

Can a lawyer contact an adverse party?

See Rule 8.4(a). Parties to a matter may communicate directly with each other, and a lawyer is not prohibited from advising a client concerning a communication that the client is legally entitled to make. Also, a lawyer having independent justification or legal authorization for communicating with a represented person is permitted to do so.

When does the contact rule apply to a represented person?

Jan 22, 2020 · 296. Communications with Represented Persons—Issues for Consideration. Rule 4.2 of the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides: "In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer …

Can a lawyer represent a person?

A lawyer who represents a person or entity cannot assert a blanket representation by which that lawyer purports to represent the person or entity on all subjects and all matters. The rule does not govern communications with a represented person concerning matters outside the representation.

What is contact rule?

The contact rule only governs communications with represented persons about the subject matter for which they are represented.

Can you contact former employees?

Many states' contacts rules do not prohibit contact with former employees of a represented organization; however, even when communicating with former employees is permissible, the discussion should not include attorney-client privileged information.

What is the ABA model rule of professional conduct?

Rule 4.2 of the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides: "In representing a client , a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter , unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized by law to do so by law or a court order." (2002). Department attorneys should be aware that Comment 5 to Model Rule 4.2 provides that " [t]he fact that a communication does not violate a state or federal constitutional right is insufficient to establish that the communication is permissible under this Rule." Although the rule may vary from state to state, each state has adopted a rule of professional conduct that governs communications with represented persons. Department attorneys should be guided by the relevant state's or federal district court's rule and interpretations of that rule and should not rely exclusively on the ABA Model Rule and its interpretation in determining what is appropriate conduct, unless directed to do so by the relevant rules of professional conduct. Nonetheless, as a general matter, it may be useful to review ABA Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility Formal Opinion 95-396, "Communications with Represented Persons" (July 24, 1995), and the Annotated Model Rules of Professional Conduct published by the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility.

Can a lawyer advise a client?

However, parties to a matter may communicate directly with each other, and a lawyer is not prohibited from advising a client or, in the case of a government lawyer, investigatory personnel, concerning a communication that the client, or such investigatory personnel, is legally entitled to make. The Rule is not intended to discourage good faith ...

Who can interview an unrepresented defendant?

Opinion rules that the attorney for the plaintiffs in a personal injury action arising out of a motor vehicle accident may interview the unrepresented defendant even though the uninsured motorist insurer, which has elected to defend the claim in the name of the defendant, is represented by an attorney in the matter.

Can a lawyer communicate with a custodian of public records?

Opinion rules that a lawyer may communicate with a custodian of public records, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act, for the purpose of making a request to examine public records related to the representation although the custodian is an adverse party whose lawyer does not consent to the communication. RPC 224.

Can a lawyer proffer evidence?

Opinion rules that a lawyer may not proffer evidence gained during a private investigator's verbal communication with an opposing party known to be represented by legal counsel unless the lawyer discloses the source of the evidence to the opposing lawyer and to the court prior to the proffer. 2004 Formal Ethics Opinion 4.

Can a guardian ad litem be a minor?

Opinion rules that a lawyer who is appointed the guardian ad litem for a minor plaintiff in a tort action and is represented in this capacity by legal counsel, must be treated by opposing counsel as a represented party and , therefore, direct contact with the guardian ad litem, without consent of counsel, is prohibited.

Can a lawyer communicate with another lawyer?

In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so by law or a court order.

Who said "He who represents himself has a fool for a client"?

The well-known old saying often credited to Abraham Lincoln states that “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.”. This article will not comment on the advisability of representing yourself in litigation, but will instead discuss the ethical issues that arise when an attorney is either a pro se litigant (representing him or herself) ...

What is Rule 4.2?

In conclusion, Rule 4.2 (or an analogous rule) likely restricts an attorney who is a pro se litigant from contacting or conversing with an adverse party represented by counsel about the subject matter of a pending litigation.