Ethics Counsel
Ethics Opinions
Adopted 1977 SYLLABUS A lawyer employed to represent a city for an agreed salary or retainer who renders legal services on behalf of special assessment districts within such city without additional compensation may not permit the city to assess and collect from property owners in such district, and deposit in such city's general fund, amounts… Continue reading...
Adopted July 22, 1977 SYLLABUS Lawyers and Judges Should Exercise Care In Their Public and Private Social Relationships To Avoid Creating Any Appearance or Impression That A Lawyer Enjoys A Special Relationship With, Or Possesses A Particular Ability To Influence, A Judge, Which Might Affect Such Judge's Discharge of His Judicial Responsibilities. QUESTION SUBMITTED "Is… Continue reading...
Adopted May 20, 1978 INQUIRY Is it proper for an attorney in Oklahoma to employ in his law office an individual who was formerly a licensed attorney in the State of Oklahoma, but is presently suspended from the practice of law or who has been disbarred? If it is proper for an attorney to employ… Continue reading...
Adopted May 20, 1978 STATEMENT OF FACTS A Public Defender is representing co-defendants who are charged with a criminal offense. One defendant desires to testify and such testimony would be detrimental to the other co-defendant. The attorney/public defender withdraws from the case because of the conflict of interest. The District Judge appoints another attorney from… Continue reading...
Adopted March 16, 1979 QUESTION A client for whom you or a member of your law firm has done work comes to the law office and requests that all of his files be delivered to him. Is the lawyer or firm required to deliver the complete file to the client or is the lawyer required… Continue reading...
Adopted May 16, 1980 QUESTION It is proper for an attorney to acquire a mortgage or security interest in the property of his client to secure the client's obligation to pay the attorney's fee when that property is the subject of litigation in which the attorney represents that client? The relevant provisions of the ABA… Continue reading...
Adopted May 16, 1980 QUESTION It is proper for an attorney to acquire a mortgage or security interest in the property of his client to secure the client's obligation to pay the attorney's fee when that property is the subject of litigation in which the attorney represents that client? The relevant provisions of the ABA… Continue reading...
Adopted 1980 INQUIRY 1. May an attorney act as an executor for an estate and serve as the attorney for the estate? 2. If the attorney may serve both as the executor and attorney for the estate, may he charge for his services rendered in each position? OPINION The answer to Inquiry No. 1 is… Continue reading...
Adopted September 18, 1981 (Readopting Advisory Opinion No. 41 Promulgated November 25, 1932) OPINION In a recent disciplinary proceeding there was incidentally involved a contract between a member of the bar and his client wherein the attorney's fee was made contingent upon success in securing a decree of divorce for his client, and the amount… Continue reading...
Adopted September 18, 1981 INQUIRY May a firm use or continue to include in its name, the name or names of one or more deceased or retired members of the firm? OPINION This practice is permissible. It is authorized by Disciplinary Rule 2-102(b) of the Code of Professional Responsibility, 5 O.S.1981, Ch. 1, App. 3,… Continue reading...