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Seal of The State Bar of California The State Bar of California

Regulatory Information for Attorneys Impacted by the California Fires

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The fires in California have touched many people, including lawyers and law firms. Attorneys should consider their ethical obligations if their practice is affected or forced to close due to a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Attorneys with questions or concerns about their ethical obligations should contact the State Bar’s free and confidential Ethics Hotline: 800-2-ETHICS or 800-238-4427.

Ethical obligations

The State Bar has warned the public to watch out for and report potential fraud by lawyers. California law prohibits lawyers or others acting on behalf of a lawyer from:

  • Soliciting clients at an accident scene, at a hospital, or on the way to a hospital
  • Soliciting clients who, due to their physical, emotional or mental state, may not be able to have reasonable judgment about the hiring of an attorney
  • Seeking clients by mail unless the letter and envelope are clearly labeled as an advertisement
  • Promising a particular outcome from the legal representation

A lawyer's ethical obligation to capably serve clients does not end in the wake of a natural disaster such as a fire. Here are some ethical rules and statutes that may apply:

  • Rule 3-110 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct forbids a lawyer from intentionally or "with reckless disregard" failing to perform legal services competently
  • Rule 3-500 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct requires attorneys to keep clients informed
  • Rule 3-700 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct outlines how and when a lawyer may withdraw from representation
  • Rule 4-100 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct provides that a lawyer shall "identify and label securities and properties of a client promptly upon receipt and place them in a safe deposit box or other place of safekeeping as soon as practicable."
  • Code of Civil Procedure Section 286 governs the death, removal or withdrawal of an attorney
  • Business and Professions Code Section 6068 describes the duties of an attorney generally
  • Business and Professions Code Section 6180 and Business and Professions Code Section 6190 govern the Superior Court's assumption of jurisdiction over a law practice when an attorney becomes incapacitated or ceases law practice

Be prepared for a future disaster

For those who were fortunate enough to be spared from loss of life or property, now is the time to prepare if disaster strikes again. Here is a checklist of helpful tips:

  • Make sure your property insurance covers client property, along with the cost of hiring temporary help to reconstruct files and billing systems
  • Maintain an off-site list of client names and contact information
  • Maintain an off-site list of cases including case name, docket number, court, judge and opposing counsel
  • Maintain an off-site calendar for each case
  • Maintain off-site accounting records and billing information
  • Back up computer files, with one set stored off site
  • Keep an inventory of client property and valuable office furnishings
  • Keep irreplaceable client property in a locked, watertight and fireproof safe or evidence locker
  • Arrange for a designated attorney to administer a law practice in the event the lawyer becomes disabled or incapacitated through the State Bar Attorney Surrogacy program

Ethics opinions

  • State Bar of California Formal Opinion 2001-157: Retention of Client Files
  • Florida Bar Professional Ethics Opinion 72-37: Safeguarding Client Property
  • Mississippi Bar Ethics Opinion No. 254: Retention of Clients Property and Files
  • New York City Bar Formal Opinion 2010-01: Use of Client Engagement Letters To Authorize the Return or Destruction of Client Files at the Conclusion of a Matter
  • New York City Bar Formal Opinion 2015-6: Duty to Notify Clients when their Files are Accidentally Destroyed

Other resources

  • Courthouse closures
  • Voluntary bar associations may have additional resources for attorneys. Search for a local bar
  • Ethical obligations to clients in the wake of a disaster (ABA Center for Professional Responsibility)
  • After Disaster Strikes: A Checklist, The Florida Bar Practice Resource Institute, 2016
  • Surviving a Disaster: A Lawyer's Guide to Disaster Planning, American Bar Association, 2011
  • Reconsidering Lawyers' Ethical Obligations In The Wake Of A Disaster, Sandra S. Varnado, Dane S. Ciolino, 19 No. 4 Prof. Law. 8, 2009
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