This is the question given to me...
Your supervising attorney asks you to release to the press a letter from a third party to the press. The attorney says, "I'll finally get even by truely embarassing that S.O.B." What should you do?
Please do not respond if you are not sure, or you are goign to say something stupid!
2006-10-23 09:30:05 · 7 answers · asked by jennaferlynn85 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Your question says that the letter is to the press. Why would it be unethical to give the letter to the person for whom it was intended?
Now, if there is a gag order or something pending, then no.
If its unethical, dont do it. The bar rules also give us the responsibility of reporting unethical activity. So basically, once you decide whether its unethical, you are suppossed to them report him.
2006-10-23 09:38:15 · answer #1 · answered by M G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you feel that what you are being asked to do is unethical, do not do it. Explain to your supervising attorney that if he wants this letter released, he will have to do it himself, as you cannot in good conscience do it for him, and tell him why.
It is the unethical attorneys around who have given the profession the negative reputation that is the base of so many jokes. Stick to your guns. If you are fired for not doing something unethical, you have recourse through your local bar association or wage and hour department.
Good luck, and kudos for standing up for what you believe is right.
2006-10-23 09:42:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Given the facts, it's not clear it's unethical. What was the content of the letter? Was its release otherwise proper, even though there were other motives as well?
If you feel the action is unethical, you have to refuse. At bottom, your law license is more important than any job.
2006-10-23 09:33:49 · answer #3 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unless there is some type of protective order or gag order involving the case, this would not be unethical. In fact, it may benefit your client, and could help with settlement posturing
You can always refuse but run the risk of losing your job.
Hopefully the letter does not have as many typos as your email!
2006-10-23 09:41:02 · answer #4 · answered by gauchogirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would agree with the firs answer. Have him handle the job himself, but don't put yourself at risk.
Would publishing this letter be considered unethical by anyone else? Do you work for a good attorney, or a cheat?
.
2006-10-23 09:39:18 · answer #5 · answered by twowords 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had that happen to me. I refused. I stated it was unethical and would not take part in it. -- He got someone else to do it.
2006-10-23 09:38:02 · answer #6 · answered by Zelda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you think it's unethical DON'T DO IT!!!!!!
Don't Do It.
Don't Do It.
If it's such a great idea he would be doing it. Don't jeopardize your license.
2006-10-23 10:22:44 · answer #7 · answered by vbrink 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋