Q. My online reputation is everything to me. So how should I respond to a scathing review that called me an “awful” and “dishonest lawyer” who cares more about money than people?
A. Once you’re caught in the world wide web, it’s hard to get untangled.Social media, and online review sites like Yelp and Avvo,…
Q. Every week, consumers and business owners call me with cases that aren’t large enough to justify my fees. I hate turning them away. But what’s the alternative?
This question reveals a significant shortcoming in a legal system which has grown beyond the reach of many who seek access to justice.Once a problem which fell below the…
Q. Is it ethical for lawyers to use artificial intelligence to write briefs, draft legal instruments or provide other services?
GPT: While there isn’t a clear-cut answer, it’s not inherently unethical for an attorney to use artificial intelligence. However, attorneys must still fulfill their ethical obligations, including competence, supervision, confidentiality, and avoiding the unauthorized practice…
Q. To err may be human, but is it a bigger mistake for lawyers to rely on artificial intelligence?
A. Not according to my know-it-all friend, who thinks artificial intelligence is far superior to that of an attorney. (I’d hate to embarrass him, so I’ll just use initials.)When I lamented the complexity of many legal doctrines, G.P.T.…
Q. As if I don’t have enough to do, my insurance agent thinks I should get a “risk management audit” of my law firm. Is this really necessary?
A. It’s not necessary at all. Nor is professional growth, job satisfaction, or passion for the practice of law.Although enduring an “audit” evokes images of stressful meetings with intimidating IRS…
How far will justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland go to protect their colleagues from the criticism of lawyers appearing before them?
Scenario: Disturbed by a judicial ruling that trampled upon his client’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel, a zealous criminal defense lawyer criticized the presiding judge as a “liar” who broke her oath…
Q. After testifying last month that she earned no income other than that reflected on the paystubs and tax returns we put into evidence, my client just told me that she makes extra money “under the table.” What are my duties to the client, to the Court and to the IRS?
A. Having enlisted your unwitting assistance…
Q. If I bring an action without legal or factual justification, I may get sanctioned. Does the same thing apply to Bar Counsel?
A. Yes and no.This issue arose recently in a case before the Supreme Court of Maryland. Suspended for two months on a prior infraction, it took Raj Singh more than two years…
Raising questions “about the appearance of impropriety” on the part of its top ethics official, the Supreme Court of Maryland asked whether Bar Counsel used her official position “to undermine … a candidate in a Judicial election.”
In Attorney Grievance Comm’n v. Marylin Pierre, Bar Counsel pressed charges against a grassroots challenger for a seat…
Q. My client has just been indicted on 13 counts of fraud and every reporter in town has called me for comment. Should I call them back?
A. Before fielding their questions, ask yourself whether silence is “golden” or “prejudicial.”Warned against trying cases in the press, many lawyers limit their advocacy to the courtroom. Lest we taint the…
