LAW REFORM ACTIVITIES AFFECTING CLIENT INTERESTS

A lawyer may serve as a director, officer, or member of an organization involved in reform of the law or its administration notwithstanding that the reform may affect the interests of a client of the lawyer. When the lawyer knows that the interests of a client may be materially benefitted by a decision in which the lawyer participates, the lawyer shall disclose that fact but need not identify the client. December 2020 RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Ch 32, p.77 Comment [1] Lawyers involved in organizations seeking law reform generally do not have a client-lawyer relationship with the organization. Otherwise, it might follow that a lawyer could not be involved in a bar association law reform program that might indirectly affect a client. See also rule 32:1.2(b). For example, a lawyer specializing in antitrust litigation might be regarded as disqualified from In determining the nature and participating in drafting revisions of rules governing that subject. scope of participation in such activities, a lawyer should be mindful of obligations to clients under other rules, particularly rule 32:1.7. A lawyer is professionally obligated to protect the integrity of the program by making an appropriate disclosure within the organization when the lawyer knows a private client might be materially benefitted. [Court Order April 20, 2005, effective July 1, 2005]