can an attorney discuss their client's case with other attorneys and staff in their firm?
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at
4:33 am
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Yes, they can and do, it is unethical only if they mention your name unless you have consented in writing for the attorney to consult with fellow attorneys to help your case. Any office staff can also be involved especially if it is with-in their job description to send you letters, documents or correspondence.
Yes in a professional matter. However, they are not allowed to share that information with those outside the firm. I also believe they have agreed and sign a confidentiality contract.
yes; usually it is in the confidentiality aggreement you signed.
Depends on the circumstances. If the other attorney is a party or somehow involved with the other side of the case, then definitely no. But many attorneys will discuss cases IN GENERAL terms with other attorneys, the same way a doctor may discuss a particularily interesting or intensive case with another doctor… It’s like getting two professionals for the price of one!
But perhaps you asked because you suspect that something nefarious was going on…in that case, if it is your attorney, discuss your concerns with your attorney.
Yes, especially if those other attorneys and staff are assisting your attorney on the case. They just can’t discuss anything with anyone outside the firm, such as private investigators working for the other side or the attorney representing the other side. However, the attorneys are obligated to share evidence so that there will be no surprises in court. They have to give each other a list of the wintesses they may potentially call also.
They shouldn’t as this is violating the attorney-client relationship…only the attorney’s paralegal should know of the case…
Yes they can. All the attorneys in the firm are considered one entity. Confilcts and duties that go to one attorney are attributed to all attorneys in the firm.
And certain aspects of a case are not privilidged and can be discussed out side of the firm as well.