In Re: Amendments to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (Biennial Petition) – Corrected Opinion ( 2018 )

Supreme Court of Florida
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No. SC16-1961
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IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES REGULATING THE FLORIDA
BAR (BIENNIAL PETITION).
[November 9, 2017]
CORRECTED OPINION
PER CURIAM.
This matter is before the Court on the petition of The Florida Bar proposing
amendments to the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar (Bar Rules). We have
jurisdiction. See art. V, § 15, Fla. Const.
The Florida Bar (Bar) has filed its biennial petition proposing both new rules
and amendments to a number of existing Bar Rules. The proposals were approved
by the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, and formal notice of the proposed
amendments was published in The Florida Bar News. The notice directed
interested persons to file their comments directly with the Court. The Court
received two comments; the Bar filed a response to the comments.
After fully considering the Bar’s petition, the comments, and the response,
we adopt the majority of the Bar’s proposals, with some modifications,1 as
discussed in this opinion. However, as addressed below, we decline to adopt the
Bar’s proposed amendments to Bar Rule 4-7.14 (Potentially Misleading
Advertisements) at this time, and we refer this matter back to the Bar for further
consideration. We discuss the new rules and more significant rule amendments
below.
AMENDMENTS
First, Bar Rule 1-3.2 (Membership classifications) is amended in subdivision
(a) (Members in Good Standing), as proposed by the Bar, to allow members of the
Bar who have voluntarily selected inactive status to be classified as “members in
good standing.” New subdivision (a)(2) provides that members of the Bar who
have elected inactive status, paid their annual memberships fees, and who are not
retired, resigned, delinquent, suspended, or inactive because of incapacity, are
considered members in “good standing” for purposes of obtaining a certificate of
good standing and for no other purpose.
We amend Bar Rule 1-7.5 (Retired, Inactive, Delinquent Members), as
recommended by the Bar, to authorize retired or inactive Bar members to practice
1. We have revised the Bar’s proposals in several Bar Rules to make
technical or editorial changes.
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law as an “emeritus lawyer” pursuant to the Emeritus Attorneys Pro Bono
Participation Program in Chapter 12 of the Bar Rules. This amendment, and other
amendments to the Bar Rules addressed herein, were recommended by the Florida
Commission on Access to Civil Justice, and are intended to increase the pool of
lawyers authorized to provide pro bono legal services to the community under the
supervision of a legal aid organization.
Next, we amend Bar Rule 1-12.1 (Amendment to Rules; Authority; Notice;
Procedures; Comments), as proposed by the Bar—subdivision (g) (Notice of Intent
to File Petition) will now require that the Bar’s notice of its intent to file a petition
to amend the Bar Rules, published in The Florida Bar News and on its website,
identify the rules to be amended and state in general terms the nature of the
proposed amendments; the full text of the Bar’s proposals will be published only
on the Bar’s website. Also in Bar Rule 1-12.1, we amend subdivision (h) (Action
by the Supreme Court of Florida) to provide that a summary of the Court’s final
action on a petition to amend the Bar Rules will be reported in The Florida Bar
News and on the Bar’s website.
Bar Rule 3-7.16 (Limitation on Time to Bring Complaint) is renamed
“Limitation on Time to Open Investigation” and is substantially amended to clarify
the limitations period for opening an investigation into allegations of lawyer
misconduct. Subdivision (a) is renamed “Time for Initiating Investigation of
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Complaints and Re-opened Cases,” and will now include three new subdivisions.
Subdivision (a)(1) (Initial Complaint or Investigation) provides that a complainant
must make a written “inquiry”2 to the Bar within six years from the time the matter
giving rise to the inquiry or complaint is discovered or should have been
discovered. In the case of an investigation initiated by the Bar, the Bar must open
the investigation within six years from the time the matter is discovered or should
have been discovered. Subdivision (a)(2) (Re-opened Investigations) provides that
a re-opened disciplinary investigation is not time barred if the matter is re-opened
within one year after it was closed. And subdivision (a)(3) (Deferred
Investigations) states that a timely disciplinary investigation that was deferred
consistent with Bar policy and the Bar Rules is not time barred if the grievance
committee finds probable cause and the Bar files its formal complaint within one
year after notice that the civil, criminal, or other proceedings that were the basis for
the deferral have concluded. The remaining subdivisions in this rule are also
amended as proposed by the Bar.
Bar Rule 4-1.8 (Conflict of Interest; Prohibited and Other Transactions) is
amended in subdivision (c) (Gifts to Lawyer or Lawyer’s Family) to prohibit a
2. We amend Bar Rule 3-2.1 (Generally), as proposed by the Bar, to add a
new definition for the term “Inquiry,” meaning a written communication received
by Bar counsel questioning the conduct of any Bar member.
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lawyer from soliciting any gift from a client, or from preparing an instrument that
gives the lawyer or a member of the lawyer’s family any gift. This change was
proposed by the Bar in response to a suggestion from the Real Property Probate
and Trust Law Section. We also amend the comment to rule 4-1.8 to explain this
prohibition, and other subdivisions throughout rule 4-1.8 to clarify language.
However, we have revised the Bar’s proposal in subdivision (h) (Limiting Liability
for Malpractice), as recommended in the comment from Attorney Timothy P.
Chinaris, to remove the reference to “prospective” malpractice.
We decline to adopt the Bar’s proposal to amend Bar Rule 4-7.14
(Potentially Misleading Advertisements). The Bar proposes amendments to this
rule in response to a decision from the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Florida, which held, in relevant part, that provisions in Bar
Rule 4-7.14(a) broadly prohibiting lawyers who were not board certified from
making truthful statements that they “specialize in” or “have expertise in” a
particular field of practice were unconstitutional. In response to this decision, the
Bar recommended amending the rule in subdivision (a) (Potentially Misleading
Advertisements) to add a new subdivision (a)(5), which would prohibit lawyers
from using in their advertisements the terms “specialist,” “expert,” or other
variations of those terms unless the lawyer meets one of the four criteria
established in subdivisions (a)(5)(A)-(a)(5)(D). The criteria in subdivisions
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(a)(5)(A), (a)(5)(B), and (a)(5)(C) are similar to those in other parts of rule 4-7.14.
However, subdivision (a)(5)(D) would provide that a lawyer may identify as a
“specialist” or “expert” if the lawyer’s “experience and training demonstrate
specialized competence in an area of practice that is reasonably comparable to that
demonstrated by the standards of the Florida Certification Plan set forth in chapter
6 of these rules”; if the area of claimed specialization or expertise is or falls within
an area of practice under the Florida Certification Plan, the advertisement must
include a reasonably prominent disclaimer that the lawyer is not board certified in
that area of practice by the Bar or another certification program. We are concerned
that the Bar’s proposal here does not sufficiently address the district court’s
decision, and that the language requiring that a lawyer’s experience be “reasonably
comparable” to the Florida Certification Plan will prove to be problematic because
it could lead to differing and inconsistent applications. Because we believe that
this important issue requires further study, we decline to adopt the Bar’s proposed
amendments to rule 4-7.14, and we refer this matter to The Florida Bar for
additional consideration.
Next, we have made several amendments to Bar Rule 4-7.18 (Direct Contact
with Prospective Clients). As proposed by the Bar, subdivision (a) (Solicitation) is
amended to provide that the term “solicit” includes contact in person, by telephone,
by electronic means that include real-time communication face-to-face, or by any
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other communication directed to a specific recipient that does not meet the
requirements of the rule. Additionally, we amend subdivision (b)(2) (Written
Communication) to require that permitted written communications to prospective
clients for the purpose of obtaining professional employment must be marked with
the label “advertisement” on each separate enclosure, rather than each separate
page. If the written communication is a self-mailing brochure or pamphlet, the
“advertisement” mark must be included on the address panel of the brochure or
pamphlet, on the inside of the brochure or pamphlet, and on each separate
enclosure. Subdivision (b)(3) is also amended, as proposed by the Bar, to provide
that the requirements contained in subdivision (b)(2) do not apply to
communications made at a prospective client’s request.
In Bar Rule 5-1.1 (Trust Accounts), we amend subdivisions (a)(1) (Nature of
Money or Property Entrusted to Attorney; Trust Account Required; Location of
Trust Account; Commingling Prohibited), (a)(2) (Nature of Money or Property
Entrusted to Attorney; Compliance with Client Directives), (g)(1)(D) (Interest on
Trust Accounts (IOTA) Program; Definitions; Eligible Institution), and (g)(5)
(Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) Program; Eligible Institution Participation in
IOTA) to permit lawyers to maintain trust accounts in federally insured credit
unions. We amend subdivision (g)(4) (Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA)
Program; Notice to Foundation) to direct lawyers to the Bar’s website for The
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Florida Bar Foundation’s current address. We also amend other subdivisions in
Bar Rule 5-1.1, as proposed by the Bar. However, we have revised the Bar’s
proposal in paragraphs seven and eight of the comment to the rule, as
recommended in the comment from Mr. Chinaris, to delete the parentheticals
included with the citations to case law.
We next adopt a new Bar Rule 6-3.7 (Inactive Status), to allow board
certified members of the Bar to apply for a temporary inactive status in certain
circumstances. Subdivision (a) (Purpose) of the new rule provides that the inactive
status is available to eligible members who apply and are qualified for such status
under the provisions of the rule. Subdivision (b) (Applicability) outlines six
categories of eligible members. These include board certified members appointed
or elected to serve as a judicial officer; we have revised the Bar’s proposal in
subdivision (b)(1) to include administrative law judges in the list of “judicial
officers.” Other categories of members eligible for inactive status include: law
professors teaching in an accredited law school or graduate law course who agree
not to practice if granted inactive status; professional neutrals, including mediators,
arbitrators, or voluntary trial resolution judges, who agree not to practice law if
granted inactive status; active duty military personnel; members who are unable to
practice law due to a “unique substantial and material hardship, medical or
otherwise”; and, during the two years immediately following the effective date of
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the rule, members who voluntarily relinquished their board certification before the
effective date of the rule, but who would otherwise be eligible for inactive status
may be granted such status. Subdivision (c) (Qualifications) outlines the
qualifications for maintaining board certified inactive status. Any Bar member
granted board certified inactive status must maintain an active membership in The
Florida Bar, obtain the continuing legal education credit that would be required for
recertification in their practice area, and comply with the applicable rules and
policies for board certification. Subdivision (d) (Revocation or Relinquishment of
Board Certified Inactive Status) provides that the Board of Legal Specialization
and Education (BLSE) may revoke a member’s board certified inactive status if the
member fails to comply with the policies. On revocation, the member cannot use
the phrase “board certified inactive”; the member also cannot use the phrase
“board certified” unless he or she is reactivated to board certification.
Alternatively, a board certified inactive member is required to notify the BLSE
within ninety days if he or she no longer qualifies for board certified inactive
status, or no longer wishes to retain that status. The member must immediately
cease using the phrase “board certified inactive,” and either apply to reactivate
their board certification or relinquish the certification. Finally, subdivision (e)
(Reactivation to Board Certified Status and Recertification) outlines the procedures
for seeking reactivation of board certification status.
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We also adopt a new Subchapter 6-31 (Standards for Board Certification in
International Litigation and Arbitration), outlining standards for board certification
in the field of International Litigation and Arbitration. This subchapter includes
four new Bar Rules. Bar Rule 6-31.1 (Generally) provides that a member in good
standing with The Florida Bar, who is eligible to practice law in Florida and meets
the standards prescribed in Subchapter 6-31, may be issued a certificate identifying
the lawyer as board certified in International Litigation and Arbitration. Bar Rule
6-31.2 (Definitions) provides definitions for the terms “International Litigation and
Arbitration,” “Practice of Law,” and “International Litigation and Arbitration
Certification Committee.” Bar Rule 6-31.3 (Minimum Standards) outlines the
minimum standards of practice, experience, and education required to earn a
certification in International Litigation and Arbitration. And Bar Rule 6-31.4
(International Litigation and Arbitration Recertification) describes the
requirements for seeking recertification in International Litigation and Arbitration
at the conclusion of a five-year cycle.
We amend Bar Rule 10-2.1 (Generally), as proposed by the Bar, first in
subdivision (b) (Paralegal or Legal Assistant) to add language authorizing a
paralegal to work under the supervision of an out-of-state lawyer or foreign lawyer
engaged in the authorized practice of law in Florida. We also amend subdivision
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(e) (Bar Counsel) to include in the definition of “Bar Counsel” Unlicensed Practice
of Law (UPL) counsel and UPL staff counsel.
Bar Rule 10-9.1 (Procedures for Issuance of Advisory Opinions on the
Unlicensed Practice of Law) is amended, as proposed by the Bar, to address
procedures for requesting and issuing proposed advisory opinions on the
unlicensed practice of law. Subdivision (b) (Requests for Advisory Opinions) is
reworded to provide that a petitioner may request a formal advisory opinion
concerning activity that may constitute the unlicensed practice of law by
submitting a question to the Bar’s UPL Department. We also amend subdivision
(b) to make clear that the request must be in writing, include all of the operative
facts, and ask whether the activity constitutes the unlicensed practice of law. We
amend subdivision (c), renamed “Limitations on Advisory Opinions,” to include
that no advisory opinion may be rendered as to any matter that is currently the
subject of an unlicensed practice of law investigation or grievance investigation by
the Bar. And we amend subdivision (g) (Service and Judicial Review of Proposed
Advisory Opinions), pertaining to proceedings in this Court to review proposed
advisory opinions issued by the Standing Committee on UPL. The petitioner or
any other interested party may file either a brief or a memorandum in response to
the proposed advisory opinion. The Standing Committee’s response, and any
reply, may also be in the form of either a brief or a memorandum.
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We amend several rules within Chapter 12 of the Bar Rules,3 as proposed by
the Bar, which, together with the amendments to Bar Rule 1-7.5 discussed herein,
expand the existing eligibility requirements and allow more lawyers to serve as
emeritus lawyers, providing pro bono legal services to the community under the
supervision of an approved legal aid organization. The Bar proposed these
changes based on recommendations from the Florida Commission on Access to
Civil Justice. As amended, this Chapter will now permit inactive or retired Bar
members, inactive or retired lawyers who practiced in any other state or territory of
the United States or the District of Columbia, former judges, current or former law
professors, and authorized house counsel to serve as emeritus lawyers and perform
this important service.
We also amend a number of rules within Chapter 16 of the Bar Rules
(Foreign Legal Consultancy Rule), and add a new Bar Rule 16-1.7 (Annual Sworn
Statement). Among other changes in this Chapter, Bar Rule 16-1.2, renamed
“General Certification Regulations,” is amended to change some of the
requirements for certification as a foreign legal consultant, such that a foreign
lawyer applying for certification must demonstrate that he or she has engaged in
the practice of law in a foreign country for not less than three of the five years
3. We also revise the title of Chapter 12 to “Emeritus Lawyers Pro Bono
Participation Program.”
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immediately preceding the application; he or she must not have been disciplined
for professional misconduct by the bar or courts of any jurisdiction within the last
seven years; and he or she must not have been denied admission to practice before
the courts in any jurisdiction based upon the applicant’s character and fitness
during the ten-year period immediately preceding the application. We have
deleted existing language in the rule requiring applicants to be over twenty-six
years of age.
Additionally, in Bar Rule 16-1.3 (Activities), we amend subdivision (a)
(Rendering Legal Advice), as recommended by the Bar; however, we decline to
adopt the proposed amendments in subdivision (b) (Representing Status as
Member of The Florida Bar), which would serve to delete the requirement that
foreign legal consultants provide clients a letter disclosing the extent of their
professional liability insurance coverage, as well as the fact that the client will not
have access to the Clients’ Security Fund in any discipline case against the foreign
lawyer. We believe these disclosures serve an important role in protecting clients.
Finally, we amend several rules in Chapter 17 of the Bar Rules (Authorized
House Counsel Rule), as proposed by the Bar, to allow both lawyers licensed to
practice law in any United States jurisdiction other than Florida, and those
authorized to practice as a lawyer or counselor in a foreign jurisdiction, to serve as
authorized house counsel. Within Chapter 17, we delete existing Bar Rule 17-1.7
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(Immunity from Prosecution) in its entirety, because this rule is no longer
necessary. However, because the rule amendments we adopt in this case will now
permit foreign lawyers to serve as authorized house counsel, such foreign lawyers
who are duly registered as authorized house counsel under Chapter 17 of the Bar
Rules will not be subject to prosecution for the unlicensed practice of law for
acting as counsel to a business organization prior to the effective date of these rule
amendments.
CONCLUSION
Accordingly, the Court amends the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar as set
forth in the appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring;
deletions are indicated by struck-through type. The comments are offered for
explanation and guidance only and are not adopted as an official part of the rules.
The amendments shall become effective on February 1, 2018, at 12:01 a.m.
It is so ordered.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and LAWSON, JJ., concur.
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.
Original Proceeding – Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, Michael J. Higer, President, Michelle R.
Suskauer, President-Elect, William J. Schifino, Jr., Past President, Lori S.
Holcomb, Director, Division of Ethics and Consumer Protection, and Elizabeth
Clark Tarbert, Ethics Counsel, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida,
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for Petitioner
Thomas O. Wells of Wells & Wells, P.A., Coral Gables, Florida; and Timothy P.
Chinaris, Nashville, Tennessee,
Responding with Comments
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APPENDIX
RULE 1-3.2 MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS
(a) Members in Good Standing.
(1) Members of The Florida Bar in good standing shall means only
those persons licensed to practice law in Florida who have paid annual
membership fees or dues for the current year and who are not retired, resigned,
delinquent, on the inactive list for incapacity, or suspended members.
(2) Members of The Florida Bar who have elected inactive status,
who have paid annual membership fees for the current year, and who are not
retired, resigned, delinquent, suspended, or on the inactive list for incapacity, are
considered to be in good standing only for purposes of obtaining a certificate of
good standing and for no other purpose. A certificate of good standing issued to an
inactive member will reflect the member’s inactive status.
(b) Conditionally Admitted Members. The Supreme Court of Florida
may admit a person with a prior history of drug, alcohol, or psychological
problems to membership in The Florida Bar and impose conditions of probation as
the court deems appropriate upon that member. The period of probation shallwill
be no longer than 5 years, or for suchan indefinite period of time as the court may
deems appropriate by conditions in its order. The conditions may include, but not
be limited to, participation in a rehabilitation program, periodic blood and urine
analysis, periodic psychological examinations, or supervision by another member
of The Florida Bar. The probation shallwill be monitored by The Florida Bar and
the costs thereof shall be paid by the member on probation. A failure to observe
the conditions of probation or a finding of probable cause as to conduct of the
member committed during the period of probation may terminate the probation and
subject the member to all available disciplinary sanctions. Proceedings to
determine compliance with conditions of admission shallwill be processed in the
same manner as matters of contempt provided elsewhere in these Rules Regulating
The Florida Bar. If necessary, the court may assign a judicial referee to take
testimony, receive evidence, and make findings of fact in the manner prescribed in
the rule concerning procedures before a referee. The findings of the referee may
be appealed as provided in the rule for procedures before the supreme court.
(c) Inactive Members. Inactive members of The Florida Bar shall means
only those members who have properly elected to be classified as inactive in the
manner elsewhere provided.
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Inactive members shallwill:
(1) – (3) [No Change]
(4) not hold themselves out as being able to practice law in Florida
or render advice on matters of Florida law unless certified as an emeritus lawyer
under chapter 12 of these rules;
(5) not hold any position that requires the person to be a licensed
Florida attorneylawyer;
(6) – (7) [No Change]
(8) certify upon election of inactive status that they will comply
with all applicable restrictions and limitations imposed on inactive members of The
Florida Bar, unless certified as an emeritus lawyer under chapter 12 of these rules.
Failure of an inactive member to comply with all these requirements thereof
shall beis cause for disciplinary action.
An inactive member may, at any time, apply for reinstatement to active
membership in good standing to become eligible to practice law in Florida in the
manner provided in rule 1-3.7.
RULE 1-7.5 RETIRED, INACTIVE, DELINQUENT MEMBERS
A member who is retired, inactive, or delinquent shall not practiceis
prohibited from practicing law in this state until reinstated as provided in these
rules, except retired or inactive members who are certified as emeritus lawyers
under chapter 12 of these rules.
RULE 1-12.1 AMENDMENT TO RULES; AUTHORITY; NOTICE;
PROCEDURES; COMMENTS
(a) Authority to Amend. The bBoard of gGovernors of The Florida Bar
shall havehas the authority to amend chapters 7 and 9, as well as the standards for
the individual areas of certification within chapter 6 of these Rules Regulating The
Florida Bar, consistent with the notice, publication, and comments requirements
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provided below. Only the Supreme Court of Florida shall havehas the authority to
amend all other chapters of these Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
(b) [No Change]
(c) Board Review of Proposed Amendments. The board of governors
shallwill review proposed amendments by referral of the proposal to an appropriate
board committee thereof for substantive review. After substantive review, an
appropriate committee of the board shallwill review the proposal for consistency
with these rules and the policies of The Florida Bar. After completion of review, a
recommendation concerning the proposal shallwill be made to the board.
(d) Notice of Proposed Board Action. Notice of the proposed action of
the board on a proposed amendment shallwill be given in an edition of The Florida
Bar NewsNews and on The Florida Bar website that is published prior to the
meeting of the board at which the board action is taken. The notice shallwill
identify the rule(s) to be amended and shall state in general terms the nature of the
proposed amendments.
(e) Comments by Members. Any member may request a copy of the
proposed amendments and may file written comments concerning them. The
comments shallmust be filed with the executive director sufficiently in advance of
the board meeting to allow for copying and distribution to the members of the
board.
(f) Approval of Amendments. Amendments to other than chapters 7
and 9, as well as the standards for the individual areas of certification within
chapter 6 of these Rules Regulating The Florida Bar shallmust be by petition to the
Supreme Court of Florida. Petitions to amend these Rules Regulating The Florida
Bar may be filed by the board of governors or by 50 members in good standing,
provided that any amendments proposed by members of the bar shallmust be filed
90 days after filing them with The Florida Bar.
(g) Notice of Intent to File Petition. Notice of intent to file a petition to
amend these Rules Regulating The Florida Bar shallwill be published in The
Florida Bar NewsNews and on The Florida Bar website at least 30 days before the
filing of the petition. The notice shall set forth the text of the proposed
amendmentswill identify the rule(s) to be amended, state in general terms the
nature of the proposed amendments, state the date the petition will be filed, and
state that any comments or objections must be filed within 30 days of filing the
petition. The full text of the proposed amendment(s) will be published on The
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Florida Bar website. A copy of all comments or objections shallmust be served on
the executive director of The Florida Bar and any persons who may have made an
appearance in the matter.
(h) Action by the Supreme Court of Florida. The court shallwill review
all proposed amendments filed under this rule and suchany amendments shallwill
not become effective until an order is issued approving them. FinalA summary of
final action of the court shallwill be reported in The Florida Bar NewsNews and on
The Florida Bar website.
(i) [No Change]
RULE 3-2.1 GENERALLY
Wherever used in these rules the following words or terms shall have the
meaning herein set forth below unless their use thereof shall clearly indicates a
different meaning:
(a) Bar Counsel. ABar counsel is a member of The Florida Bar
representing The Florida Bar in any proceeding under these rules.
(b) The Board or the Board of Governors. The board or the board of
governors is the board of governors of The Florida Bar.
(c) Complainant or Complaining Witness. AnyA complainant or
complaining witness is any person who has complained of the conduct of any
member of The Florida Bar to any officer or agency of The Florida Bar.
(d) This Court or the Court. TheThis court or the court is the Supreme
Court of Florida.
(e) Court of this State. ACourt of this state is a state court authorized and
established by the constitution or laws of the state of Florida.
(f) Diversion to Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs.
TheDiversion to practice and professionalism enhancement programs is removal of
a disciplinary matter from the disciplinary system and placement of the matter in a
skills enhancement program in lieu of a disciplinary sanction.
(g) Executive Committee. TheExecutive committee is the executive
committee of the board of governors of The Florida Bar.
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(h) Executive Director. TheExecutive director is the executive director of
The Florida Bar.
(i) Inquiry. Inquiry is a written communication received by bar counsel
questioning the conduct of a member of The Florida Bar.
(ij) Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs.
ProgramsPractice and professionalism enhancement programs are programs
operated either as a diversion from disciplinary action or as a part of a disciplinary
sanction that are intended to provide educational opportunities to members of the
bar for enhancing skills and avoiding misconduct allegations.
(jk) Probable Cause. AProbable cause is a finding by an authorized
agency that there is cause to believe that a member of The Florida Bar is guilty of
misconduct justifying disciplinary action.
(kl) Referral to Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs.
PlacementReferral to practice and professionalism enhancement programs is
placement of a lawyer in skills enhancement programs as a disciplinary sanction.
(lm) Referee. AReferee is a judge or retired judge appointed to conduct
proceedings as provided under these rules.
(mn) Respondent. ARespondent is a member of The Florida Bar or an
attorneylawyer subject to these rules who is accused of misconduct or whose
conduct is under investigation.
(no) Staff Counsel. AStaff counsel is a lawyer employee of The Florida
Bar designated by the executive director and authorized by these Rules Regulating
The Florida Bar to approve formal complaints, conditional guilty pleas for consent
judgments, and diversion recommendations and to make appointment of bar
counsel.
(op) Chief Branch Discipline Counsel. Chief branch discipline counsel is
the counsel in charge of a branch office of The Florida Bar. Any counsel
employed by The Florida Bar may serve as chief branch discipline counsel at the
direction of the regularly assigned chief branch discipline counsel or staff counsel.
(pq) Designated Reviewer. The designated reviewer is a member of the
board of governors responsible for review and other specific duties as assigned
with respect to a particular grievance committee or matter. The designated
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reviewer for a special grievance committee will be selected by the president and
approved by the board.
(qr) Final Adjudication. AFinal adjudication is a decision by the
authorized disciplinary authority or court issuing a sanction for professional
misconduct that is not subject to judicial review except on direct appeal to the
Supreme Court of the United States.
RULE 3-7.5 PROCEDURES BEFORE THE BOARD OF
GOVERNORS
(a) Review by the Designated Reviewer. Notice of grievance committee
action recommending either diversion to a practice and professionalism
enhancement program or finding no probable cause, no probable cause with a letter
of advice, minor misconduct, or probable cause shallwill be given to the designated
reviewer for review. The designated reviewer may request grievance committee
reconsideration or refer the matter to the disciplinary review committee of the
board of governors within 30 days of notice of grievance committee action. The
request for a grievance committee reconsideration or referral to the disciplinary
review committee shallmust be in writing and shallmust be submitted to bar
counsel. For purposes of this subdivision letters, memoranda, handwritten notes,
facsimile documents, and e-mail shall constitute communication “in writing.”
(1) Requests for Grievance Committee Reconsideration. If the
designated reviewer requests grievance committee reconsideration, bar counsel
shall forwards the request to the chair of the grievance committee and shall gives
notice to the respondent and complainant that the request has been made. If the
grievance committee agrees to reconsider the matter, the rule prescribing
procedures before a grievance committee shall applyapplies.
(2) Referrals to Disciplinary Review Committee and Board of
Governors. If the designated reviewer refers the matter to the disciplinary review
committee, bar counsel shall prepares and submits a discipline agenda item for
consideration by the committee. Bar counsel shallmust give notice to respondent
and complainant that the designated reviewer has made the referral for review.
(3) Nature of Disciplinary Review Committee and Board of
Governors Review. The Florida Bar is a party in disciplinary proceedings and has
no authority to adjudicate rights in those proceedings. Any such review on referral
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from a designated reviewer is in the nature of consultation on pending litigation
and therefore is not subject to intervention by persons outside the relationship
between the bar and its counsel.
(4) Effect of Failure to Timely Make the Request for
Reconsideration or Referral for Review. If the designated reviewer fails to make
the request for reconsideration or referral within the time prescribed, the grievance
committee action shall becomes final.
(5) [No Change]
(b) Review of Grievance Committee Matters. The disciplinary review
committee shall reviews those grievance committee matters referred to it by a
designated reviewer and shall make a reports to the board. The disciplinary review
committee may confirm, reject, or amend the recommendation of the designated
reviewer in whole or in part. The report of the disciplinary review committee shall
beis final unless overruled by the board. Recommendations of the disciplinary
review committee may include:
(1) – (7) [No Change]
(c) [No Change]
(d) Notice of Board Action. Bar counsel shallmust give notice of board
action to the respondent, complainant, and grievance committee.
(e) Finding of No Probable Cause. A finding of no probable cause by the
board shall beis final and no further proceedings shall be hadmay be conducted in
the matter by The Florida Bar unless a reason arises at a later time to re-open the
file.
(f) Control of Proceedings. Bar counsel, however appointed, shall beis
subject to the direction of the board at all times. The board, in the exercise of its
discretion as the governing body of The Florida Bar, has the power to terminate
disciplinary proceedings before a referee prior to the receipt of evidence by the
referee, whether suchthese proceedings have been instituted upon a finding of
probable cause by the board or a grievance committee.
(g) Filing Service on Board of Governors. All matters to be filed with or
served upon the board shallmust be addressed to the board of governors and filed
with the executive director.
- 22 -
(h) Custodian of Bar Records. The executive director or his designees
shall beare the custodian of the official records of The Florida Bar.
RULE 3-7.16 LIMITATION ON TIME TO BRING COMPLAINTOPEN
INVESTIGATION
(a) Time for Inquiries, Initiating Investigation of Complaints, and Re-
opened Cases. Inquiries raised or complaints presented by or to The Florida Bar
under these rules shall be commenced
(1) Initial Complaint or Investigation. A complainant must make a
written inquiry to The Florida Bar within 6 years from the time the matter giving
rise to the inquiry or complaint is discovered or, with due diligence, should have
been discovered. The Florida Bar must open an investigation initiated by The
Florida Bar within 6 years from the time the matter giving rise to the investigation
is discovered or, with due diligence, should have been discovered. A reopened
disciplinary investigation shall not be barred by this rule if the investigation is
reopened within 1 year of the date on which the matter was closed, except that
reopened investigations based on deferrals made in accord with bar policy and as
authorized elsewhere in these Rules Regulating The Florida Bar shall not be barred
if reopened within 1 year of the conclusion of the civil, criminal, or other
proceedings on which deferral was based.
(2) Re-opened Investigations. A re-opened disciplinary
investigation is not time barred by this rule if the investigation is re-opened within
1 year after the date on which the matter was closed, except that a re-opened
investigation based on a deferral made in accordance with bar policy and as
authorized elsewhere in these Rules Regulating The Florida Bar is not barred if re-
opened within 1 year after actual notice of the conclusion of the civil, criminal, or
other proceedings on which the deferral was based.
(3) Deferred Investigations. A disciplinary investigation which
began with the opening of a discipline file and bar inquiries to a respondent within
the 6-year time period as described in this rule and was then deferred in accordance
with bar policy and the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, is not time barred under
this rule if a grievance committee finds probable cause and the bar files its formal
complaint within 1 year after actual notice of the conclusion of the civil, criminal,
or other proceedings on which deferral was based.
- 23 -
(b) Exception for Theft or Conviction of a Felony Criminal Offense.
There shall beis no limit on the time in which to present, reopen, or bring a matter
alleging theft or conviction of a felony criminal offense by a member of The
Florida Bar.
(c) Tolling Based on Fraud, Concealment, or Misrepresentation. In
matters covered by this rule where it can be shown that fraud, concealment, or
intentional misrepresentation of fact prevented the discovery of the matter giving
rise to the inquiry or complaint, tThe limitation of time in which to bring or reopen
an inquiry or complaint within this rule shall beis tolled. where it can be shown
that fraud, concealment, or intentional misrepresentation of fact prevented the
discovery of the matter giving rise to the inquiry or complaint.
(d) Constitutional Officers. Inquiries raised or complaints presented by
or to The Florida Bar about the conduct of a constitutional officer who is required
to be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar shallmust be commenced
within 6 years after the constitutional officer vacates office.
CHAPTER 4 RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
PREAMBLE: A LAWYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
[No Change]
Scope:
[No Change]
Terminology:
“Belief’ or “believes” denotes that the person involved actually supposed the
fact in question to be true. A person’s belief may be inferred from circumstances.
“Consult” or “consultation” denotes communication of information
reasonably sufficient to permit the client to appreciate the significance of the
matter in question.
“Confirmed in writing,” when used in reference to the informed consent of a
person, denotes informed consent that is given in writing by the person or a writing
that a lawyer promptly transmits to the person confirming an oral informed
consent. See “informed consent” below. If it is not feasible to obtain or transmit
- 24 -
the writing at the time the person gives informed consent, then the lawyer must
obtain or transmit it within a reasonable time.
“Firm” or “law firm” denotes a lawyer or lawyers in a law partnership,
professional corporation, sole proprietorship, or other association authorized to
practice law; or lawyers employed in the legal department of a corporation or other
organization.
“Fraud” or “fraudulent” denotes conduct having a purpose to deceive and
not merely negligent misrepresentation or failure to apprise another of relevant
information.
“Informed consent” denotes the agreement by a person to a proposed course
of conduct after the lawyer has communicated adequate information and
explanation about the material risks of and reasonably available alternatives to the
proposed course of conduct.
“Knowingly,” “known,” or “knows” denotes actual knowledge of the fact in
question. A person’s knowledge may be inferred from circumstances.
“Lawyer” denotes a person who is a member of The Florida Bar or
otherwise authorized to practice in any court of the Sstate of Florida.
“Partner” denotes a member of a partnership and a shareholder in a law firm
organized as a professional corporation, or a member of an association authorized
to practice law.
“Reasonable” or “reasonably” when used in relation to conduct by a lawyer
denotes the conduct of a reasonably prudent and competent lawyer.
“Reasonable belief” or “reasonably believes” when used in reference to a
lawyer denotes that the lawyer believes the matter in question and that the
circumstances are such that the belief is reasonable.
“Reasonably should know” when used in reference to a lawyer denotes that
a lawyer of reasonable prudence and competence would ascertain the matter in
question.
“Screened” denotes the isolation of a lawyer from any participation in a
matter through the timely imposition of procedures within a firm that are
reasonably adequate under the circumstances to protect information that the
isolated lawyer is obligated to protect under these rules or other law.
- 25 -
“Substantial” when used in reference to degree or extent denotes a material
matter of clear and weighty importance.
“Tribunal” denotes a court, an arbitrator in a binding arbitration proceeding,
or a legislative body, administrative agency, or other body acting in an adjudicative
capacity. A legislative body, administrative agency, or other body acts in an
adjudicative capacity when a neutral official, after the presentation of evidence or
legal argument by a party or parties, will render a binding legal judgment directly
affecting a party’s interests in a particular matter.
“Writing” or “written” denotes a tangible or electronic record of a
communication or representation, including handwriting, typewriting, printing,
photostating, photography, audio or video recording, and electronic
communications. A “signed” writing includes an electronic sound, symbol or
process attached to or logically associated with a writing and executed or adopted
by a person with the intent to sign the writing.
COMMENTomment
[No Change]
RULE 4-1.8 CONFLICT OF INTEREST; PROHIBITED AND OTHER
TRANSACTIONS
(a) Business Transactions With or Acquiring Interest Adverse to
Client. A lawyer shall notis prohibited from entering into a business transaction
with a client or knowingly acquireacquiring an ownership, possessory, security, or
other pecuniary interest adverse to a client, except a lien granted by law to secure a
lawyer’s fee or expenses, unless:
(1) – (3) [No Change]
(b) Using Information to Disadvantage of Client. A lawyer shall not
useis prohibited from using information relating to representation of a client to the
disadvantage of the client unless the client gives informed consent, except as
permitted or required by these rules.
(c) Gifts to Lawyer or Lawyer’s Family. A lawyer shall notis prohibited
from soliciting any substantial gift from a client, including a testamentary gift, or
preparepreparing on behalf of a client an instrument giving the lawyer or a person
- 26 -
related to the lawyer any substantial gift unless the lawyer or other recipient of the
gift is related to the client. For purposes of this subdivision, related persons
include a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or other relative with
whom the lawyer or the client maintains a close, familial relationship.
(d) Acquiring Literary or Media Rights. Prior to the conclusion of
representation of a client, a lawyer shall not make or negotiateis prohibited from
making or negotiating an agreement giving the lawyer literary or media rights to a
portrayal or account based in substantial part on information relating to the
representation.
(e) Financial Assistance to Client. A lawyer shall not provideis
prohibited from providing financial assistance to a client in connection with
pending or contemplated litigation, except that:
(1) – (2) [No Change]
(f) Compensation by Third Party. A lawyer shall not acceptis
prohibited from accepting compensation for representing a client from one other
than the client unless:
(1) – (3) [No Change]
(g) Settlement of Claims for Multiple Clients. A lawyer who represents
2 or more clients shall not participateis prohibited from participating in making an
aggregate settlement of the claims of or against the clients, or in a criminal case an
aggregated agreement as to guilty or nolo contendere pleas, unless each client
gives informed consent, in a writing signed by the client. The lawyer’s disclosure
shallmust include the existence and nature of all the claims or pleas involved and
of the participation of each person in the settlement.
(h) Limiting Liability for Malpractice. A lawyer shall not makeis
prohibited from making an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer’s liability
to a client for malpractice unless permitted by law and the client is independently
represented in making the agreement. A lawyer shall not settleis prohibited from
settling a claim for such liability for malpractice with an unrepresented client or
former client without first advising that person in writing that independent
representation is appropriate in connection therewithmaking the agreement.
(i) Acquiring Proprietary Interest in Cause of Action. A lawyer shall
not acquireis prohibited from acquiring a proprietary interest in the cause of action
- 27 -
or subject matter of litigation the lawyer is conducting for a client, except that the
lawyer may:
(1) – (2) [No Change]
(j) Representation of Insureds. When a lawyer undertakes the defense of
an insured other than a governmental entity, at the expense of an insurance
company, in regard to an action or claim for personal injury or for property
damages, or for death or loss of services resulting from personal injuries based
upon tortious conduct, including product liability claims, the Statement of Insured
Client’s Rights shallmust be provided to the insured at the commencement of the
representation. The lawyer shallmust sign the statement certifying the date on
which the statement was provided to the insured. The lawyer shallmust keep a
copy of the signed statement in the client’s file and shallmust retain a copy of the
signed statement for 6 years after the representation is completed. The statement
shallmust be available for inspection at reasonable times by the insured, or by the
appropriate disciplinary agency. Nothing in the Statement of Insured Client’s
Rights shall be deemed to augments or detracts from any substantive or ethical
duty of a lawyer or affect the extradisciplinary consequences of violating an
existing substantive legal or ethical duty; nor shalldoes any matter set forth in the
Statement of Insured Client’s Rights give rise to an independent cause of action or
create any presumption that an existing legal or ethical duty has been breached.
STATEMENT OF INSURED CLIENT’S RIGHTS
An insurance company has selected a lawyer to defend a lawsuit or claim
against you. This Statement of Insured Client’s Rights is being given to you to
assure that you are aware of your rights regarding your legal representation. This
disclosure statement highlights many, but not all, of your rights when your legal
representation is being provided by the insurance company.
1. [No Change]
2. [No Change]
3. Directing the Lawyer. If your policy, like most insurance policies,
provides for the insurance company to control the defense of the lawsuit, the
lawyer will be taking instructions from the insurance company. Under
suchthese policies, the lawyer cannot act solely on your instructions, and at the
same time, cannot act contrary to your interests. Your preferences should be
communicated to the lawyer.
- 28 -
4. Litigation Guidelines. Many insurance companies establish guidelines
governing how lawyers are to proceed in defending a claim. Sometimes those
guidelines affect the range of actions the lawyer can take and may require
authorization of the insurance company before certain actions are undertaken.
You are entitled to know the guidelines affecting the extent and level of legal
services being provided to you. UponOn request, the lawyer or the insurance
company should either explain the guidelines to you or provide you with a
copy. If the lawyer is denied authorization to provide a service or undertake an
action the lawyer believes necessary to your defense, you are entitled to be
informed that the insurance company has declined authorization for the service
or action.
5. [No Change]
6. [No Change]
7. [No Change]
8. [No Change]
9. [No Change]
10. Reporting Violations. If at any time you believe that your lawyer has
acted in violation of your rights, you have the right to report the matter to The
Florida Bar, the agency that oversees the practice and behavior of all lawyers in
Florida. For information on how to reach The Florida Bar call (850) 561-5839
or you may access the Barbar at www.FlaBar.orgwww.floridabar.org.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS,
PLEASE ASK FOR AN EXPLANATION.
CERTIFICATECERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies that this Statement of Insured Client’s Rights
has been provided to .....(name of insured/client(s)).....
by .....(mail/hand delivery)..... at .....(address of insured/client(s) to which
mailed or delivered,) on .....(date)......
________________________________
[Signature of AttorneyLawyer]
- 29 -
________________________________
[Print/Type Name]
Florida Bar No.: __________________
(k) Imputation of Conflicts. While lawyers are associated in a firm, a
prohibition in the foregoing subdivisions (a) through (i) that applies to any one of
them shall applyapplies to all of them.
COMMENTomment
Business transactions between client and lawyer
A lawyer’s legal skill and training, together with the relationship of trust and
confidence between lawyer and client, create the possibility of overreaching when
the lawyer participates in a business, property, or financial transaction with a
client. The requirements of subdivision (a) must be met even when the transaction
is not closely related to the subject matter of the representation. The rule applies to
lawyers engaged in the sale of goods or services related to the practice of law. See
rule 4-5.7. It does not apply to ordinary fee arrangements between client and
lawyer, which are governed by rule 4-1.5, although its requirements must be met
when the lawyer accepts an interest in the client’s business or other nonmonetary
property as payment for all or part of a fee. In addition, the rule does not apply to
standard commercial transactions between the lawyer and the client for products or
services that the client generally markets to others, for example, banking or
brokerage services, medical services, products manufactured or distributed by the
client, and utilities services. In suchthese types of transactions the lawyer has no
advantage in dealing with the client, and the restrictions in subdivision (a) are
unnecessary and impracticable. Likewise, subdivision (a) does not prohibit a
lawyer from acquiring or asserting a lien granted by law to secure the lawyer’s fee
or expenses.
Subdivision (a)(1) requires that the transaction itself be fair to the client and
that its essential terms be communicated to the client, in writing, in a manner that
can be reasonably understood. Subdivision (a)(2) requires that the client also be
advised, in writing, of the desirability of seeking the advice of independent legal
counsel. It also requires that the client be given a reasonable opportunity to obtain
such advice. Subdivision (a)(3) requires that the lawyer obtain the client’s
informed consent, in a writing signed by the client, both to the essential terms of
the transaction and to the lawyer’s role. When necessary, the lawyer should
discuss both the material risks of the proposed transaction, including any risk
- 30 -
presented by the lawyer’s involvement, and the existence of reasonably available
alternatives and should explain why the advice of independent legal counsel is
desirable. See terminology (definition of informed consent).
The risk to a client is greatest when the client expects the lawyer to represent
the client in the transaction itself or when the lawyer’s financial interest otherwise
poses a significant risk that the lawyer’s representation of the client will be
materially limited by the lawyer’s financial interest in the transaction. Here the
lawyer’s role requires that the lawyer must comply, not only with the requirements
of subdivision (a), but also with the requirements of rule 4-1.7. Under that rule, the
lawyer must disclose the risks associated with the lawyer’s dual role as both legal
adviser and participant in the transaction, such as the risk that the lawyer will
structure the transaction or give legal advice in a way that favors the lawyer’s
interests at the expense of the client. Moreover, theThe lawyer also must obtain
the client’s informed consent. In some cases, the lawyer's interest may be such that
rule 4-1.7 will preclude the lawyer from seeking the client's consent to the
transaction because of the lawyer's interest.
If the client is independently represented in the transaction, subdivision
(a)(2) of this rule is inapplicable, and the subdivision (a)(1) requirement for full
disclosure is satisfied either by a written disclosure by the lawyer involved in the
transaction or by the client’s independent counsel. The fact that the client was
independently represented in the transaction is relevant in determining whether the
agreement was fair and reasonable to the client as subdivision (a)(1) further
requires.
Gifts to lawyers
A lawyer may accept a gift from a client, if the transaction meets general
standards of fairness and if the lawyer does not prepare the instrument bestowing
the gift. For example, a simple gift such as a present given at a holiday or as a
token of appreciation is permitted. If a client offers the lawyer a more substantial
gift, subdivision (c) does not prohibit the lawyer from accepting it, although such
athe gift may be voidable by the client under the doctrine of undue influence,
which treats client gifts as presumptively fraudulent. In any event, due to concerns
about overreaching and imposition on clients, a lawyer may not suggest that a
substantial gift be made to the lawyer or for the lawyer’s benefit, except where the
lawyer is related to the client as set forth in subdivision (c). If effectuation of a
substantial gift requires preparing a legal instrument such as a will or conveyance,
however, the client should have the detached advice that another lawyer can
provide and the lawyer should advise the client to seek advice of independent
- 31 -
counsel. Subdivision (c) recognizes an exception where the client is related by
blood or marriage to the donee or the gift is not substantial.
This rule does not prohibit a lawyer from seeking to have the lawyer or a
partner or associate of the lawyer namedfrom serving as personal representative of
the client's estate or toin another potentially lucrative fiduciary position in
connection with a client’s estate planning. A lawyer may prepare a document that
appoints the lawyer or a person related to the lawyer to a fiduciary office if the
client is properly informed, the appointment does not violate rule 4-1.7, the
appointment is not the product of undue influence or improper solicitation by the
lawyer, and the client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.Nevertheless,
such appointments will be subject to the general conflict of interest provision in
rule 4-1.7 when there is a significant risk that the lawyer's interest in obtaining the
appointment will materially limit the lawyer's independent professional judgment
in advising the client concerning the choice of a personal representative or other
fiduciary. In obtaining the client’s informed consent to the conflict, the lawyer
should advise the client in writing concerning the nature and extent of the lawyer's
financial interest in the appointment, as well as the availability of alternative
candidates for the positionwho is eligible to serve as a fiduciary, that a person who
serves as a fiduciary is entitled to compensation, and that the lawyer may be
eligible to receive compensation for serving as a fiduciary in addition to any
attorneys’ fees that the lawyer or the lawyer’s firm may earn for serving as a
lawyer for the fiduciary.
Literary rights
An agreement by which a lawyer acquires literary or media rights
concerning the conduct of the representation creates a conflict between the
interests of the client and the personal interests of the lawyer. Measures suitable in
the representation of the client may detract from the publication value of an
account of the representation. Subdivision (d) does not prohibit a lawyer
representing a client in a transaction concerning literary property from agreeing
that the lawyer’s fee shallwill consist of a share in ownership in the property if the
arrangement conforms to rule 4-1.5 and subdivision (a) and (i).
Financial assistance
Lawyers may not subsidize lawsuits or administrative proceedings brought
on behalf of their clients, including making or guaranteeing loans to their clients
for living expenses, because to do so would encourage clients to pursue lawsuits
that might not otherwise be brought and because suchfinancial assistance gives
- 32 -
lawyers too great a financial stake in the litigation. These dangers do not warrant a
prohibition on a lawyer advancing a client court costs and litigation expenses,
including the expenses of diagnostic medical examination used for litigation
purposes and the reasonable costs of obtaining and presenting evidence, because
these advances are virtually indistinguishable from contingent fees and help ensure
access to the courts. Similarly, an exception allowing lawyers representing
indigent clients to pay court costs and litigation expenses regardless of whether
these funds will be repaid is warranted.
Person paying for lawyer’s services
Lawyers are frequently asked to represent a client under circumstances in
which a third person will compensate the lawyer, in whole or in part. The third
person might be a relative or friend, an indemnitor (such as a liability insurance
company), or a co-client (such as a corporation sued along with one or more of its
employees). Because third-party payers frequently have interests that differ from
those of the client, including interests in minimizing the amount spent on the
representation and in learning how the representation is progressing, lawyers are
prohibited from accepting or continuing suchthese representations unless the
lawyer determines that there will be no interference with the lawyer’s independent
professional judgment and there is informed consent from the client. See also rule
4-5.4(d) (prohibiting interference with a lawyer’s professional judgment by one
who recommends, employs or pays the lawyer to render legal services for another).
Sometimes, it will be sufficient for the lawyer to obtain the client’s informed
consent regarding the fact of the payment and the identity of the third-party payer.
If, however, the fee arrangement creates a conflict of interest for the lawyer, then
the lawyer must comply with rule 4-1.7. The lawyer must also conform to the
requirements of rule 4-1.6 concerning confidentiality. Under rule 4-1.7(a), a
conflict of interest exists if there is significant risk that the lawyer’s representation
of the client will be materially limited by the lawyer’s own interest in the fee
arrangement or by the lawyer’s responsibilities to the third-party payer (for
example, when the third-party payer is a co-client). Under rule 4-1.7(b), the
lawyer may accept or continue the representation with the informed consent of
each affected client, unless the conflict is nonconsentable under that subdivision.
Under rule 4-1.7(b), the informed consent must be confirmed in writing or clearly
stated on the record at a hearing.
Aggregate settlements
[No Change]
- 33 -
Acquisition of interest in litigation
[No Change]
Representation of insureds
As with any representation of a client when another person or client is
paying for the representation, the representation of an insured client at the request
of the insurer creates a special need for the lawyer to be cognizant of the potential
for ethical risks. The nature of the relationship between a lawyer and a client can
lead to the insured or the insurer having expectations inconsistent with the duty of
the lawyer to maintain confidences, avoid conflicts of interest, and otherwise
comply with professional standards. When a lawyer undertakes the representation
of an insured client at the expense of the insurer, the lawyer should ascertain
whether the lawyer will be representing both the insured and the insurer, or only
the insured. Communication with both the insured and the insurer promotes their
mutual understanding of the role of the lawyer in the particular representation. The
Statement of Insured Client’s Rights has been developed to facilitate the lawyer’s
performance of ethical responsibilities. The highly variable nature of insurance
and the responsiveness of the insurance industry in developing new types of
coverages for risks arising in the dynamic American economy render it impractical
to establish a statement of rights applicable to all forms of insurance. The
Statement of Insured Client’s Rights is intended to apply to personal injury and
property damage tort cases. It is not intended to apply to workers’ compensation
cases. Even in that relatively narrow area of insurance coverage, there is
variability among policies. For that reason, the statement is necessarily broad. It is
the responsibility of the lawyer to explain the statement to the insured. In
particular cases, the lawyer may need to provide additional information to the
insured.
Because the purpose of the statement is to assist laypersons in understanding
their basic rights as clients, it is necessarily abbreviated. Although brevity
promotes the purpose for which the statement was developed, it also necessitates
incompleteness. For these reasons, it is specifically provided that the statement
shalldoes not serve to establish any legal rights or duties, nor create any
presumption that an existing legal or ethical duty has been breached. As a result,
the statement and its contents should not be invoked by opposing parties as
grounds for disqualification of a lawyer or for procedural purposes. The purpose
of the statement would be subverted if it could be used in such a manner.
- 34 -
The statement is to be signed by the lawyer to establish that it was timely
provided to the insured, but the insured client is not required to sign it. It is in the
best interests of the lawyer to have the insured client sign the statement to avoid
future questions, but it is considered impractical to require the lawyer to obtain the
insured client’s signature in all instances.
Establishment of the statement and the duty to provide it to an insured in tort
cases involving personal injury or property damage should not be construed as
lessening the duty of the lawyer to inform clients of their rights in other
circumstances. When other types of insurance are involved, when there are other
third-party payors of fees, or when multiple clients are represented, similar needs
for fully informing clients exist, as recognized in rules 4-1.7(c) and 4-1.8(f).
Imputation of prohibitions
[No Change]
RULE 4-5.8 PROCEDURES FOR LAWYERS LEAVING LAW FIRMS
AND DISSOLUTION OF LAW FIRMS
(a) [No Change]
(b) Client’s Right to Counsel of Choice. Clients have the right to expect
that they may choose counsel when legal services are required and, with few
exceptions, nothing that lawyers and law firms do shall have any effect onaffects
the exercise of that right.
(c) Contact With Clients.
(1) Lawyers Leaving Law Firms. Absent a specific agreement
otherwise, a lawyer who is leaving a law firm shallmay not unilaterally contact
those clients of the law firm for purposes of notifying them about the anticipated
departure or to solicit representation of the clients unless the lawyer has
approached an authorized representative of the law firm and attempted to negotiate
a joint communication to the clients concerning the lawyer leaving the law firm
and bona fide negotiations have been unsuccessful.
(2) Dissolution of Law Firm. Absent a specific agreement
otherwise, a lawyer involved in the dissolution of a law firm shallmay not
unilaterally contact clients of the law firm unless, after bona fide negotiations,
- 35 -
authorized members of the law firm have been unable to agree on a method to
provide notice to clients.
(d) Form for Contact With Clients.
(1) Lawyers Leaving Law Firms. When a joint response has not
been successfully negotiated, unilateral contact by individual members or the law
firm shallmust give notice to clients that the lawyer is leaving the law firm and
provide options to the clients to choose to remain a client of the law firm, to choose
representation by the departing lawyer, or to choose representation by other
lawyers or law firms.
(2) Dissolution of Law Firms. When a law firm is being dissolved
and no procedure for contacting clients has been agreed uponto, unilateral contact
by members of the law firm shallmust give notice to clients that the firm is being
dissolved and provide options to the clients to choose representation by any
member of the dissolving law firm, or representation by other lawyers or law firms.
(3) Liability for Fees and Costs. In all instances, notice to the
client required under this rule shallmust provide information concerning potential
liability for fees for legal services previously rendered, costs expended, and how
any deposits for fees or costs will be handled. In addition, if appropriate, notice
shallmust be given that reasonable charges may be imposed to provide a copy of
any file to a successor lawyer.
(e) Nonresponsive Clients.
(1) Lawyers Leaving Law Firms. In the event a client fails to
advise the lawyers and law firm of the client’s intention in regard to who is to
provide future legal services when a lawyer is leaving the firm, the client shall be
considered as remainingremains a client of the firm until the client advises
otherwise.
(2) Dissolution of Law Firms. In the event a client fails to advise
the lawyers of the client’s intention in regard to who is to provide future legal
services when a law firm is dissolving, the client shall be considered as
remainingremains a client of the lawyer who primarily provided the prior legal
services on behalf of the firm until the client advises otherwise.
- 36 -
COMMENTomment
The current rule of law regarding ownership of client files is discussed in
Donahue v. Vaughn, 721 So. 2d 356 (Fla. 5th DCA 1998), and Dowda & Fields,
P.A. v. Cobb, 452 So. 2d 1140 (Fla. 5th DCA 1984). A lawyer leaving a law firm,
when the law firm remains available to continue legal representation, has no right
nor expectation to take client files without an agreement with the law firm to do so.
While clients have the right to choose counsel, suchthat choice may
implicate obligations. Those obligations may include such as a requirement to pay
for legal services previously rendered and costs expended in connection with the
representation as well as a reasonable fee for copying the client’s file.
Whether individual members have any individual legal obligations to a
client is a matter of contract law, tort law, or court rules that is outside the scope of
rules governing lawyer conduct. Generally, individual lawyers have such
obligations only if provided for in the contract for representation. Nothing in this
rule or in the contract for representation may alter the ethical obligations that
individual lawyers have to clients as provided elsewhere in these rules.
It is anticipated that inIn most instances a lawyer leaving a law firm and the
law firm willshould engage in bona fide, good faith negotiations and craft a joint
communication providing adequate information to the client so that the client may
make a fully informed decision concerning future representation. In those
instances in which bona fide negotiations are unsuccessful, unilateral
communication may be made by the departing lawyer or the law firm. In
suchthose circumstances, great care should be taken to meet the obligation of
adequate communication and for this reason the specific requirements of
subdivisions (d)(1) &and (3) are provided.
Lawyers and firms should engage in bona fide, good faith negotiations
within a reasonable period of time following their knowledge of either the
anticipated change in firm composition or, if the anticipated change is unknown,
within a reasonable period of time after the change in firm composition. The
actual notification to clients should also occur within a reasonable period of time.
What is reasonable will depend on the circumstances, including the nature of the
matters in which the lawyer represented the clients and whether the affected clients
have deadlines that need to be met within a short period of time.
For purposes of this rule, clients who should be notified of the change in
firm composition include current clients for whom the departing lawyer has
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provided significant legal services with direct client contact. Clients need not be
notified of the departure of a lawyer with whom the client has had no direct
contact. Clients whose files are closed need not be notified unless the former client
contacts the firm, at which point the firm should notify the former client of the
departure of any lawyer who performed significant legal services for that former
client and had direct contact with that former client.
Although contact by telephone is not prohibited under this rule, proof of
compliance with the requirements of this rule may be difficult unless the
notification is in writing.
In order to comply with the requirements of this rule, both departing lawyers
and the law firm should be given access to the names and contact information of all
clients for whom the departing lawyer has provided significant legal services and
with whom the lawyer has had direct contact.
If neither the departing lawyer nor the law firm intends to continue
representation of the affected clients, they may either agree on a joint letter
providing that information to those clients, or may separately notify the affected
clients after bona fide, good faith negotiations have failed. Any obligation to give
the client reasonable notice, protect the client’s interests on withdrawal, and seek
permission of a court to withdraw may apply to both the departing lawyer and
lawyers remaining in the firm.
Most law firms have some written instrument creating the law firm and
specifying procedures to be employed upon dissolution of the firm. However,
when such an instrument does not exist or does not adequately provide for
procedures in the event of dissolution, the provisions of this rule are provided so
that dissolution of the law firm does not disproportionately affect client rights.
As in instances of a lawyer departing a law firm, lawyers involved in the
dissolution of law firms have a continuing obligation to provide adequate
information to a client so that the client may make informed decisions concerning
future representation.
The Florida Bar’s Law Office Management Advisory ServicePractice
Resource Institute has sample forms for notice to clients and sample partnership
and other contracts that are available to members. The forms may be accessed on
the bar’s website, www.flabar.orgwww.floridabar.org, or by calling The Florida
Bar headquarters in Tallahassee.
- 38 -
Lawyers involved in either a change in law firm composition or law firm
dissolution may have duties to notify the court if the representation is in litigation.
If the remaining law firm will continue the representation of the client, no
notification of the change in firm composition to the court may be required, but
such a notification may be advisable. If the departing lawyer will take over
representation of the client, a motion for substitution of counsel or a motion by the
firm to withdraw from the representation may be appropriate. If the departing
lawyer and the law firm have made the appropriate request for the client to select
either the departing lawyer or the law firm to continue the representation, but the
client has not yet responded, the law firm should consider notifying the court of the
change in firm composition, although under ordinary circumstances, absent an
agreement to the contrary, the firm will continue the representation in the interim.
If the departing lawyer and the law firm have agreed regarding who will continue
handling the client’s matters then, absent disagreement by the client, the agreement
normally will determine whether the departing lawyer or the law firm will continue
the representation.
RULE 4-7.18 DIRECT CONTACT WITH PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS
(a) Solicitation. Except as provided in subdivision (b) of this rule, a
lawyer may not:
(1) solicit in person, or permit employees or agents of the lawyer to
solicit in person on the lawyer’s behalf, professional employment from a
prospective client with whom the lawyer has no family or prior professional
relationship, in person or otherwise, when a significant motive for the lawyer’s
doing so is the lawyer’s pecuniary gain. The term “solicit” includes contact in
person, by telephone, telegraph, or facsimile, by electronic means that include real-
time communication face-to-face such as video telephone or video conference, or
by other communication directed to a specific recipient and includes any written
form of communication, including any electronic mail communication, directed to
a specific recipient and not meetingthat does not meet the requirements of
subdivision (b) of this rule and rules 4-7.11 through 4-7.17 of these rules.
(2) [No Change]
(b) Written Communication.
(1) [No Change]
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(2) Written communications to prospective clients for the purpose
of obtaining professional employment that are not prohibited by subdivision (b)(1)
are subject to the following requirements:
(A) [No Change]
(B) Each pageseparate enclosure of suchthe communication and
the face of an envelope containing the communication must be reasonably
prominently marked “advertisement” in ink that contrasts with both the
background it is printed on and other text appearing on the same page. If the
written communication is in the form of a self-mailing brochure or pamphlet, the
“advertisement” mark must be reasonably prominently marked on the address
panel of the brochure or pamphlet, and on each panel of the inside of the brochure
or pamphlet, and on each separate enclosure. If the written communication is sent
via electronic mail, the subject line must begin with the word “Advertisement.”
Brochures solicited by clients or prospective clients need not contain the
“advertisement” mark.
(C) – (H) [No Change]
(I) A written communication seeking employment by a specific
prospective client in a specific matter shallmust not reveal on the envelope, or on
the outside of a self-mailing brochure or pamphlet, the nature of the client’s legal
problem.
(3) The requirements in subdivision (b)(2) of this rule do not apply
to communications between lawyers, between lawyers and their own current and
former clients, or between lawyers and their own family members, or to
communications by the lawyer at a prospective client’s request.
COMMENTomment
[No Change]
- 40 -
RULE 5-1.1 TRUST ACCOUNTS
(a) Nature of Money or Property Entrusted to Attorney.
(1) Trust Account Required; Location of Trust Account;
Commingling Prohibited. A lawyer must hold in trust, separate from the lawyer’s
own property, funds and property of clients or third persons that are in a lawyer’s
possession in connection with a representation. All funds, including advances for
fees, costs, and expenses, must be kept in a separate federally insured bank, credit
union, or savings and loan association account maintained in the state where the
lawyer’s office is situated or elsewhere with the consent of the client or third
person and clearly labeled and designated as a trust account except:
(A) – (B) [No Change]
(2) Compliance with Client Directives. Trust funds may be
separately held and maintained other than in a bank, credit union, or savings and
loan association account if the lawyer receives written permission from the client
to do so and provided that written permission is received before maintaining the
funds other than in a separate account.
(3) [No Change]
(b) Application of Trust Funds or Property to Specific Purpose.
Money or other property entrusted to an attorneya lawyer for a specific purpose,
including advances for fees, costs, and expenses, is held in trust and must be
applied only to that purpose. Money and other property of clients coming into the
hands of an attorneya lawyer are not subject to counterclaim or setoff for attorney’s
fees, and a refusal to account for and deliver over suchthe property upon demand
shall be deemed ais conversion.
(c) Liens Permitted. This subchapter does not preclude the retention of
money or other property upon which the lawyer has a valid lien for services nor
does it preclude the payment of agreed fees from the proceeds of transactions or
collection.
(d) [No Change]
(e) Notice of Receipt of Trust Funds; Delivery; Accounting. UponOn
receiving funds or other property in which a client or third person has an interest, a
- 41 -
lawyer shallmust promptly notify the client or third person. Except as stated in this
rule or otherwise permitted by law or by agreement with the client, a lawyer
shallmust promptly deliver to the client or third person any funds or other property
that the client or third person is entitled to receive and, upon request by the client
or third person, shallmust promptly render a full accounting regarding suchthe
property.
(f) Disputed Ownership of Trust Funds. When in the course of
representation a lawyer is in possession of property in which 2 or more persons (1
of whom may be the lawyer) claim interests, the property shallmust be treated by
the lawyer as trust property, but the portion belonging to the lawyer or law firm
shallmust be withdrawn within a reasonable time after it becomes due unless the
right of the lawyer or law firm to receive it is disputed, in which event the portion
in dispute shallmust be kept separate by the lawyer until the dispute is resolved.
The lawyer shallmust promptly distribute all portions of the property as to which
the interests are not in dispute.
(g) Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) Program.
(1) Definitions. As used in this rule, the term:
(A) “Nominal or short term” describes funds of a client or third
person that, pursuant to subdivision (3), below, the lawyer has determined cannot
earn income for the client or third person in excess of the costs to secure the
income.
(B) – (C) [No Change]
(D) “Eligible Iinstitution” means any bank or savings and loan
association authorized by federal or state laws to do business in Florida and insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any state or federal credit union
authorized by federal or state laws to do business in Florida and insured by the
National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, or any successor insurance entities or
corporation(s) established by federal or state laws, or any open-end investment
company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and authorized
by federal or state laws to do business in Florida, all of which must meet the
requirements set out in subdivision (5), below.
(E) “Interest or dividend-bearing trust account” means a
federally insured checking account or investment product, including a daily
financial institution repurchase agreement or a money market fund. A daily
financial institution repurchase agreement must be fully collateralized by, and an
- 42 -
open-end money market fund must consist solely of, United States Government
Securities. A daily financial institution repurchase agreement may be established
only with an eligible institution that is deemed to be “well capitalized” or
“adequately capitalized” as defined by applicable federal statutes and regulations.
An open-end money market fund must hold itself out as a money market fund as
defined by applicable federal statutes and regulations under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, and have total assets of at least $250 million. The funds
covered by this rule shall beare subject to withdrawal upon request and without
delay.
(2) Required Participation. All nominal or short-term funds
belonging to clients or third persons that are placed in trust with any member of
The Florida Bar practicing law from an office or other business location within the
state of Florida shallmust be deposited into one or more IOTA accounts, unless the
funds may earn income for the client or third person in excess of the costs incurred
to secure the income, except as provided elsewhere in this chapter. Only trust
funds that are nominal or short term shallmust be deposited into an IOTA account.
The Florida bar member shallmust certify annually, in writing, that the bar member
is in compliance with, or is exempt from, the provisions of this rule.
(3) Determination of Nominal or Short-Term Funds. The lawyer
shallmust exercise good faith judgment in determining upon receipt whether the
funds of a client or third person are nominal or short term. In the exercise of this
good faith judgment, the lawyer shallmust consider such factors as the:
(A) the amount of a client’s or third person’s funds to be held
by the lawyer or law firm;
(B) the period of time suchthe funds are expected to be held;
(C) the likelihood of delay in the relevant transaction(s) or
proceeding(s);
(D) thelawyer or law firm’s cost to the lawyer or law firm of
establishing and maintaining an interest-bearing account or other appropriate
investment for the benefit of the client or third person; and
(E) minimum balance requirements and/or service charges or
fees imposed by the eligible institution.
The determination of whether a client’s or third person’s funds are
nominal or short term shall rests in the sound judgment of the lawyer or law firm.
- 43 -
No lawyer shallwill be charged with ethical impropriety or other breach of
professional conduct based on the exercise of suchthe lawyer’s good faith
judgment.
(4) Notice to Foundation. Lawyers or law firms shallmust advise
the Foundationfoundation, at Post Office Box 1553, Orlando, Florida 32802-
1553,its current location posted on The Florida Bar’s website, of the establishment
of an IOTA account for funds covered by this rule. SuchThe notice shallmust
include: the IOTA account number as assigned by the eligible institution; the
name of the lawyer or law firm on the IOTA account; the eligible institution name;
the eligible institution address; and the name and Florida Bar attorney number of
the lawyer, or of each member of The Florida Bar in a law firm, practicing from an
office or other business location within the state of Florida that has established the
IOTA account.
(5) Eligible Institution Participation in IOTA. Participation in the
IOTA program is voluntary for banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations,
and investment companies. Institutions that choose to offer and maintain IOTA
accounts must meet the following requirements:
(A) Interest Rates and Dividends. Eligible institutions
shallmust maintain IOTA accounts which pay the highest interest rate or dividend
generally available from the institution to its non-IOTA account customers when
IOTA accounts meet or exceed the same minimum balance or other account
eligibility qualifications, if any.
(B) Determination of Interest Rates and Dividends. In
determining the highest interest rate or dividend generally available from the
institution to its non-IOTA accounts in compliance with subdivision (5)(A), above,
eligible institutions may consider factors, in addition to the IOTA account balance,
customarily considered by the institution when setting interest rates or dividends
for its customers, provided that suchthese factors do not discriminate between
IOTA accounts and accounts of non-IOTA customers, and that these factors do not
include that the account is an IOTA account.
(C) Remittance and Reporting Instructions. Eligible institutions
shallmust:
(i) calculate and remit interest or dividends on the
balance of the deposited funds, in accordance with the
institution’s standard practice for non-IOTA account customers,
- 44 -
less reasonable service charges or fees, if any, in connection
with the deposited funds, at least quarterly, to the
Foundationfoundation;
(ii) transmit with each remittance to the
Foundationfoundation a statement showing the name of the
lawyer or law firm from whose IOTA account the remittance is
sent, the lawyer’s or law firm’s IOTA account number as
assigned by the institution, the rate of interest applied, the
period for which the remittance is made, the total interest or
dividend earned during the remittance period, the amount and
description of any service charges or fees assessed during the
remittance period, and the net amount of interest or dividend
remitted for the period; and
(iii) transmit to the depositing lawyer or law firm, for
each remittance, a statement showing the amount of interest or
dividend paid to the Foundationfoundation, the rate of interest
applied, and the period for which the statement is made.
(6) Small Fund Amounts. The Foundationfoundation may establish
procedures for a lawyer or law firm to maintain an interest-free trust account for
client and third-person funds that are nominal or short term when their nominal or
short-term trust funds cannot reasonably be expected to produce or have not
produced interest income net of reasonable eligible institution service charges or
fees.
(7) Confidentiality and Disclosure. The Foundation
shallfoundation must protect the confidentiality of information regarding a
lawyer’s or law firm’s trust account obtained by virtue of this rule. However, the
Foundation shallfoundation must, upon an official written inquiry of The Florida
Bar made in the course of an investigation conducted under these Rules Regulating
The Florida Bar, disclose requested relevant information about the location and
account numbers of lawyer or law firm trust accounts.
(h) Interest on Funds That Are Not Nominal or Short-Term. A lawyer
who holds funds for a client or third person and who determines that the funds are
not nominal or short-term as defined elsewhere in this subchapter shallmay not
receive benefit from any interest on funds held in trust.
- 45 -
(i) Unidentifiable Trust Fund Accumulations and Trust Funds Held
for Missing Owners. When an attorney’sa lawyer’s trust account contains an
unidentifiable accumulation of trust funds or property, or trust funds or property
held for missing owners, suchthe funds or property shall be somust be designated
as unidentifiable or held for missing owners. DiligentThe lawyer must make a
diligent search and inquiry shall then be made by the attorney to determine the
beneficial owner of any unidentifiable accumulation or the address of any missing
owner. If the beneficial owner of an unidentified accumulation is determined, the
funds shallmust be properly identified as the lawyer’s trust property in the lawyer’s
possession. If a missing beneficial owner is located, the trust funds or property
shallmust be paid over or delivered to the beneficial owner if the owner is then
entitled to receive the samefunds or property. Trust funds and property that remain
unidentifiable and funds or property that are held for missing owners after being
designated as such shall,must be disposed of as provided in applicable Florida law
after diligent search and inquiry fail to identify the beneficial owner or owner’s
address, be disposed of as provided in applicable Florida law.
(j) Disbursement against Uncollected Funds. A lawyer generally may
not use, endanger, or encumber money held in trust for a client for purposes of
carrying out the business of another client without the permission of the owner
given after full disclosure of the circumstances. However, certain categories of
trust account deposits are considered to carry a limited and acceptable risk of
failure so that disbursements of trust account funds may be made in reliance on
suchthese deposits without disclosure to and permission of affected clients owning
trust account funds subject to possibly being affected. Except for disbursements
based upon any of the 6 categories of limited-risk uncollected deposits enumerated
below, a lawyer may not disburse funds held for a client or on behalf of that client
unless the funds held for that client are collected funds. For purposes of this
provision, “collected funds” means funds deposited, finally settled, and credited to
the lawyer’s trust account. Notwithstanding that a deposit made to the lawyer’s
trust account has not been finally settled and credited to the account, theThe lawyer
may disburse uncollected funds from the trust account in reliance on suchthe
deposit when the deposit is made by a:
(1) when the deposit is made by certified check or cashier’s check;
(2) when the deposit is made by a check or draft representing loan
proceeds issued by a federally or state-chartered bank, savings bank, savings and
loan association, credit union, or other duly licensed or chartered institutional
lender;
- 46 -
(3) when the deposit is made by a bank check, official check,
treasurer’s check, money order, or other such instrument issued by a bank, savings
and loan association, or credit union when the lawyer has reasonable and prudent
grounds to believe the instrument will clear and constitute collected funds in the
lawyer’s trust account within a reasonable period of time;
(4) when the deposit is made by a check drawn on the trust account
of a lawyer licensed to practice in the state of Florida or on the escrow or trust
account of a real estate broker licensed under applicable Florida law when the
lawyer has a reasonable and prudent belief that the deposit will clear and constitute
collected funds in the lawyer’s trust account within a reasonable period of time;
(5) when the deposit is made by a check issued by the United
States, the Statestate of Florida, or any agency or political subdivision of the
Statestate of Florida;
(6) when the deposit is made by a check or draft issued by an
insurance company, title insurance company, or a licensed title insurance agency
authorized to do business in the state of Florida and the lawyer has a reasonable
and prudent belief that the instrument will clear and constitute collected funds in
the trust account within a reasonable period of time.
A lawyer’s disbursement of funds from a trust account in reliance on
deposits that are not yet collected funds in any circumstances other than those set
forth above, when it results in funds of other clients being used, endangered, or
encumbered without authorization, may be grounds for a finding of professional
misconduct. In any event, such a disbursement is at the risk of the lawyer making
the disbursement. If any of the deposits fail, the lawyer, upon obtaining
knowledge of the failure, must immediately act to protect the property of the
lawyer’s other clients. However, the lawyer will not be guilty of professional
misconduct if the lawyer accepting any such check that is later dishonored
personally pays the amount of any failed deposit or secures or arranges payment
from sources available to the lawyer other than trust account funds of other clients,
the lawyer shall not be considered guilty of professional misconduct.
(k) Overdraft Protection Prohibited. An attorney lawyer shallmust not
authorize overdraft protection for any account that contains trust funds.
COMMENTomment
A lawyer must hold property of others with the care required of a
professional fiduciary. This chapter requires maintenance of a bank or savings and
- 47 -
loan association account, clearly labeled as a trust account and in which only client
or third party trust funds are held.
Securities should be kept in a safe deposit box, except when some other
form of safekeeping is warranted by special circumstances.
All property that is the property of clients or third persons should be kept
separate from the lawyer’s business and personal property and, if money, in 1 or
more trust accounts, unless requested otherwise in writing by the client. Separate
trust accounts may be warranted when administering estate money or acting in
similar fiduciary capacities.
A lawyer who holds funds for a client or third person and who determines
that the funds are not nominal or short term as defined elsewhere in this subchapter
should hold the funds in a separate interest-bearing account with the interest
accruing to the benefit of the client or third person unless directed otherwise in
writing by the client or third person.
Lawyers often receive funds from which the lawyer’s fee will be paid. The
lawyer is not required to remit to the client funds that the lawyer reasonably
believes represent fees owed. However, a lawyer may not hold funds to coerce a
client into accepting the lawyer’s contention. The disputed portion of the funds
must be kept in a trust account and the lawyer should suggest means for prompt
resolution of the dispute, such as arbitration. The undisputed portion of the funds
shallmust be promptly distributed.
Third parties, such as a client’s creditors, may have lawful claims against
funds or other property in a lawyer’s custody. A lawyer may have a duty under
applicable law to protect suchthese third-party claims against wrongful interference
by the client. When the lawyer has a duty under applicable law to protect the third-
party claim and the third-party claim is not frivolous under applicable law, the
lawyer must refuse to surrender the property to the client until the claims are
resolved. However, a lawyer should not unilaterally assume to arbitrate a dispute
between the client and the third party, and, where appropriate, the lawyer should
consider the possibility of depositing the property or funds in dispute into the
registry of the applicable court so that the matter may be adjudicated.
The Supreme Court of Florida has held that lawyer trust accounts may be the
proper target of garnishment actions. See,See Arnold, Matheny and Eagan, P.A. v.
First American Holdings, Inc., 982 So. 2d 628 (Fla. 2008). Under certain
circumstances lawyers may have a legal duty to protect funds in the lawyer’s trust
- 48 -
account that have been assigned to doctors, hospitals, or other health care providers
directly or designated as Medpay by an insurer. See The Florida Bar v. Silver, 788
So. 2d 958 (Fla. 2001); The Florida Bar v. Krasnove, 697 So. 2d 1208 (Fla. 1997);
The Florida Bar v. Neely, 587 So. 2d 465 (Fla. 1991); Florida Ethics Opinion 02-4.
The obligations of a lawyer under this chapter are independent of those
arising from activity other than rendering legal services. For example, a lawyer
who serves only as an escrow agent is governed by the applicable law relating to
fiduciaries even though the lawyer does not render legal services in the transaction
and is not governed by this rule. However, where a lawyer is an escrow agent and
represents a party to a transaction involving the escrowed funds, the Supreme
Court of Florida has held that lawyers acting as escrow agents have a fiduciary
duty to protect the interests of all parties having an interest in escrowed funds
whether the funds are in a lawyer’s trust account or a separate escrow account. The
Florida Bar v. Golden, 566 So. 2d 1286 (Fla. 1990); see also The Florida Bar v.
Hines, 39 So. 3d 1196 (Fla. 2010); The Florida Bar v. Marrero, 157 So. 3d 1020(Fla. 2015).
Each lawyer is required to be familiar with and comply with the Rules
Regulating Trust Accounts as adopted by the Supreme Court of Florida.
Money or other property entrusted to a lawyer for a specific purpose,
including advances for fees, costs, and expenses, is held in trust and must be
applied only to that purpose. Money and other property of clients coming into the
hands of a lawyer are not subject to counterclaim or setoff for attorney’s fees, and
a refusal to account for and deliver over suchthe property upon demand shallmust
be a conversion. This does not preclude the retention of money or other property
upon which a lawyer has a valid lien for services or to preclude the payment of
agreed fees from the proceeds of transactions or collections.
Advances for fees and costs (funds against which costs and fees are billed)
are the property of the client or third party paying same on a client’s behalf and are
required to be maintained in trust, separate from the lawyer’s property. Retainers
are not funds against which future services are billed. Retainers are funds paid to
guarantee the future availability of the lawyer’s legal services and are earned by
the lawyer upon receipt. Retainers, being funds of the lawyer, may not be placed
in the client’s trust account.
The test of excessiveness found elsewhere in the Rules Regulating The
Florida Bar applies to all fees for legal services including retainers, nonrefundable
retainers, and minimum or flat fees.
- 49 -
RULE 5-1.2 TRUST ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND PROCEDURES
(a) – (b) [No Change]
(c) Responsibility of Lawyers for Firm Trust Accounts and Reporting.
(1) Every law firm with more than 1 lawyer must have a written
plan in place for supervision and compliance with this rule for each of the firm’s
trust account(s), which plan must be disseminated to each lawyer in the firm. The
written plan must include the name(s) of the lawyer(s) who sign trust account
checkssignatories for the law firm’s trust accounts, the name(s) of the lawyer(s)
who are responsible for reconciliation of the law firm’s trust account(s) monthly
and annually and the name(s) of the lawyer(s) who are responsible for answering
any questions that lawyers in the firm may have about the firm’s trust account(s).
This written plan must be updated and re-issued to each lawyer in the firm
whenever there are material changes to the plan, such as a change in the lawyer(s)
signing trust account checkssignatories and/or lawyer(s) responsible for
reconciliation of the firm’s trust account(s).
(2) [No Change]
(d) – (f) [No Change]
(g) Audits. Any of the following are cause for The Florida Bar to order an
audit of a trust account:
(1) failure to file the trust account certificate required by this rule
5-1.2(c)(5);
(2) report of trust account violations or errors to staff counsel under
this rule;
(23) return of a trust account check for insufficient funds or for
uncollected funds, absent bank error;
(34) filing of a petition for creditor relief on behalf of a lawyer;
(45) filing of felony charges against a lawyer;
- 50 -
(56) adjudication of insanity or incompetence or hospitalization of a
lawyer under The Florida Mental Health Act;
(67) filing of a claim against a lawyer with the Clients’ Security Fund;
(78) when requestedrequest by the chair or vice chair of a grievance
committee or the board of governors;
(89) on court order; or
(910) on entry of an order of disbarment, on consent or otherwise.
(h) – (i) [No Change]
RULE 6-3.7 INACTIVE STATUS
(a) Purpose. Inactive status as to board certification under chapter 6,
Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, is available to eligible members who apply and
qualify under this rule.
(b) Applicability. Eligible members are:
(1) Judicial Officers. A board certified member who is appointed
or elected as a judicial officer will be permitted to retain board certification in an
inactive status if the member files a properly executed application and if the
member is determined eligible under this rule. For purposes of this rule, the term
“judicial officer” includes:
(A) members of the United States Constitution Article III
federal judiciary;
(B) justices of the Supreme Court of Florida;
(C) judges of the district courts of appeal;
(D) judges of the circuit and county courts;
(E) administrative law judges;
(F) magistrates employed through the court system who are
prohibited from practicing law;
- 51 -
(G) masters employed through the court system who are
prohibited from practicing law; and
(H) any other judicial officers, as determined by the BLSE who
are prohibited from practicing law.
(2) Law Professors. A board certified member who does not
practice law or ceases to practice law for the purpose of teaching law will be
permitted to retain board certification in an inactive status if the member files a
properly executed application and is determined eligible under this rule. The
member must agree not to practice law if granted inactive status under this rule.
For purposes of this rule, the term “teaching” includes only accredited law school
and graduate law courses.
(3) Professional Neutrals. A board certified member who does not
practice law or ceases to practice law for the purpose of being or becoming a
mediator, arbitrator or voluntary trial resolution judge will be permitted to retain
board certification in an inactive status if the member files a properly executed
application and is determined eligible under this rule. The member must agree not
to practice law if granted inactive status under this rule.
(4) Military Personnel. A board certified member who is called to
active duty will be permitted to retain board certification in an inactive status if the
member files a properly executed application and is determined eligible under this
rule. The member will be exempt from the continuing legal education required for
recertification applicable to the member’s practice area during the period of active
military duty.
(5) Extended Substantial Hardship Cases. A board certified
member who is not otherwise eligible under this rule, but is unable to practice law
because of a unique substantial and material hardship, medical or otherwise, may
be permitted to retain board certification in an inactive status if the member files an
application that is approved by the BLSE. The BLSE may impose terms and
conditions, waive any requirements, or extend the time within which recertification
requirements must be met. The BLSE may seek the advice of the relevant area
certification committee in determining whether to grant the application, what
conditions should be imposed, or what waivers should be granted.
(6) Not Currently Certified Members. During the 2 years following
the effective date of this policy, any member who voluntarily relinquished board
- 52 -
certification before the effective date of this rule, but who is otherwise eligible for
inactive status, may be granted inactive status on approval by the BLSE.
(c) Qualifications.
(1) Compliance with Policies. A member who is granted board
certified inactive status must maintain an active membership with The Florida Bar,
obtain continuing legal education credits required for recertification applicable to
the member’s practice area (unless otherwise exempt under the policies), and
otherwise comply with the applicable rules and policies governing board
certification. The member’s 5-year recertification cycle will remain intact and the
member must report completion of the continuing legal education credits at the end
of each 5-year cycle, unless otherwise exempt under the policies.
(2) Annual Confirmation of Inactive Status. A member who is
granted board certified inactive status must confirm continued eligibility on an
annual basis on a form approved by the BLSE.
(3) Communication. While board certified inactive, the member
must use the phrase “board certified inactive” and include the practice area as a
means by which to distinguish board certification. On reactivation, the member
may communicate board certification as otherwise permitted in the Rules
Regulating The Florida Bar.
(4) Annual Fee. A member who is board certified inactive status
must pay an annual fee equal to one-half of the fee required of board certified
members.
(d) Revocation or Relinquishment of Board Certified Inactive Status.
(1) Revocation for Noncompliance. The BLSE can revoke board
certified inactive status if the member fails to comply with the policies or as
provided under policy 2.15. On revocation, the member cannot use the phrase
“board certified inactive.” Unless and until the member is reactivated to board
certified status, the member cannot use the phrase “board certified,” or any other
term permitted for use by board certified lawyers in the Rules Regulating The
Florida Bar. If revocation is considered, the same notice and hearing provisions set
forth in BLSE policy 2.15(d) apply.
(2) Relinquishment. A board certified inactive member must notify
the BLSE in writing within 90 days if the member no longer qualifies for, or
desires to retain, inactive status. The member must cease to use the phrase “board
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certified inactive” and must immediately apply for reactivation of board
certification or relinquish board certification.
(e) Reactivation to Board Certified Status and Recertification.
(1) Reactivation Requirements. If the member no longer qualifies
for, or desires to retain, board certified inactive status, the member may apply for
reactivation of board certification within 90 days. The member must demonstrate
compliance with the continuing legal education requirement for the applicable
practice area, unless otherwise exempt under the policies, be a member in good
standing with The Florida Bar who is eligible to practice law in Florida, and
otherwise comply with the applicable rules and policies governing board
certification. On review that the requirements have been satisfied, board
certification will be reactivated.
(2) Reactivation Fee. Members who apply for reactivation of
board certification must pay a fee equal to one-half of the fee required to apply for
recertification.
(3) Recertification after Reactivation. On reactivation, the member
must apply for recertification by the application filing deadline consistent with the
member’s 5-year certification cycle. The requirements for recertification may be
prorated by the relevant area certification committee if approved by the BLSE.
6-31 STANDARDS FOR BOARD CERTIFICATION IN INTERNATIONAL
LITIGATION AND ARBITRATION
RULE 6-31.1 GENERALLY
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, eligible to
practice law in Florida, and meets the standards prescribed below may be issued a
certificate identifying the lawyer as “Board Certified in International Litigation and
Arbitration.” The purpose of the standards is to identify those lawyers who have
the special knowledge, skills, and proficiency, as well as the character, ethics, and
reputation for professionalism, to be properly identified to the public as board
certified in international litigation and arbitration.
RULE 6-31.2 DEFINITIONS
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(a) International Litigation and Arbitration. “International litigation
and arbitration” is the practice of law dealing with disputes in court or arbitration
arising from the relations between or among states and international organizations
as well as the relations between or among nationals of different states, or between a
state and a national of another state. The term “international litigation and
arbitration” includes foreign and comparative law.
(b) Practice of Law. The “practice of law” for this area is defined as set
out in rule 6-3.5(c)(1). Practice of law that otherwise satisfies these requirements
but that is on a part-time basis will satisfy the requirement if the balance of the
applicant’s qualifying activity is spent as a teacher of international litigation and
arbitration subjects in an accredited law school.
(c) International Litigation and Arbitration Certification Committee.
The international litigation and arbitration certification committee will consist of 9
members. The international litigation and arbitration committee members will
initially be appointed according to the criteria set forth in rule 6-3.2(a).
RULE 6-31.3 MINIMUM STANDARDS
The applicant must demonstrate the following on a form approved by the
committee, which may require additional written or oral supplementation.
(a) Minimum Period of Practice. The applicant must have engaged in
the practice of law, either in the United States or abroad, and must have been a
member in good standing and eligible to practice law in their jurisdiction not less
than 5 years as of the date of application. The years of law practice need not be
consecutive. Receipt of an LL.M degree in international law, as defined in rule 6-
21.2(a), or in another field, may be approved by the international litigation and
arbitration certification committee to constitute 1 year of the practice of law
requirement, but not the 5-year bar membership requirement, specified in this
subdivision.
(b) Substantial Involvement. The applicant must demonstrate substantial
involvement in the practice of international litigation and/or arbitration during each
of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of application. The applicant must
have substantial involvement in contested international litigation and arbitration
cases sufficient to demonstrate special competence as an international litigation
and arbitration lawyer. Substantial involvement includes active participation in
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client interviewing, counseling and investigating, preparation of pleadings and
arbitration submissions, participation in discovery, taking of testimony,
presentation of evidence, negotiation of settlement, drafting and preparation of
settlement agreements, and argument and trial of international cases in court or
before an arbitral panel, or service as an arbitrator. For purposes of this section,
time devoted to lecturing on or writing about international litigation and arbitration
may be included.
(c) Minimum Number of Matters. The applicant must have had
substantial involvement in a minimum of 16 contested international litigation and
arbitration matters during the 8-year period immediately preceding application.
These matters must have proceeded at least to the filing of a complaint or similar
preceding, statement of claim, or demand for arbitration, and involve substantial
legal or factual issues. At least 5 of the 16 matters must have been submitted to the
trier of fact for resolution of 1 or more contested factual issues through the
presentation of live testimony or other evidence at a hearing. The trier of fact
includes any judge or jury of a court of general jurisdiction, an arbitration panel,
administrative agency, bankruptcy court, or other similar body. “Submission to the
trier of fact” requires completion of the case in chief of the plaintiff, petitioner, or
claimant, or the actual submission of a motion for summary judgement or the
response to that motion. The international litigation and arbitration certification
committee may consider involvement in protracted adversary proceedings to
satisfy any of these requirements. A “protracted adversary proceeding” is an
international litigation and arbitration matter that is so time consuming it precludes
the applicant from meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
In order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this section, the
following criteria will be applicable:
(1) summary judgments may not count for more than 3 of the 5
contested matters submitted to the trier of fact;
(2) submission to the trier of fact, other than as to summary
judgment, requires completion of the case in chief of the plaintiff, petitioner, or
claimant, or the equivalent in arbitration;
(3) each preliminary injunction or other evidentiary hearing will
count as 1 of the 5 matters submitted to the trier of fact; and
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(4) each matter in which the applicant supervises an associate will
qualify the matter as 1 of the 16, but not as 1 of the 5 matters submitted to the trier
of fact.
(d) Education. The applicant must demonstrate that during the 5-year
period immediately preceding the date of application, the applicant has completed
at least 50 hours of continuing legal education in the field of international litigation
and arbitration according to the policies established by the committee or the board
of legal specialization and education. This requirement can be met through the
following activities to the extent that they are focused on international litigation
and arbitration:
(1) attendance at continuing legal education seminars;
(2) satisfactory completion of graduate-level law school courses
while enrolled in an LL.M program in international law or comparative law;
(3) satisfactory completion of graduate-level law school courses
involving international law aspects while enrolled in a graduate law program;
(4) lecturing at continuing legal education seminars;
(5) authoring articles on books or teaching courses at an accredited
law school.
(e) Peer Review. The applicant must submit the names and addresses of 5
lawyers or judges who are neither relatives nor current associates or partners of the
applicant to attest to the applicant’s substantial involvement, practical experience,
and special competence in international litigation and/or arbitration, as well as the
applicant’s character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism. The international
litigation and arbitration certification committee may send reference forms to other
lawyers and judges.
(f) Examination. The applicant must pass an examination administered
uniformly to all applicants to demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and
proficiency in international litigation and arbitration to justify the representation of
special competence to the legal profession and the public.
(g) Exemption. An applicant who has been substantially involved in
international litigation and arbitration for a minimum of 20 years and who
otherwise fulfills the standards set forth in rule 6-3.5(d) and this subchapter is
exempt from the examination. This exemption is applicable only to those
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applicants who apply within the first 2 application filing periods from the effective
date of these standards.
RULE 6-31.4 INTERNATIONAL LITIGATION AND ARBITRATION
RECERTIFICATION
During the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of application for
recertification, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements for
recertification:
(a) Substantial Involvement. The applicant must demonstrate continuous
and substantial involvement in the practice of international litigation and
arbitration since the last date of certification or recertification. The demonstration
of substantial involvement must be made in accordance with the standards set forth
in this subchapter.
(b) Matters. The applicant must have had substantial involvement in a
minimum of 10 contested international litigation and arbitration matters during the
5-year period immediately preceding reapplication. These matters must have
proceeded at least to the filing of a complaint or similar pleading, statement of
claim, or demand for arbitration, and involve substantial legal or factual issues. At
least 3 of the 10 matters must have been submitted to the trier of fact for resolution
of 1 or more contested factual issues through the presentation of live testimony or
other evidence at a hearing. The trier of fact includes any judge or jury of a court
of general jurisdiction, and arbitration panel, administrative agency, bankruptcy
court, or other similar body. “Submission to the trier of fact” requires completion
of the case in chief of the plaintiff, petitioner, or claimant, or the actual submission
of a motion for summary judgement or response to that motion. The international
litigation and arbitration certification committee may consider involvement in
protracted adversary proceedings to satisfy any of these requirements for good
cause shown. A “protracted adversary proceeding” is an international litigation and
arbitration matter that is so time consuming it precludes the applicant from meeting
the requirements of this subdivision.
The applicant must demonstrate compliance on a form approved by the
committee using the following criteria:
(1) summary judgments may not count as more than 1 of the 3 matters
submitted to the trier of fact;
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(2) submission to the trier of fact, other than as to summary judgment,
requires completion of the case in chief of the plaintiff, petitioner, or claimant, or
the equivalent in arbitration;
(3) each preliminary injunction or other evidentiary hearing will count
as 1 of the 3 matters submitted to the trier of fact; and
(4) each matter in which the applicant supervises an associate will
qualify as 1 of the 10, but not as 1 of the 3, matters submitted to the trier of fact.
(c) Education. The applicant must show completion of at least 50 hours
of approved continuing legal education in international litigation and arbitration
since the filing of the last application for certification as provided in this
subchapter.
(d) Peer Review. The applicant must submit the names and addresses of 5
other lawyers or judges who are familiar with the applicant’s practice, excluding
individuals who currently are employed by the same employer as the applicant, and
who can attest to the applicant’s special competence and substantial involvement in
international litigation and arbitration, as well as the applicant’s character, ethics,
and reputation for professionalism. The international litigation and arbitration
certification committee may send reference forms to other lawyers and judges.
RULE 10-2.1 GENERALLY
Whenever used in these rules the following words or terms shall have the
following meaning herein set forth unless the use thereof shall clearly indicateof
the word or term clearly indicates a different meaning:
(a) Unlicensed Practice of Law. The unlicensed practice of law shall
meanmeans the practice of law, as prohibited by statute, court rule, and case law of
the state of Florida.
(b) Paralegal or Legal Assistant. A paralegal or legal assistant is a
person qualified by education, training, or work experience, who works under the
supervision of a member of The Florida Bar, an out-of-state lawyer engaged in the
authorized practice of law in Florida or a foreign lawyer engaged in the authorized
practice of law in Florida and who performs specifically delegated substantive
legal work for which a member of The Florida Barthe supervising lawyer is
responsible. A nonlawyer or a group of nonlawyers may not offer legal services
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directly to the public by employing a lawyer to provide the lawyer supervision
required under this rule. It shall constituteconstitutes the unlicensed practice of
law for a person who does not meet the definition of paralegal or legal assistant to
use the title paralegal, legal assistant, or other similar term in offering to provide or
in providing services directly to the public.
(c) Nonlawyer or Nonattorney. For purposes of this chapter, a
nonlawyer or nonattorney is an individual who is not a member of The Florida Bar.
This includes, but is not limited to, lawyers admitted in other jurisdictions, law
students, law graduates, applicants to The Florida Bar, disbarred lawyers, and
lawyers who have resigned from The Florida Bar. A suspended lawyer, while a
member of The Florida Bar during the period of suspension as provided elsewhere
in these rules, does not have the privilege of practicing law in Florida during the
period of suspension. For purposes of this chapter, it shall constituteconstitutes the
unlicensed practice of law for a lawyer admitted in a jurisdiction other than Florida
to advertise to provide legal services in Florida which the lawyer is not authorized
to provide.
(d) This Court or the Court. This court or the court shall meanmeans the
Supreme Court of Florida.
(e) Bar Counsel. Bar counsel is a member of The Florida Bar
representing The Florida Bar in any proceeding under these rules and includes
UPL counsel and UPL staff counsel.
(f) – (l) [No Change]
(m) Designated Reviewer. The designated reviewer is a member of the
board of governors responsible for review and other specific duties as assigned by
the board of governors with respect to a particular circuit committee or matter. If a
designated reviewer recuses or is unavailable, any other board member may serve
as designated reviewer in that matter. The designated reviewer will be selected,
from time to time, by the board members from the circuit of suchthat circuit
committee. If circuits have an unequal number of circuit committees and board
members, review responsibility will be reassigned, from time to time, to equalize
workloads. On such reassignments, responsibility for all pending cases from a
particular committee passes to the new designated reviewer. UPL staff counsel
will be given written notice of changes in the designated reviewing members for a
particular committee.
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(n) Executive Committee. The executive committee is the executive
committee of the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar. All acts and discretion
required by the board under these rules may be exercised by its executive
committee between meetings of the board as may from time to time be authorized
by standing policies of the board of governors.
RULE 10-3.2 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE
It shall beis the duty of the standing committee to receive and evaluate
circuit committee reports and to determine whether litigation should be instituted
in the court against any alleged offender. The standing committee may approve
civil injunctive proceedings, indirect criminal contempt proceedings, or a
combination of both, or such other action as may be appropriate. In addition, the
duties of the standing committee shall include, but are not be limited to:
(a) [No Change]
(b) the supervision of the circuit committees, which shall includeincludes,
but is not be limited to:
(1) – (4) [No Change]
(5) exercising final authority to accept a cease and desist affidavit in
cases proposed to be resolved by cease and desist affidavit where UPL counsel or
bar counsel objects to the acceptance of a cease and desist affidavit; and
(6) [No Change]
(7) exercising final authority to accept a cease and desist affidavit
with restitution to the complainant(s) in cases proposed by the circuit committee to
be resolved by a cease and desist affidavit that includes restitution;
(78) joining with a circuit committee in a particular investigation;
(89) assigning staff investigators and bar counsel to conduct
investigations on behalf of or in concert with the circuit committees; and
(910) suspending circuit committee members and chairs for cause and
appointing a temporary circuit committee chair where there has been a suspension,
resignation, or removal, pending the appointment of a permanent chair by the
board of governors;
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(c) the initiation and supervision of litigation, including the delegation of
responsibility to bar counsel to prosecute suchthe litigation;
(d) the giving of advice regarding the unlicensed practice of law policy to
the officers, board of governors, staff, sections, or committees of The Florida Bar
as requested; and
(e) [No Change]
RULE 10-4.1 GENERALLY
(a) Appointment and Terms. Each circuit committee shallwill be
appointed by the court on advice of the board of governors and shallwill consist of
not fewer than 3 members, at least one-third of whom shallwill be nonlawyers. All
appointees shallmust be residents of the circuit or have their principal office in the
circuit. The terms of the members of circuit committees shall be forare 3 years
from the date of appointment by the court or until such time as their successors are
appointed and qualified. Continuous service of a member shallmay not exceed 2
consecutive 3-year terms. A member shallmay not be reappointed for a period of 1
year after the end of the member’s second term provided, however, the expiration
of the term of any member shallwill not disqualify that member from concluding
any investigations pending before that member. Any member of a circuit
committee may be removed from office by the board of governors.
(b) Committee Chair. For eEach circuit committee there shall bewill
have a chair designated by the designated reviewer of that committee. A vice-chair
and secretary may be designated by the chair of each circuit committee. The chair
shallmust be a member of The Florida Bar.
(c) Quorum. Three members of the circuit committee or a majority of the
members, whichever is less, shall constitute a quorum.
(d) Panels. The circuit committee may be divided into panels of not fewer
than 3 members, 1 of whom must be a nonlawyer. Division of the circuit
committee into panels shallwill only be upon concurrence of the designated
reviewer and the chair of the circuit committee. The 3-member panel shallwill
elect 1 of its members to preside over the panel’s actions. If the chair or vice-chair
of the circuit committee is a member of a 3-member panel, the chair or vice-chair
shallmust be the presiding officer.
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(e) Duties. It shall beis the duty of each circuit committee to investigate,
with dispatch, all reports of unlicensed practice of law and to make prompt report
of its investigation and findings to bar counsel. In addition, the duties of the circuit
committee shall include, but are not be limited to:
(1) [No Change]
(2) exercising final authority to close a case with the acceptance of
a letter of advice except those cases to which UPL staff counsel objects to the
closing of the case with a letter of advice;
(23) exercising final authority to close cases proposed to be resolved
by cease and desist affidavit except those cases to which UPL staff counsel objects
to the acceptance of a cease and desist affidavit;
(34) forwarding to bar counsel for review by the standing committee
recommendations for closing cases by a cease and desist affidavit that includes a
monetary penalty not to exceed $500 per incident; and
(5) forwarding to bar counsel for review by the standing committee
recommendations for closing cases by a cease and desist affidavit that includes
restitution to the complainant(s); and
(4)(6) forwarding to UPL staff counsel recommendations for litigation
to be reviewed by the standing committee.
(f) [No Change]
(g) Recusal. NoA member of a circuit committee shallmay not perform
any circuit committee function when that member:
(1) – (4) [No Change]
UponOn notice of any of the above prohibitions the affected members
should recuse themselves from further proceedings. The circuit committee chair
shall havehas the power to disqualify any member from any proceeding in which
any of the above prohibitions exists and is stated of record or in writing in the file
by the chair.
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RULE 10-5.2 DISQUALIFICATION AS ATTORNEYLAWYER FOR
RESPONDENT DUE TO CONFLICT
(a) Members of the Standing Committee on UPL (Standing
Committee), Members of the Circuit UPL Committees (Circuit Committees),
Members of the Board of Governors, and Employees of The Florida Bar. No
member of the standing committee, member of a circuit committee, member of the
Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, or employee of The Florida Bar shall
represent a party other than The Florida Bar in UPL proceedings authorized under
these rules.
(b) Former Members of the Standing Committee, Former Members of
the Circuit Committees, Former Board Members, and Former Employees.
No former member of the standing committee, former member of a circuit
committee, former member of the board of governors, or former employee of The
Florida Bar shall represent any party other than The Florida Bar in UPL
proceedings authorized under these rules if personally involved to any degree in
the matter while a member of the standing committee, circuit committee, board of
governors, or while an employee of The Florida Bar.
A former member of the standing committee, former member of a circuit
committee, former member of the board of governors, or former employee of The
Florida Bar who did not participate personally in any way in the matter or in any
related matter in which the attorney seeks to be a representative, and who did not
serve in a supervisory capacity over such matter, shall not represent any party
except The Florida Bar for 1 year after such service without the express consent of
the board.
(c) Partners, Associates, Employers, or Employees of the Firms of
Standing Committee Members, Circuit Committee Members, or Board of
Governors Members Precluded From Representing Parties Other Than The
Florida Bar. Members of the firms of board of governors members, standing
committeee members, or circuit committee members shall not represent any party
other than The Florida Bar in UPL proceedings authorized under these rules
without the express consent of the board.
(d) Partners, Associates, Employers, or Employees of the Firms of
Former Standing Committee Members, Former Circuit Committee Members,
or Former Board of Governors Members Precluded From Representing
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Parties Other Than The Florida Bar. Attorneys in the firms of former board of
governors members, former standing committee members, or former circuit
committee members shall not represent any party other than The Florida Bar in
UPL proceedings authorized under these rules for 1 year after the former member's
service without the express consent of the board.
(a) Representation Prohibited. Lawyers may not represent a party other
than The Florida Bar in unlicensed practice of law proceedings authorized by these
rules if they are:
(1) currently serving on the standing committee, a circuit
committee, or the board;
(2) employees of The Florida Bar; or
(3) former members of the standing committee, a circuit
committee, the board and former employees of The Florida Bar if personally
involved to any degree in the matter while a member of the standing committee, a
circuit committee, the board or while an employee of The Florida Bar.
(b) Representation Permitted With Consent by the Board of
Governors. Lawyers may represent a party other than The Florida Bar in
unlicensed practice of law proceedings authorized by these rules only after
receiving consent from the executive director or board of governors if they are:
(1) former members of the standing committee, a circuit
committee, the board, or former employees of The Florida Bar who did not
participate personally in any way in the matter or in any related matter in which the
lawyer seeks to be a representative, and who did not serve in a supervisory
capacity over the matter within 1 year of the service or employment;
(2) a partner, associate, employer, or employee of a member of the
standing committee, a circuit committee, or the board; or
(3) a partner, associate, employer, or employee of a former member
of the standing committee, a circuit committee, or the board within 1 year of the
former member’s service on the committee or board.
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RULE 10-6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS AND DISPOSITION OF
COMPLAINTS
(a) Circuit Committee Action. UponOn concluding its investigation, the
circuit committee shallwill report to bar counsel regarding the disposition of those
cases closed, those cases where a letter of advice has been given, those cases where
a cease and desist affidavit has been accepted, those cases where a cease and desist
affidavit with monetary penalty has been recommended, and those cases where
litigation is recommended. A majority of those present is required for all circuit
committee recommendations; however, the vote may be taken by mail or telephone
rather than at a formal meeting. All recommendations for a cease and desist
affidavit with monetary penalty shallmust be reviewed by the standing committee
for final approval. All recommendations for litigation under these rules shallmust
be reviewed by the standing committee and a designated reviewer for final
approval prior to initiating litigation.
(b) Action by Bar Counsel Objection to Action of Circuit Committee.
Bar counsel shall review the disposition reports of the circuit committee. If bar
counsel objects to any action taken by the circuit committee, bar counsel shall
forward such objection to the circuit committee within 10 days of receipt of the
circuit committee report. Bar counsel shall place the action and objection the
action and objection will be placed before the standing committee for review at its
next scheduled meeting for a. The standing committee shall review the circuit
committee action and the objection, and shall vote on the final disposition of the
case. Once a case is closed or a cease and desist affidavit is accepted by the circuit
committee or by the standing committee, bar counsel shall inform the complainant
and, if contacted, the respondent of the disposition of the complaintBar counsel
will inform the complainant of the complaint’s disposition. Bar counsel will notify
a respondent of the complaint’s disposition if the bar has contacted the respondent
about the complaint.
(c) Review by Designated Reviewer. A designated reviewer shall
reviewAll recommendations by the standing committee that litigation be initiated
must be reviewed by a designated reviewer. TheIf the designated reviewer
shalldoes not act on the recommendation within 21 days following the mailing date
of the notice of standing committee action, otherwise the standing committee
action shallwill become final. If the designated reviewer disagrees with all or any
part of the recommendation for litigation, the designated reviewer shallwill make a
report and recommendation to the board of governors and the board will make a
final determination regarding the litigation.
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RULE 10-9.1 PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF ADVISORY
OPINIONS ON THE UNLICENSED PRACTICE OF LAW
(a) Definitions.
(1) Committee. The committee is the standing committee on UPL as
constituted according to the directives contained in these rules.
(2) Petitioner. An petitioner is an individual or organization seeking
guidance as to the applicability, in a hypothetical situation, of the state’s
prohibitions against the unlicensed practice of law.
(3) Public Notice. PublicationPublic notice is publication in a
newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the hearing will be held
and in The Florida Bar NewsNews.
(4) Court. The court is the Supreme Court of Florida (or suchany
other court in the state of Florida as the supreme court may designate).
(b) Requests for Advisory Opinions. A petitioner requesting a formal
advisory opinion concerning activities that may constitute the unlicensed practice
of law shall do so by sending the request in writing addressed to The UPL
Department, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida
32399-2300. The request for an advisory opinion shall state in detail to the extent
practicable the operative facts upon which the request for opinion is based and
contain the name and address of the petitioner.A petitioner may request a formal
advisory opinion concerning activity that may constitute the unlicensed practice of
law by sending a question to The Florida Bar’s UPL Department at the bar’s
headquarters address in Tallahassee. The question must be in writing, state all
operative facts, and ask whether the activity constitutes the unlicensed practice of
law. The request shallwill be reviewed by UPL staff counsel. If the request
complies with the requirements of thethis rule as stated herein, the request will be
placed on the agenda for the next scheduled meeting of the committee. At that
meeting, the committee will determine whether to accept the request, such
determination beingwhich is within the discretion of the committee. ShouldIf the
committee accepts the request, a public hearing as provided in rule 10-9.1(f)
shallelsewhere in this rule will be scheduled.
(c) Limitations on Advisory Opinions. No advisory opinion shallmay be
rendered with respect to any case or controversy pending in any court or tribunal in
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this jurisdiction or any matter currently the subject of an unlicensed practice of law
or grievance investigation by The Florida Barand no informal opinion shall be
issued except as provided in rule 10-9.1(g)(1). However, the committee shallwill
hold a public hearing and issue a proposed formal advisory opinion under
circumstances described by the court in Harold Goldberg v. Merrill Lynch Credit
Corporation Corp., 35 So. 3d 905 (Fla. 2010), when the petitioner is a party to a
lawsuit and that suit has been stayed or dismissed without prejudice. No informal
advisory opinion will be issued except as provided elsewhere in these rules.
(d) Services of Voluntary Counsel. The committee shall be empowered
tomay request and accept the voluntary services of a person licensed to practice in
this state when the committee deems it advisable to receive written or oral advice
regarding the question presented by the petitioner.
(e) Conflict of Interest. Committee members shallwill not participate in
any matter in which they have either a material pecuniary interest that would be
affected by a proposedan advisory opinion or committee recommendation or any
other conflict of interest that should prevent them from participating. However, no
action of the committee will be invalid where full disclosure has been made and
the committee has not decided that the member’s participation was improper.
(f) Notice, Appearance, and Service.
(1) At least 30 days in advance of the committee meeting at which a
hearing is to be held with respect to a potential advisory opinion, the committee
shallmust give public notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing, provide a
general description of the subject matter of the request and the bar website and
address where a full copy of the question presented can be obtained, and invite
written comments on the question. On the announced date the committee shallwill
hold a public hearing at which any person affected shall be entitled tomay present
oral testimony and be represented by counsel. Oral testimony by other persons
may be allowed by the committee at its discretion. At the time of or prior to the
hearing any other person shall be entitled tomay file written testimony on the issue
before the committee. Additional procedures not inconsistent with this rule may be
adopted by the committee.
(2) The committee shallAfter the hearing the committee will vote
whether to issue either a written proposed advisory opinion, a letter that declines to
issue an opinion, or an informal opinion as provided in rule 10-9.1(g)(1)elsewhere
in this rule. No other form of communication shall beis deemed to be an advisory
opinion.
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(3) A proposed advisory opinion shallmust be in writing and shall
bear a date of issuance. The proposed opinion shall prominently bear a title
indicatingcover page of the advisory opinion will state that it is a proposed
advisory opinion, and a disclaimer stating that it is only an interpretation of the law
and does not constitute final court action. The committee shallwill arrange for the
publication of notice of filing the proposed advisory opinion andwith a summary
thereof in The Florida Bar NewsNews within a reasonable time. Interested parties
shallwill be furnished a copy of the full opinion upon request.
(g) Service and Judicial Review of Proposed Advisory Opinions.
(1) In the case of any proposed advisory opinion in which the
standing committee concludes that the conduct in question is not the unlicensed
practice of law, it shallwill decide, by a vote of a majority of the committee
members present, either to publish the advisory opinion as provided in rule 10-
9.1(f)(3)elsewhere in this rule as an informal advisory opinion, or to file a copy of
the opinion with the court as provided in rule 10-9.1(g)(2).
(2) In the case of any proposed advisory opinion in which the
standing committee concludes that the conduct in question constitutes or would
constitute the unlicensed practice of law, the committee shallmust file a copy of the
opinion and all materials considered by the committee in adopting the opinion with
the clerk of the court. The proposed advisory opinion, together withand the notice
of the filing thereof, shallwill be furnished by certified mail to the petitioner.
(3) Within 30 days of the filing of the proposed advisory opinion, the
petitioner and any other interested party may file objections and a brief or
memorandum in support thereof, copies of which shall be servedin response to the
proposed advisory opinion, copies of which must be served on the committee at the
Florida Bar’s headquarters address in Tallahassee. Any other interested person
may, within 30 days of the filing of the opinion, seek leave of the court to file and
serve a brief, whether in support of or in opposition to the opinion, in accordance
with this same procedure. The committee may file a responsive brief or
memorandum within 20 days of service of the initial brief or memorandum. The
petitioner, as well asand other interested persons having leave of court, may file a
reply brief or memorandum within 10 days of service of the responsive brief or
memorandum. At its discretion, the court shallThe court may permit reasonable
extension of these time periods. Oral argument will be allowed at the court’s
discretion. TheFiling, service, and oral argument will be governed by the Florida
Rules of Appellate Procedure shall otherwise govern the above methods of filing,
service, and argument.
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(4) Upon the expiration of the time to file objections, briefs, and
replies thereto, the court shall review the advisory opinion, regardless of whether
any such objections are in fact made, together with any briefs or objections filed in
support of or in opposition to such opinion. Upon review, it shall The court will
review all filings after which the court will approve, modify, or disapprove the
proposed advisory opinion, and the ensuing . The court’s opinion shallwill have
the force and effect of an order of the court and be published accordingly. There
shallwill be no further review of the opinion except as granted by the court in its
discretion, upon petition to the court.
CHAPTER 12 EMERITUS ATTORNEYSLAWYERS PRO BONO
PARTICIPATION PROGRAM
12-1 GENERALLY
RULE 12-1.1 PURPOSE
Individuals admitted to the practice of law in Florida have a responsibility to
provide competent legal services for all persons, including those unable to pay for
suchthese services. As one means of meeting these legal needs, the following rules
establishing theThe emeritus attorneyslawyers pro bono participation program are
adoptedis one means of meeting these legal needs.
RULE 12-1.2 DEFINITIONS
(a) Emeritus AttorneyLawyer. An “emeritus attorneylawyer” is any
person, who meets the following eligibility and requirements.
(1) Eligibility. An emeritus lawyer must be a person who:
(A) is a member of The Florida Bar who is inactive or retired
from the active practice of law in Florida;
(B) is an inactive or retired member of the bar of or any other
state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or is an
authorized house counsel certified by the Supreme Court of Florida and who:;
(C) has served as a judge in Florida or any other state or
territory of the United States or the District of Columbia;
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(D) is or was a full-time law professor employed by a law
school accredited by the American Bar Association; or
(E) is an authorized house counsel certified by the Supreme
Court of Florida under chapter 17 of these rules.
(2) Requirements. All emeritus lawyers must meet the following
requirements:
(A) not be currently engaged in the practice of law in Florida
or elsewhere except for authorized house counsel certified by the Supreme Court
of Florida under chapter 17 of these rules;
(1B) washave been engaged in the active practice of law for a
minimum of 10 out of the 15 years immediately preceding the application to
participate in the emeritus program, except that this requirement does not apply
tofor authorized house counsel certified by the Supreme Court of Florida under
chapter 17 of these rules;
(2C) washave been a member in good standing of The Florida
Bar or the entity governing the practice of law of any other state, territory, or the
District of Columbia and hashave not been disciplined for professional misconduct
by the bar or courts of any jurisdiction within the past 15 years;
(3D) if not a retired member of The Florida Bar, hashave not
failed the Florida bar examination 3 or more times except for an inactive or retired
member of The Florida Bar;
(4E) agrees to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct and
submit to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Florida for disciplinary
purposes;
(5F) neither asks for nor receives compensation of any kind for
the legal services to be rendered under this rule; and
(6G) isbe certified under rule 12-1.5.
(b) Approved Legal Aid Organization. An “approved legal aid
organization” for the purposes of this chapter is a not-for-profit legal aid
organization that is approved by the Supreme Court of Florida. A legal aid
organization seeking approval must file a petition with the clerk of the Supreme
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Court of Florida certifying that it is a not-for-profit organization and reciting with
specificity:
(1) – (5) [No Change]
(6) the existence and extent of malpractice insurance that will cover
the emeritus attorneylawyer.
(c) Supervising AttorneyLawyer. A “supervising attorneylawyer” as used
in this chapter is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar who directs and
supervises an emeritus attorneylawyer engaged in activities permitted by this
chapter. The supervising attorneylawyer must:
(1) [No Change]
(2) assume personal professional responsibility consistent with the
requirements of rule 4-5.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for supervising
the conduct of the matter, litigation, or administrative proceeding in which the
emeritus attorneylawyer participates.
(d) Inactive. “Inactive” as used in this chapter refers to a lawyer who
voluntarily elects to be placed on inactive status and was not placed on inactive
status due to incapacity or discipline, or who is ineligible to practice law for failure
to pay bar fees or complete continuing legal education requirements.
(e) Active Practice of Law. The “active practice of law” as used in this
chapter includes, but is not limited to, private practice, working as an authorized
house counsel, public employment including service as a judge, and full time
employment as a law professor at or by an American Bar Association-accredited
law school.
RULE 12-1.3 ACTIVITIES
(a) Permissible Activities. An emeritus attorneylawyer, in association with
an approved legal aid organization and under the supervision of a supervising
attorneylawyer, may perform the following activities:
(1) The emeritus attorneylawyer may appear and proceed in any court
or before any administrative tribunal in this state on behalf of a client of an
approved legal aid organization if the person on whose behalf the emeritus
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attorneylawyer is appearing has consented in writing to that appearance and
representation and a supervising attorneylawyer has given written approval for that
appearance. The written consent and approval must be filed in the record of each
case and brought to the attention of a judge of the court or the presiding officer of
the administrative tribunal.
(2) The emeritus attorneylawyer may prepare, sign, and file pleadings
and other documents to be filed in any court or before any administrative tribunal
in this state in any matter in which the emeritus attorneylawyer is involved. The
supervising lawyer’s name and Florida Bar number must be included on each
pleading or paper filed or served by an emeritus lawyer, who must also be
identified as a certified emeritus lawyer on each pleading or paper must sign all
documents filed with the court. The supervising lawyer is not required to sign each
pleading or paper filed or served by an emeritus lawyer.
(3) The emeritus attorneylawyer may engage in such other
preparatory activities as are necessary for any matter in which the emeritus
attorneylawyer is involved, including participating in legal clinics sponsored or
provided by the emeritus lawyer’s legal aid organization, and providing advice and
assistance to, and drafting legal documents for, persons whose legal problems or
issues are not in litigation.
(b) Determination of Nature of Participation. The presiding judge or
hearing officer may, in the judge’s or officer’s discretion, determine the extent of
the emeritus attorney’slawyer’s participation in any proceedings before the court.
Comment
This rule recognizes that an emeritus lawyer may accept an appointment or
assignment from a state or federal judge seeking pro bono assistance for litigants or
persons appearing before the judge through a supervising legal aid organization,
including but not limited to: direct representation; limited representation; or service
as either an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem. However, this rule applies to
civil legal assistance and recognizes that emeritus lawyers under this rule may not
provide representation and/or legal services in criminal law matters.
RULE 12-1.4 SUPERVISION AND LIMITATIONS
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(a) Supervision by AttorneyLawyer. An emeritus attorneylawyer must
perform all activities authorized by this chapter under the direct supervision of a
supervising attorneylawyer.
(b) Representation of Bar Membership Status. Emeritus
attorneyslawyers permitted to perform services are not, and must not represent
themselves to be, active members of The Florida Bar licensed to practice law in
this state.
(c) Payment of Expenses and Award of Fees. No emeritus lawyer may
receive compensation for legal services rendered under the authority of this rule
from any source, including but not limited to the legal aid organization with which
the lawyer is associated, the emeritus lawyer’s client, or a contingent fee
agreement. The prohibition against compensation for the emeritus attorneylawyer
contained in rule 12-1.2(a)(5)this chapter will not prevent the approved legal aid
organization from reimbursing the emeritus attorneylawyer for actual expenses
incurred while rendering approved services. It also does not prevent the approved
legal aid organization from charging for its services as it may properly charge. The
approved legal aid organization will be entitled to receive all court-awarded
attorneys’ fees that may be awarded for any representation or services rendered by
the emeritus attorneylawyer.
RULE 12-1.5 CERTIFICATION
An emeritus attorneylawyer seeking to provide pro bono legal services must
obtain approval from the Clerkclerk of the Supreme Court of Florida by filing all
of the following certificates:
(a) a certificate from an approved legal aid organization stating that the
emeritus attorneylawyer is currently associated with that legal aid organization and
that a Florida Bar member employed by or participating as a volunteer with that
organization will assume the required duties of the supervising lawyer;
(b) a certificate from the highest court or agency in any state, territory, or
district in which the emeritus attorneylawyer has been licensed to practice law,
certifying that the emeritus attorneylawyer has fulfilled the requirements of active
bar membership and has not been disciplined for professional misconduct by the
bar or courts of that jurisdiction within the past 15 years. An, except that an
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authorized house counsel certified by the Supreme Court of Florida under chapter
17 of these rules need not provide this certificate; and
(c) a sworn statement by the emeritus attorneylawyer that the emeritus
attorneylawyer:
(1) has read and will abide by the Rules of Professional
conductConduct as adopted by the Supreme Court of Florida;
(2) submits to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Florida for
disciplinary purposes as defined byprovided in chapter 3, Rules of Discipline, of
these rules and by rules 12-1.2(a)(4) and 12-1.7, R. Regulating Fla. Barelsewhere
in this chapter; and
(3) [No Change]
RULE 12-1.6 WITHDRAWAL OF CERTIFICATION
(a) Withdrawal of Permission to Perform Services.
(1) The emeritus attorneylawyer must immediately cease performing
legal services if: (1) the emeritus lawyer ceases to be associated with the approved
legal aid organization. The approved legal aid organization must files a statement
with the Clerkclerk of the Supreme Court of Florida within 5 days after the that:
(A) the emeritus attorney has ceased to be associated with the organization. This
notice must be filed within 5 days after such association has ceased.; or The legal
aid organization must mail a copy of the notice filed with the clerk of the Supreme
Court of Florida to the emeritus lawyer.
(2)(B) The emeritus lawyer must immediately cease performing legal
services if the approved legal aid organization withdraws certification of such
attorneythe emeritus lawyer is withdrawn. An approved legal aid organization
may withdraw certification, which may be at any time and it is not necessary that
the notice statewithout stating the cause for suchthe withdrawal. The approved
legal aid organization must file a statement with the clerk of the Supreme Court of
Florida within 5 days after withdrawing the certification. The legal aid
organization must mail a copy of the notice filed with the clerk of the Supreme
Court of Florida to the emeritus attorney concerned; orlawyer.
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(23) theThe emeritus lawyer must immediately cease performing
legal services if the Supreme Court of Florida revokes permission for the emeritus
lawyer to provide pro bono services, which is at the court’s Supreme Court of
Florida, in its discretion, at any time, revokes permission for the emeritus attorney
to perform pro bono services. The Clerkclerk of the Supreme Court of Florida
must mail a copy of the statement to the emeritus attorneylawyer and the approved
legal aid organization.
(34) The emeritus lawyer must immediately cease performing legal
services if the Supreme Court of Florida terminates the emeritus lawyer as an
authorized house counsel. The Florida Bar must files a statement with the
Supreme Court of Florida that the individual is no longer an authorized house
counsel. The Florida Bar must mail a copy of the statement to the emeritus
attorneylawyer involved.
(b) Notice of Withdrawal. If an emeritus attorney’slawyer’s certification
is withdrawn for any reason, the supervising attorneylawyer must immediately file
a notice of the withdrawal in the official file of each matter pending before any
court or tribunal in which the emeritus attorneylawyer was involved.
RULE 12-1.7 DISCIPLINE
The Supreme Court of Florida may impose appropriate proceedings and
discipline under the Rules of Discipline or the Rules of Professional Conduct. In
addition, the Supreme Court of Florida or the approved legal aid organization may,
with or without cause, withdraw certification. and theThe presiding judge or
hearing officer for any matter in which the emeritus attorney has participated may
hold the emeritus attorneylawyer in civil contempt for any failure to abide by the
tribunal’s orders for any matter in which the emeritus lawyer has participated.
RULE 15-2.1 MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS
The total number of standing committee on advertising members is
determined at the discretion of the board of governors of a number of no more than
20, 3-5 of which are shall consist of 4 members of The Florida Bar and 3
nonlawyers representing the public. Members of the committee shall beare
appointed by the president-elect of The Florida Bar, as provided in rule 2-8.1. The
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president-elect shall designates the chair and vice-chair, with the advice and
consent of the board of governors. Members of the committee shall serve
staggered 3-year terms unless removed by the president or president-elect for non-
attendance or other good cause. No member may serve more than 2 consecutive
terms. A quorum shall consists of a majority of the members.
RULE 16-1.2 DEFINITIONSGENERAL CERTIFICATION
REGULATIONS
A foreign legal consultant is any person who:The Supreme Court of Florida
may certify to practice as a foreign legal consultant an applicant who:
(a) has been admitted to practice in a foreign country as an attorney,
counselor at law, or the equivalent for a period of not less than 5 of the 7 years
immediately preceding the application for certification under this chapteris a
member in good standing of a recognized legal profession in a foreign country, the
members of which are admitted to the practice as lawyers or counselors at law or
the equivalent and are subject to effective regulation and discipline by a duly
constituted professional body or public authority;
(b) has engaged in the practice of law of sucha foreign country for a period
of not less than 53 of the 75 years immediately preceding the application for
certification under this chapter and has remained in good standing as an attorneya
lawyer, counselor at law, or the equivalent throughout saidthat period;
(c) is admitted to practice in a foreign country whose professional
disciplinary system for attorneys is generally consistent with that of The Florida
Bar;
(dc) has not been disciplined for professional misconduct by the bar or
courts of any jurisdiction within 107 years immediately preceding the application
for certification under this chapter and is not the subject of any such disciplinary
proceeding or investigation pending at the date of application for certification
under this chapter;
(ed) has not been denied admission to practice before the courts of any
jurisdiction based upon character or fitness during the 15-year10-year period
preceding application for certification under this chapter; and
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(f) has submitted, pursuant to requirements determined by the Supreme
Court of Florida, an application for certification under this chapter and the
appropriate fees;
(g) agrees to abide by the applicable Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and
submit to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Florida for disciplinary
purposes;
(h) is over 26 years of age;
(ie) maintains an office in the state of Florida for the rendering of services as
a foreign legal consultant; and.
(j) has satisfied, in all respects, the provisions of rule 16-1.4.
RULE 16-1.3 ACTIVITIES
(a) Rendering Legal Advice. A person certified as a foreign legal
consultant under this chapter may renderprovide legal services in the state of
Florida; provided, however, that such only when these services shall:
(1) beare limited to those regarding the laws of the foreign country in
which suchthat person is admitted to practice as an attorneya lawyer, counselor at
law, or the equivalent;
(2) do not include any activity or any service constituting the practice
of the laws of the United States, the state of Florida, or any other state,
commonwealth, or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia
including, but not limited to, the restrictions that suchthe person shallwill not:
(A) appear for another person as attorneya lawyer in any court
or before any magistrate or other judicial officer or before any federal, state,
county, or municipal governmental agency, quasi-judicial, or quasi-governmental
authority in the state of Florida, or prepare pleadings or any other papers in any
action or proceedings brought in any suchof these courts, or before any suchof
these judicial officers, except as authorized in any rule of procedure relating to
admission pro hac vice, or pursuant to administrative rule;
(B) prepare any deed, mortgage, assignment, discharge, lease,
agreement of sale, or any other instrument affecting title to real property located in
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the United States, or personal property located in the United States, except where
the instrument affecting title to such property is governed by the law of a
jurisdiction in which the foreign legal consultant is admitted to practice as an
attorneya lawyer, counselor at law, or the equivalent;
(C) prepare any will or trust instrument affecting the
disposition of any property located in the United States and owned by a United
States resident thereof nor prepare any instrument relating to the administration of
a decedent’s estate in the United States;
(D) prepare any instrument with respect toregarding the marital
relations, rights, or duties of a resident of the United States or the custody or care
of the children of such a United States resident;
(E) render professionalgive legal advice on the law of the
Statestate of Florida, the United States, or any other state, subdivision,
commonwealth, or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia
(whether rendered incident to the preparation of a legal instrument or otherwise);
or
(F) renderprovide any legal services without utilizingexecuting
a written retainer agreement with the client that shall specifyspecifies in bold type
that the foreign legal consultant is not admitted to practice law in the state of
Florida nor licensed to advise on the laws of the United States or any other state,
commonwealth, territory, or the District of Columbia, unless so licensed, and that
the practice of the foreign legal consultant is limited to the laws of the foreign
country where suchthe person is admitted to practice as an attorneya lawyer,
counselor at law, or the equivalent.
(b) Representing Status as Member of The Florida Bar. Foreign legal
consultants certified to render services under this chapter shall not represent that
they are admitted to The Florida Bar or licensed as an attorneya lawyer or foreign
legal consultant in another state, commonwealth, territory, or the District of
Columbia, or as an attorneya lawyer, counselor at law, or the equivalent in a
foreign country, unless so licensed. Persons certified under this chapter shall not
use any title other than “Foreign Legal Consultant, Not Admitted to Practice Law
in Florida,” although such person’s authorized title and firm name in the foreign
country in which the person is admitted to practice as an attorneya lawyer,
counselor at law, or the equivalent may be used if the title, firm name, and the
name of the foreign country are stated together with the above-mentioned
designation.
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Foreign legal consultants certified under this chapter must provide clients
with a letter disclosing the extent of professional liability insurance coverage
maintained by the foreign legal consultant, if any, as well as an affirmative
statement advising the client that any client aggrieved by the foreign legal
consultant will not have access to the Clients’ Security Fund of The Florida Bar.
The letter must further include the list of activities that the foreign legal consultant
certified under this chapter is prohibited from engaging in, as set out in rule 16-
1.3(a)(2)(A)-(F).
RULE 16-1.4 CERTIFICATIONAPPLICATION
(a) Commencement of Permission to Perform Services. Permission for a
foreign legal consultant to render legal services under this chapter shall become
effective upon the filing of an application and certification, with respect to an
applicant, by the International Law Section of The Florida Bar, of the requirements
of rules 16-1.2(a) through (j) and 16-1.3(a) and (b) herein. In addition to any other
evidence that The Florida Bar, in its discretion, may require, the application shall
include the filing and approval of:
(1) a duly authenticated certificate from the entity governing the
practice of law in the foreign country in which the applicant is licensed to practice,
which shall be accompanied by the official seal, if any, of such entity, and which
shall certify:
(A) the entity's jurisdiction in such matters;
(B) the applicant's admission to practice in such foreign
country and the date thereof;
(C) the applicant's good standing as an attorney, counselor at
law, or the equivalent; and
(D) whether any charge or complaint has ever been filed
against the applicant with such entity, and if so, the substance of each such charge
or complaint and the adjudication or disposition thereof;
An applicant under this chapter must file an application with the
International Law Section of The Florida Bar that must include:
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(a) a certificate from the professional body or public authority having final
jurisdiction over professional discipline in the foreign country in which the
applicant is admitted certifying the applicant’s admission to practice, the date of
admission, good standing as a lawyer or counselor at law or the equivalent and a
duly authenticated English translation of the certificate if it is not in English;
(2)(b) a letter of recommendation signed by and with the official seal, if
any, offrom 1 of the members of the executive body of such entitythe professional
authority or public body or from 1 of the judges of the highest court of law of
suchthe foreign country, certifying to the applicant’s professional qualifications
and an authenticated English translation of the letter if it is not in English;
(3) a letter of recommendation from at least 2 attorneys, counselors at law,
or the equivalent admitted in and practicing in such foreign country, setting forth
the length of time, when, and under what circumstances they have known the
applicant and their appraisal of the applicant’s moral character;
(4) a letter of recommendation from at least 2 members in good standing of
The Florida Bar, setting forth the length of time, when, and under what
circumstances they have known the applicant and their appraisal of the applicant's
moral character;
(5)(c) a sworn statement by the applicant that the applicant:
(A1) has read and is familiar with the Rules of Professional Conduct
as adopted by the Supreme Court of Florida and will abide by, and be subject to,
their provisions thereof;
(B2) submits to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Florida for
disciplinary purposes, as defined in chapter 3 of these rules and rule 16-1.6. The
statement by the applicant must also authorize notification to the entity governing
the practice of law in the foreign country in which the applicant is licensed to
practice of any disciplinary action taken against the applicant in Florida; and
(C3) shallwill comply with the requirements of the rule 16-1.3(b)
regarding disclosure;
(6)(d) a written commitment to notify the courtThe Florida Bar of any
resignation or revocation of the foreign legal consultant’s admission to practice in
the foreign country of admission, or in any other state or jurisdiction in which
saidthe consultant has been licensed as an attorneya lawyer, counselor at law, or
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equivalent or as a foreign legal consultant, or of any censure, suspension, or
expulsion in respect of suchthe admission; and
(7)(e) a duly acknowledged instrumentnotarized document setting forth the
applicant’s address within the state of Florida and designating the secretary of state
as suchthe person’s agent upon whom process may be served, pursuant to
applicable Florida law, with like effect as if served personally upon suchthe
applicant pursuant to applicable Florida law, in any action or proceeding thereafter
brought against the applicant arising out of or based upon any legal services
renderedoffered or provided or offered to be rendered by suchthe applicant within
or to the residents of the state of Florida, whenever after due diligence service
cannot be made upon suchthe applicant at suchthe address after due diligence; and
(f) other evidence of the nature and extent of the applicant’s educational and
professional qualifications, good moral character, general fitness, and compliance
with the general certification regulation set forth elsewhere in this chapter.
(b) Annual Sworn Statement. A person certified under this chapter as a
foreign legal consultant shall submit to The Florida Bar, on an annual basis, a
sworn statement attesting to the foreign legal consultant's good standing as an
attorney, counselor at law, or the equivalent in the foreign country in which such
person is licensed to practice and shall also include with such statement an annual
renewal fee equivalent to annual membership fees paid by members of The Florida
Bar, in good standing, and such other evidence as The Florida Bar shall deem
necessary to determine the continuing qualifications of the foreign legal consultant
under this chapter.
RULE 16-1.5 WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION OF
CERTIFICATION
Permission to perform services under this chapter shall ceases immediately
upon the earliest of the following events:
(a) Thethe filing of a notice by the Supreme Court of Florida, in its
discretion, at any time, stating that permission to perform services under this
chapter has been revoked. A, a copy of such notice shallwhich will be mailed by
the clerk of the court to The Florida Bar and to the foreign legal consultant
involved. The, after which the foreign legal consultant shall havehas 15 days to
request reinstatement for good cause.;
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(b) Thethe foreign country in which the foreign legal consultant is admitted
to practice discontinues having a professional disciplinary system for
attorneyslawyers that is generally consistent with that of The Florida Bar.; or
(c) Thethe failure of the foreign legal consultant to comply with any
applicable provisions of this chapter.
RULE 16-1.6 DISCIPLINE
(a) Discipline by Florida Courts. Each person licensedcertified to practice
as a foreign legal consultant under this chapter is expressly subject to the Rules of
Professional Conduct and to continuing review of such consultant’s qualifications
to retain any license granted hereunder, and shall be subject to the disciplinary
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Florida and the other courts of this state.
(b) Withdrawal of Certification. In addition to any appropriate
proceedings and discipline that may be imposed by The Florida Bar or the
Supreme Court of Florida under chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar,
the Supreme Court of Florida may, at any time, with or without cause, withdraw
certification hereunder.
(c) Notification of Other Jurisdictions. The Florida Bar shall be
authorized to notify each entity governing the practice of law in the foreign country
in which the foreign legal consultant is licensed to practice law of any disciplinary
action taken against the foreign legal consultant.
RULE 16-1.7 ANNUAL SWORN STATEMENT
A person certified under this chapter as a foreign legal consultant must
submit annually to The Florida Bar in the manner required by The Florida Bar:
(a) a sworn statement attesting to the foreign legal consultant’s good
standing as a lawyer, counselor at law, or the equivalent in the foreign country in
which the person is licensed to practice; that the person intends to continue
practicing as a foreign legal consultant in the state of Florida; that the person
continues to meet all eligibility requirements under this chapter; that the person
limits the person’s practice to the activities permitted under this chapter; and that
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the person currently maintains an office in the state of Florida to provide legal
services as a foreign legal consultant; and
(b) a renewal fee equivalent to annual membership fees paid by members of
The Florida Bar eligible to practice law.
RULE 17-1.2 DEFINITIONS
(a) Authorized House Counsel. An “authorized house counsel” is any
person who:
(1) is either licensed to practice law in a United States jurisdiction
other than Florida or admitted or otherwise authorized to practice as a lawyer or
counselor of law or the equivalent in a foreign jurisdiction and subject to effective
regulation and discipline by a duly constituted professional body or public
authority or subject to recognized legal obligations pertaining to their status as
lawyers;
(12) is exclusively employed by a business organization located in the
state of Florida and is residing in Florida or relocating to the state of Florida in
furtherance of suchfor employment within 6 months of suchthe application under
this chapter and receives or shallwill receive compensation for activities performed
for that business organization;
(23) has complied with rule 17-1.4completed an application for
certification as required elsewhere in this chapter; and
(34) has been certified as an authorized house counsel by the Supreme
Court of Florida.
(b) Business Organization. A “business organization” for the purpose of
this rule is a corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity (taken
together with its respective parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates) authorized to
transact business in this state that is not itself engaged in the practice of law or the
rendering of legal services outside suchof the organization, whether for a fee or
otherwise, and does not charge or collect a fee for the representation or advice
other than to entities comprising suchthat organization by the activities of the
authorized house counsel. For purposes of this rule, a A “business organization”
does not include: (1) a governmental entity, governmental subdivision, political
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subdivision, or school board;(2), or any other entity that has the authority to levy a
tax.
RULE 17-1.3 ACTIVITIES
(a) Authorized Activities. An authorized house counsel, as an employee of
a business organization, may provide legal services in the state of Florida solely to
the employing business organization for which a registration is effective. Such
activities are limited to which certification is applicable but may only engage in the
following activities:
(1) the giving of legal advice to the directors, officers, employees,
and agents of the business organization with respect toregarding its business and
affairs;
(2) negotiating and documenting all matters for the business
organization; and
(3) representation of the business organization in its dealings with
any administrative agency or commission having jurisdiction; provided however,
authorized house counsel may not make appearances as counsel in any court,
administrative tribunal, agency, or commission situated in the state of Florida
unless the rules governing such court or body authorize the appearance, or the
attorney is specially admitted by such court or body in a case; and
(4) providing pro bono legal services under chapter 12 of these rules
if certified as an emeritus attorneylawyer.
(b) Disclosure. In any communication with individuals or organizations
outside of the business organization, authorized house counsel must disclose that
they are not licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. If the communication
is in writing, authorized house counsel must disclose in writing the name of the
business organization, their title or function, and that they are not licensed to
practice law in the state of Florida. For example, the disclosure may state “J. Doe,
XYZ Corporation, Authorized House Counsel, member …..(name of other state
bar).…. only or not a member of The Florida Bar.” In performing activities under
this subdivision, authorizedAuthorized house counsel may not represent
themselves as members of The Florida Bar or licensed to practice law in this state.
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(c) Limitation on Representation. In no event will permitted activities
include the individual or personal representation of any shareholder, owner,
partner, officer, employee, servant, or agent in any matter or transaction or the
giving of advice unless otherwise permitted or authorized by law, code, or rule or
allowed by subdivision (a) of this rule or the appearance as counsel in any court,
administrative tribunal, agency, or commission situated in Florida unless the rules
governing the court or body authorize the appearance or the lawyer is specially
admitted by the court or body in the case.
(d) [No Change]
RULE 17-1.4 REGISTRATIONCERTIFICATION
(a) Filing with The Florida Bar. The following shallmust be filed with
The Florida Bar by an individual seeking to be certified as authorized house
counsel:
(1) A certificate from an entity governing the practice of law in all
United States jurisdictions in which the registrant is licensed to practice law
certifying that the registrant is in active status and is a member in good standing; or
is in inactive status. If in inactive status, the certificate must certify that the
registrant is in voluntary inactive status and was not placed on inactive status
involuntarily. If available, the registrant must provide a certificate of good
standing in addition to the certificate regarding the registrant’s inactive
status.documentation or a certificate from all applicable United States and foreign
jurisdictions proving that the registrant meets the requirements of rule 17-1.2(a)(1)
and if the lawyer is in inactive status, the documentation or certification must
certify that the lawyer is in voluntary inactive status and was not placed on inactive
status involuntarily;
(2) a sworn statement by the registrant that the registrant:
(A) has read and is familiar with chapters 4 and 17 of the Rules
Regulating The Florida Bar as adopted by the Supreme Court of Florida and will
abide by theits provisions thereof;
(B) submits to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Florida
for disciplinary purposes, as defined in chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The
Florida Bar and this chapterrule 17-1.6 herein, and authorizes notification to or
from the entity governing the practice of law of each state, territory, or the District
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of Columbia in which the registrant is licensed to practice law of any disciplinary
action taken against the registrant; and
(C) is not subject to a disciplinary proceeding or outstanding
order of reprimand, censure, or disbarment, permanent or temporary, for
professional misconduct by the bar or courts or duly constituted organization
overseeing the profession or granting authority to practice law of any jurisdiction
and has not been permanently denied admission to practice before the bar or duly
constituted organization overseeing the profession or granting authority to practice
law of any jurisdiction based upon suchthe person’s character or fitness; and
(D) authorizes notification of any disciplinary or other action
taken against the registrant to or from the disciplinary authority or duly constituted
organization overseeing the profession or which granted authority to practice law
in all United States and foreign jurisdictions where the applicant is licensed or
otherwise authorized to practice law.
(3) a certificate from a business organization certifying that: it is
qualified as set forth in subdivision (b) of rule 17-1.2; it meets the definition of a
business organization as defined elsewhere in this chapter, that it is aware that the
registrant is not licensed to practice in Florida;, and it is not relying upon The
Florida Bar in any manner in employing the authorized house counsel;
(4) an appropriate registration application to The Florida Bar as
promulgated by the executive director of The Florida Bar; and
(5) an appropriate remittance of a filing fee prescribed and set by
the executive director of The Florida Bar in an amount not to exceed the amount
applicable for admission to the bar examination for an attorneya lawyer licensed in
a state other than Florida.
(b) Review by The Florida Bar. Upon receipt of the items set forth in
subdivision (a) of this rule, The Florida Bar shall review the itemswill review
applications for compliance with this chapter. Any application not meeting the
requirements of this chapter shall be sent back to the applicant.
(c) Certification by Court. Upon review of the application by The
Florida Bar, The Florida Bar shall file with the clerk of the Supreme Court of
Florida the name and address of those registrants complying with the provisions of
subdivision (a) of this rule along with a request that the registrant be certified as
authorized house counsel. Permission for authorized house counsel to perform
services under this rule shall become effective upon approval of the request for
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certification by the clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida for a person employed in
Florida or, if the registrant is not yet in Florida, the effective date of employment
but not later than 6 months from the filing of the items set forth above.The Florida
Bar will submit the name and address of all registrants meeting the requirements of
this rule to the clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida with a request that the
registrant be certified as authorized house counsel. If the registrant is employed in
Florida, authorization to perform services under this rule becomes effective on the
date the clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida approves the request for
certification. If the registrant is relocating to Florida, the authorization becomes
effective on the date of employment in Florida, which must be within 6 months of
the date of the application.
(d) Annual Renewal. The registration pursuant to this section shall be
annual in a manner consistent with that applicable to an attorney licensed to
practice in the state of Florida including the annual fee therefor as if such
authorized house counsel was so licensed, provided, however, such renewal shall
include a statement that the registrant, if on active status, is in good standing in all
states or United States territories in which licensed and is not subject to any
disciplinary proceedings.The certification under this chapter is annual. The
authorized house counsel must pay an annual fee that is the same fee paid by active
members of The Florida Bar and provide any information the bar requires during
the time set by the bar.
(e) Duty to Update. An authorized house counsel must report any change
in their license status or authority to practice in another applicable United States or
foreign jurisdiction within 30 days of the effective date of the change in status.
Should If an individual certified as an authorized house counsel chooses inactive
status in 1 or more United States jurisdictionsany jurisdiction after certification, the
authorized house counsel shallmust provide a certificatedocumentation as required
by subdivision (a)(1) of this rule. Failure to provide notice or documentation by
the authorized house counsel is a basis for discipline pursuant to the Rules
Regulating The Florida Bar.
RULE 17-1.5 TERMINATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF
REGISTRATIONCERTIFICATION
(a) Cessation of Authorization to Perform Services. Authorization to
perform services under this rule shall ceases upon the earliest of the following
events:
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(1) the termination or resignation of employment with the business
organization for which registration has been filed, provided, however, that if the
authorized house counsel shall commence employment with another business
organization within 30 days of the termination or resignation, authorization to
perform services under this rule shall continue upon the filing with The Florida Bar
of a certificate as set forth in subdivision (a)(3) of rule 17-1.4where the authorized
house counsel was employed at the time of certification; however, if the authorized
house counsel begins employment with another business organization within 30
days of the termination or resignation and that business organization provides the
certificate required for certification, the authorization to perform services under
this chapter will continue;
(2) the withdrawal of registrationrequest by the business
organization that the certification be withdrawn;
(3) the withdrawal of registrationrequest by the authorized house
counsel that the certification be withdrawn;
(4) the relocation of an authorized house counsel outside of Florida
for a period greater than 180 days;
(5) disbarment or suspension from the practice of law, revocation
of the authority to practice law, or involuntary placement on inactive status, by a
court or other authorized disciplinary agency of another state or foreign jurisdiction
by a duly constituted organization overseeing the profession or having the ability
to grant the authority to practice law or by a federal court; or
(6) the failure of authorized house counsel to comply with any
applicable provision of this rule.
(b) Notice to The Florida Bar by the Authorized House Counsel.
Notice of 1 of the events set forth in subdivision (a)(1)-(4) of this rule or a new
certificate as provided in subdivision (a)(1) of this rule must be filed with The
Florida Bar by the authorized house counsel within 30 days after such actionthe
event. An authorized house counsel disbarred or suspended from the practice of
law, or involuntarily placed on inactive status, by a court or other authorized
disciplinary agency of another state or by a federal court shall within 30 days after
the effective date of disbarment, or suspension, or involuntary placement on
inactive status, file with The Florida Bar a copy of the order or judgment effecting
such status. Failure to provide notice by the authorized house counsel shall be a
basis for discipline pursuant to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
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(bc) Notice of Termination of Authorization. Upon receipt of the notice
required by subdivision (a) of this rule, The Florida Bar shall forward a request to
the clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida that the authorization under this chapter
be terminated. Notice of the termination shall be mailed by the clerk of the
Supreme Court of Florida to The Florida Bar. The Florida Bar shall mail notice of
the terminationThe Florida Bar will request that the clerk of the Supreme Court of
Florida terminate the authorization under this chapter after The Florida Bar has
received the notice required by subsection (a) of this rule. The Florida Bar will
mail notice of the termination issued by the clerk to the authorized house counsel
and to the business organization employing the authorized house counsel.
(cd) Reapplication. Nothing herein shall prevent an individual previously
authorized as house counsel to reapply for authorization as set forth in rule 17-1.4.
An individual previously certified as an authorized house counsel may reapply for
certification as long as the requirements of this chapter are met.
(e) Recertification. Individuals whose authorized house counsel status
was terminated for failure to pay annual fees or complete continuing legal
education or basic skills course requirements may be recertified in the same
manner that delinquent members of The Florida Bar are reinstated, as provided
elsewhere in these rules.
RULE 17-1.6 DISCIPLINE
(a) Termination of Authorization by Court. In addition to any
appropriate proceedings and discipline that may be imposed by The Florida Bar or
the Supreme Court of Florida under chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida
Bar, theThe Supreme Court of Florida may, at any time, with cause, temporarily or
permanently terminate an authorized house counsel’s registrationcertification,
temporarily or permanentlywith cause at any time, in addition to any other
proceeding or discipline that may be imposed by the Supreme Court of Florida
under chapter 3 of these rules.
(b) Notification to Other States. The Florida Bar shall beis authorized to
notify each entity governing the practice of law in the state, territory, or the District
of Columbia in which the authorized house counsel is licensed to practice law of
any disciplinary action against the authorized house counsel.
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RULE 17-1.7 IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION
An authorized house counsel who has been duly registered under this rule
shall not be subject to prosecution for the unlicensed practice of law for acting as
counsel to a business organization prior to the effective date of this rule.
RULE 20-1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this chapter is to set forth a definition that must be met in
order to use the title paralegal, to establish the requirements to become a Florida
Registered Paralegal, and to establish the requirements to maintain Florida
Registered Paralegal status. This chapter is not intended to set forth the duties that
a paralegal may perform because those restrictions are set forth in the Rules of
Professional Conduct and various opinions of the Professional Ethics Committee.
Nothing contained herein shall bein this rule is deemed relevant in charging or
awarding fees for legal services rendered by nonlawyers under the supervision of
an member of The Florida Baremploying or supervising lawyer, such feeswhich
are being based on the nature of the services rendered and not the title of the
person rendering the services.
RULE 20-2.1 GENERALLY
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following
meaning:
(a) Paralegal. A paralegal is a person with education, training, or work
experience, who works under the direction and supervision of an member of The
Florida Baremploying or supervising lawyer and who performs specifically
delegated substantive legal work for which an member of The Florida
Baremploying or supervising lawyer is responsible.
(b) [No Change]
(c) Paralegal Work and Paralegal Work Experience. Paralegal work
and paralegal work experience are specifically delegated substantive legal work
that is performed by a person with education, training, or work experience under
the direction and supervision of an member of The Florida Bar for which a
member of The Florida Baremploying or supervising lawyer for which an
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employing or supervising lawyer is responsible. In order to qualify as paralegal
work or paralegal work experience for purposes of meeting the eligibility and
renewal requirements, the paralegal must primarily perform paralegal work and the
work must be continuous and recent. Recent paralegal work for the purposes of
meeting the eligibility and renewal requirements means work performed during the
previous 5 years in connection with an initial registration, and during the preceding
year in the case of a registration renewal. Time spent performing clerical work is
specifically excluded.
(d) [No Change]
(e) Employing or Supervising Lawyer. An employing or supervising
lawyer is the lawyera member of The Florida Bar, authorized house counsel,
foreign legal consultant, or military lawyer, as defined by the Rules Regulating
The Florida Bar, having direct supervision over the work product of the paralegal
or Florida Registered Paralegal.
(f) – (j) [No Change]
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