Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer and the Associate Justices announced today the Court’s adoption of amendments to Rule of Professional Conduct 1.10 pertaining to the imputation of conflicts of interest when lawyers are associated in a firm. The Rules of Professional Conduct set forth the standards of ethical conduct required of lawyers.
The amendments relax the imputation of conflicts of interest requirements relative to lateral hires; non-lawyers, such as paralegals and legal secretaries; and lawyers whose conflict arose because of events that occurred before the person became a lawyer (e.g., work that the person did as a law student). The amendments recognize the increasingly mobile nature of attorneys in today’s legal climate and eliminate significant impediments on lateral transitions, while remaining sensitive to client concerns regarding loyalty and confidentiality. The amendments further provide needed clarity concerning non-lawyers, such as paralegals and legal secretaries, as well as the effect of events occurring before a person becomes an attorney.
Chief Justice Weimer stated, “In an effort to respond expeditiously and to work cohesively with the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Supreme Court enacted these amendments, which are in response to recommendations made by the LSBA as the result of resolutions from its Rules of Professional Conduct Committee.”
