Opinion 62-59
FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 62-59
March 22, 1963
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
A lawyer who assisted a client in procuring a loan from a second client should not later represent
either client in the foreclosure on the loan, even if both clients consent.
Canon:
6
Chairman Holcomb stated the opinion of the committee:
The Committee on Professional Ethics has considered an inquiry from a
member of The Florida Bar, in which he states that counsel, at the request of
Client A, procured a loan from Client B which Client A agreed to pay within one
year, securing the same by a mortgage on real estate. The debt has not been
repaid, and Client B is now requesting that the lawyer foreclose the mortgage, and
the request is for our opinion as to the ethics of the matter.
It is our opinion that, if both clients consent, the lawyer could probably foreclose the
mortgage without violating the Canons of Ethics, but we feel that under the circumstances he
should decline to represent either client in the matter and leave them to procure other counsel.