Opinion 64-66
FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 64-66
October 22, 1964
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
An arrangement whereby a local bar association would maintain a reference file listing the
names of persons delinquent in payment of attorney’s fees is unprofessional. It is not unethical
for an attorney to render professional services to a client who is indebted to another attorney.
Canons:
7, 37
Chairman Smith stated the opinion of the committee:
A member of The Florida Bar states that it is his understanding an attorney
may not ethically render professional services to a client when the attorney has
knowledge that another attorney has previously served the client and not been
paid for his services. He inquires if there is any legal or ethical objection to a local
bar association maintaining a reference file, open to all members of the
association, which file would list the names of persons or entities who are
delinquent in payment of attorney’s fees. The information list in the file would be
received from attorneys and the names of delinquent clients would be furnished to
other attorneys upon request. All other information, however, would flow directly
between the reporting and the inquiring attorney.
A majority of this Committee does not look with favor upon such a plan. We are not
prepared to condemn it as unethical and we have no authority to pass upon legal considerations.
A majority of the Committee, however, feels that the arrangement is unprofessional and would
tend to commercialize the profession. Further, it is possible that the arrangement would violate
the provisions of Canon 37, which pertain to the confidential nature of communications between
attorney and client.
One member of the Committee feels that the arrangement would be proper.
Attention is called to Drinker, Legal Ethics, page 200. There it is stated that a lawyer
superseding another lawyer is not responsible for the fees due to the lawyer first employed.
However, that lawyer is entitled to notice from a successor in order that he can take appropriate
steps to protect his interests or any attorney’s lien that may exist. We are not aware, as indicated
in the inquiry, that it is unethical for one attorney to render professional services to a client who
is previously indebted to another attorney.