Opinion 64-77
FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 64-77
January 13, 1965
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
It is not improper for an attorney to write directly to an insurance company in an attempt to
obtain loans on behalf of his clients, provided that the letter does not directly or indirectly
suggest that he or his office should be employed to represent the lending institution in the placing
of mortgage funds.
Canon:
27
Chairman Smith stated the opinion of the committee:
A member of The Florida Bar states that his office handles a relatively large
volume of real estate transactions for clients who wish to obtain loans from life
insurance companies. Presently, acting on behalf of his clients, he is placing these
loans through various mortgage brokers who act as correspondents for the lending
institutions. The lawyer would like to write directly to a number of life insurance
companies in placing these loans. He would not intend to solicit legal
employment in any manner and all fees paid in connection with placing loans
would be paid by clients.
It is the unanimous opinion of our Committee that it would not be ethically improper to
write directly to the insurance companies in question in an attempt to obtain loans from those
companies on behalf of clients provided that the letter did not directly or indirectly suggest that
the lawyer or his office should be employed to represent the lending institution in the placing of
mortgage funds. Care should be taken that the letter is sent only to those companies who appear
likely to be interested in such matters. It is our suggestion that such letters be sent only when a
client is currently seeking to borrow money.