Opinion 71-67
FLORIDA BAR ETHICS OPINION
OPINION 71-67
February 22, 1972
Advisory ethics opinions are not binding.
It is improper for a law firm, which has obtained a judgment against a former client for unpaid
fees, to acquire through writ of execution a stock certificate left with the firm by client for
safekeeping. Whether a law firm has a valid lien against a client’s property coming into its
possession is a matter of law for the courts.
CPR:
Opinion:
Integration Rule:
DR 9-102(B)
68-21
Art. XI, 11.02(f)
Chairman Clarkson stated the opinion of the committee:
A Florida law firm obtained a judgment against a former client for unpaid
fees. The firm has in its possession a stock certificate which the client left there
for safekeeping. A member of the firm asks whether he may ethically cause the
sheriff to seize the certificate under a writ of execution and then bid for it at the
sheriff’s sale.
We are unable to approve the suggested procedure. Possession of the stock certificate
came about through the attorney-client relationship and is subject to the provisions of Section
11.02(4) of the Integration Rule. The Committee has previously suggested that the question
whether a lawyer has a valid lien against a client’s property coming into his hands is a question
of law to be determined in appropriate proceedings. Florida Opinion 68-21. Absent the
assertion of his claim in such a manner the lawyer is under a duty to promptly deliver to his
client upon request any property in his possession which the client is entitled to receive. DR
9-102(B), CPR.
We adhere to opinion 68-21 and advise that the proper procedure would be to file an
action seeking a retaining lien and let the court pass upon the legal rights of the parties.