Reference no: EM133338553

Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service

The purpose of this rule is to establish the fact that Pro Bono Public Service (otherwise known as free legal service), is not a mandatory service required by the American Bar Association. It is, however, recommended that an attorney provide legal services to those who are unable to afford legal advice or to a charitable group for at least 50 hours a year (ABA, 2022). A verse that comes to mind when handling the matter of those who would not be able to afford services is Proverbs 19:17 (KJV) "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; And that which he hath given will he pay him again."

Rule 6.2 Accepting Appointments

This rule is implemented to ensure that an attorney does not refuse to meet with a client unless it stands to reason that the attorney client relationship is subject to good cause in avoidance. Those who may be considered a financial burden to the attorney, the relationship may be a violation or even a hostile client is an exception to this rule (ABA, 2022).

Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization

The reasoning for this rule is to secure the attorney client privilege while an attorney is working on behalf another law firm and has a direct opinion on how to proceed within a case (ABA, 2022). This allows a lawyer to serve as a member of the office or even legal counsel without hindering any prior relations with a client that may be involved with said firm. Psalm 1:1 says (KJV) "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." I believe this to coincide with rule 6.3.

Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests

Piggybacking off of rule 6.3, rule 6.4 allows an attorney to work within the confines of another firm. Given the possibility that the said firm will have relations with the attorney's client, this rule demonstrates that the attorney shall disclose the discrepancy within the matter but is not obligated to disclose the name of the client (ABA, 2022).

Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court Annexed Limited Legal Services Programs

According to the American Bar Association, rule 6.5 states "...provides short-term limited legal services to a client without expectation by either the lawyer or the client that the lawyer will provide continuing representation in the matter..." (ABA, 2022). This is distinguishing in the fact that there are a few subpoints that cause this rule to stand out, one in particular being if the attorney is aware that the representation of the client will cause a conflict of interest.