Professional Responsibility: 1997 Survey of Florida Law

Professional responsibility law in Florida continued to expand in 1997. Case law, rules, and ethics opinions amplified and, in some areas, extended the duties that lawyers assume as officers of the judicial branch of government. This article examines professional responsibility decisions that are likely to affect the relationships that lawyers have with clients, former clients, judges, third parties, and The Florida Bar. Part II looks at developments affecting the most important relationship that lawyers establish and operate within: the relationship between lawyer and client. Part III reviews developments of significance to the lawyer\u27s relationship to the court and the judicial system. Part IV examines decisions that could impact the lawyer\u27s relationship with third parties, such as opposing parties, other attorneys, expert witnesses, potential clients, employers, and creditors. Part V explores the lawyer\u27s relationship with The Florida Bar and other disciplinary authorities and reviews a number of disciplinary actions taken against Florida lawyers for widely varying conduct