Jill starts a business selling purses in upscale shops throughout the Midwest. Angel is her principal sales clerk and works five days a week organizing and shipping out products from Jill's warehouse. Trevor is a sales representatives for Jill but he also markets other upscale products to specialty women's stores. Peta is Jill's office manager but she works from home where she has her own computer and office area. She also does the books for the local church and at a daycare as a volunteer. Jill has come to you because she is totally confused about benefits and employment taxes. She can't figure out what she must cover for what person. What would you tell her and why? Describe the relationship that exists with each of the individuals who preform services for her. Do you have any ideas to share that would reduce her liabilities?

Mike Callgreen is a lawyer who has recently received a letter from the state regulatory organization accusing him of violating the rules of professional responsibility. The complaint suggested that he failed to provide adequate representation to a criminal client accused of bank fraud because he did not fully investigate all of the facts. Mike contends that the client had no money and there was nothing he could do for the client without money for witnesses, experts, and investigators. The regulatory authority says that the lack of funding is not an excuse for doing the best job possible. The regulatory authority cited the US Constitution's guaranty that a criminal defendant has the right to the best possible defense whether or not he has money.

What do you think? Is Mike in violation of the rule? Is the lack of money a defense? How would you assist Mike?