Tim Hemstreet is a sole practitioner. He advises you, his paralegal, that he is planning to visit a potential client in the hospital who, he read in the newspaper, has been involved in a serious accident. He plans to inform her of his services with the intention of retaining her as a new client.
a. Is his conduct ethical?
b. Tim informs you that the potential client is his sister. Is his conduct ethical?
c. Tim informs you that he plans to offer his services to the potential client for free because she has six children under the age of seven years. Is his conduct ethical?
d. Tim informs you that he plans to offer his services to the potential client for free because the accident is suspected to be an attempted murder plot by her husband, the governor of the state. He expects the case to draw nationwide media attention that would give him fame and fortune. Is his conduct ethical?
e. Tim asks you to visit the potential client in the hospital to retain her as a client. He offered to give you a “substantial bonus” if you get a signed retainer agreement. Is his conduct ethical? Is your conduct ethical?