Ethics Advisory Opinions

(Approved October 27, 1989)

Issue: Is an attorney who serves as a part-time county attorney or part-time deputy county attorney ethically barred from appearing as counsel on behalf of a defendant in a civil action brought by the State of Utah to collect delinquent child support payments when the State is represented by the Attorney General's Office in the same action?

(Approved October 27, 1989)

Issue: Is an attorney's refusal to pay for services rendered by a third party at the attorney's request contrary to the attorney's obligation to act in an ethical manner, and does it warrant disciplinary action.

(Approved October 27, 1989)

Issue: May a lawyer disclose a client's threats to commit suicide to another who might help prevent it, even though the client's communication is privileged and confidential and otherwise falls within the scope of the attorney-client relationship?

Effective Date May 17, 1989)

Issue: Is it ethically proper for an attorney to retain a client's file and other papers and documents belonging to the client, because the client has refused to pay the attorney's fees?