3.4 [ABROGATED] Identifying Commencement, Continuation, and Termination of Representation

Text of Rule effective until August 1, 2009.

(a) Disclosure of Interest, Commencement, and Termination: General Provisions.

(1) Disclosure of Interest. Before commencing any professional representation, a lawyer shall disclose to the prospective client any relationship or interest of the lawyer or of any partner, associate or affiliated lawyer that might reasonably give rise to a conflict of interest under these rules. A lawyer has a continuing duty to disclose to the client any information that, in light of circumstances arising after the commencement of representation, might reasonably give rise to such a conflict of interest.

(2) Commencement. Representation of a client shall be deemed to have commenced when the lawyer and the client, by conduct or communication, would each reasonably understand and agree that representation commences. Commencement of representation shall be judged by an objective, not a subjective, standard. It is the obligation of the attorney to clarify whether representation has commenced. If the client reasonably believes that representation has commenced and the attorney has failed to clarify that it has not, then representation shall have commenced.

(3) Termination. Representation of a client shall be deemed terminated upon the earlier of the following, provided that all conditions and terms of Rule 3.5 have been satisfied:

(i) A date expressly or implicitly stated in an oral or written statement by the client to the lawyer, terminating the representation;

(ii) A date expressly or implicitly communicated by the lawyer to the client, orally or in writing, sent to the client at the client's last known address, withdrawing from or terminating the representation; or

(iii) The completion of the services which were the subject of the representation.

Termination of representation does not relieve the lawyer of any obligation of confidentiality imposed by Rule 3.6(h) or of any other obligation imposed under these rules to prevent disclosure of information protected by that rule.

(4) Retention of Client Files. Upon termination of representation, a lawyer, or a lawyer?s successor, shall return to the client or retain and safeguard in a retrievable format all information and data in the lawyer?s possession to which the client is entitled. Unless information and data is returned to the client or as otherwise ordered by a court, the lawyer shall retain and safeguard such information and data for a minimum of eight (8) years, except for client records in the lawyer?s possession that have intrinsic value in the particular version, such as original signed documents, which must be retained and safeguarded until such time as they are out of date and no longer of consequence. A lawyer may enter into a voluntary written agreement with the client for a different period. In retaining and disposing of files, a lawyer shall employ means consistent with all other duties under these rules, including the duty to preserve confidential client information.

(b) Conflict of Interest: General Provisions.

(1) Basic Rule. A lawyer shall not commence or continue representation of a client if the representation would involve a conflict of interest, except as permitted by this rule. Representation would involve a conflict of interest if there is a substantial risk that the lawyer's representation of one client would be materially and adversely affected by the lawyer's duties to another current client, to a former client, or to a third person, or by the lawyer's own interests.

(2) Informed Consent. Whether a client has given informed consent to representation, when required by this rule, shall be determined in light of the mental capacity of the client to give consent, the explanation of the advantages and risks involved provided by the lawyer seeking consent, the circumstances under which the explanation was provided and the consent obtained, the experience of the client in legal matters generally, and any other circumstances bearing on whether the client has made a reasoned and deliberate choice.

(3) Imputed Disqualification.

(i) Except as otherwise provided in these rules, if a lawyer is required to decline or withdraw from representation under these rules for reasons other than health, no partner or associate, and no lawyer affiliated with the lawyer or the lawyer's firm, may commence or continue such representation.

(ii) If a lawyer or law student affiliated both with a law school legal clinic and with one or more lawyers outside the clinic is required to decline representation of any client solely by virtue of this paragraph (3), this paragraph imposes no disqualification on any other lawyer or law student who would otherwise be disqualified solely by reason of an affiliation with that individual, provided that the originally disqualified individual is screened from all participation in the matter at and outside the clinic and that full disclosure of the disqualifying circumstances and the screening measures is given to all affected parties.

(c) Conflict of Interest: Simultaneous Representation.

(1) Representation Prohibited. Notwithstanding the consent of each affected client, a lawyer may not simultaneously represent, or continue to represent, more than one client in the same matter or group of substantially related matters when the matter or matters are the subject of litigation or any other proceeding for dispute resolution and the clients are opposing parties.

(2) Representation Permitted With Consent. In all other cases, if a conflict of interest exists, a lawyer may not undertake or continue simultaneous representation of more than one client except with the informed consent of each affected client to representation of the others. Consent is required even though representation will not occur in the same matter or in substantially related matters. Simultaneous representation in the same matter or substantially related matters is undertaken subject to the following additional conditions:

(i) The lawyer must reasonably believe (A) that each client will be able to make adequately informed decisions, and (B) that a disinterested lawyer would conclude that the risk of inadequate representation is not substantial, considering any special circumstances affecting the lawyer's ability to provide adequate representation of each client, such as the fact that the clients may seek incompatible results or pursue mutually disadvantageous tactics, or that their adverse interests may outweigh their common interests.

(ii) While engaged in simultaneous representation, the lawyer shall consult with each client concerning the decisions to be made and the considerations relevant in making them, so that each client can make adequately informed decisions.

(iii) The lawyer shall terminate the simultaneous representation upon request of any client involved, or if any condition described in this paragraph (2) can no longer be met, and upon withdrawal shall cease to represent any of the clients in the matter or matters on which simultaneous representation was undertaken or in any substantially related matter, except with the consent of any clients who will no longer be represented.

(3) Settling Similar Claims. A lawyer who represents two or more clients shall not make or participate in the making of an aggregate settlement of the claims of or against those clients, or in a criminal case an aggregated agreement as to guilty or nolo contendere pleas, unless each client has consented after being advised of the existence and nature of all the claims or pleas involved, and of the share of each person and the total amount of the settlement of a civil matter, or the participation of each person in the agreement in a criminal case.

(d) Conflict of Interest: Successive Representation.

(1) Interests of Former Clients.

(i) Except as permitted by this rule, a lawyer shall not commence representation adverse to a former client without that client's informed written consent if such new representation is substantially related to the subject matter of the former representation or may involve the use of confidential information obtained through such former representation.

(ii) When a lawyer becomes affiliated with a firm, the firm shall not accept or continue representation adverse to a former client of the lawyer, or the lawyer's previous law firm, without that client's informed written consent, if:

(A) Such representation involves the subject matter of former representation on which the lawyer personally worked; or

(B) The lawyer personally had acquired information protected by Rule 3.6(h) that is material to the new matter.

(iii) After a lawyer has terminated an affiliation with a firm, the firm shall not commence representation adverse to a former client represented by the formerly affiliated lawyer while affiliated with the firm without that client's informed written consent, if:

(A) The subject matter of the proposed representation is substantially related to the subject matter of the representation in which the formerly affiliated lawyer represented the client while affiliated with the firm; or

(B) Any lawyer remaining in the firm personally has information protected by Rule 3.6(h) that is material to the new matter.

(2) Successive Government and Private Representation.

(i) A lawyer shall not commence private representation in a matter in which the lawyer formerly represented the government of a state, or the United States, or any agency, entity, or political subdivision of the state or of the United States as client, or in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a public officer or employee, or when such private representation may involve the use of confidential information obtained through the former governmental representation or employment.

(ii) A lawyer shall not commence representation on behalf of the government of a state, or of the United States, or any agency, entity, or political subdivision of the state or of the United States, or participate as a public officer or employee, in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially on behalf of a former client or employer, or which may involve the use of confidential information obtained through such former representation, unless:

(A) Under applicable law, no one is or by lawful delegation may be authorized to act in the lawyer's stead in the matter, or

(B) Such new representation or participation is adverse to the interests of the former client or employer and the former client gives informed written consent.

(iii) If a lawyer is required to decline representation by virtue of subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, a disqualification imposed by Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) may be waived by the informed written consent of the appropriate governmental officer or agency upon a showing that the lawyer required to decline representation will be screened from any participation in the matter and will be directly apportioned no part of the fees therefrom, and a finding that such waiver is not contrary to the public interest.

(iv) If a lawyer is required to decline representation or participation by virtue of subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) imposes no disqualification on lawyers employed with the lawyer in a governmental agency unless the subsequent representation is adverse. If a lawyer is required to decline representation because a former client would not give the consent provided by subparagraph (ii)(B) of this paragraph, a disqualification imposed by Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) may be waived by the informed written consent of the former client. Alternatively, Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) does not apply to lawyers employed in a governmental agency with the lawyer required to decline representation if that lawyer is screened from any participation in the matter and if written notice is given to the former client to enable the client to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this subparagraph.

(e) Conflict of Interest: Fiduciary or Other Legal Obligation to Another. Without the client's informed consent, a lawyer may not undertake or continue to represent a client in any matter with respect to which the lawyer has a fiduciary or other legal obligation to another person if the obligation presents a substantial risk of materially and adversely affecting the lawyer's representation of the client.

(f) Conflict of Interest: Lawyer's Own Interest.

(1) General Rule. Except with the informed written consent of the client, a lawyer shall not commence representation if there is a substantial risk that any financial interest or significant personal relationship of the lawyer will materially and adversely affect the lawyer's representation of the client.

(2) Avoiding Adverse Interest.

(i) A lawyer shall not knowingly acquire a property or pecuniary interest adverse to a client, or enter into any business transaction with a client, unless:

(A) The transaction and terms in which the lawyer acquires the interest are fair and reasonable to the client and are fully disclosed and transmitted to the client in manner and terms which should have reasonably been understood by the client;

(B) The client is advised and given a reasonable opportunity to seek independent professional advice of counsel of the client's choice on the transaction; and

(C) The client consents in writing thereto.

(ii) A lawyer shall not directly or indirectly purchase property at a probate, foreclosure, or judicial sale in an action or proceeding in which the lawyer or any partner or associate appears as attorney for a party or is acting as executor, trustee, administrator, guardian, conservator, or other personal representative.

(iii) Prior to conclusion of all aspects of the matter giving rise to representation of a client, the lawyer shall not enter into any arrangement or understanding with a client or a prospective client by which the lawyer acquires an interest in publication rights with respect to the subject matter of the representation or proposed representation.

(iv) A lawyer shall not prepare an instrument giving the lawyer or a parent, child, sibling, or spouse of the lawyer any substantial gift from a client, including a testamentary gift, except where the client is related to the donee.

(v) A lawyer shall not make an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer's liability to a client for malpractice; nor shall a lawyer settle a claim for such liability with an unrepresented client or former client without first advising that person in writing that independent representation is appropriate in connection therewith. This rule shall not prevent a lawyer from settling or defending a malpractice claim.

(3) Familial Relations. A lawyer related to another lawyer as parent, child, sibling or spouse shall not, in the same or a substantially related matter, undertake or continue representation adverse to a person who the lawyer knows is represented by the related lawyer or a lawyer affiliated with that lawyer without the client's informed consent.

(4) Exception to Imputed Disqualification. If a lawyer is required to decline representation by virtue of a familial relationship under paragraph (3) of this subdivision or any other significant personal relationship under paragraph (1) of this subdivision, Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) imposes no disqualification upon the partners or associates of the lawyer or upon any other lawyer affiliated with the lawyer or the lawyer's firm.

(g) Other Restrictions.

(1) When Lawyer May Be Called as Witness.

(i) A lawyer shall not commence representation in contemplated or pending litigation if the lawyer knows, or should know, that the lawyer is likely or ought to be called as a witness. This rule does not apply where the predictable testimony will relate solely to uncontested matters or to legal services furnished by the lawyer, or where the distinctive value of the lawyer in the particular case would make denial a substantial hardship on the client.

(ii) A lawyer may commence representation in contemplated or pending litigation if another lawyer in the lawyer's firm is likely or ought to be called as a witness, unless such representation is precluded by subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this rule.

(2) Prior Judicial Activity.

(i) A lawyer shall not commence representation in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a judge or judicial law clerk. A lawyer shall not commence representation in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially as a nonjudicial adjudicative officer, arbitrator (other than a party's chosen member of a multi-member panel), or law clerk to such a person, unless all parties to the proceeding give informed consent.

(ii) If a lawyer is required to decline representation by virtue of this paragraph, Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) imposes no disqualification upon the partners or associates of the lawyer or upon any other lawyer affiliated with the lawyer or the lawyer's firm, provided that the lawyer required to decline representation is screened from any participation in the matter and will be directly apportioned no part of the fees therefrom, and full disclosure of the circumstances and the measures taken to screen the lawyer required to decline representation is given to all affected parties.

(3) Non-payment of Prior Lawyer. A lawyer shall not refuse to commence or continue representation on the ground that the client's prior lawyer has not been paid.

(4) Other Violations. A lawyer may not commence or continue representation that the lawyer knows or should know would lead to a violation of other provisions of these rules.

(h) Mediation. A lawyer may act as mediator for multiple parties in any matter, whether or not their interests are opposing or adverse and whether or not they are represented by independent counsel, subject to the following conditions:

(1) The lawyer must clearly inform the parties of the nature and limits of the lawyer's role as mediator and should disclose any interest or relationship likely to affect the lawyer's impartiality or that might create an appearance of partiality or bias. The parties must consent to the arrangement unless they are in mediation pursuant to a legal mandate.

(2) The role of mediator does not create a lawyer-client relationship with any of the parties and does not constitute representation of any of them. The lawyer shall not attempt to advance the interests of any of the parties at the expense of any other party.

(3) While acting as mediator, the lawyer may not represent any of the parties in court or in the matter under mediation or any related matter. The lawyer must reasonably believe that the mediation can be undertaken impartially and without improper effect on any other esponsibilities that the lawyer may have to any of the parties.

(4) The lawyer may draft a settlement agreement or instrument reflecting the parties' resolution of the matter but must advise and encourage any party represented by independent counsel to consult with that counsel, and any unrepresented party to seek independent legal advice, before executing it.

(5) The lawyer shall withdraw as mediator if any of the parties so requests, or if any of the conditions stated in this subdivision (h) is no longer satisfied. Upon withdrawal, or upon conclusion of the mediation, the lawyer shall not represent any of the parties in the matter that was the subject of the mediation, or in any related matter.

(6) The lawyer shall not use any conduct, discussions, or statements made by any party in the course of the mediation to the disadvantage of any party to the mediation or, without the informed consent of the parties, to the advantage of the lawyer or a third person.

(7) If a lawyer is required to decline representation by virtue of this paragraph, Rule 3.4(b)(3)(i) imposes no disqualification upon the partners or associates of the lawyer or upon any other lawyer affiliated with the lawyer or the lawyer's firm, provided that the lawyer required to decline representation is screened from any participation in the matter and will be directly apportioned no part of the fees therefrom, and full disclosure of the circumstances and the measures taken to screen the lawyer required to decline representation is given to all affected parties.

(i) Limited Representation. A lawyer may limit the scope of representation if the limitation is reasonable under the circumstances and the client provides informed consent after consultation. If, after consultation, the client consents in writing (the general form of which is attached to these Rules), an attorney may enter a limited appearance on behalf of an otherwise unrepresented party involved in a court proceeding. A lawyer who signs a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim or any amendment thereto which is filed with the court, may not thereafter limit representation as provided in this rule.

(j) Non-Profit and Court-Annexed Limited Legal Service Programs. A lawyer who, under the auspices of a non-profit organization or a court-annexed program, provides limited representation to a client without expectation of either the lawyer or the client that the lawyer will provide continuing representation in the matter is subject to the requirements of Rules 3.4(a)-(e) only if the lawyer knows that the representation of the client involves a conflict of interest.

LIMITED REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT

(Used in conjunction with Rule 3.4(i) the following form shall be sufficient to satisfy the rule. The authorization of this form shall not prevent the use of other forms consistent with this rule.)

To Be Executed in Duplicate

Date: __________, 20__

1. The client,__________, retains the attorney, _________, to perform limited legal services in the following matter: __________ v. __________.

2. The client seeks the following services from the attorney (indicate by writing "yes" or "no"):

a. ____ Legal advice: office visits, telephone calls, fax, mail, e-mail;

b. ____ Advice about availability of alternative means to resolving the dispute, including mediation and arbitration;

c. ____ Evaluation of client self-diagnosis of the case and advising client about legal rights and responsibilities;

d. ____ Guidance and procedural information for filing or serving documents;

e. ____ Review pleadings and other documents prepared by client;

f. ____ Suggest documents to be prepared;

g. ____ Draft pleadings, motions, and other documents;

h. ____ Factual investigation: contacting witnesses, public record searches, in-depth interview of client;

i. ____ Assistance with computer support programs;

j. ____ Legal research and analysis;

k. ____ Evaluate settlement options;

l. ____ Discovery: interrogatories, depositions, requests for document production;

m. ____ Planning for negotiations;

n. ____ Planning for court appearances;

o. ____ Standby telephone assistance during negotiations or settlement conferences;

p. ____ Referring client to expert witnesses, special masters, or other counsel;

q. ____ Counseling client about an appeal;

r. ____ Procedural assistance with an appeal and assisting with substantive legal argument in an appeal;

s. ____ Provide preventive planning and/or schedule legal check-ups:

t. ____ Other:

1. The client shall pay the attorney for those limited services as follows:

a. Hourly Fee:

The current hourly fee charged by the attorney or the attorney's law firm for services under this agreement are as follows:

i. Attorney: $__________

ii. Associate: $__________

iii. Paralegal: $__________

iv. Law Clerk: $__________

Unless a different fee arrangement is established in clause b.) of this paragraph, the hourly fee shall be payable at the time of the service. Time will be charged in increments of one-tenth of an hour, rounded off for each particular activity to the nearest one-tenth of an hour.

b. Payment from Deposit:

For a continuing consulting role, client will pay to attorney a deposit of $ ____ , to be received by attorney on or before ____ , and to be applied against attorney fees and costs incurred by client. This amount will be deposited by attorney in attorney trust account. Client authorizes attorney to withdraw funds from the trust account to pay attorney fees and costs as they are incurred by client. The deposit is refundable. If, at the termination of services under this agreement, the total amount incurred by client for attorney fees and costs is less than the amount of the deposit, the difference will be refunded to client. Any balance due shall be paid within thirty days of the termination of services.

c. Costs:

Client shall pay attorney out-of-pocket costs incurred in connection with this agreement, including long distance telephone and fax costs, photocopy expense and postage. All costs payable to third parties in connection with client case, including filing fees, investigation fees, deposition fees, and the like shall be paid directly by client. Attorney shall not advance costs to third parties on client behalf.

1. The client understands that the attorney will exercise his or her best judgment while performing the limited legal services set out above, but also recognizes:

a. the attorney is not promising any particular outcome.

b. the attorney has not made any independent investigation of the facts and is relying entirely on the client limited disclosure of the facts given the duration of the limited services provided, and

c. the attorney has no further obligation to the client after completing the above described limited legal services unless and until both attorney and client enter into another written representation agreement.

1. If any dispute between client and attorney arises under this agreement concerning the payment of fees, the client and attorney shall submit the dispute for fee arbitration in accordance with Rule 9(e)-(k) of the Maine Bar Rules. This arbitration shall be binding upon both parties to this agreement.

WE HAVE EACH READ THE ABOVE AGREEMENT BEFORE SIGNING IT.

Signature of client

Signature of attorney