ISBA Ethics Opinions on Court Obligations | Illinois State Bar Association

Opinion 24-01 | Court Obligations | Scope of Representation
Illinois lawyer acting as local counsel in a criminal matter in Illinois state court for a non-Illinois lawyer

An Illinois lawyer acting as local counsel for an out-of-state lawyer shares the same duties to the client as the lawyer acting as lead counsel. While local counsel and the client may agree to limit the role of local counsel upon informed consent, that lawyer remains subject to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. A lawyer may only enter a general appearance in an Illinois state court criminal matter and is subject to the rules and orders of the court, including any orders requiring local counsel’s appearance at any or all court proceedings.
Opinion 16-02 | Court Obligations | Frivolous Arguments | Reporting Lawyer Misconduct
Withholding controlling legal authority from a tribunal as trial strategy
Opinion 13-05 | Client Fraud | Court Obligations | Withdrawal from Representation
Lawyers discovery that client has submitted false evidence to a tribunal
Opinion 13-01 | Court Obligations | Fees and Expenses
Collecting a fee in excess of an amount allowed by court order
Opinion 12-07 | Court Obligations
Disclosure to court of opposing party's potential affirmative defense
Opinion 95-14 | Client Fraud | Court Obligations
Duty to disclose fraudulent indigency affidavit filed by client with the court
Opinion 91-24 | Confidentiality | Court Obligations | Guardians and Guardianship
Duty to disclose theft of estate assets by guardian
Opinion 89-13 | Confidentiality | Court Obligations | Deceased or Missing Clients
Disclosure to Court that client is no longer in contact with lawyer
Opinion 88-13 | Client Funds and Property | Confidentiality | Court Obligations
Lawyer advised, or in possession, of client incriminating physical evidence by third person.
Opinion 86-10 | Court Obligations | Frivolous Arguments
Lawyer purposefully filing actions in improper venue
Opinion 85-06 | Court Obligations | Scope of Representation
Lawyer preparing pleadings and advising pro se litigant
Opinion 84-02 | Confidentiality | Court Obligations
Lawyer advising court of knowledge of privileged information affecting guilt/innocence of client

ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct are prepared as an educational service to members of the ISBA. While the opinions express the ISBA interpretation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant materials in response to a specific hypothesized fact situation, they do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice. For more information, call the ISBA Legal Department at (217) 525-1760 or (800) 252-8908.