The South Carolina Bar Ethics Advisory Committee provides the full text of all ethics opinions since 1990 online. To find the opinion you need, simply use the search form below.
The opinions in this database contain the advice of the Committee based on the state of the law at the time of each opinion. Opinions are not updated to reflect changes in the Rules of Professional Conduct, more recent opinions, or other law. Further research may be necessary. Earlier opinions are available through vLex Fastcase.
Frequently Asked Questions are also available.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-32B
Attorney must inform client if he believes costs being charged are improper. If client objects to paying the costs, then attorney must hold the amount of the costs until the dispute is resolved.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-32A
Although Rule 1.5(e) generally applies in situations in which one lawyer refers a case to another lawyer, nothing in the rule precludes its application in this situation as well. Thus, a lawyer should inform a client of any agreement to split fees other than in proportion to the work performed.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-31
X's letterhead should indicate that A is "Of Counsel" to X, along with an indication that A is practicing as a professional association. So long as A is listed in accordance with the foregoing, his name may remain a part of the firm name.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-30
The attorney-client privilege continues after the attorney-client relationship has terminated. Therefore, in response to the third party's request for affidavits and/or depositions, Attorney A must assert the attorney-client privilege and may only disclose such information by order of the court.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-29
The Committee finds no ethical rules which would prohibit a practicing attorney, who is also licensed, from selling life insurance in South Carolina.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-27
Attorney A may communicate with the insurance carrier for purposes of informing it of the nature of Client's claim against its insured. The scope and form of the communication is subject to the limitations set forth in Rule of Professional Conduct 4.3.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-26
The lawyer may not represent both the adoptive parents and the adoption agency, since such representation would be materially limited by his responsibilities to third parties.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-25
A lawyer for one party may not discuss his client's case with another party, who is also represented by a lawyer, unless the lawyer has the other counsel's consent or is authorized by law or rule to do so.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-23
Attorney may not disclose any documents to the IRS without client's permission or pursuant to a Court Order.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 98-22
Attorney is required to withdraw pursuant to RPC 1.9 (a), Rule 407, SCACR.