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 93-16
A lawyer may not communicate with another who is represented by counsel. This includes both in person communication and communication by mail, unless he has the consent of the other party's attorney or unless it is authorized by law.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-14
It would not be unethical for attorney to refuse to comply with client's request to disregard "doctor's lien."
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-13
The relief sought by Parents does not fall within the type relief set forth in Rule 1.5(d)(1); therefore, a contingency fee arrangement between attorney and Parents would not be in violation of this Rule.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-12
If the non-refundable retainer fee is reasonable, then the attorney may retain any unused portion of the non-refundable retainer after the termination of representation.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-11
An attorney or law firm may make initial or periodic deposits of firm funds to cover bank charges in a client trust account without violating the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-10
Although no ethical prohibition exists against a lawyer noting this license to practice in a second profession, the lawyer must avoid advertising statements likely to create a false impression on the part of the audience regarding the significance of that second profession in connection with the handling of legal matters.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-09
This proposal violates Rule 7.2(c) because the referral fee does not constitute the "usual charges" of a not-for-profit legal referral service.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-08
This method of advertising, through the Welcome Wagon program, does not appear to be prohibited by the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-07
Letterhead that omits the name of the law firm may mislead recipients of correspondence as to the lawyer's affiliation with a firm and thus violates Rules 7.1 and 7.5.
Ethics Advisory Opinion 93-06
A lawyer who brings an action on behalf of a ward at the direction of the conservator may simultaneously assist the conservator in opposing a motion filed by the ward to dissolve the conservatorship, insofar as the conservator is acting consistently in each proceeding to protect the interests of the ward.