Opinion 106
Question Presented
An attorney accepted employment on a contingent basis from the plaintiff in a personal injury action. Thereafter plaintiff notified his attorney that he needed money for living expenses during the pendency of the suit and that, unless the attorney would advance or lend money to him, he would find it necessary to take his case to other attorneys who had expressed willingness to support him during the pendency of the suit. Would it violate the Canons of Ethics for the attorney to advance or lend money to his client under these circumstances?
18 Baylor L. Rev. 238 (1966)
INDIRECT SOLICITATION - ADVANCING MONEY TO CLIENT
Advancing money for living expenses during the pendency of a personal injury action in order to hold employment is improper.
Canon 24.
The committee is of the opinion that it would violate Canon 24 for an attorney to advance or lend money to a client in order to obtain or hold employment. (8-0)
Bluebook Citation
Tex. Comm. On Professional Ethics, Op. 106 (1954)