New Jersey Legal Ethics
1.4:100 Comparative Analysis of New Jersey Rule
Primary New Jersey References: NJ Rule 1.4
Background References: ABA Model Rule 1.4, Other Jurisdictions
Commentary:
NJ Commentary:
1.4:101 Model Rule Comparison
RPC 1.4 is identical to ABA Model Rule 1.4.
1.4:102 Model Code Comparison
There is no direct counterpart in the New Jersey RPCs.
1.4:200 Duty to Communicate with Client
Primary New Jersey References: NJ Rule 1.4(a)
Background References: ABA Model Rule 1.4(a), Other Jurisdictions
Commentary: ABA/BNA § 31.501, ALI-LGL §§ 31, Wolfram §§ 4.5, 4.6
NJ Commentary:
[The discussion of this topic has not yet been written.]
1.4:300 Duty to Consult with Client
Primary New Jersey References: NJ Rule 1.4(b)
Background References: ABA Model Rule 1.4(b), Other Jurisdictions
Commentary: ABA/BNA § 31.501, ALI-LGL §§ 31, Wolfram §§ 4.5
NJ Commentary:
[The discussion of this topic has not yet been written.]
1.4:400 Duty to Inform the Client of Settlement Offers
Primary New Jersey References: NJ Rule 1.4
Background References: ABA Model Rule 1.4, Other Jurisdictions
Commentary: ABA/BNA § 31.501, ALI-LGL §§ 31, Wolfram §§ 4.5
NJ Commentary: Section 34:5-3, Michels, New Jersey Attorney Ethics (Gann Law Books, Newark, 2000)
By virtue of the joint committee decisions N.J. Advisory Comm. on Professional Ethics Op. 666 and N.J. Comm. on Attorney Advertising Op. 14 (Oct. 5, 1992), there can be no language in a retainer agreement or letter of solicitation permitting an attorney to settle a case without first allowing the client to review and approve the terms of the settlement. See also RPC 1.2(a), requiring that a lawyer abide by the clients decisions with regard to acceptance of offers of settlement.