Question

A Tax Attorney in the Tax department of the law firm ABC represents Mr. X in a matter before the IRS. Another lawyer in the Litigation Department of ABC has been approached by Paula to sue Mr. X because she was seriously injured when Mr. X’s dog attacked her. What would the lawyer need to do before taking Paula’s case?

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is: The litigation lawyer must inform Mr. X (through his tax lawyer) and ask for approval from management or senior partnership.

Explanation:

Mr. X is currently being serviced by ABC law firm. If Paula went to ABC seeking for them to sue Mr. X, then the following should be done:

• First Mr. X must be informed through his ABC attorney about this issue.
• Then ABC's management must consider this issue and decide whether to authorize Paula to be legally represented by them.

In my opinion Paula will have to look for an attorney somewhere else. ABC may earn some money with this trial but their public image will be damaged.