HALT—An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform has called on the District of Columbia Bar to implement stronger protections for legal consumers in its ethics rules for lawyers. HALT, a legal consumer watchdog, pointed on ways in which the current DC ethics code serves as a national model, while urging the bar to strengthen the rules even further.

"The District's latest proposed legal reforms provide an example to the whole country in how to ensure that lawyers effectively communicate with their clients and in how to encourage innovations such as unbundled legal services," stated HALT Executive Director James C. Turner. "We are confident that the District will continue to lead the way and seriously consider additional reforms that will improve accountability and access to our civil justice system."

Filing comments with the court Friday in support of several proposed amendments to the ethics code, HALT also suggested amendments to rules that are critically important to legal consumers. HALT urged the bar to provide sample written fee agreements and to prohibit value-based billing in probate cases, while also suggesting changes to the language of the rules to reduce ambiguity that could lead to client harm. HALT also commended the bar for leaving rules intact that allow for unbundled legal services and lawyer-nonlawyer fee splitting agreements, two options for legal representation that provide innovative approaches to the provision of legal services and increase access to the legal system.

The District's proposals to amend the rules came in response to the American Bar Association's revision of its Model Rules of Professional Responsibility in 2000. HALT strongly supported the District's proposals to retain rules that provided legal consumer protections stronger than their counterparts in the ABA's model rules, such as a requiring written fee agreements and allowing fee splitting agreements between lawyers and nonlawyers.

To build on the District's track record of surpassing the ABA's minimal requirements, HALT urged the District to consider amendments that would use unambiguous language, issue clear guidance and provide consumers with as much information as possible.

Founded in 1978, HALT—An Organization of Americans for Legal Reform is a nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest organization. HALT pursues an aggressive education and advocacy program that challenges the legal establishment to improve access, increase accountability and reduce costs in the civil justice system. To view HALT's comments, please click here:

HALT Urges DC to Strengthen Conduct Rules