By Samuel C Stretton

June 01, 2017 | The Legal Intelligencer

Criticism of New DA Shows Lack of Understanding of History of the Legal System

There has been a lot of criticism when a very active defense counsel was elected district attorney in Philadelphia County. Are there ethical implications?

By BY samuel C. Stretton

8 minute read

June 09, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

Judicial Robes Aren't Required, But It's a Tradition Worth Keeping Alive

I am a judicial officer. I don't particularly like wearing the judicial robe. When should I wear the robe, and when can I not wear the judicial robe?

By BY Samuel C. Stretton

15 minute read

November 03, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

Aspiring Lawyers Need to be Aware of Character and Fitness Questions

What are areas of concern regarding character and fitness that future and present law students should be aware of in terms of admission to the bar in Pennsylvania?

By BY Samuel C. Stretton

10 minute read

November 02, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

Aspiring Lawyers Need to be Aware of Character and Fitness Questions

What are areas of concern regarding character and fitness that future and present law students should be aware of in terms of admission to the bar in Pennsylvania?

By BY Samuel C. Stretton

10 minute read

October 13, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

When can I break the attorney-client privilege and reveal information?

Obviously, the attorney-client privilege, which is well established in both the common law, by Pennsylvania statute, and also by Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6, is really a sacred obligation of every attorney to uphold. The attorney-client privilege is one of the most important aspects of representing a client

By BY Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

February 15, 2010 | The Legal Intelligencer

Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

Q: What are my ethical responsibilities as an attorney with regard to a minor's compromise? For a small settlement, like $1,000 or $2,000, some insurance carriers will pay the money without requiring any petitions to the court for a minor's compromise.

By By Samuel C. Stretton

7 minute read

March 02, 2010 | The Legal Intelligencer

IOLTA accounts can't be automatically converted into accounts for personal use

Q: Years ago, I opened an IOLTA account when I was a sole practitioner. Since then, I no longer use that account for clients' funds, but use it as my personal checking account. Will that bring any difficulties?

By By Samuel C. Stretton

6 minute read

July 05, 2011 | The Legal Intelligencer

Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

May judges take gifts as long they report them on their annual disclosure forms? If it is not prohibited, then why is there such criticism?

By By Samuel C. Stretton

9 minute read

December 28, 2010 | The Legal Intelligencer

The concept of attorneys and service providers sharing fees is developing.

As an estate lawyer and estate planner, I refer quite a bit of business to insurance brokers. Can they pay me some sort of referral fee?

By By Samuel C. Stretton

7 minute read

August 16, 2011 | The Legal Intelligencer

Lawyers should not hold clients' estate money in escrow accounts or Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts

I have been handling a number of small estates that were resolved fairly quickly in six months to a year. I have not been opening a separate estate account, but have been keeping the monies in my escrow/IOLTA account. I then make distribution when there is a family settlement agreement or if the court approves it. Am I doing anything wrong?

By By Samuel C. Stretton

6 minute read

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