Chris Mcdonough

December 05, 2022 | New York Law Journal

This article discusses the current state of electronic transmission and communication impacting lawyers, and the potential ethical concerns over these new methods of attorney-to-attorney and attorney-to-court communications.

By Chris McDonough and Cory H. Morris

9 minute read

January 24, 2022 | New York Law Journal

We suggest that lawyers make certain that they understand the actual limits on advocacy inherent in our professional regulatory scheme and avoid stepping beyond accepted standards.

By Joel R. Brandes and Chris McDonough

9 minute read

August 25, 2021 | New York Law Journal

What happens when an attorney takes a conditional plea to a misdemeanor crime, with the agreement of the court and prosecution that after successful completion of the conditions imposed, the attorney will be able to withdraw his or her plea and re-plead to a violation of law and not a crime?

By Brian Griffin and Chris McDonough

7 minute read

July 23, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Many lawyers are offering flat fees for uncontested divorces and other family law services. Are they violating the Rules?

By Joel R. Brandes and Chris McDonough

10 minute read

June 16, 2021 | New York Law Journal

The rules of professional conduct prohibiting ex parte communications appear to be simple. However, the nuances that are discussed in this article need to be understood to avoid running afoul of the Rules.

By Joel R. Brandes and Chris McDonough

10 minute read

March 26, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Last year, the Appellate Division departments issued a joint order amending Rule 7.5 of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct which had previously been captioned "Professional Notices, Letterheads and Signs." The Rule is now captioned "Professional Notices, Letterheads and Names." The order also made substantial changes to the body of the Rule, discussed in this article.

By Chris McDonough and Omid Zareh

8 minute read

February 18, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Authors Joel Brandes and Chris McDonough pose the question whether Rudy Giuliani should be disciplined for his conduct relating to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capital and also his participation in frivolous lawsuits.

By Joel R. Brandes and Chris McDonough

10 minute read

October 06, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Does a matrimonial lawyer witness violate Rule 3.7(a)(2) by submitting an affirmation referring to matters beyond the nature and value of legal services he rendered? A discussion of this and other related ethical questions.

By Chris McDonough and Joel R. Brandes

10 minute read

July 01, 2020 | New York Law Journal

In matrimonial matters there is no right to counsel. Thus, low-income individuals with marital disputes in court must either qualify for free legal assistance or represent themselves. One solution to this is "unbundled" legal services, also known as "limited scope representation." This article discusses the issues involved when attorneys assist pro se litigants.

By Joel R. Brandes and Chris McDonough

11 minute read

April 23, 2020 | New York Law Journal

In this article, the authors compare and contrast the Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to all attorneys, with those specific rules applicable to lawyers in domestic relations matters, and explain how to avoid a situation like that which occurred in a recent case, 'Adjmi v. Tawil'.

By Chris McDonough and Joel R. Brandes

10 minute read